The Group Travel Leader November December 2018

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N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 01 8

Rich in history and mystique, Falls Park features a triple waterfall cascading over sparkling pink quartzite rock.

Unlock a new mystery tour.

VisitSiouxFalls.com/MysteryTour

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For your next meeting, event or incentive, please visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/meetings or call 609-449-6060.

Follow or like us: @HardRockHCAC Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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table ofCONTENTS VOL 28 | ISSUE 10

T R AV E L A L L I A N C E PA R T N E R S

6 EDITOR’S MARKS

T R AV E L G U I D E

7 CHANGING HORIZONS

TA P U P D AT E

NEWS

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L A D V E N T U R E S

8 FA M I LY M AT T E R S

H O L I D AY A N D E V E N T T O U R S

10 G E O R G I A F A M

O N THE COVE R

Winery tours are favorite activities for groups touring Sonoma and Napa in California. Photo by M. Phillips.

Cruise Innovations FEATURES

TA P I N T O T R A I N S WAT E R F R O N T WA N D E R I N G

LEADING CRUISE LINES DISCUSS TRENDS FOR 2019 AND BEYOND.

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Uniquely

NEBRASKA The Cornhusker state welcomes groups with distinctive travel experiences.

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ICONIC CALI

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GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

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SPORTS BETTING

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MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY BRIAN JEWELL HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS ELIZA MYERS

Founder and Publisher Partner Executive Editor Senior Writer Creative Director Online Editor

K E L LY T Y N E R 4

CHRISTINE CLOUGH SAVANNAH OSBOURN KELLY TYNER KYLE ANDERSON DANIEL JEAN-LEWIS ASHLEY RICKS

Copy Editor Staff Writer Director of Sales & Marketing Account Manager Account Manager Graphic Design & Circulation

888.253.0455

KELLY@GROUPTR AVELLEADER.COM

The GROUP TRAVEL LEADER is published ten times a year by THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc., 301 East High St., Lexington, Kentucky 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified group leaders who plan travel for groups of all ages and sizes. THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER serves as the official magazine of GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY, the organization for traveling groups. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants and other travelrelated companies may subscribe to THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER by sending a check for $59 for one year to: THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Circulation Department, 301 East High St., Lexington, KY 40507. Phone (859) 253-0455 or (859) 253-0503. Copyright THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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CUSTOM CONTENT

A SALUTE TO

ST. LOUIS

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oldiers Memorial Military Museum has been a landmark in downtown St. Louis for nearly 100 years. Recently reopened after a $30 million renovation, its natural beauty has been enhanced, and it features newly expanded exhibition space and compelling exhibits that tell the stories of wars and conflicts through the lives of St. Louisans.

MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY ENLIVENS MUSEUM’S OFFERINGS

Accessibility was a major consideration, and the historic landmark is now ADA compliant. Improvements range from more readable type to a new ramp that serves as an accessible entrance at the front of the building. “Accessibility advisory committee members said, ‘We want to come in the front door like everyone else’,” said Greer. “We want this to be a welcoming building for any guest.”

Four statues that flank the building have been cleaned and restored. They are by Walker Hancock, a St. Louis artist and one of the famed World War II Monuments Men. To allow sight-impaired visitors to better grasp their beauty, one statue was reproduced in a small size and is displayed so those visitors can “see” it with their hands.

Outdoors, the Court of Honor, created as the City’s World War II memorial in 1948, been revitalized with a Five Branches Fountain and a reflecting pool.

Monuments to those who lost their lives in Korea and Vietnam have been added, along with new memorials to St. Louisans who lost their lives in more recent conflicts.

While many military museums seem primarily designed for veterans, the new Soldiers Memorial is aimed at a broad audience.

“We want this state-of-the-art museum to be not only for veterans, who are very important to this picture, but also a place where everyone will feel comfortable and intrigued as they learn about the conflicts that have faced St. Louisans from the American Revolution to the present day,” said Goldman.

Now managed by the Missouri Historical Society, Soldiers Memorial’s engaging tours and lively programs echo those at the award-winning Missouri History Museum, also managed by MHS. “We have completely revamped the spaces, inventoried the collection, recreated the two core galleries and created special exhibit space downstairs to tell yet another story,” said Tami Goldman, tourism and sales manager.

An opening exhibition focuses on World War I, fitting as the memorial opened in 1938 to honor the 1,075 St. Louisans who died in that war and reopened on the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I.

INTERACTIVE MUSEUM THEATER TOURS AN OPTION

Groups can choose among self-guided tours, docent-led tours or a two-hour tour enlivened by museum theater. Group tours will be offered starting January 2.

Marvin-Alonzo Greer, education and visitor experience lead, has created theater productions that focus on an event or person and can be performed in the museum or on a stage. Either way, performers will interact with their audience.

One of Greer’s scripts is based on letters of an African-American soldier who served in one of seven St. Louis regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War. Through such experiences, Greer says, the memorial answers the question “How did people from St. Louis impact not just Missouri, not just the U.S., but the world and how did those contributions influence generations to come?”

“They are universal stories that will connect with people from all over the country,” said Goldman.

ALWAYS STRIKING, SOLDIERS MEMORIAL NOW SHINES

Every effort was made to maintain the architectural and historic integrity of this beautiful art deco building while also bringing the 1938 structure up to contemporary museum standards. Unique metalwork on windows and doorways was cleaned and preserved, decorative plasterwork on ceilings restored, and original art deco light fixtures were cleaned and rewired.

S O L D I E R S M E M O R I A L M I L I TA R Y M U S E U M 1315 CHESTNUT STREET To book your tour call 314-361-9017, or visit mohistory.org/soldiers-tours/

QUESTIONS? Contact Tami Goldman, Tourism and Group Sales Manager

tgold@mohistory.org There are three designated dropoffs for motorcoaches, including one near the front entrance. The memorial has no café, but several nearby restaurants welcome groups.

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hy do your customers travel with you?

A new study released in October gives some interesting insights into the motivations of people who take packaged tours. Compiled by the Cornell College of Business and commissioned by the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), the study surveyed more than 600 travelers, many of whom have traveled with groups recently.

The researchers who did the study asked the participants numerous questions about their experiences with packaged travel and the reasons they chose to travel with tour operators instead of arranging their own trips. They found that the packaged travel customers could be divided into two distinct categories.

Most chose to travel with operators because of the service and convenience they offered. A smaller contingent, however, relied on tour companies to provide guidance and security when exploring faraway places.

The first segment, whom the study authors dubbed “Tailored Service Trippers,” represented 72 percent of the tour customers served.

“The Trippers use packaged travel because it makes their vacations worry-free by taking care of logistics and ensuring they are safe,” the authors wrote. “They also have a higher overall perception of packaged travel providers, primarily driven by the benefits they associate with packaged travel.”

The second group of customers, identified in the study as “Guidance-Seeking Globetrotters,” took packaged trips less frequently and tended to book with tour operators only for very specific kinds of trips.

