Brand USA, Expedia, Inc. Sign Global Partnership For Cinematic Tribute To National Parks

Brand USA – the destination-marketing organization for the United States announces Expedia, Inc. as the first global sponsor and exclusive online travel activation partner for the new giant-screen film that celebrates the USA's great outdoors. The film is scheduled for global release to coincide with the centennial of the National Park Service in 2016. Titled "America Wild: A National Parks Adventure," the giant-screen film will be shown in giant-screen theatres around the world in nearly 40 countries, starting early next year. "Our partnership with Expedia aligns Brand USA and our great outdoors platform with a proven vehicle to drive and activate travel to the U.S.," said Christopher L. Thompson, Brand USA's president and CEO. "With the global reach of Expedia and the international release of the giant-screen film, we expect the impact of this partnership to truly move the needle." Through this multi-million dollar partnership, Expedia, Inc., one of the world's largest travel companies with a brand portfolio of leading online travel brands in more than 70 countries, will be a featured sponsor on the giant-screen film with logo placement and global consumer advertising campaigns. "There are few things that highlight America as a vacation destination like our great national parks", said Noah Tratt, global senior vice president, Expedia Media Solutions. "Expedia is thrilled to be part of this innovative way of reaching and inspiring people around the world to travel to the U.S. to experience our national treasures in person." Brand USA collaborated with independent filmmaker MacGillivray Freeman Films to produce the giant screen film. MacGillivray Freeman has created 38 giant-screen productions, including nine of the top 20 box-office hits. "We're thrilled to partner with Expedia to bring America's awe-inspiring natural landscapes to the giant screen," said Shaun MacGillivray, "America Wild" producer and president of MacGillivray Freeman Films. "Their global network of world travelers represents the perfect audience for our film, and together we look forward to delivering an unforgettable movie experience that will take viewers into the heart of America's great outdoors." In December, Brand USA launched a new website – The United States of Great Outdoors – that highlights outdoor travel destinations and experiences across the country. Visitors to the site can get behind-the-scene looks at the making of "America Wild."