By Andrew Gibson
The International Pow Wow has been held at San Francisco this year for the second time ever. The travel convention is designed to sell American holiday packages to tourists abroad and consists of 1,100 foreign tour operators and 450 travel writers all in one place. The 3,500 included airlines, hotels, cruise lines, marketing groups and visitors bureaus.
The reason that the convention is so good for the city is not just because of the influx of visitors they have seen during this week. They have also taken the opportunity to show off what they have to offer as a city. They have been showing off the best parts of the city by wining and dining many of the people present as well as giving the city tours. By having the opportunity to let people see the city in person, they hope that it will encourage them to market it. They have shown the visitors the science museum, culinary tours and restaurants. They have told them about the culture, gay and transgender scene, environmental practices, neighbourhoods and food and wine.
The US Travel Association has estimated that hosting the convention could improve tourism for the city over the next three years and generate an extra $350 million for them. It is also hoped that it will be a good sales opportunity for the whole of the state of California. Although it costs the city money to put on the convention and show off the city at its best, the return on the investment is one of the best for any travel meet according to the US Travel Association.