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“Globetrotters turn to packaged travel when looking to visit an unfamiliar destination, particularly one they haven’t previously traveled to and/or where they do not speak the language,” the authors wrote. “They look to packaged travel to help them navigate the destination and manage local customs.”

I found this new research pretty interesting. It’s helpful to understand why people are drawn to packaged travel. Knowing what your customers want in a trip can help you build more satisfying products, refine your company’s marketing approach and help you find new clients who have similar tastes to your current travelers.

As helpful as this information is, though, the study tells only part of the story of packaged travel. USTOA’s active membership comprises 57 of the largest tour companies in the country that operate trips under 160 brands. Many sell their products through travel agents. As a result, the study focused mainly on the travelers who bought retail tour packages and traveled with big companies.

What the study missed were the hundreds of smaller tour companies that serve their local communities and sell directly to customers, building relationships that last for years. And it overlooked the thousands of group leaders and volunteer travel coordinators who plan trips for their churches, community groups, affinity clubs or even just old friends.

If the researchers had surveyed these smaller operators and their customers, they would have found another major motivating factor in the group travel industry: community.

People might come on your trips because they appreciate the convenience, security and expertise you provide. But they’re also coming because of you. They enjoy the friendship you offer and the kinship that comes from traveling with a community of people they know and enjoy.

As you plan your travel lineup and your marketing plan for 2019 and beyond, keep the importance of community and relationships in mind.

Your travelers can always find someone else to package a vacation for them.

But they won’t find another you to go along on the trip.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Changing

A V I S I T W I T H S C E N I C ’ S J O E L L E DAV I S

BY B O B H O E L S C H E R

HORIZONS

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uring a recent stop in Boston, I interviewed Joelle Davis, vice president of brand management for Scenic Luxury Tours and Cruises, at the company’s U.S. headquarters. This major international organization offers river cruises for groups under both the Scenic and the Emerald Waterways brands; the company also offers land tours worldwide, including those operated in North America by Mayflower Tours, which Scenic purchased earlier this year.

Here are excerpts of our conversation.

Bob Hoelscher: Tell me how you differentiate between the Scenic and the Emerald Waterways product lines.

Joelle Davis: Scenic’s fleet of 16 river vessels offers cruises on all the major European waterways except for the Elbe [in Germany] and Po [in Italy], as well as on the Mekong and Irrawaddy in southeast Asia. If it weren’t for the shopping opportunities available in these areas, one hardly would even need to take along his or her credit card, as virtually everything else imaginable is included in the basic cruise fares of this five-star line from the time that travelers step off the airplane to departure.

Guests enjoy a daily choice of two to four excursions, five different dining opportunities, premium open bar and stateroom minibars throughout, plus all gratuities, covering even sightseeing guides and drivers. Once on each seven-day trip, the company rents a chateau for a private Scenic Enrich concert or ballet performance, sometimes also including a special dinner.

Already recognized for providing excellent value during its first five years of existence, the seven ships of our four-star Emerald Waterways fleet ply the Danube, Rhine, Mosel, Main, Rhône, Saône and Douro rivers, plus the canals and waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner in the Reflections Dining Room and Horizon Bar and Lounge. At least one excursion is included in every port, and Discover More optional tours are priced at under 100 euros.

BH: What do you expect to be your hottest sellers in 2019?

JD: Due to the 75th anniversary of D-Day coming up next year, cruises on the Seine in France will be especially popular. One U.S.-based group took all the available space on Scenic’s departure, which includes the anniversary celebration planned for Normandy. Sailings on the Douro River in Portugal and Spain are also receiving increased interest.

BH: Your company is obviously proud of its new Scenic Eclipse Adventure Yacht, which will enter service this January. Give us an idea of what the ship will be like.

JD: This luxury vessel will be 17,085 tons and accommodate 226 guests, to be served by 192 crew members. There will be 10 different dining venues and a 5,900-square-foot spa. Aboard will be two helicopters and a submarine, so we can offer extraordinary sightseeing excursions, plus Scenic Eclipse is being fitted with extra-long and -wide stabilizers to complement her Polar Class 6 ice-hardened hull. Almost everything will be included — kayaks, zodiac trips, most spa services — except for scuba dives, helicopter and submarine excursions, which will not be operated as profit centers but priced at cost.

BH: What kind of itineraries can potential Scenic Eclipse guests expect to be offered?

JD: Lengthwise, cruises will generally be 11 or 12 days, with options to combine back-to-back sailings. Inaugural voyages this winter with roundtrip Antarctica voyages from Ushuaia [Argentina], continue along the eastern coast of South America in mid-March, make a trans-Atlantic trip to Tenerife [Canary Islands], spend April and May in the Mediterranean, then head to Norway in June for summer trips that will also explore the Arctic, Iceland and Canada.

BH: What do you see as Scenic’s primary goal in the U.S. during coming years?

JD: We’re looking to build our brand so that American travelers will recognize our company as luxury river cruise and small ship specialists. Although we’re now combining river cruises with land packages, look for us to introduce more land tours in the future.

THE SCENIC ECLIPSE SAILS TO SEVERAL POLAR DESTINATIONS. Courtesy Scenic Cruises & Tours

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FAMILY MATTERS BOOMERS WILL DESCEND ON FR ANKLIN, TENNESSEE

FRANKLIN FAVORITES, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: FIVE DAUGHTERS BAKERY; PUCKETT’S GROCERY; NATCHEZ TRACE BRIDGE.

Photos courtesy Visit Franklin

WICHI TA T O HOS T CONF ERENCES IN 2020 AND 2022 SALEM, Ohio — Visit Wichita is stepping up its marketing game in the faith-based travel and meeting planner industries. The destination will play host to the Going On Faith Conference in 2020 and the Small Market Meetings Conference in 2022.

“Wichita is a great destination for both leisure group travel and meetings and conferences,” said Joe Cappuzzello of The Group Travel Family, which manages both conferences.

The Going On Faith Conference is the nation’s leading gathering of faith-based and church travel planners and will bring religious travel planners from over 25 states to see and enjoy Wichita. The Small Market Meetings Conference serves meet-

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ing planners seeking medium to smaller destinations and venues to hold their conferences and conventions.

Meeting planners attending the Small Market Meetings Conference in Wichita will be made aware of the venues available and will come with requests for proposals in hand. Faith-based travel planners will find a new destination in Wichita to add to upcoming tour schedules.

Meeting planners interested in learning more about Visit Wichita should contact Heather Egan at 800-288-9424 or hegan@visitwichita.com. Faithbased travel planners may contact Lindsay Gully at 800-288-9424 or lgully@visitwichita.com.

SALEM, Ohio — Baby boomers are leading the charge in discovering hidden treasure destinations, and the Boomers In Groups Conference will give them a firsthand look at one with the announcement of the organization’s 2019 meeting site: Franklin, Tennessee.

