Auckland, New Zealand…February 20, 2017 – The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) is pleased to launch the Philadelphia Specialist Badge, a bespoke training module for travel agents as part of the USA Discovery Programme, an initiative of Brand USA, for travel agents in New Zealand. 

With information on Philadelphia's dining, nightlife, accommodation, tax-free shopping, historical attractions and accessibility, the badge is an educational tool for travel agents to learn everything they need to know about the destination and become accredited Philadelphia specialists.

The training scheme focuses on all aspects of Philadelphia, also known as the City of Brotherly Love, which served as the birthplace for iconic, cultural phenomena such as Rocky and the Philly Cheesesteak.

To gain the newly-launched badge, agents must complete the short online training programme and then take a short quiz on the official agent training site for the U.S.

“We are thrilled to launch this additional platform for our travel trade partners in New Zealand to learn about Philadelphia and become accredited specialists,” said Julie Coker Graham, president and CEO of the PHLCVB. “In 2015, we welcomed 13,600 visitors from the Oceania region who stayed at least one night, and it is projected to increase as we expand our efforts in introducing Philadelphia to the market.”

The USA Discovery Programme is Brand USA's official online training tool to help the travel industry become experts on U.S. destinations and experiences.

To become a Philadelphia specialist, visit www.usadiscoveryprogram.co.nz.

Additionally, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau will be participating in the Visit USA 2017 Nationwide Expos in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney from February 20 – 24. The PHLCVB will also be at the Brand USA Discover America Trade Events in New Zealand from February 27 – 28 and will provide updates on 'what's new' in Philadelphia and answer any questions about the destination.   

For more information on Philadelphia, visit www.discoverPHL.com.

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About Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), www.discoverPHL.com, a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Centre. The PHLCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organization has departments dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets. The PHLCVB incorporates the short code PHL, an open source graphic identifier for the City of Philadelphia into the Convention & Visitors Bureau brand identity. The graphic identifier and other assets for use by public, private and non-profit organizations can be found at www.PHLpartners.com.