Destination roundup - Discover America Day

PAX attended Discover America Day on Oct. 5, and had the opportunity to sit down with and get the scoop from reps of a number of U.S. destinations. Here is a roundup of everything agents - and their clients - should know about visiting south of the border in 2015-2016.

DETROIT

Known for: Cars, culture, gaming, music, sports.

Surprise factor: There has been 77 new restaurant openings in Detroit in the past 18 months.

3 must-haves for a perfect visit: An adventurous attitude, an open mind, and a big appetite.

Average market: Aged 35-55, people looking for a good time!

What’s new for 2015-16:

Detroit is undergoing some significant developments throughout the city, including its new Cobo Convention Centre (featuring a 40,000 square foot Grand Riverview Ballroom, a 30,000 square foot atrium, and a TV broadcast studio); the arrival of the award-winning Galapagos Art Space in 2016, a for-profit space that showcases a variety of music genres, theatre, dance, lectures and similar programming, and the new Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources’ Outdoor Adventure Centre along the Detroit Riverfront

visitdetroit.com

SAVANNAH

Known for: History, charm, culture, architecture, great aesthetic beauty.

Surprise factor: Savannah is a very modern and vibrant city with music, film, art & design scenes.

3 must-haves for a perfect visit: Walking shoes (for exploring the city); stretchy pants (because you’re going to eat until you can’t eat anymore); and a laid-back attitude (to match Savannah’s laid-back, southern attitude).

Average market: Empty-nesters looking for a romantic getaway.

What’s new for 2015-16:

New in Savannah this year includes cultural offerings such as The Grey, a greyhound bus –turned restaurant churning out traditional southern food with a modern twist. Savannah also offers culinary tours such as shrimping excursions and cocktail tours.

visitsavannah.com

NORTH CAROLINA

Known for: Scenic beauty, sweet potato vodka & two types of BBQ.

Surprise factor: The food and beverage scene has more variety and authenticity that visitors can even imagine.

3 must-haves for a perfect visit: Time (to allow for exploration of every region). Just time.

Average market: Canadians who are driving, who are looking for unique adventures off the main highway.

What’s new for 2015-16:

North Carolina is celebrating a number of anniversaries in 2016, including the 100th anniversary for its state parks; as well as the 10th anniversary for moonshine legalization. It’s also expecting a boom in hotel and lodging developments within 2016.

visitnc.com

SAN ANTONIO

Known for: History & culture, such as the famous Alamo Shrine and the San Antonio River Walk

Surprise factor: The development of San Antonio has been influenced by a variety of distinct cultures (including Mexican, Spanish, German and French), resulting in a diverse art and culinary scenes.

3 must-haves for a perfect visit: A camera, dancing shoes, and an appetite.

Cowboy boots, barbecue bib & your swimsuit (1,000km of Gulf coast)

Average market: Families, and business & incentive groups

What’s new for 2015-16:

San Antonio’s Spanish Colonial Mission was named an official UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015. Its River Walk has recently completed its Museum and Mission reach, connecting downtown to museums and the River Walk to four of the city’s Spanish colonial missions, respectively. As well, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Centre is expected to complete its $325 million expansion in January 2016, offering 514,000 square feet of space.

visitsanantonio.com

NEW YORK STATE 

Known for: Apples (both big and small).

Surprise factor: Is home to Whiteface Mountain, one of the tallest mountains in the world.

3 must-haves for a perfect visit: A map, a car (or train ticket) and spending money.

Average market: Families, and the 55+ crowd.

What’s new for 2015-16:

The National Comedy Centre broke ground in Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown, NY, this year, and upon completion is expected to bring in 114,000 visitors a year and generate $23 million in revenue. The Centre will be a non-profit attraction based on celebrating the craft and contributors of comedy.

Iloveny.com

COLORADO

Known for: Outdoor activities, the farm to table food movement, and 300 days of sunshine.

Surprise factor: There’s a great blending of classic West and urban sophistication people may not consider.

3 must-haves for a perfect visit: Sunglasses, an appetite for farm-fresh food, and lots of energy.

Average market: Families in spring, summer and fall.

What’s new for 2015-16:

Colorado has strong offerings in both the active living and beverage sectors. The destination is now home to the pro cycle challenge, and Colorado Springs has an Olympic training facility. Craft breweries, distilleries and wineries are also growing fast within the state, and currently include more than 340 options for thirsty travellers. This year, the Denver train station also recently received a revival, for a trip back in time to when the railway ruled.

colorado.com

MYRTLE BEACH 

Known for: Golf, beach, and its live entertainment & attractions

Surprise factor: The cultural influence of Myrtle Beach’s history, as well as its burgeoning fine dining scene.

3 must-haves for a perfect visit: A desire to discover Myrtle Beach beyond the beach; a taste for new cuisine, and curiosity

Average market: Families, couples, and golfers

What’s new for 2015-16:

Myrtle Beach recently launched a promotion aimed to improve on the Canadian dollar, and offers a dollar-for-dollar exchange. March 12-20, 2016 will also be the 55th anniversary of Canadian-American days, a celebration where Canadians can enjoy savings on their vacations to Myrtle Beach. This promotion goes from Jan-April 2, 2016.

visitmyrtlebeach.ca

MISSISSIPPI 

Known for: Music, food, golf.

Surprise factor: The friendliness of the people in Mississippi.

3 must-haves for a perfect visit: Golf clubs, sun block, a musical instrument (to join in!)

Average market: 45+ (particularly blues music fans) & casino-lovers

What’s new for 2015-16:

Mississippi is opening the first Grammy museum to be built outside of California. It’s also forged a new partnership with Memphis and New Orleans promoting jazz, blues and golf holidays.

visitmississippi.org

CALIFORNIA 

Known for: National parks, luxury trips, outdoor adventure, food & drink.

Surprise factor: That you can easily go snowboarding in the morning and surfing in the afternoon, as well as its homegrown restaurant scene.

3 must-haves for a perfect visit: Hiking boots, a plan in mind, and flexibility!

Average market: 18+ millennial crowd, affluent travellers & the solo traveller.

What’s new for 2015-16:

It’s a year of celebrations for California; in addition to the 100th anniversary of U.S. national parks (of which California has the most, with nine), San Diego Zoo will also be celebrating its 100th anniversary with great fanfare. Harry Potter World has also recently opened at Universal, and being the culinary hub California is, visitors also have endless restaurant openings - of all shapes and sizes - to look forward to throughout the state. 

visitcalifornia.com