Visit Franklin will welcome boomer travel planners to experience the area October 25-27, 2019, as the official host city of the Boomers In Groups Conference, a gathering of planners who focus on baby boomer group travel. The planners represent boomer organizations from across America that travel in groups.

“Boomer travel planners are going to discover Franklin, Tennessee, and the surrounding county as a must-return-to destination,” said Charlie Presley of Boomers In Groups.

Franklin has attracted a lot of buzz in the travel community lately. TripAdvisor ranked Franklin as one of the “Top 30 USA Cities to Visit.” Southern Living named Franklin one of its “Small Towns We Love.” Garden and Gun magazine called Franklin a “Small Town Escape,” and Travel and Leisure called Franklin one of “Americas Best Towns for Fall Colors.”

With that range of endorsements, it’s easy to understand the excitement building for Boomers In Groups 2019.

Delegates attending the conference will stay at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, which features meeting space on-site. The conference’s networking, meals and marketplace will take place just an elevator ride away from attendees’ rooms.

Franklin offers a perfect weekend getaway, with activities planned virtually every weekend of the year, and delegates will experience that destination feature with the conference’s being held on a Friday to Sunday.

“We have planned the conference to be able to partake in one of Franklin’s featured events and will announce the upcoming festival very soon,” Presley said.

Travel directors and those who work in the travel industry who are interested in meeting the boomer delegates should contact Boomers In Groups at 800628-0993 or visit www.boomersingroups.com.

Groups looking to visit Franklin may contact Katheryn York at 615-591-8514 or www.visitfranklin.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

SELEC T TR AVELER CONFERENCE EVOLVES FOR UPSCALE GROUPS SALEM, Ohio — The travel industry is experiencing growth in travel programs among loyalty organizations. This trend was spearheaded with the emergence of bank and financial institutions that developed travel clubs several decades ago.

Though banks have remained at the forefront of this trend, many other organizations have emerged, among them alumni associations, chambers of commerce, health organizations and libraries. The common thread with all these organizations is the desire to travel with a group with a common interest and similar travel tastes.

Loyalty travel has been of special interest to the travel industry because of its lack of price sensitivity. The organizations sponsoring the affinity travel frequently offer upscale travel packages in an effort to ensure favorable membership response.

The Select Traveler Conference, the leading association serving loyalty travel planners including banks, alumni organizations and chambers of commerce, has seen the growth of this trend.

“Our membership does gravitate to a higher star level of hotel and tour package selection, most likely because their membership demands it,” said Joe Cappuzzello, president of the Select Traveler Conference.

The Select Traveler Conference has grown over the years within the loyalty travel market. The organization was formed over 25 years ago and was then known as the BankTravel Conference. As new travel players entered the loyalty group arena, they were accepted into the conference membership.

“It made sense to allow the travel directors of alumni, chambers and others in because they too needed the networking and destination contacts,” Cappuzzello said.

One of the newest additions will be evident at the Select Traveler Conference 2019, when travel planners representing Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes are welcomed into membership. Osher is an organization representing more than 100 continuing education chapters at universities nationwide.

For more information, contact the Select Traveler Conference at 800-628-0993 or www.selecttravelerconf.com.

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JOIN US FOR A TRIP TO GEORGIA IN MARCH

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ave you always wanted to experience the top attractions in northwestern Georgia? Are you looking for ways to learn more about trip possibilities in Georgia and have a great time doing it?

Do you have a few days to see Georgia’s Historic High Country and Atlanta Metro regions firsthand in March? Would you like to spend a few days with executive staff of The Group Travel Leader magazine while you’re at it?

If so, we have just the opportunity for BRIAN JEWELL (BOTTOM LEFT) AND KELLY TYNER (BOTTOM RIGHT) WILL ACCOMPANY you.

TRAVEL PLANNERS TO ATTRACTIONS IN GEORGIA, INCLUDING BARNSLEY RESORT (TOP) AND CAVE SPRING (BOTTOM CENTER).

The Georgia Department of Tourism is inviting up to 20 of our travel planner Courtesy Barnsley Resort readers to enjoy a four-day site inspection trip in and around its Atlanta Metro and Historic High Country regions, March 11-14. Qualified travel planners will be guests of the Georgia Tourism staff and will enjoy visiting the communities of Roswell, Cartersville, Rome and Villa Rica.

And once you get to Georgia, all your expenses are covered.

“Join The Group Travel Leader’s execuCourtesy Rome Office of Tourism tive editor Brian Jewell and Kelly Tyner, our director of sales and marketing, for this will be reimbursed. fun and educational site inspection trip to experience the best of Georgia’s This readership event and site inspection tour is limited to 20 qualified Historic High Country,” said publisher Mac Lacy. “Brian and Kelly will travel planners. Applicants will complete a brief travel profile that will be accompany our Georgia hosts on this trip and will be sharing their travel used by Georgia Tourism staff to select attendees. experiences with everyone in attendance.

To submit your travel profile and request a spot on this exciting trip, go “Brian and Kelly will be highlighting the trip in real time on social to www.grouptravelleader.com/georgiatour and fill out your profile online. media, and Brian will write an article on this tour for The Group Travel To inquire by phone or to ask a question, call us toll-free at 888-253-0455 Leader magazine,” said Lacy. “Tour participants will have the opportunity and ask for Kelly. to share their impressions and experiences about Georgia with our staff Registration for this complimentary site inspection trip in Georgia closes and meet some wonderful hosts from the state. It’s going to be a lot of fun December 17, so don’t delay. for everyone involved.”

Join Brian, Kelly and the Georgia Department of Tourism for a wonderAll accommodations, sightseeing, transportation and meals are included ful trip March 11-14. once participants arrive in Georgia. No travel expenses to and from Georgia AN AN INDUSTRY INDUSTRY AN INDUSTRY PANEL PANEL PANEL SHOWCASED SHOWCASED SHOWCASED SOME SOME SOME OF OF THE THE OF THE INDUSTRY’S INDUSTRY’S INDUSTRY’S BRIGHTEST BRIGHTEST BRIGHTEST YOUNG YOUNG YOUNG MINDS. MINDS. MINDS.

All All photos photos All photos by

by Matthew Matthew

by Matthew Minucci, Minucci, Minucci, courtesy courtesy courtesy USTOA USTOA USTOA

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ROSWELL Located just north of Atlanta, the city of Roswell offers everything from breweries and chocolate factories to historic homes and nature centers.

You’re Invited

CARTERSVILLE Heading a little further northwest is Cartersville, home to the historic cultural site of the Etowah Indian Mounds and several trip-worthy museums.

Experience a scenic sampling of all that Northwest Georgia has to offer on this four-day FAM.

ROME In the foothills of the North Georgia mountains lies Rome, a river town first incorporated in 1834 and an excellent launching point for nature excursions or a night on the town.

March 11 - March 14 To see the full itinerary and sign up, visit grouptravelleader.com/georgiatour.

VILLA RICA West of Atlanta is the town of Villa Rica, known as “the city of riches,” after gold was discovered there and spurred Georgia’s forgotten gold rush.

