Visit USA Australia celebrated the start of IPW in style with their annual AU/NZ IPW Welcome Reception at House on the River, Fort Lauderdale. 

Sponsored by New Orleans & Company and Explore Louisiana, with support from TravMedia and Visit USA NZ, the much-loved event was a chance for Australian and New Zealand delegates, media and Visit USA members to catch up and reconnect over cocktails ahead of a busy week.

A number of special guests also joined in the celebrations including Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism and Value, Nick Adams, alongside representatives from the U.S. Commercial Service and the National Travel and Tourism Office.

The charmingly eclectic House on the River set the scene for a relaxed riverside soiree, with sweeping waterfront views and a vibrant taste of Louisiana and New Orleans flair bringing the welcome event to life.

Newly appointed Visit USA Australia President, Belinda Harvy said, “The Visit USA Welcome Reception is always a valuable opportunity to bring our delegation and members together ahead of a busy week, celebrate the strong connections across our industry and showcase the significance of the Australian and New Zealand market to our US partners.”

“The Australian market continues to be one of the United States’ most valuable long-haul markets because Australian travellers stay longer, explore more destinations and really embrace the depth and diversity of the USA experience,” Belinda said. 

As part of this year’s IPW, the Visit USA Australia team has been hard at work connecting with more than 70 US suppliers, attractions and visitor bureaus, highlighting the huge opportunities within the Australian market and showcasing the ongoing strength and value of the local travel industry.

From inspiring destinations and iconic attractions to exciting new tourism experiences, the conversations throughout IPW reinforced the strong connection between the Australian market and US tourism partners, while also encouraging greater engagement through Visit USA membership.

Visit USA Australia continues to provide US partners with a direct and impactful way to connect with Australian travel agents through its highly successful Expos, industry events and targeted marketing initiatives, helping keep the USA front of mind for Aussie travellers.

Penny Brand AU/NZ New Orleans and Louisiana Account Director, Gate7 said  “Visit USA performs such a vital role in the Australian market and we value our partnership with them. As next year’s IPW host destination, we were excited to be part of such a great event this year” 

Kim Priez, Senior Vice President of Tourism at New Orleans & Company said 

“New Orleans stands out because our culture isn’t performed – it’s lived. For Australian and New Zealand travellers seeking authentic experiences and genuine value, that makes all the difference.”

“New Orleans delivers meaningful cultural immersion that outperforms many major US cities. With improved accessibility through Dallas and Houston, we’re now perfectly positioned to welcome more guests from these key markets. 

Whether it’s live music spilling onto Frenchmen Street, a family recipe shared in a neighbourhood kitchen, or a spontaneous second line parade, every moment here is real. That authenticity, combined with strong value and flexibility within multi-city itineraries, makes New Orleans an increasingly compelling choice for discerning long-haul travellers,” she concluded.