United States Tour Operators Association’s (USTOA) “Picture Yourself In…” travel sweepstakes wants you to picture yourself in your dream destination, donning unique fashions purchased locally and buying from local artisans. But USTOA doesn’t just want you to picture yourself there—this sustainable travel-driven sweepstakes offers participants a chance to win a $10,000 travel certificate that can be used by the winner and a guest to visit their choice of China, Colombia or Madrid, Spain, with a USTOA member tour operator.
“USTOA is excited to shine a light on the stylish aspects of traveling sustainably,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO of USTOA, in a press release statement. “When you’re purposeful about your purchases, your travel adventures live on in your everyday life. Imagine pulling a piece from your closet and immediately recalling the sights, rhythms, tastes and echoes of a foreign land. Not to mention the people you met—perhaps even the artisans whose hands carefully crafted what you’re about to wear.”
This sweepstakes is part of USTOA’s broader “Picture Yourself In…” campaign, which is a collaboration with Turkish Airlines, Crum & Forster, a travel insurance provider, and destination partners including the China National Tourist Office in New York, Colombia the country of beauty—the country’s tourism arm—and Only in Madrid. The campaign is designed to inspire travelers to picture themselves wearing fashions purchased in the destinations they visit, sustaining the artisans and small businesses that keep local economies thriving.
“This sweepstakes,” Dale added, “encourages consumers to consider the good they can do when they shop local, not only at home but around the world. We’re proud that our tour operators showcase authentic shopping opportunities and help travelers find items to cherish long after they return home.”
The sweepstakes is now open for entry to U.S. residents aged 21 or older. To participate, individuals can visit ustoa.com/pictureyourselfin, complete the official entry form, and submit it, including their full name, city, state and email address. The sweepstakes runs until Oct. 31, 2024, with a limit of one entry per person throughout the entire period.
USTOA Hosts Event in Detroit to Kick Off Sweepstakes
To kick off the sweepstakes, USTOA hosted an event at Eastern Market in Detroit, Michigan, on Sept. 14. Shoppers were invited to use an AR (augmented reality) Mirror, powered by ZERO10, to virtually transport themselves to China, Colombia and Madrid, Spain, and see themselves adorned in traditional attire from these regions. Whether it was a Chinese Hanfu, a Spanish silk mantón, or a Colombian macramé bucket bag, participants were encouraged to rethink the significance of souvenir shopping. Artisan-made wearables from around the world are not just souvenirs; they are investments that evoke memories and bring joy for years to come.