Visit grouptravelleader.com/georgiatour if interested in attending. Limited to the first 20 tour operators. *Itinerary is subject to change

BARNSLEY RESORT Adairsville

This FAM invitation is limited to qualified tour operators with at least 2 years of professional experience and is non-transferable. FAM attendance is for BUSINESS associates only. Travel accommodations to and from Atlanta and personal incidentals are NOT included in the FAM trip and are the responsibility of the individual attending the FAM. This FAM includes four nights of accommodations, transportation during the FAM, and all meals and attractions as listed on the itinerary. A pre/post hotel FAM rate will be available for those wishing to extend their stay.

Now

G RO U P S B OA R D I N G

by BRIAN JEWELL

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ince the its initial boom in the 1990s, the modern cruise industry has been on a nearly unstoppable upward trajectory, with hundreds of millions of travelers worldwide taking up cruising over the past 30 years.

Today, groups have more opportunities than ever to embrace the cruising lifestyle with adventures on oceans and rivers around the world. In response to growing demand, cruise lines continue to innovate, rolling out new vessels, enhanced experiences, enticing food and other new features.

For groups looking to cruise in 2019 and 2020, the waters are more inviting than ever. We spoke with representatives of four cruise lines to find out what group leaders can expect from a wide variety of cruise products in the coming years.

Courtesy AQSC

DEMAND FOR CRUISES CONTINUES ITS WORLDWIDE ASCENT

INNOVATIVE NEW BUILDS

Hardly a month goes by without some cruise line announcing its plans to build a new ocean liner or riverboat. With constant building and refurbishment projects underway, innovation in vessel function and design is moving at lightning speed.

MSC Cruises, a worldwide ocean cruising brand, has launched a number of new ships over the past year, with more scheduled in 2019 and beyond. The MSC Seaside was the first in a class of ships designed with increased outdoor space and an emphasis on technology; its sister ship Seaview launched this June.

Another Seaside class ship, Bellissima, is scheduled to join the fleet next year.

“We’re launching Zoe on the Bellissima, coming out in March,” said Lori Sheller, vice president of strategic sales and groups for MSC Cruises USA. It’s kind of our own Alexa in the cabin. From the tech standpoint, all the ships have the newest technology available.”

In October, MSC announced an order for four more luxury cruise liners, which will enter the market between 2023 and 2026.

Sailing rivers in the United States, the American Queen Steamboat Company launched in 2012 with two legacy vessels, the American Queen and the American Duchess, that had been heavily refurbished to accommodate modern cruising. Now, work is underway on The American Countess, a 2,445-passenger vessel that will cruise the Mississippi River.

“We build and operate vessels in the traditional wedding-cake style, with multiple white decks and a big red paddlewheel for propulsion,” said president and CEO Ted Sykes. “In the case of the Countess, we’re taking a former gaming vessel, cutting it and lengthening it by adding a 16-foot mid-body section.

Everything will be brand-new, built to a very high standard.”

Scenic Cruises and Emerald Waterways, sister companies that have made their name in European river cruising, both have exciting new vessels in the works.

“Our newest and greatest ship coming online is the Emerald Harmony,” said Lisa Norton, vice president of brand management for Emerald Waterways. “It’s

THE AQUA PARK ON THE MSC SEASIDE

Courtesy MSC Cruises

THE EMERALD HARMONY IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Courtesy Emerald Waterways

MSC SEASIDE’S ONBOARD ZIP LINE

Courtesy MSC Cruises OPPOSITE PAGE: AMERICAN QUEEN STEAMBOAT COMPANY EMPHASIZES ELEGANT SPACES AND MEMORABLE DINING EXPERIENCES ON ITS AMERICAN RIVER CRUISES. GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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SCENIC CRUISES’ CULINAIRE PROGRAM

going to be sailing on the Mekong River. It will be introduced in 2019. It’s going to be an amazing, 84-passenger ship and the only river ship that can sail right into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.”

Scenic will christen a new vessel next year as well. Designed for the affluent market, the Eclipse will feature 10 dining venues, as well as a private helicopter and submarine for memorable and exclusive destination experiences.

NEW DESTINATIONS AND ITINERARIES

To accommodate evolving consumer demand, cruise lines are adapting itineraries and adding new destinations for the coming years.

“Costa Rican and Panama are booming for us,” said Tim Jacox, president and COO of UnCruise Adventures, a small-ship cruise line focused on adventure activities. “We just start operating there less than two years ago, and we’re there year-round.

We’re going to be doing 10- and 12-night itineraries there starting in 2019. We’ll be the only small ship there year-round doing a full transfer through the Panama Canal.”

MSC Cruises, which has been a favorite of European travelers for many years, is expanding the number of options it offers from North America.

“We have sailed from Cuba round trip, but never for the North American market, because it left from Havana,” Sheller said. “But starting in December of this year, we’ll have a ship sailing year-round from Miami that will overnight in Havana. And our new ship coming in 2019 will be doing a few sailings to Canada and New England out of New York.”

MSC is also preparing to debut Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, a private island that will be featured on a number of its Bahamas itineraries beginning next year.

Emerald Waterways’ most significant new itinerary will be the Harmony’s sailings on the Mekong in Asia. Sister company Scenic launched a cruise on the Douro River in Portugal in 2017, and Norton said the product has proven quite popular.

CULINARY EXPANSION

As culinary arts continue to grow in popularity among the traveling public, cruise lines are innovating in the food and beverage offerings to attract

MSC CRUISES’ PRIVATE ISLAND, OCEAN CAY

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Courtesy Scenic Cruises & Tours

travelers who value fine food and distinctive culinary experience. Often, this means expanding beyond the traditional dining room or all-you-can-eat buffet.

MSC Cruises is partnering with celebrity chef and Hawaiian-Asian fusion pioneer Roy Yamaguchi on its Seaside class ships.

“He has an Asian market and teppanyaki grille on those ships,” Sheller said. “He was personally involved in every aspect of the restaurants, menus and decor.

He designed them from the ground up.”

Culinary experiences play a large role in the programming at Emerald Waterways and Scenic as well.

“We’re doing our first ever wine specialist cruise,” said Norton. “We’ll have a master sommelier from each of our core markets — Australia, the U.S., the U.K. and Canada — on one of our Sensations of Burgundy and Provence sailing next year.”

Scenic has made food a hallmark of its brand with the Culinaire program.

“They’re expanding that in 2019,” Norton said.

“They have set up a beautiful area on the ships where groups can work with the chef. They can also go with them to the markets in ports and help them prepare the meals.”

UnCruise Adventures has found success with similar programs.

“We have a culinary and wine series on the Columbia and Snake rivers in the fall,” Jacox said.

“We have our own sommelier on board, as well as other wine experts and guests chefs. That cruise goes through some of the best wine regions in the world, so we’re going to be visiting a lot of wineries and focusing on the various wines.”

