Las Vegas, NV - The inaugural Chairman's Circle Honors took place last night at The Venetian hotel in Las Vegas to applaud a selection of international companies for their prominence and contributions to the U.S. travel industry. Held during IPW 2013, this elite awards event honored 92 representatives from 46 of the world's highest volume tour operators and buyers of the U.S. travel product. Honorees were nominated by members of the U.S. Travel Association's Chairman's Circle level, which includes some of the largest U.S. travel companies and top U.S. destinations. Attendees were feted at the Venetian's famed Delmonico Steakhouse Restaurant prior to enjoying an exclusive performance of Smokey Robinson presents Human Nature: The Motown Show.

The international operators were presented with a custom-designed crystal award and a beautiful hand-cast bronze medallion as a “thank you” for their continuing excellence in promoting travel to the United States.

“The Chairman's Circle Honors provides a special opportunity to recognize the international companies that are leading the way in driving visitation to the U.S.,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel. “These high-performing buyers exemplify the power of travel. IPW, the event during where so much of that business is conducted, is the perfect occasion to honor and thank them.”

"We are thrilled to collectively pay tribute to America's top international travel buyers," said Chris Thompson, president and CEO of Brand USA. "These organizations provide critical support for the U.S. travel and tourism industry. As the national marketing entity, Brand USA invites the world to discover America, and we deeply appreciate how the buyers help transform that vision into reality."

A full list of honorees follows:

• Air Canada Vacations
• Alpitour
• America As You Like it
• America United
• Aviatur SA
• Best Day Travel
• Bon Voyage Travel and Tours
• British Airways Holidays
• CANUSA Touristik
• Compagnies des Etats-Unis
• Creative Holidays
• CVC Brasil Operadora E Agencia de Viagens S/A
• Dertour
• Despegar.com
• Explorer Fernreisen GmbH
• FTI Touristik
• GTA UK
• H.I.S. International Tours
• Hana Tour Service, Inc.
• House of Travel, Ltd.
• Infinity Holidays
• Jan Doets America Tours
• Jetset Voyages
• J-Pac Travel
• JTB International
• Kintetsu International Express, Inc.
• Knecht Reisen AG
• Kuoni Travel
• Meier's Weltreisen
• MMT Gapnet Tours
• Nascimento Turismo
• North America Travel Service
• Shanghai Ctrip International Travel Services Co., Ltd.
• Swanson's Travel AB
• TAM Viagens
• Thomas Cook AG
• Thomas Cook North America
• Thomas Cook Tours
• Tour America, Trailfinders, Ltd.
• Trend Operadora
• TUI Deutschland GmbH
• TUI Specialist
• Virgin Holidays
• Voyageurs du Monde
• WestJet Vacations, Inc.

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The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $2.0 trillion in economic output and supports 14.6 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.
Visit www.ustravel.org.