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Brand USA has selected eight New Zealand travel advisors to join its 2026 Ambassador Program as the initiative expands into a global network ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
The New Zealand advisors are among 30 travel professionals from Australia and New Zealand chosen for the programme, which recognises travel advisors who actively promote travel to the United States. The 2026 cohort includes 22 Australian advisors and eight from New Zealand.
The New Zealand representatives are Swapnil Bhate (Flight Centre NZ), Holly Cliffe (House of Travel Auckland City), Tori Melody Taiaroa (House of Travel Devonport), Kimberley McCormick (House of Travel Botany Junction), Yvette Dyer (Travel Managers Group), Fiona Muir (House of Travel), Abbie Bluck (Helloworld Mt Maunganui) and Leonie Paul (House of Travel).
The programme forms part of Brand USA’s expanded Global Ambassador Program, which will appoint 250 travel trade ambassadors worldwide in 2026 to coincide with America’s semiquincentennial celebrations. The initiative follows a successful Australia and New Zealand pilot programme launched in 2025 and has now been rolled out across multiple international markets.
Brand USA president and chief executive Fred Dixon says travel advisors play a critical role in influencing international travel decisions and remain central to the organisation’s long-term strategy.
Over the next 12 months, ambassadors will participate in destination training, networking opportunities, partner events and educational experiences across the United States, while gaining access to exclusive trade resources and collaborating with fellow ambassadors from around the world.
Brand USA senior director, global trade development (APAC), Suzy Shepard says the programme recognises advisors who are passionate advocates for travel to the United States and will help inspire more Australians and New Zealanders to visit the destination.
Qantas has also joined the programme as its exclusive airline partner for Australia and New Zealand, supporting destination education and industry engagement over the coming year.
