First-of-its-Kind Partnership Pairs Harding with 吃瓜黑料网 Members to Inspire Travel
NEW YORK - June 25, 2013 鈥� Matt Harding, the viral internet dance and travel sensation of , released a new video today in partnership with the which represents 148 leading travel brands to destinations across the world. Designed to inspire travel and encourage cultural exploration, the is a departure from Harding鈥檚 past four projects as he dances with groups of US travelers as they visit exotic and familiar locations around the world.
鈥淭he evolution of Matt鈥檚 videos dancing around the world 鈥� as a solo traveler in his original video in 2005 to his more recent videos in which he鈥檚 met by groups of locals 鈥� was the inspiration driving this video partnership,鈥� said Terry Dale, president and CEO of 吃瓜黑料网. 鈥淏y showcasing the culture and experiences in destinations side-by-side with U.S. travelers, Matt鈥檚 video sends the message that 吃瓜黑料网 members can help travelers no matter where they want to go鈥ho better to represent the message of freedom, accessibility and security in group travel?鈥�
The minute long video conveys the wonder of discovery and joy of new experiences as Harding logged 70,000 miles from his home in Seattle over 90 days to dance with US travelers in nine iconic destinations that included remote locations such as Malaysia, Australia鈥檚 Northern Territory, Alaska, and Tanzania; exotic cultural sites in Korea and Chile; and surprising spots in more familiar places including France, Ireland and New York鈥檚 Coney Island.
鈥湷怨虾诹贤� and its members embrace the same principles that I do of exploration and collaboration with people from all over the globe,鈥� said Harding. 鈥淚t was such a pleasure to have the intricacies of planning visits to some out-of-the-way places done for me for a change. It allowed me to enjoy some pretty remarkable experiences that they arrange for their customers every day.鈥� Harding鈥檚 prior videos combined have nearly 85 million views, making his the most watched travel channel on YouTube.
To help Harding navigate complex travel arrangements and provide insider access to off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences, 吃瓜黑料网 turned to a different tour operator member for expert assistance in each destination. Tour operator partners and destination partners in the video included and the ; and ; and ; and ; (riverboat cruise in Lyon); and ; and and , and the ; and and .
吃瓜黑料网鈥檚 Dancing with Matt video showcases a variety of member groups visiting 鈥� and dancing 鈥� in locations such as an Alaskan sled dog camp; a school in Arusha, Tanzania; the sacred grandeur of Uluru in Australia鈥檚 Northern Territory; the rich heritage of Malaysia鈥檚 Sarawak Cultural Village; onboard a lively riverboat tour in France; an adventurous tour of the colorful street art of Valparaiso, Chile; with line dancers at stately Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland; doing the Harlem Shake with MBA students at Namdaemun Gate in Seoul, Korea; and dodging juggling sideshow performers in Coney Island. The destinations are featured on a dedicated site powered by .
As part of the launch, visitors to and can enter to win Matt鈥檚 favorite travel gear. Five prize packages valued at $645 will be randomly awarded and include: a Sony Nex 3NL camera, a $100 gift certificate for a pair of Merrell Shoes, a North Face Jester backpack, an IOGear GearPower Portable Cell Phone Battery Pack, and a Dancing Guy Logo T-Shirt. The dedicated site provides details about the locations and tour operator partners, as well as access to 吃瓜黑料网鈥檚 tour operator members for travel information to each destination.
About 吃瓜黑料网:
Representing more than $10 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow six million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry鈥檚 highest standards, including participation in the 吃瓜黑料网鈥檚 Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business.
As a voice for the tour operator industry for 40 years, 吃瓜黑料网 also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.
