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13 February, 2023

Seattle and Washington State boosts presence Down Under by appointing Linkd Tourism

By Dan lake

Australia-based travel sales, PR and marketing consultancy, Linkd Tourism, has been appointed to represent Seattle and Washington State, USA, in Australia and New Zealand, with activity commencing immediately.

This appointment marks the first time that the state’s three tourism entities, Visit Seattle, the State of Washington Tourism, and the Port of Seattle, have collaboratively promoted the destination internationally, with Linkd Tourism having previously represented the Port of Seattle from 2019 to 2022 with a focus on pre/post Alaska cruise itineraries.

North Cascades National Park Credit: State of Washington Tourism

Trade relations will be directed by Linkd Tourism’s strategic trade director, Michael Cassis, with Amanda McCoy as the key contact across the trade. Amanda led the Port of Seattle’s agent training program, launched during the Pandemic in partnership with CLIA, and will continue to focus on training agents and boosting awareness of Seattle and Washington State, including Seattle as the Gateway to Alaska cruising.

While Visit Seattle and the Port of Seattle have been active in the Australasian market in recent years, this is the first time that the State of Washington has invested in international marketing, with Australia and New Zealand among the top target markets.

NCL departing Seattle Credit: State of Washington Tourism

The Emerald City is renowned as home of Pike Place Market – the USA’s longest continuously running farmer’s market; the world’s first Starbucks, and 90s grunge music.

Key tourism attractions include the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP).

The State of Washington benefits from myriad outdoor adventures – ranging from kayaking with Orcas in the San Juan Islands to hiking through UNESCO Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, biking through wine country and cross-country skiing.

The second largest wine producer in the USA, other food and drink not to be missed includes craft beer in the state’s capital, Olympia, seafood chowder along Seattle’s waterfront and fresh Oyster dishes on Whidbey Island.

Pike Place Marke Credit:State of Washington Tourism

Of the appointment, Liz Johnson, Director of International Tourism, Visit Seattle, commented “We’re thrilled to return to the Australasian market in 2023 and this time working together with the state tourism board and Port of Seattle to attract visitors to the Pacific Northwest region.

“Seattle is a hub for urban and cultural adventures, and we recognise that international travellers want to experience the city, as well as explore the great outdoors right on Seattle’s doorstep.

“Washington State has an adventure for every type of traveller and we can’t wait to share it with more visitors from Down Under.”

Seattle and Washington will be engaging with the industry at several face-to-face events this month, with a presence at the Visit USA roadshow, Brand USA B2B Day and Travmedia’s IMM.

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