ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TOURISM TRADESHOW HEADS TO NORTH DAKOTA

Medora to host the 2026 International Roundup^TM, highlighting its attractions to global tourism experts

Cheyenne, WY (January 6, 2025) – Medora, North Dakota, has been selected as the location for the 2026 International Roundup^TM (IRU) tourism tradeshow. The event will welcome international tour operators and travel planners from a dozen countries who specialize in selling customized travel itineraries through the four-state region of North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Idaho, collectively branded overseas as “The Great American West.”

In partnership with The Great American West, IRU is expected to provide a long-term economic boost for the region. More than 40 international tour operators and 100 regional suppliers are expected to attend the multi-day event including over 3,200 pre-scheduled appointments with destination representatives. Business conducted at the event will help contribute an estimated $9.6 million in visitor spend to North Dakota, and an estimated $112 million to the four-state region.

“On behalf of the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, we’re thrilled to host the International Roundup^TM and showcase the rich history, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality that make Medora such a unique destination,” said Randy Hatzenbuhler, president and CEO of the foundation. “We look forward to sharing our corner of North Dakota with you soon!”

International tour operators specializing in travel packages to the four-state region are invited to register for the event to expand their offerings and deepen their understanding of the area. Many of the operators who attend are small- to medium-sized companies that specialize in tailor-made fly-and-drive itineraries for individual clients. The knowledge and connections gained at this event allow tour operators to offer unique experiences in this region of the U.S., customized to fit the needs and wants of their clients, while simultaneously providing an efficient and practical way for regional suppliers to showcase their tourism products to a global audience.

The exclusive IRU event is a unique opportunity for regional suppliers to engage in one-on-one business negotiations with international tour operators from the United Kingdom, Germany, Benelux, France, Italy, Australia/New Zealand and Nordics that would otherwise be generated only through substantial individual investment and an exhaustive number of around-the-world trips.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for people from around the world to experience the legendary badlands of North Dakota,” said Fred Walker, global marketing manager with Travel North Dakota. “Medora is a charming Western community that epitomizes the Great American West spirit. With Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame and the soon-to-open Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (opening July 4, 2026), North Dakota is proud to showcase all there is to see in western North Dakota and happy to welcome the world to Medora.”

Registration for the 2025 event in Rapid City, South Dakota, is sold out. Registration for the 2026 event in Medora, North Dakota, will open in early fall 2025. To learn more about International Roundup^TM, visit InternationalRoundup.com.

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 About International Roundup^TM

International Roundup^TM (IRU) is an exclusive annual tourism tradeshow event designed for suppliers and buyers focused on tourism in the Great American West region. The event consists of two days of intensive pre-scheduled business appointments where every regional organization and every international tour operator/buyer are guaranteed to meet. This unique B2B event gives suppliers looking to increase international visitation the opportunity to conduct business with international buyers who are looking to add regional product to their list of offerings to their clients. The business negotiations that take place at the IRU event contribute to the generation of an estimated $112 million in future travel to the four-state region of North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho and Wyoming. For more information about IRU, visit InternationalRoundup.com.

About the Great American West

The Great American West is the brand for the international marketing efforts of the state tourism offices of North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho and Wyoming. Collectively, the cooperative markets to both travel trade (tour operators and travel agents) and consumers through advertising and public relations efforts. Individually, each state office works with its industry partners to raise awareness of their states and the region as a whole through the promotion of products and travel destinations. The Great American West contracts with RMI to help coordinate their united efforts in seven international markets, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Benelux, France, Italy, Australia/New Zealand and the Nordics. For more information about the Great American West, visit GreatAmericanWest.co.