“The
evolution of Matt’s videos dancing around the world – as a solo
traveler in his original video in 2005 to his more recent videos in
which he’s met by groups of locals – was the inspiration driving this
video partnership,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO of USTOA. “By
showcasing the culture and experiences in destinations side-by-side with
U.S. travelers, Matt’s video sends the message that USTOA members can
help travelers no matter where they want to go…who better to represent
the message of freedom, accessibility and security in group travel?”
The
minute long video conveys the wonder of discovery and joy of new
experiences as Harding logged 70,000 miles from his home in Seattle over
90 days to dance with US travelers in nine iconic destinations that
included remote locations such as Malaysia, Australia’s Northern
Territory, Alaska, and Tanzania; exotic cultural sites in Korea and
Chile; and surprising spots in more familiar places including France,
Ireland and New York’s Coney Island.
To
help Harding navigate complex travel arrangements and provide insider
access to off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences, USTOA turned to a
different tour operator member for expert assistance in each
destination. Tour operator partners and destination partners in the
video included Holland America Line and the State of Alaska; Goway Travel and Australia’s Northern Territory; Globus and Chile Tourism; Tourism Cares and Coney Island U.S.A; Tauck (riverboat cruise in Lyon); CIE Tours International and Tourism Ireland; WorldStrides Capstone Programs and Korea Tourism Organization; General Tours World Traveler and Tourism Malaysia, Abercrombie & Kent and the Tanzania Tourist Board; and LAN and Delta airlines.
USTOA’s
Dancing with Matt video showcases a variety of member groups visiting –
and dancing – in locations such as an Alaskan sled dog camp; a school
in Arusha, Tanzania; the sacred grandeur of Uluru in Australia’s
Northern Territory; the rich heritage of Malaysia’s Sarawak Cultural
Village; onboard a lively riverboat tour in France; an adventurous tour
of the colorful street art of Valparaiso, Chile; with line dancers at
stately Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland; doing the Harlem
Shake with MBA students at Namdaemun Gate in Seoul, Korea; and dodging
juggling sideshow performers in Coney Island. The destinations are
featured on a dedicated www.ustoa.com/dancingwithmatt site powered by WINstorm.
As part of the launch, visitors to www.ustoa.com/dancingwithmatt and USTOA’s Facebook page
can enter to win Matt’s favorite travel gear. Five prize packages
valued at $645 will be randomly awarded and include: a Sony Nex 3NL
camera, a $100 gift certificate for a pair of Merrell Shoes, a North
Face Jester backpack, an IOGear GearPower Portable Cell Phone Battery
Pack, and a Dancing Guy Logo T-Shirt. The dedicated site provides
details about the locations and tour operator partners, as well as
access to USTOA’s tour operator members for travel information to each
destination.
About USTOA:
Representing
more than $10 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour
Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements
that allow six million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider
knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and
experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the
travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the
USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments
up to $1 million if the company goes out of business.
As
a voice for the tour operator industry for 40 years, USTOA also
provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.
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