What
The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) debuted a new six-episode video series in partnership with comic Harrison Greenbaum. The series, called “Recalculating,” uses humor to showcase how USTOA members can help travelers experience a destination.
Why It Matters
In each video, Greenbaum — one of Comedy Central’s “Comics to Watch” — guides travelers to hidden gems and unusual locales in a destination. A new episode launches each month, with Whistler, British Columbia,kicking off the series. Travel advisors can take advantage of USTOA’s new marketing effort to help build excitement with clients interested in an escorted vacation. (www.ustoa.com)
Fast Facts
- Greenbaum is the winner of several awards, including the Andy Kaufman Award for creativity and originality in comedy. On television, Harrison has been featured on “America’s Got Talent,” “Last Comic Standing,” “Conan” and National Geographic Channel’s “Brain Games.”
- For the series, Greenbaum will visit a wide variety of destinations, including New York’s Coney Island, Philadelphia, Slovenia, Mexico City and Portugal.
- In the premier episode, Greenbaum travels from the cosmopolitan seaport of Vancouver, British Columbia, to Whistler — home to skiing, tobogganing and dog sledding. Harrison explores what it really means to venture off the beaten path, leading a pack of trained dogs through the snowy terrain.
- Pinnacle Travel Documents, Inc., an international travel documentation company, is a sponsor of the video series.
What They Are Saying
“Today’s traveler craves different, authentically local experiences which can be difficult to find on your own when exploring a new destination — that’s where our members come in,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO of USTOA. “And what better way to showcase the unparalleled access, expertise and freedom USTOA tour operators offer travelers daily, than comedy. Laughter is a universal language, after all.”
“When USTOA approached me about not only hosting my own travel series, but writing, directing and producing it, I thought they were as crazy as someone who would swallow fire or eat iguana,” said Greenbaum. “Considering I’ve done both on the show already, it turns out we were made for each other. In all seriousness though, I couldn’t have asked for a better creative partner and the expertise I’ve encountered with every USTOA tour operator is a testament to how awesome they are.”
The Details
United States Tour Operators Association
www.ustoa.com