The culinary program is part of a focused effort UnCruise is making to highlight local cuisine with sustainable ingredients.

“In Mexico, we’re sourcing fish and produce locally,” said Sarah Scoltock, the company’s senior director of communications. “We have a plot of land where they’re actually growing food for us. In Alaska, we’re sourcing wild Alaskan seafood locally. And in Hawaii, we’re buying produce and meat locally. We also have a pastry chef on each ship — that’s always the most popular person on board.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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Courtesy MSC Cruises

DEMAND AND PRICING TRENDS

Though the largest cruise lines employ dynamic pricing models that can lead to discounted pricing on some departures, the strong demand for cruise products means that boutique and mid-sized brands are holding steady on their prices or, in some cases, raising rates.

American Queen Steamboat Company, which sells all-inclusive fares and operates every cruise at full capacity, plans to keep pricing flat.

“We’re an expensive ticket because we pay American wages,” Sykes said. “But we think we’ve found a sweet spot in pricing. We don’t mark it up to mark it down. We have kept our pricing flat year over year, and then we sail full. 2019 is selling very fast for us — we’re way ahead of last year. And we have 2020 itineraries and pricing in the marketplace already.”

Emerald Waterways is seeing similar success.

“Our 2019 cruises are selling phenomenally well, particularly in the U.S. market,” Norton said. “We had been the new kids on the block, but we have had tremendous response from groups. Groups have been about 35 percent of the business for Emerald Waterways, and it continues to grow and grow.

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“We’re out with our products for 2020, and our message has always been ‘book early and get your cruise for last year’s price.’ That is good until about Feb. 1.”

MSC Cruises offers some pricing flexibility. The company also offers a group rate with discounts below standard FIT fares. Groups may also qualify for an amenities program as well, which increases the value travelers get for the price of their cruise.

Jacox said that UnCruise Adventures’ small ships and exclusive experiences don’t lend themselves well to discounts or dynamic pricing, although the company sometimes offers on-board credits or activity discounts as part of special promotions. But in general, high demand is helping the company keep its pricing integrity and pay full commissions to travel agents.

“You won’t find us crossing out our prices or offering free air,” he said. “Our prices have increased. Our 2020 Alaska rates and dates are out in the marketplace.

Our other destinations are out there through spring of 2020. There are some increases you can already see there, about 5 to 7 percent on average.”

AMERICAN QUEEN STEAMBOAT COMPANY’S VESSELS, INCLUDING THE AMERICAN EMPRESS (TOP) AND THE AMERICAN DUCHESS (BOTTOM), BLEND TRADITIONAL RIVERBOAT DESIGN WITH MODERN LUXURY AMENITIES. Photos courtesy American Duchess

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BRING THE WHOLE GROUP ON MSC CRUISES CHOOSE FROM 4 FABULOUS SHIPS AND MAKE MEMORIES IN THE CARIBBEAN AND CUBA Plan a festive family reunion, a milestone celebration or meeting at sea. Discover the colorful Caribbean on the world’s most beautiful ships with onboard amenities as captivating as the destinations you’ll visit ashore. Be the first to explore Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, opening November 2019. Celebrate day and night from the dock to our eco-friendly island oasis.

MSC MERAVIGLIA Meet, mingle and shop in the stunning Mediterranean-style promenade with brilliant 262 ft. light shows.

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Contact Wayne Peyreau: 954-958-3283 | Wayne.Peyreau@msccruisesusa.com

TOWN

AND

Country

Courtesy Visit Omaha

Courtesy Nebraska Tourism

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Courtesy Visit Omaha

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

IT’S HARD TO KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN

I N NE BR AS KA

BY E L I ZA B E T H H E Y

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ebraska is more than you might expect. From the largest migration of sandhill cranes in the world to spellbinding pioneer history, top-notch sports and outstanding entertainment, the state’s offering is vast. As Nebraska’s largest city, Omaha claims numerous museums, culinary tours and Boys Town, with its impressive history and mission. The capital city, Lincoln, revels in Husker mania during football season, and tours of the state Capitol and world-class entertainment at the Lied Center for Performing Arts round out the calendar.

In spring, the sandhill cranes put on a spectacle like no other in the Platte River Valley near Kearney and Grand Island. Not to be missed, the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island showcases pioneer history and hosts elaborate holiday events. And in Nebraska City, thanks to the vision of a local politician, a reverence for trees intermingles with tales of westward-bound immigrants who used this town as a jumping-off point.

All in all, Nebraskans will welcome your group with their friendliness and wow you with all there is to experience.

NEBRASKA EXPERIENCES, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: OMAHA’S DURHAM MUSEUM; AN OMAHA CULINARY TOUR; SANDHILL CRANE MIGRATION IN GRAND ISLAND.

OMAHA Jump into Omaha’s food scene with Omaha Culinary Tours. Walking and bus tours feature five or six 15-minute stops where groups chat with restaurant chefs or owners about their signature dishes. Always popular are walking tours of the Old Market, the up-and-coming Blackstone District and themed tours such as Brews and Bites.

Bus tours include the Classic Steakhouse, which visits family-owned steakhouses and features the city’s cattle history and different cuts of meat at each stop.

“Because we’re in the Heartland, Omaha establishments locally source most meats and vegetables, except seafood, which makes for some really terrific

cuisine,” said Omaha Culinary Tours owner Suzy Allen. “For groups larger than 24 people, we divide them among several guides for a round-robin or progressive tour.”

West of downtown, Boys Town is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit communities for at-risk youth. Guided and self-guided tours showcase the 1929 Father Flanagan House, featured in the movie “Boy’s Town” with Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney; the rose garden that’s a replica from Father Flanagan’s boyhood home in Ireland; and the Hall of History. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily.

Omaha boasts numerous museums. One standout, the Smithsonian-affiliate Durham Museum, is housed in the Art Deco Union Station. Train cars are among the many displays and rotating exhibits, plus there’s a 1930s soda fountain that still serves treats. Via Ollie the Trolley, River City History Tours offers tablet-enhanced tours that pair historic photos with each stop.

LINC OLN At every University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) home football game, Memorial Stadium becomes the state’s third largest “city,” with 85,000plus die-hard fans. Tours of the stadium offers an insider’s view of Husker athletics. Groups can walk through the tunnel from which the players emerge onto the empty field and take in the Osborne Athletic Complex, home to the football program’s museum and half-acre weight room, one of the nation’s largest.

Also on the UNL campus, the Sheldon Museum of Art comprises more than 12,000 works in diverse media. The museum’s comprehensive collection of American art includes 19th-century landscapes and still lifes, American impressionism and contemporary art. Events include First Fridays and Look at Lunchtime, which takes place the third Thursday of each month and features a

Artwork by Donia Simmons GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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Courtesy Nebraska City COC

ARBOR DAY FARM IN NEBRASKA CITY

STUHR MUSEUM OF THE PIONEER PRAIRIE Courtesy Nebraska Tourism

VISIT NEBRASK A — W W W.V ISI T N EBR ASK A.COM —

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEMORIAL STADIUM

GREAT PLATTE RIVER ROAD ARCHWAY MONUMENT

By J. Nabb, courtesy Kearney VB

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Courtesy Lincoln CVB MUSEUM OF NEBRASKA ART

By J. Nabb, courtesy Kearney VB

15-minute dialogue about an artwork currently on view.

