Chicago, 19 June 2025 – Visit USA Organisation Australia has wrapped up a productive and forward-focused IPW 2025 in Chicago, reinforcing the Australian market’s resilience and maintaining strong connections with U.S. travel partners amid a shifting global landscape.

The week began with the annual Australia and New Zealand Delegation Welcome Reception, co-hosted with Visit USA New Zealand at City Winery Chicago, drawing more than 150 guests from the ANZ delegation, U.S. members, and trade allies. It was a vibrant start for the largest-ever Australia and New Zealand delegations to attend IPW.

Guests enjoyed a relaxed afternoon of wine, cocktails, local fare and lawn games, with Chicago’s perfect weather offering a warm, local welcome. The event provided the ideal lead-in to the Taste of Randolph Festival, giving guests a taste of Chicago’s street food and cultural scene.

President Caroline Davidson addressed the gathering with a grounded message about the current climate. She noted that while growth has levelled year-on-year, intent to travel and engagement with U.S. travel remain strong.

“Visit USA is an essential part of the travel landscape in Australia and New Zealand,”she said. “Each year, we address emerging industry challenges that may impact visitation, and this year is no different. Visit USA is responding to the current traveller concerns by offering a more balanced and longer-term view to the trade in response to some of the reactive negative media sentiment.”

Ms Davidson also acknowledged the contribution of the organisation’s volunteer committee that implements the activities of Visit USA throughout the year.”

Corey Marshall, Chair of Visit USA NZ and co-host of the event, reinforced the broader picture of trans-Tasman visitation. He spoke of the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, which significantly shortens processing times for ESTA holders and enhances the traveller arrival experience. “This app really is a game changer,” he remarked.

Ms Davidson also noted that Global Entry is currently piloting a program that may soon be available to all frequent Australian visitors to the U.S.

Visit USA Australia extends thanks to Visit USA NZ and TravMedia for their support of the event.

Across the week, Visit USA representatives conducted a full schedule of IPW appointments, meeting with existing members and interested exhibitors. Discussions confirmed that the Australian market continues to be viewed as strategically important, with an encouraging number of new organisations expressing interest in membership, the Visit USA Expos and member activities.

“Our new digital tools and trade engagement strategy are giving destinations and other stakeholders a cost-effective way to reach, educate and inspire frontline agents to be better prepared to sell the USA as a destination. Davidson added. “Our activities and connection with the travel trade are more important than ever at a time currently defined by cautious consumers.”

Visit USA cites a recent report from the U.S. International Trade Administration noting an 8% year-on-year increase in Australian arrivals for April 2025, a welcome signal of market resilience. The Australian market continues to demonstrate several core strengths: a high level of repeat visitation, a long average length of stay, and above-average spend per trip. These traits make Australia a strategically valuable source market, even in the more cautious global travel environment.

IPW ended with a bang — quite literally — as a typical (and loud) Chicago storm swept through and disappeared as quickly as it arrived, making way for a spectacular closing event at Navy Pier. It was a fitting end to a week filled with meaningful connections, positive dialogue, and hopefully renewed momentum for U.S. travel.

Images from the welcome reception are available here.