TORONTO — Brand USA is inviting the Canadian travel trade to register to attend its online event, ‘Focus On Canada’, hosted on Brand USA Global Marketplace and scheduled to take place Jan. 13 – 14, 2021.

Chris Thompson, Brand USA president and CEO, says Brand USA is looking ahead to the recovery of cross- border travel.

“After the unprecedented challenges of 2020, we’re excited to turn the page toward recovery and kickstart the New Year with a focus on Canadian travellers,” says Thompson.

He adds: “Canada is the largest source market for inbound travel to the U.S., which makes sense given our shared border and the strong cultural, economic, and social bonds between our countries. When it is safe to do so, travel will resume and we are excited for the day when we can welcome back our Canadian friends. Our industry remains resilient, and through events like, Focus On Canada we’re working together to build the future of tourism.”

‘Focus on Canada’ is the single-largest trade initiative the organization has undertaken to date in Canada, says Thompson, which underscores the importance of the Canadian market in tourism’s early recovery.

He says ‘Focus On Canada’ will highlight the diverse U.S. destinations and experiences available to Canadian travellers, and provide Brand USA partners in the U.S. with the latest insights and trends on Canada’s post-pandemic travel mindset.

The recovery-themed event will debut on the new Brand USA Global Marketplace. The custom-built, virtual platform provides always-on access to a wide range of U.S. destinations, attractions, and points of interest tailored specifically for the Canadian and international travel industry.

‘Focus On Canada’ is the first event solely dedicated to Canada/U.S. travel to take place on the new Brand USA Global Marketplace. Canada is the number-one source market for inbound U.S. travel with nearly 21 million Canadians visiting the U.S. in 2019.

On Jan. 13, top experts will share with Focus On Canada participants the latest insights on Canada’s travel landscape.

And on Jan. 14, the Canadian travel trade community is encouraged to register to discover the comprehensive resources and tools available on the new platform, connecting them to more than 125 U.S. destinations, attractions, and points of interest in all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia.

In addition to insightful information and ongoing access to the always-on platform, attendees from Canada will have the chance to win prizes, including flights provided by Air Canada, and complimentary packages from some of the nation’s most desirable destinations.

Tom Garzilli, Chief Marketing Officer for Brand USA, says the Brand USA Global Marketplace is a completely reimagined version of traditional trade shows and industry events, incorporating an always-on resource for updates on border entry/exit policies, public health protocols, promotional materials, content, and connection opportunities.

“The need to connect online has never been as big as it is today,” says Garzilli. “We’ve taken that challenge to heart and created an industry- first hub to bring U.S. destinations together for the first time. Here, you’ll be able to log in from anywhere in the world, including your living room, to learn from the industry’s brightest thought leaders, to stay informed on market updates, and to engage with peers and partners from the U.S. and around the world to support the professional growth of our industry, starting right now.”

The link to register for the ‘Focus on Canada’ online event is here. Also agents are invited to check out the Brand USA Global Marketplace link here for destination updates.