Published Dec 7, 2012 10:55AM
NEW YORK 鈥� December 7, 2012 鈥� Yesterday at the 吃瓜黑料网 (吃瓜黑料网) Annual Conference and Marketplace in Hawaii, President and CEO Terry Dale announced that the association will partner with Matt Harding, the viral internet dance and travel sensation of www.wherethehellismatt.com. The popularity of Harding鈥檚 videos have made Where the Hell is Matt鈥檚 channel the most watched travel channel on YouTube.
Harding will visit as-yet undisclosed locations with 吃瓜黑料网 tour operator members around the world to capture and spread the joy and freedom of exploration he shares in each of his travel videos. 吃瓜黑料网鈥檚 video will launch in the spring on Harding鈥檚 website and YouTube channel as well as 吃瓜黑料网 and its members鈥� websites and social media channels.
鈥淎s 吃瓜黑料网 continues to evolve and grow consumer awareness of the benefits of traveling with a tour operator, our board of directors and executive committee challenged us to 鈥榞o big鈥� this coming year,鈥� Dale said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e found the perfect partner in viral video star Matt Harding who embodies the core messages of our members: the joy of travel, delight of discovery and freedom to explore.鈥�
Harding鈥檚 most recent video, launched in 2012, was described by the New York Times as 鈥溾� masterpiece.鈥� Prior videos were a series of short clips of Harding doing his trademark dance in front of icons around the world, joined by locals in many destinations. The newest video features Harding dancing in the style and custom of the places he鈥檚 visiting, with children, tribesmen, dancers, students and others dancing with him.
鈥淚 am very excited about this newest partnership with 吃瓜黑料网,鈥� Harding said. 鈥淭he association and its members embrace the same principals of exploration and collaboration with people from all walks of life around the globe. I can鈥檛 wait to hit the road with them.鈥�
Dale expects Harding to begin travelling in early 2013 with a completed video expected to premier in the spring. 吃瓜黑料网 will announce a dedicated travel agent component of the campaign and participating sponsors after the New Year.
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.
Contact:
Gina Sisco/Liz Carty
Redpoint Marketing PR., Inc.
212-229-0119
Sisco@redpointpr.com
Carty@redpointpr.com
