
Brand USA Talks Travel
This podcast elevates the conversation concerning international travel to the United States by speaking with leaders in the travel industry. Subscribe to hear key answers to timely questions every week. Brand USA is the nation’s destination marketing organization. We work closely with more than 900 partner organizations to invite the world to explore the exceptional, diverse, and virtually limitless travel experiences and destinations available in the United States of America.
Latest episodes

May 28, 2024 • 21min
Growing Sustainable Tourism with Kind Traveler's Jessica Blotter
Jessica informs us that 97% of travelers want their travel dollars to have a positive impact in the communities they visit. To understand where sustainable tourism is headed, we cover global trends at the intersection of travel, philanthropy, and sustainability. Find out how Kind Traveler works with destinations and hotels. Plus, learn about key factors that travelers utilize in evaluating destinations for sustainability. Jessica Blotter is CEO, Co-Founder, and Editor-In-Chief of Kind Traveler.

May 23, 2024 • 33min
Live From IPW: Chris Thompson's Farewell Finale
Join Chris for a ride in the Brand USA Talks Travel Time Machine as he reflects on challenges and accomplishments during his tenure as CEO. Mark also surprises Chris with comments from friends, who recount inside stories about times together.
If you’re one of Chris’ friends and we didn’t include you on this podcast, we sincerely apologize. Truth is that if we’d contacted all his close pals, the show would have been hours long!
It’s funny, it’s heartwarming, and it's a tad melancholy. Tissues optional! This is our last Live From IPW 2024 episode, and a keepsake for Chris in his retirement.

May 22, 2024 • 14min
Live From IPW: The 250th Anniversary Celebration in Massachusetts with Kate Fox
Hear from Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, on participating in the Media Marketplace at IPW, working with other destinations, and optimism in travel and tourism.

May 21, 2024 • 22min
Live From IPW: Get Ready for D.I. Coming to Tampa with Santiago C. Corrada
U.S. destinations can learn something from Tampa, Florida about leveraging unique strengths and partnering with neighboring cities. From their acclaimed airport, to becoming a Michelin Guide city, to the DMO's very own beer & branded scent, Mark has a fun time with Santiago C. Corrada, President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay – and you will too!

May 20, 2024 • 15min
Live From IPW: Inside Italian Travel Journalism with Lucio Rossi
Mark is joined by Lucio Rossi, a 30-year veteran of Italian travel journalism. Lucio offers his take on Italian perceptions about the United States, the current state of travel journalism in Italy, and promoting visitation to the USA's lesser-known State and National Parks.

May 17, 2024 • 16min
Live From IPW: The Travel Love Story of America & Canada with Audrey Tanguay Beaudette and Casey Canevari
Mark sits down with Audrey and Casey to hear stories about Brand USA's recent MegaFam from Canada. We also get an update about Air Canada and details about Brand USA’s Canada Connect. Audrey Tanguay Beaudette is Air Canada's Manager for Global Sales and Tourism Partnerships. Casey Canevari is Brand USA's Senior Manager for Global Trade Development for Canada.

May 16, 2024 • 15min
Live From IPW: The Fascinating Story of Broadway Inbound with Bob Hofmann
Following IPW's much-anticipated tradition of a private Broadway show at lunchtime, Mark sits down with Bob Hofmann to learn about Broadway Inbound’s backstory, and how the organization works with tour operators and travel agents to showcase that "No trip to New York City is complete without Broadway." Bob Hofmann is Vice President of Broadway Inbound at the Shubert Organization.

May 15, 2024 • 17min
Live From IPW: ESTA and Passport Control Update with Macharia Davis
Mark and Macharia cover the latest on the Visa Waiver Program, Global Entry, and Mobile Passport Control, as well as rules concerning travelers from Cuba and Hungary. We also get a rare taste of Macharia's legendary karaoke prowess. Macharia Davis is Branch Chief for the Electronic System for Travel Authorizations (ESTA) and the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS).
Download the Official ESTA Mobile App Marketing Toolkit and sign up to receive travel updates here: https://linktr.ee/VisaWaiverProgram

May 14, 2024 • 11min
Live From IPW: The IPW Hand-Off to the Next Destination with Marc Anderson
Did you know that San Antonio is home to the only ultra-accessible theme park in the entire world? Marc Anderson, President and CEO of Visit San Antonio, shares insights on the effects of hosting IPW in 2023, as well as the city's DEI efforts and rapid growth. He also offers advice to next year's host city for IPW, Chicago.

May 13, 2024 • 20min
Live From IPW: 2024 Market-By-Market Update with Staci Mellman & Jackie Ennis
To learn how visitors from various countries are returning to the USA, Mark chats with Brand USA’s Chief Marketing Officer, Staci Mellman, and Jackie Ennis, Vice President, Global Trade Development. Hear the latest visitation stats and some very interesting specifics about new traveler behavior patterns. For those interested in the return of international travel to the United States, this is a must-listen.