United States Introduces "Brand USA" to Welcome World Visitors

LONDON, Nov. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The organization responsible for marketing the United States to world visitors today unveiled "Brand USA," America's first-ever global consumer brand. Formerly known as the Corporation for Travel Promotion, but now doing business as Brand USA Inc., the group introduced its global brand positioning and strategy before an international audience of travel professionals and destinations in London.  The creation of America's new global brand is the first critical step in the development of the nation's first unified marketing effort. Brand USA Inc. will launch their first official advertising and marketing campaign in the spring of 2012 to invite world guests to visit America for leisure, business and scholarly purposes.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111107/NY00867LOGO )

During a brand launch event at London's British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) this morning and a subsequent press conference at ExCeL London, Brand USA spokespeople including Chief Executive Officer Jim Evans and Chief Marketing Officer Chris Perkins revealed details about the brand and how it was established.  Although initially incorporated as the Corporation for Travel Promotion, the organization will now be doing business as Brand USA Inc. in an effort to more clearly align brand strategy and corporate messaging.

"The United States offers a range of destinations and experiences that are unparalleled in the world market," said Evans.  "Now, through the creation of Brand USA, we are inviting the world's travelers to come to visit us, and experience the limitless possibilities for themselves."

According to Brand USA, the logo was created to be "fresh, welcoming and inclusive." It aspires to remind the world that "the United States of Awesome Possibilities welcomes everyone." It features a collection of dots joining together to compose the letters USA. The dots will serve as a vessel through which Brand USA can showcase diverse colors and images of people and destinations across America, emphasizing the boundless possibilities of the United States. It will not adhere to a single color scheme. The logo also displays the URL DiscoverAmerica.com, Brand USA's official consumer web site.

"What is so compelling about the United States is that no one thing can explain who we are as a nation.  Each visitor and each experience helps create the fabric of American culture, and Brand USA embodies this spirit," said Perkins.  "When we launch our global marketing and advertising campaign next year, we will be able to reach audiences around the world by showcasing the best of America and spreading the message that we welcome visitors with open arms."

The United States' first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing program was created by the Travel Promotion Act, federal legislation passed in March 2010.  A public-private partnership between the travel industry and the U.S. government, the Corporation for Travel Promotion -- now Brand USA Inc. -- was charged with increasing international visitation to the United States through marketing and promotional efforts to drive job creation and economic growth.  The organization is led by private industry with oversight from the Department of Commerce and U.S. Congress. The program is funded through a combination of private sector investment and funds collected by the Department of Homeland Security from international visitors who visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.  No U.S. taxpayer dollars are used to fund the program. Brand USA's headquarters are located in Washington, DC.

"Brand USA has arrived, and it is not just a tourism brand," said Stephen J. Cloobeck, Chairman of Brand USA and Chairman and CEO of Diamond Resorts International. "It is a 21st-century global brand that will help reposition our great nation in the market for travel -- and drive economic activity, including billions in new spending, tens of thousands of new outsource-proof jobs and much-needed tax revenue, to spur powerful growth throughout all corners of the United States."

About Brand USA

The Corporation for Travel Promotion -- now doing business as Brand USA Inc. -- was created for the purpose of encouraging travelers from all over the world to visit the United States of America.  The public-private marketing entity was created in 2010 to work in close partnership with the travel industry to maximize the economic and social benefits of travel in communities around the country. Through its call-to-action "Discover America," Brand USA will encourage and inspire travelers to explore America's boundless possibilities.  For industry or partner information about Brand USA, visit www.TheBrandUSA.com. Visit Brand USA's consumer website at www.DiscoverAmerica.com.  Download the Brand USA press kit here.

SOURCE Brand USA Inc.