Shop America Alliance (SAA) and the US Cultural & Heritage Tourism Marketing Council (USCHT) announce the publication of The Cultural Traveler 2015 guidebook with an expanded online marketing program. 

Building on the continued success of The Cultural Traveler guidebook published in collaboration with U.S. Cultural & Heritage Tourism Marketing Council and Shop America Alliance and the  additional exposure of the TheCulturalTraveler.com websites, the 2015 edition features enhanced circulation of the attractive, full color guide to cultural and heritage travel and shopping with regional focus sections and editorial spotlighting trends and the “Travel Planner” section.  Print circulation of 40,000 is enhanced with online exposure for total estimated readership of 200,000.

Response to the 2014 edition of The Cultural Traveler guidebook was very positive at major travel events in the USA including IPW, La Cita, Go West Summit, WTM in London and ITB in Germany.  In addition, the guide was showcased and distributed at the Museum Store Association 2014 Conference in Houston, Texas.  TaxFree Texas and Louisiana Tax Free are distributing the print guidebook at their airport centers and Professional Association of Innkeepers International distributed the guide to their member inns. Cultural destinations throughout the U..S. are also distribution points for The Cultural Traveler guidebook.

 Distribution of the 2015 edition will begin in December of 2014, continuing its reach to this large, influential travel market.  “With global distribution of the guidebook through travel trade events and increased online marketing, TheCultural Traveler represents an excellent opportunity for Museums, Cultural and Heritage Destinations, Convention & Visitor Bureaus and travel partners to reach the growing cultural travel market,” says Sheila Armstrong, President of USCHT and Co-Publisher of The Cultural Traveler.

“Consumers and travel professionals tell us that they are reading and keeping their The Cultural Travelerguidebook on hand as a reference for their future travel planning and also going to the web sites for more info, which is very valuable for all involved,” notes Rosemary McCormick, President of Shop America Alliance and Co-Publisher of the guide.

What Travel Industry Leaders Are Saying About The Cultural Traveler:

Ford Bell, President of the American Alliance of Museums, states, “We are proud to join with the U.S. Cultural & Heritage Tourism Marketing Council in presenting The Cultural Traveler.  This guide serves as a rich resource of unique and inspirational travel experiences.“

“Nevada's participating in The Cultural Traveler was a perfect opportunity to showcase the variety of colorful cultural experiences that can be found throughout our state.  It enabled us to reach the cultural traveler and tour operators withour story“, “ says Claudia Vecchio, Director of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Nevada Tourism Commission

 Patricia Washington, President & CEO of Visit Alexander says of the publication, “What an ideal publication for marketing the extraordinary experiences that we offer in Alexandria!  Our ad popped and editorial content colorfully told about the many historic treasures that the cultural traveler can explore.” 

“The Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau has been pleased to participate in The Cultural Traveler publication annually,” says Christine Susa, Director of Marketing & Communications, Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau.  “We continue to do so because the guide provides an opportunity to highlight our  wonderful cultural destinations in a quality publication consistent with our brand.” 

The Media Kit for the 2015 Edition of The Cultural Traveler is now available on line at TheCulturalTraveler.com or by calling 843.341.6392.   Space Reservation Deadline is September 26, 2014. For more information and to reserve space in the 2015 edition, contact CulturalTraveler@aol.com or call 843.341.6392.

 The Cultural Traveler showcases a broad array of cultural institutions from art museums and science centers to zoos and historic houses providing a rich resource filled with unique travel ideas.  Plus, the convenient Travel Planner section links to online shopping and booking.  To view or download a copy of this issue, go to TheCulturalTraveler.com or ShopAmericaTours.com.

Shop America Alliance is the travel trade organization representing hundreds of the premier shopping tourism destinations, retailers, shopping centers, museum stores and outlets in North America. Founded in 1998, Shop America Alliance co-produces the annual ONE Travel Conference and SASI-ONE Awards and The Cultural Traveler guidebook, publishes Shop America Magazine and markets more than 200 shopping tours in 40 cities.  For more information, visit shopamericatours.com or call 707-224-3795.

The US Cultural & Heritage Tourism Marketing Council (USCHT) is a travel trade association with a mission to market U.S. cultural and heritage tourism experiences both nationally and internationally. USCHT represents leading U.S. tourism destinations, attractions and travel partners engaged in marketing U.S. cultural and heritage to travelers throughout the United States and around the world, co-produces the annual ONE Travel Conference, conducts market research on the Cultural and Heritage Traveler and co-publishes The Cultural Travelerguidebook annually. For more information, visit TheCulturalTraveler.com  or call 843.342.6392.

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