DiscoverAmerica.com is First Official Website Promoting Travel to US
Launched in Top 5 International Markets
WASHINGTON, DC, July 17, 2008. www.DiscoverAmerica.com, the United States' first-ever official travel and tourism website, has been successfully launched with language-specific sites in the leading international travel markets, it was announced today by the Travel Industry Association.
The websites target consumers in the five countries that account for 75 percent of all inbound travel to the United States: Canada (English- and French-speaking), Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany. Interactive content for all 50 states, the five territories, dozens of cities and attractions, and official entry information from U.S. government sources is presented in the native languages of each market.
DiscoverAmerica.com is the result of a cooperative agreement awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce to the Travel Industry Association (TIA) in January 2007. The six websites took about 16 months to research, develop and build.
"Today the United States offers travelers worldwide a one-stop shop for travel planning and an official source of information on the diversity, beauty and spirit of America," said Roger Dow, TIA's President and CEO. "I extend my gratitude to Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, the U.S. Department of Commerce and its Office of Travel and Tourism Industries for their vision and leadership on this important effort. DiscoverAmerica.com is an attractive, sophisticated and much-needed product that gives a very public face to our nation."
In addition to its wealth of destination content, the websites feature an interactive map, an activity finder that sorts by 24 popular trip activities, booking opportunities through in-market travel specialists and through Travelocity, travel deals in the USA, and a Stories section for travelers to post authentic reviews and comments. Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George Bush and Bill Clinton co-signed a welcome letter posted on the About USA section.
TIA plans to grow DiscoverAmerica.com in coming months, adding more cities and attraction information. TIA also hopes to add websites for markets such as China, France and South Korea, among others.
Strategic partners to DiscoverAmerica.com are American Express, Fodor's, Translations.com and Travelocity Partner Network.
To learn more about www.DiscoverAmerica.com, contact 202-408-8422.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
