HOUSTON — The very first Brand USA MegaFam from the Canadian market, with six concurrent fam trips covering many of the top destinations in the U.S., wrapped up last week with two nights in Houston – and a lively finale event at the city’s one-of-a-kind Downtown Aquarium.

Six groups of travel advisors, all coming from unique, fast-paced Brand USA fam itineraries, converged in Space City to share tales and highlights of their journeys.

Brand USA’s MegaFam team with the scenic Houston skyline

In total, 25 cities in 13 states were covered by groups of agents on the MegaFam. Travelweek was able to join the ‘Sands and Sunsets’ group for the trip, which took participants to Scottsdale and Flagstaff in Arizona before visiting Las Vegas prior to Houston. Everyone on the ‘Sands and Sunsets’ itinerary was visiting Arizona for the first time.

The fam was organized by Brand USA in partnership with Air Canada, in conjunction with Air Canada’s partnership with United Airlines. The opportunity gave Air Canada the chance to showcase its partnership with United, which enables Canada’s largest airline and flag carrier to deliver travellers to anywhere in the U.S.

For participating agents, the Brand USA MegaFam was an opportunity to learn about U.S. destinations and experiences to sell to clients. Agents from the eastern half of Canada went on western U.S. itineraries, while agents from the western half of Canada travelled east. Meeting up in Houston for the final two nights gave agents a chance to come together and “talk shop,” as described by Casey Canevari, Senior Manager, Global Trade Development (Canada) for Brand USA.

“Agents were able to see and explore all these different attractions they may not know to give them those breakthrough moments. Canada is the number one foreign market for the United States, and this fam aimed to demonstrate that there’s more than what they know with many unique experiences,” explained Canevari.

“THIS IS THE BEST FAM I’VE EVER BEEN ON”

“Experiencing Las Vegas firsthand with all its glitz and glamour is great value to offer clients,” attested Pam Mathers of Merit Travel in Brockville, ON. “I didn’t realize how great of a destination Arizona truly is for lovers of the outdoors,” she added.

‘Sands and Sunsets’ group at Resorts World Las Vegas

“For Vegas, I have so many clients, but I’ve never been there. Now, I can give them a better idea of the destination and this better understanding helps me sell it in a more professional way,” explained Jay Nanji of Boomer Tours & Travel in Burnaby, B.C.

Jenn Quinlan with Trevello Travel Group in Barrie, ON, on a different MegaFam itinerary that took her to New Orleans, Lake Charles and Galveston, did not hesitate to exclaim that “this was the best fam I have ever been on! It’s completely immersive, everybody was incredibly welcoming and we learned so much about each destination that we visited. I have to recommend Louisiana and Texas, and we’re going to being sending our clients down there all the time. I’ve always sold New Orleans as a Bourbon Street experience, but the city has so much more to offer with tours, gastronomy and hotels in and outside the French Quarter. Galveston, for example, is a trip unto itself, far more than a one-night pre-cruise stop. Southern hospitality is top-notch, and those destinations are more than ready to help all agents, so reach out to the tourism boards to help create itineraries.”

In Las Vegas, there was an excellent dinner event at ARIA Resort & Casino hosted by Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. The guide, Kevin, showed an unbelievable zest and knowledge for the venues. This foodie tour is ideal for couples or groups with money to spend.

HOUSTON … WE HAVE NO PROBLEM!

As explained by Tim Liu, Managing Director, Sales Planning & Effectiveness for Air Canada, Houston was chosen for the fam’s big finale as “Air Canada has invested heavily in Texas, with Houston and Austin.” The U.S.A.’s fourth largest city did not disappoint, with its unique brand of Texas culture on full display.

An interesting fact about Houston; it’s the most culturally diverse city in the U.S. as 24.1% of Houstonians were born outside the country, according to 2021 census data.

The highpoint of the time in Space City was the guided tram tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center (SpaceCenter.org), with most planning to highly recommend this experience to clients. Great for families, this venue gives visitors a chance to see the historic Saturn V rocket, plus a 747 that can be explored inside (and that’s carrying a space shuttle mounted on top), and an area dubbed “the astronaut’s toy box,” amongst other attractions.

Fam participants were treated to a Major League Baseball game at spectacular Minute Maid Park, where the hometown Astros lost 5-4 to the visiting Braves in 10 innings. The stadium was built from a former rail station and has a functional train the drives horizontally above left field, blowing its whistle to celebrate home runs.

Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros

There were also some delectable meals enjoyed in the city with the best of Texas served at Goode Company Armadillo Palace and appetizing Mexican food at the original location of Ninfa’s, a local icon.

“I think Canadians may be surprised with everything that Houston has to offer as a city,” boasted Jorge Franz, Senior Vice President Tourism & Industry Relations for Visit Houston. “There are options for all budgets with 90,000 hotel rooms in the city,” he added.

In Houston, guests of the inaugural Brand USA MegaFam stayed at Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria. This four-star property with 325 rooms was clean and well-located within walking distance of many places of interest. The hotel’s best feature? The outdoor pool located on the third floor.

Guestroom at Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria

Go to VisitHouston.com to discover more about the destination. To learn more about Las Vegas, check out VisitLasVegas.com or LVCVA.com. To learn more about travel to all of the U.S., go to VisitTheUSA.com.

Watch for more coverage from the Brand USA MegaFam including a look at Arizona in an upcoming edition of Travelweek Daily