Since 1990, the Lied Center for Performing Arts has brought music, dance and theater to the Greater Nebraska community. From touring Broadway musicals to ballet and music that spans the genres, the Lied’s calendar showcases talent year-round. Before most main stage events, a member of the company or an expert from the community gives a talk in the Steinhart Room.

“We bring the world’s greatest artists to Nebraska so people don’t have to travel to New York or Chicago to see them perform,” said executive director Bill Stephan.

“We also find many opportunities to feature Nebraska’s top talent on our stage, too.”

Guided tours of Nebraska’s Capitol, designed by New York architect Bertram G. Goodhue, feature intricate mosaic ceilings and floors, paintings and sculpture inside the 400-foot-tall building.

KEARNEY Near Kearney, the world’s largest gathering of sandhill cranes — more than 600,000 — occurs in the Platte River valley. The birds stop there on the way to their summer breeding grounds in the North. Groups will thrill at the sight that begins at sunrise on the river when thousands of roosting sandhill cranes pop their heads out from under their wings and lift off from sandbars to feed in the surrounding fields.

Rowe Sanctuary, near Kearney, and the Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center, near Grand Island, provide blinds overlooking the crane migration. During peak season, from mid-March to mid-April, the Audubon Nebraska Crane Festival offers programs featuring worldrenowned experts and numerous viewing opportunities.

In downtown Kearney, the World Theatre is a 1927 beauty that hosts art house movies. Renovated by Kearney native and Hollywood screenwriter Jon Bokenkamp, the original stage overlooks a dramatic interior of rose walls and plush red seats.

The white marble steps of the former Kearney post office lead to the Museum of Nebraska Art, affectionately known as the MONA. Each artist represented in the museum’s 5,000-piece collection shares significant ties to Nebraska. Rotating exhibitions and a gift shop filled with Nebraska-made artwork and items are sure to please any group.

Hard to miss on any road trip, the Archway spans I-80 and commemorates those who journeyed across the Great Platte River Road. Headsets put visitors into the action on a self-guided tour that spans the history of Nebraska from its days when the buffaloes roamed the prairie to the Pony Express, the transcontinental railroad and the Lincoln Highway. Catering, including chuck-wagonstyle barbecue, is available, and the event room seats up to 150 people.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

GRAND ISLAND The Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center near Grand Island houses interactive displays, the Hornady Art Gallery, a 30-foot-tall observation tower and a butterfly garden. Groups can trek across the prairie and river footbridges on more than 10 miles of trails among native wildflowers and birds. Three years ago, the Crane Trust reintroduced a bison herd that rotates throughout the property. During the crane migration, guided blind tours and sunset tours take place on the footbridge over the river. The March schedule features a speaker series and wildlife photography classes.

“Our one-night VIP Experience includes two meals, including beer and wine, on Crane Trust private lands, plus two guided crane-viewing experiences at sunset and sunrise,” said Kendrick Clay, relationship manager for the Crane Trust. “Two-night Crane Trust Safaris include five meals, four crane-viewing experiences and an afternoon activity, usually a guided hike or vehicle tour of the untouched prairie on private Mormon Island.”

The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer displays an amazing variety of artifacts, from antique cars and farm machinery to Railroad Town and the replicated pioneer “road ranch” settlements of the 1850s to 1860s.

Designed by renowned architect Edward Durell Stone, who designed the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the main building features art and exhibits of prairie pioneer life. One of the center’s many events, December’s “Christmas Past and Present” features historic Railroad Town decked in period holiday decor with costumed re-enactors. “Fantasy of Trees” features themed Christmas trees on display from Thanksgiving weekend through December.

NEBRASKA CIT Y Founded in 1854 on the Missouri River, the community quickly became a jumping-off spot for the Oregon Trail. According to Brian Volkmer, historian and director of the Nebraska City Museum Association, the city’s layout hasn’t changed much since the 1850s. Central Avenue’s business district, the former trail route, still extends from the river and gently rises to meet the plains.

Nebraska City has 10 museums. Several, such as the Old Freighters Museum, the Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting and the Kreigel Windmill Factory Museum, teach history buffs about the city’s early days.

Visitors to the Lewis and Clark Missouri River Basin Visitors Center experience the sights and sounds of this famous expedition that focused on the flora and fauna discovered en route.

Arbor Lodge State Historical Park honors the legacy of local resident and politician Julius Sterling Morton. Morton planted many of the 260 species of trees and shrubs surrounding his 52-room mansion, where costumed docents lead tours. Arbor Day Farm, formerly Morton’s agricultural estate, hosts the interactive Tree Adventure and Lied Greenhouse, where visitors receive seedling souvenirs ready for planting. Nearby, Adirondack-style architecture distinguishes the Lied Lodge and Conference Center, where paved paths, a spa and an Olympic-size, heated indoor pool make a lovely oasis any time of year.

September’s AppleJack Festival is a citywide event. The AppleJam Carnival kicks off events, which are followed by the downtown parade, the AppleJack Craft Fair and the River City Classic Car Show. Arbor Day Farm, Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard, and Union Orchard offer abundant activities, from wine tastings to U-pick apples and pumpkins.

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Swing

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Courtesy Local Roots Food Tours

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5

GREAT WAYS TO SPEND A DAY

I N CALI FORN IA B Y RO B I N RO E N K E R

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here’s no place quite like Hollywood and no state quite like California.

Whether it’s the draw of its wine country, the natural beauty of Yosemite and the Pacific coastline or the starlit glamour of Hollywood, California offers a menu of appealing travel experiences you can’t get anywhere else.

Here are five iconic California tours, each offering intimate access to some of the Golden State’s most famed destinations.

TRAVELERS CAN ENJOY SACRAMENTO’S BREWERY AND RESTAURANT SCENE ON LOCAL ROOTS FOOD TOURS.

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YOSEMITE NATIONA L PARK For outdoor enthusiasts, no trip to California would be complete without a visit to Yosemite National Park, where the breathtaking beauty of the natural landscape is matched only by the vast array of ways to get out and enjoy it. Guests can hike, raft, bike and in the winter months, even ski and snow tube the terrain that so inspired legendary photographer Ansel Adams and others.

At the height of the summer travel season, scheduling group tours in Yosemite can be challenging, if not impossible. But during the fall and winter months, Yosemite Hospitality can easily accommodate large groups for guided bus tours of the Yosemite Valley. Overnight groups can arrange lodging at one of the four main hotels in the national park, including the Yosemite Valley Lodge, just steps away from picturesque Yosemite Falls, or the more upscale and historic Majestic Yosemite Hotel, built in 1927. For the more adventurous overnighter, the park also offers rustic, canvas tent cabins at Half Dome Village.

