From April 19 to 22, the annual International Roundup (IRU) took place in Casper, Wyoming. On behalf of Target Travel, Vivien Hulsebosch and Marjolein Fraanje attended along with the Benelux delegation. This delegation consisted of no less than eight Dutch and Belgian tour operators this year:
Jan Nijenhuis (Do-USA), Peter Vroom (Westbound Travel), Jose Kraan (US-Travel), Marnix Smalbil (Tioga Tours), Robbert ten Kate (Simi Reizen) Sander Leystra (AmerikaPLUS), Ludwig Verbruggen (Joker Reizen), Olivier Vandenbroucke (USA Travel), accompanied by Vivien Hulsebosch and Marjolein Fraanje.
In Casper, Wyoming, together with tour operators from eight different European countries and Australia, they had the opportunity to get acquainted with The Great American West. Over two days, during some 80 speed dates, they spoke with representatives from the states of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, a large number of DMOs and other providers from the region. In addition to the speed dates, there was also an opportunity to meet informally and experience the region. For example, on arrival day there was a reception reception at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. The day before the speed dates began there was a FAM trip in Casper and the surrounding area, and to conclude Day 1 there was an Evening Banquet with both all suppliers and international guests in attendance.
Closing IRU
IRU24 concluded with the traditional Buckle Club party, a tradition since the early years of the fair. Everyone who participates for the first time receives, in addition to a beautiful, unique silver buckle, his/her Cowboy name and is forever a member of the GAW family. Special this year was that, in addition to every international participant receiving a real cowboy hat as a gift from Wyoming Tourism, the Governor of Wyoming was also present and became the first Governor ever to be inducted into the Buckle Club. Governor Mark “Miles33” Gordon was honored to receive the Buckle.
In an interview with the “Cowboy State Daily,” Peter Vroom says he sees a great destination in the Great American West, especially for repeaters. “The region is bursting with unknown places that are not only beautiful, but have authentic stories behind them.”
Post-FAM
After IRU concluded, there were several post-FAMs to give attendees an even better impression of the region; Vivien, Ludwig and Marnix went to Idaho, José and Marjolein were introduced to the unknown Eastern Montana, Sander was in North Dakota for the first time and Jan, Peter and Olivier saw that Wyoming is so much more than just Yellowstone National Park.
IRU 2025
IRU is a recurring event held each year in one of the Great American West states. IRU 2025 will take place May 6-9 in Rapid City, South Dakota. More info about the event can be found here. If interested in participating or if you have questions, please contact us at [email protected].
