During the first IPW press conference taking place in San Antonio, Brand USA President and CEO Chris Thompson highlighted how two recent barriers to travel have been alleviated: that airlines generally expect a return close to 100 percent of connectivity by the end of the year, and that as of May 12, international travelers are no longer required to have a COVID-19 vaccine to enter the United States.

The US destination marketing organization released an international travel forecast and data on traveler sentiment.

The press conference featured iconic and lesser-known destinations and attractions, from the best places to sample local cuisine to delving into the lyrics of songs or movie locations that inspired a first-time visit, getting pampered in the lap of the luxury or experience the USA through the eyes of a sports enthusiast.

“There is no other destination like the United States,” Brand USA President and CEO Chris Thompson told more than 200 international journalists. “What sets America apart is the diversity of our geography, the diversity of our experiences, the diversity of our people, and our one-of-a-kind pop culture.”

Mr. Thompson described how US pop culture is often how people around the world first learn about the United States and asked, “How did you first learn about the United States? Were you on tour with Jack Kerouac, walking down the line with Johnny Cash, or having breakfast with Audrey Hepburn at Tiffany's? Regardless, I bet you were left with a dream, an idea, and an intangible emotion, and you knew you had to experience it all for yourself."

Thompson, who is optimistic about inbound travel to the US, gave examples of how pent-up demand continues to fuel economic recovery in communities across the country as more and more people now book travel and live their dreams. During the press conference, Thompson highlighted how two recent barriers to travel have been eased: that airlines generally expect a return of close to 100 percent connectivity by the end of the year, and that as of May 12, travelers Internationals are no longer required to have a COVID -19 vaccination to enter the United States.

The restart of travel around the world has created a highly competitive global market for the lucrative international visitor. To move consumers from aspiration to action more quickly, Brand USA recently launched a marketing campaign in 10 key markets. The campaign shows how America delivers on the consumer promise that whoever you want to be and whatever experience you crave, America is where you can find it. Thompson shared two of the latest campaign assets that target travelers looking for adventure or family fun.

IPW is the leading trade show for inbound travel to the United States, bringing together for the first time more than 5,000 industry professionals from more than 60 countries in San Antonio, Texas. Brand USA is the title sponsor of the annual event produced by the US Travel Association and held for the first time in San Antonio, Texas.