USA Takes a Big Bucks Gamble on Tourism; Tours.com's Travel-Intel Investigates

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - May 2, 2012) - Brand USA is putting its money on the come line with a stars and stripes campaign that has Rosanne Cash singing America's praises. The $150 million media blitz called "Land of Dreams" seeks to add to record international visitor numbers that are expected to top 64 million this year.

Travel-Intel took time at the U.S. Travel Association's International Pow Wow event in Los Angeles recently to follow what might be in store for US travel as the country edges out of its economic recession.

Tours.com's Travel-Intel, is a newsletter that goes out twice a month to the travel industry to keep more than 100,000 North American travel agents and travel sellers up on what's happening in the constantly changing field of travel.

Recent issues of Travel-Intel have looked at the changing trends in the cruise, hospitality and airline industries, and featured destination close-ups.

The May 1 issue of Travel-Intel brings focus to the dark side of tourism and what happens when trips go bad. A look at Travel Guard's "Unluckiest Traveler" campaign brings information and questions every traveler should consider before a trip. The issue also checks out the new Armani Hotel Milan, a member of the Kurtz-Ahlers collection and the latest in fashion-focused hospitality endeavors to open on the Continent. Travel-Intel then heads over to Jeju Island in South Korea to find theme parks made of glass, museums devoted to teddy bears and tea, and the last of a lengthy tradition of hardy women divers. Finally, romance in Fiji is highlighted with a look at the country's visitor-friendly marriage laws and honeymoon packages to consider at such spots as Vomo Private Island Resort, scene of the 2011 Bachelorette finale and recent hideaway for Monaco's Prince Albert and bride.

Travel-Intel is a digital newsletter sent to more than 100,000 travel agents in the U.S. and Canada. Travel-Intel is then posted on Tours.com for those seeking answers in Tours.com's comprehensive directory of tour companies and travel information.

"Travelling is not just about deals and destinations. There is a lot of learning the traveler or agent who is helping the traveler must do before a trip is created. Travel-Intel is there to make that task easier," says Lark Ellen Gould, content director for Travel-Intel and Tours.com.

Gould, a veteran travel journalist who has been covering the travel industry for more than 20 years, brings her incisive perspective to the publication and emails it on the 1st and 15^th of each month to more than 100,000 travel agents in the U.S. and Canada, before posting the travelzine on Tours.com. Travel-Intel also partners with CanadaScope and Britain Magazine for added access and information.

About Tours.com: Tours.com is the Official Directory of Tours & Vacations Worldwide. On-line since 1995, tours.com has a deep and searchable database of tour and vacation companies searchable by company name, destination and/or activity. Also a one-stop resource for major Travel Channels such as travel insurance, passport & visa information, major travel booking sites by categories such as hotels, air, cars, cruises, barges, yachts & ferries, railroad & rail travel, etc.. Plus all other pertinent travel categories/channels. The Find a Travel Agent search field allows one to search for travel agents certified with in-depth knowledge in their chosen specialty. For more information visit www.tours.com