I REGION I AMERICAS &
I REGION I AMERICAS & CARIBBEAN IBrand USA andUnited Airlinessign globalsponsorshipagreementBrand USA and United Airlines have announceda multi-year, global sponsorship agreement topromote international travel across the UnitedStates.Two divergent travel trends have marked the American continentover the past year, according to IPK. In the first eight months of2019, outbound travel from North America grew at a rate 4.5%higher than the global average, while at -3%, outbound trips fromLatin America witnessed a relatively strong decline. Overall yearon-yearfigures reveal a 3.5% increase in outbound travel from theAmericas as a whole.In North America, the driving force wasoutbound trips of US-Americans witha strong increase of 6% compared tothe previous year period. Juan AlbertoGarcia Lopez of IPK International saidthat in addition to some countries inSouth America, such as Argentina, thehigh-volume source market Mexicowas the main reason for this negativedevelopment, with a 5% decline inoutbound travel.STRONG INCREASEIN TRAVEL TO EUROPEAt 7%, travel to Europe is showingstrongly above-average growth overall.Europe not only achieved the highestgrowth rate among North Americans,but was also up among Latin Americans.Mexico stand at ITB Berlin 2019Contrasting traveltrends on theAmerican continentTrips to Spain and Italy were particularlyin demand. These countries registeredstrong growth in visitor numbers, at11% and 10% respectively. Even the UK,which recently suffered a drop in visitornumbers, was able to attract morevisitors from America. Compared to tripsto Europe, outbound trips within theAmerican continent, however, increasedat a much lower rate of 3%. Trips to Asiaalso only achieved 3% growthThe agreement, signed at theend of 2019, makes UnitedAirlines an official GlobalAirline Sponsor of BrandUSA and the exclusive airlinesponsor of Brand USA’s thirdfilm for IMAX and giant screentheatres, “Into America’sWild,” which premiered inFebruary 2020. The film takesinternational audiences ona journey across the UnitedStates through its scenicbyways, ancient homelands,little known trails, and hiddengems that form the country’snatural tapestry. “IntoAmerica’s Wild” features thecountry’s greatest outdoorexperiences from kayakingOregon's stunning coast, totraversing majestic canyonsin the Southwest, exploringthe wilds of Alaska, walkingthe Appalachian Trail andmore.“Our sponsorship withUnited Airlines grew outof our mutual passion forsharing America’s treasureswith the international travelcommunity. Together, we aredetermined to find creativesolutions that impact globaltravel to the United States,”said Christopher Thompson,president and CEO ofBrand USA, adding, “Traveldecisions are increasinglyinfluenced by entertainingcontent and compellingstories.”In the past two years,United announced 26new international routes,including nonstop servicebetween the United Statesand Prague, Czech Republic;Cape Town, South Africa;Nice, France; Tahiti, FrenchPolynesia; Naples, Italy;Palermo, Italy; Porto,Portugal; and Reykjavik,Iceland.Passenger plane at sunset30 • ITB BERLIN NEWS • THURSDAY 26 TH MARCH 2020www.itb-berlin-news.com
I REGION I AMERICAS & CARIBBEAN INew additionsfor Orlando in2020Ice Breaker at SeaWorld Orlando isset to open in 2020, featuring thesteepest vertical drop in FloridaThe new decade heralds fresh growth for "the Theme ParkCapital of the World", as Orlando's evolution continues withunprecedented theme park expansion.New attractions include the world'stallest slingshot ride, an acousticallyperfect theatre, a new celebrity chefrestaurant and one of the largestbooms for hotel growth in decades.Ice Breaker at SeaWorld Orlando isset to open in spring 2020, featuringthe most vertiginous vertical drop inFlorida. It's just one of 30 new openingsin Orlando for 2020. “Star Wars: Rise ofthe Resistance” opened in Decemberand is the second attraction for thenew Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land atDisney’s Hollywood Studios. The firsteverMickey-themed ride-throughattraction, “Mickey and Minnie’sRunaway Railway” also opened atDisney’s Hollywood Studios on March4, 2020.EPCOT is undergoing one of thebiggest transformations of any Disneypark in history, bringing a host of newattractions and experiences in 2020.Universal Orlando Resort’s 2,050-room Dockside Inn and Suites opensMarch 17, 2020. Steinmetz Hall at theDr Phillips Centre for the PerformingArts will open in September 2020, asone of the most acoustically perfectspaces on earth.NEW RESORTSAND HOTELSOrlando has the second highestnumber of hotel rooms of anywherein the U.S., and 2019 and 2020 will bethe biggest two-year period for hotelexpansion in Orlando in over twodecades.JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet CreekResort & Spa opened February2020 with 516 rooms, a Spa by JW anda rooftop terrace with nightly views oftheme park fireworksITB BERLIN NEWS • THURSDAY 26 TH MARCH 2020 • 31
