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From April 11 to 18th, Visit USA France invited 8 travel agents, all experts of its e-learning program, to discover the main cities of Minnesota as well as Detroit – Michigan.

Charlotte Casalengua (Chauchard Evasion), Alexandre Gallet de Saint Aurin (Verdie Voyages), Deborah Jannin (Agence Voyage Voyage), Cynthia Piveteau (Richou Voyages), Harmonie Quinet (Comptoir des Voyages), Fanny Plumet (TUI Store), Dominique Semedo (Marco Vasco), Laura Viguier (Calliope Travel) and Delphine Aubert (Visit USA France) flew on a Delta Air Lines flight, together with Fatira Berchouche, Delta sales representative in France, for a discovery of the Delta One and Delta Premium classes.

Arriving at MSP airport, the participants were able to reach the Radisson Blu, a magnificent hotel located within the Mall of America in Bloomington, in about 15 minutes. The largest shopping mall of the USA opened its doors to them from the first day with its 550 stores, rides, attractions, an aquarium, and the must-see Fly Over America, a simulator that takes passengers on a sensory experience across the United States.

During the trip, participants also visited the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, including the State Capitol, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, the Sculpture Garden, Minnehaha Falls, and Prince’s house in Eden Prairie. The gastronomy was not left out with the discovery of amazing addresses throughout the stay.

At the end of three sunny (and warm) days, the group flew to Détroit thanks to Delta, to meet up with Charlotte Bonis, representative in France of the world automobile capital, and our hosts from Detroit. The group naturally visited several emblematic places in the city linked to the development of the automobile, such as the former Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the Ford Rouge Factory and also The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, a museum that appeals to both adults and children. And for the art lovers, the guide delivered part of its secrets in Downtown, rich in architecture and street art. People also went back to the sixties with the visit of the Motown Historical Museum. The trip ended with a few hotel visits, between novelties, boutique-hotels, rehabilitated historic places and intimate guest houses, before the Air France return flight.

The perfect daily atmosphere, the warm welcome of our hosts and the discovery of less popular cities for the French market, made this trip a success.

For more information about destinations, please contact our partners:

– Minnesota – Jake Juliot – jake.juliot@state.mn.us
– Minneapolis – Casey Kluver – caseyk@minneapolis.org
– Saint Paul – Eric Satre – esatre@visitsaintpaul.com
– Bloomington – Sherri Mullery – smullery@bloomingtonmn.org
– Mall of America – Kim Kervina – Kim.Kervina@moa.net
– Detroit – Charlotte Bonis – charlotte@uniqueconsulting.fr and Nelly Venturini nelly@uniqueconsulting.fr