“Our team of hospitality naturalists can work with groups to arrange anything from a private guided hike on a trail in the park to a starry-skies evening program in Yosemite, which is a very popular option,” said Lisa Cesaro, marketing manager for Yosemite Hospitality. “We often have groups that work with us to schedule a hike to the top of

Yosemite Falls, for example, and our guides are able to not just lead them on the trip but also talk with them about the park and its history along the way.”

Yosemite is a true year-round attraction, and winter is an ideal time to visit.

“We have California’s original ski area in the park,” Cesaro said. “It’s the oldest ski area in California, built in 1935. We can do group bookings for lift tickets, rentals and even lessons.”

The Majestic Yosemite Hotel offers occasional food- and wine-tasting events during the winter months, and free shuttles from park accommodations make access to the ski zone easy.

W W W.T R AV ELYOSE M I T E .COM

A DAY IN LA TOURS Los Angeles Strolling down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and past the boutiques of Rodeo Drive is high on most California visitors’ must-do lists.

The seven-hour guided tour of Los Angeles offered by A Day in LA Tours lets groups enjoy all the highlights of the City of Angels without having to navigate the city’s notoriously challenging traffic on their own.

The daylong excursion hits all the city’s high points: Venice Beach, the Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive and Hollywood are just a few of the famous stops.

A Day in LA Tours has a fleet of 50-seat buses and can accommodate large groups of up to 300.

“With our large groups, we usually have ample time to plan and customize exactly what they want to see,” said Kevin Silberman, president of the tour company. “Most of our tours start at the beach, where guests will see the Santa Monica Pier and the end of Route 66, which is a very iconic spot.”

The itinerary also includes some self-guided walking, with about 45 minutes of sightseeing time at most stops. “We do our best to make sure people have time to get off the bus and aren’t just

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stuck in their seats all day,” Silberman said.

Tours typically allow guests a midday lunch break at Los Angeles’ famed Original Farmers Market, itself a historic site, having opened in 1934. The tours also build in ample time for attendees to find their favorite stars and take photos along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, along with other famous spots.

Guests can visit Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the site of movie legends’ handprints and footprints, as well as the Dolby Theatre, home to the Oscars, during the Hollywood Boulevard stop. And the bus stop at the Griffith Park or Mulholland Drive overlook offers picture-perfect views of the iconic Hollywood sign.

Large tours can be tailored to meet the needs of the group, and multiday itineraries are available.

HIKING YOSEMITE’S MIST TRAILS

W W W. A DA Y I N L AT OU R S .COM

Photos courtesy Yosemite Hospitality GroupTravelLeader.qxp_Courier 7/04 1/4/17 4:24 PM P

EL CAPITAN AND YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE

Discover The Huntington

Group Tours Available Pasadena Adjacent huntington.org

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THE MAJESTIC YOSEMITE HOTEL

LOCAL RO OTS FO OD TOURS Sacramento In 2012, Sacramento branded itself America’s Farm-toFork Capital, and there’s ample justification for the claim.

“We have a thriving food scene, and the branding was really the edification of something that has been going on in Sacramento for years,” said Dawnie Andrak, owner of Local Roots Food Tours, which offers a culinary walking tour of the city. “We are in close proximity to lots of local farms and producers, and it is very easy in Sacramento to put together a meal entirely from ingredients sourced within 50 to 100 miles from here.”

Local Roots offers three different walking tour packages, each three hours long and dedicated to exploring and tasting the cuisine and history of a particular section of the city. Private, customizable itineraries of shorter lengths are also available, and Andrak’s team can work with groups of up to 200.

“We tend to highlight locally owned establishments on our tours,” said Andrak. “We like to feature folks who have seasonal menus who are changing their menus based on what is in season and available so we know that they’re supporting local producers and local farmers.”

Each tour includes five to six stops, and at each one, tour patrons can enjoy an appetizer-sized sample of the chef’s creations. “Nobody goes away hungry,” said Andrak.

The guided, group format helps make it easy for those who are not natives to experience the shining stars in Sacramento’s food scene without having to ferret them out for themselves.

Mayahuel, a Mexican restaurant that also touts itself as a tequila museum, is a favorite stop among guests, as is local spice shop The Allspicery.

“We have so many wonderful local restaurants in Sacramento that are sometimes hidden gems,” said Andrak.

“At times we even get feedback from locals after a tour saying, ‘I didn’t know about this place, but I will definitely be back.’”

W W W. LOC A L ROOT SF OODT OU R S .COM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

SILVER CIT Y GHOST TOW N Bodfish At Silver City Ghost Town in the Kern River Valley, visitors come to appreciate the dual meaning of the term “ghost town.” The town features 21 historic buildings, dating from the late 19th century to the early 1920s.

Rumor has it that the assembled village of quaint, abandoned California mining town buildings is haunted.

“We purchased the first half of the property in 1988, and I was a skeptic for seven years until I saw what looked like a person peeling back the curtains to look at me in a building I knew was locked with no one inside,” said owner J. Paul Corlew, who reopened Silver City as a tourist attraction in 1992 following years of abandonment.

Since then, Corlew and members of his family have had multiple paranormal experiences — including seeing spirits and witnessing items flying off shelves — which they happily recount to visitors on their occasional guided, nighttime ghost hunt tours and History Mystery Lantern Tours.

For those more interested in the site as a ghost town in the historic sense, self-guided tours of the property are available daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Informational signs offer insight into the origins and use of each building, all of which were gathered from within seven miles of the current site. Many still boast their original building signage, and all offer a firsthand look at California life during its peak mining boom days.

“We call ourselves a composite town because we’re a collection of buildings salvaged from historic mining towns located throughout Kern Valley,” Corlew said.

LOS ANGELES ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET WITH A DAY IN LA TOURS

Courtesy A Day in LA Tours

THE VIEW IS J U S T T H E B EG I N N I N G BUY TICKETS

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The original owner, Dave Mills, built Silver City in the late 1960s. “People were breaking into these abandoned buildings and destroying them, and he wanted to bring them here to preserve them,” Corlew said.

W W W.SI LV ERCI T YGHOST T OW N.COM

LOCAL ROOTS FOOD TOURS SHOWCASES THE FARM-FRESH FLAVORS OF SACRAMENTO.

Courtesy Local Roots Food Tours

WINE TOURS Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley Any dream trip to California would be incomplete without a day in the state’s famous wine country. To enjoy the intimate quality of many of the wineries in Napa and Sonoma, traveling with small groups of under 20 is ideal, said Bill Kim, general manager of California Tours Inc., which offers several guided Wine Country tour options.

Many of the wineries limit tour and tastings reservations to about 20 at a time, so when working with larger tour groups, Kim often encourages them to break into smaller groups using multiple buses. “One group will do one tasting at a winery while the other will go to a different winery nearby, and then we just flip it — so both groups get to do both tours,” he said.

