The following opportunities represent targeted and affordable ways to get more involved in New England's vital international market.
BROCHURE DISTRIBUTION TO UK CONSUMER AND TRAVEL AGENTS REQUESTS
UK & IRELAND CONSUMER TRAVEL SHOWS 2010-
DISCOVER NEW ENGLAND'S ANNUAL UK CONSUMER GUIDE, 2010-
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET, LONDON, NOVEMBER 9-12, 2009
The United States remains the most popular long haul destination for the British market and, as such, remains New England's number one source market for international visitors. For the past few years, the British seem to have been shunning the United States for a number of reasons: fuel surcharges, USA entry regulations, lack of a national tourism organization, the negative image of the USA. However, the signs are now very promising and it appears that the USA is back in favor again, although New England did not seem to suffer the dips in sales that other US destinations suffered in recent years.
Airline capacity to Boston's Logan Airport is faring well and coach touring holidays to New England are selling well. The main reason for the continuity in sales, however, is the strength of the pound against the dollar plus the proximity of New England (the closest transatlantic gateway to the US), making it a very attractive destination for the British visitor.
Through targeted marketing and promotional programs, Discover New England strives to maintain New England's visibility with the travel trade industry in our most important overseas market. The development of the DNE Summit and International Marketplace has enhanced the image of New England for many of the UK`s leading tour operators selling New England, and we regularly facilitate and sponsor fam trips for UK Product Managers so they can experience the destination themselves and gain invaluable first-hand knowledge. This investment has stood the region in good stead and DNE continues to seek to enhance the attributes of the region at every opportunity, be it through the Destination Training Mission, travel agent familiarization trips or tactical marketing initiatives with individual operators.