Kim works with tour planners to learn their group’s wine preferences, which helps him decide what wineries to visit.

“Everyone has a different desire for their wine and the flavors that they enjoy,” he said. “So I ask a lot of questions to learn their background and interests so we can customize the best destinations for them.”

While catering to the group’s preferences, Kim also said he hopes to be able to introduce visitors to California wines they’ve never experienced before.

W W W.C A L I F OR N I A-T OU R .COM

PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

One of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations!

For information on POMPEII and our other special exhibits visit ReaganLibrary.com OCTOBER 6, 2018 - APRIL 21, 2019

Travel Back in Time to 79 A.D. • Experience life in the bustling, ancient Roman city of Pompeii • Marvel at nearly 200 precious artifacts, lost for nearly 2,000 years

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• Relive the massive power of Mt. Vesuvius in 4D Eruption Theatre

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

40 Presidential Drive • Simi Valley, CA 93065 • 805.577.2704 • ReaganLibrary.com

METRO

BY E L I ZA M Y E R S

Michigan

All photos courtesy Experience Grand Rapids GRAND RAPIDS FEATURES A THRIVING FOOD AND DRINK SCENE.

GRAND RAPIDS IS AN ASCENDING CITY

G

erald Ford went from washing dishes as a college student to leading the country as the president of the United States.

This former Grand

Rapids, Michigan, resident

lived an unexpected and

remarkable life, which visitors can learn about in detail at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.

The second-largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids has produced many outstanding characters whose lives have helped shape the town. Frederik Meijer launched the Meijer retail empire, then used his wealth to create a beloved botanical garden.

The Robinette family started a simple farm that grew to a major agritourism attraction. Two friends GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

started a brewery that defied expectations and became one of the most prominent breweries in the state.

Each of these visionaries realized their own version of the American dream, which guests can learn about on tours of the Frederik Meijer Gardens, the Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery and the Founders Brewing Company. Groups discover the interesting characters of the town’s past and present at these quintessential Grand Rapids attractions.

F O U N D E R S B R E W I N G C O M PA N Y Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers of the Founders Brewing Company were so far behind on rent that they came to work each day with bolt cutters, fearing their landlord might try to lock them out of their brewery. On the verge of bankruptcy and resigned to the death of their dream, the pair decided to brew one last batch of beer.

Since it would be their last batch, Stevens and Engbers didn’t formulate it to appeal to the masses. Instead, they experimented with flavors and brewed the kind of beer they like to drink.

Surprisingly, this new beer found an audience of beer enthusiasts

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FOUNDERS BREWING CO.

with similar tastes who helped the brewery grow into one of the most recognized brands in the country.

“The cool thing about the Founders story beyond the excitement of the tour is this American dream story of two entrepreneurs that would not take no for an answer,” said Nitkiewicz. “They have ultimately grown more expansively than any other brewery in the country in recent years. They have doubled every year.”

During tours of the brewery, visitors learn about the technology behind brewing beers and get to sample a flight afterward. The company has won six World Beer Cup medals and produces eight year-round beers, with several seasonal brews.

ROBINETTE’S APPLE H AU S A N D W I N E R Y

CHERRY BLOSSOMS AT ROBINETTE’S APPLE HAUS AND WINERY

E XPERIENCE GR AND R APIDS — WWW.EXPERIENCEGR.COM —

A TRAM TOUR AT FREDERIK MEIJER SCULPTURE GARDENS

GERALD R. FORD PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM

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When Jim Robinette looked at his finances at the end of the day in the late 1960s, he realized his small farm wasn’t able to turn a profit. To avoid selling his land to developers who would turn it into houses and shopping centers, he took a chance on building a cider mill in 1971.

This changed the produce farm into a retail destination that is now a popular agritourism stop in Grand Rapids. Guests can still watch as cider is made fresh at the farm.

“They have great Michigan wine you can taste right alongside the cider and apple doughnuts in the fall,” said Nitkiewicz. “There is an opportunity to taste various apple treats there as well.”

Now operated by the fourth generation of Robinette farmers, the 1911 farm offers a plethora of local flavors to sample. A tasting bar inside a renovated 1881 barn features hard cider, apple wines and a souvenir wine glass. Seasonally, groups can pick apples, peaches and cherries.

Other fall activities include hayrides with horsedrawn wagons pulled by Belgian horses, hiking trails, a giant corn maze and a shop with original west Michigan artwork and other gifts.

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS In 1962, Frederik Meijer opened Meijer Thrifty Acres with his father. He helped pioneer the one-stop shopping stores now common in the modern world.

When the West Michigan Horticultural Society approached him and his wife, Lena, asking for funds for a botanical garden in 1990, the couple embraced the idea. They donated significant funding for the project, as well as a tract of land and their entire sculpture collection to the organization.

Today, the 158-acre botanical garden and out-

door sculpture park is the state’s second-largest tourist attraction.

“There is a stark contrast between the art and natural beauty of the gardens,” said Dave Nitkiewicz, specialty markets sales manager for Experience Grand Rapids. “The couple was a big fan of sculptures, so they married their interests with the garden.”

The most popular attractions at the garden include Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, three indoor theme gardens and an eight-acre Japanese Garden that opened in 2015. The 30-acre outdoor sculpture park showcases 170 sculptures by world-renowned artists, among them Auguste Rodin, Louise Bourgeois and Alexander Calder.

Visitors can also view rotating temporary exhibits from modern sculpture masters.

Groups can explore the vast gardens on their own or with a docent. A 45-minute narrated outdoor tram tour runs from June through December 31. The gardens even incorporate art into dining experiences, since Dale Chihuly glass sculptures hang from the ceiling of the Balk Cafe.

GERALD R. FORD PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM By 1974, America’s vice president and president had resigned in disgrace within a year of each other. It was at this inauspicious moment that Ford became the 38th president of the United States, despite not appearing on the ballot in the last presidential election.

Before President Richard Nixon selected him to replace the vice president, Ford had planned to retire from the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of the year. His sudden rise to power came as a surprise. He took up the challenge and tried to heal the country after the Watergate scandal.

“He restored credibility to the White House after Nixon,” said Nitkiewicz. “He showed strength of character and leadership with his ability to be the moral arbiter of the country. He was able to see past party partnerships.”

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum reveals his fascinating life story from his time growing up in Grand Rapids until his death in 2006. The 44,000-square-foot triangular museum houses 20,000 artifacts from his life and career, including Boy Scout memorabilia, head of state gifts and re-election campaign materials.

Groups can walk through a replicated Oval Office, watch videos of president Ford and see a gallery on the Watergate scandal. An interactive Cabinet Room allows visitors to imagine how they would handle various presidential decisions that Ford faced.

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or the first time in more than 25 years, sports fans can legally place bets on sporting events at casinos in numerous states around the country.

In May, the Supreme Court struck down a 1992 federal law that banned commercial sports betting. The decision opened the door for individual states to legalize sports betting, potentially recovering some of the estimated billions of dollars in illegal sports wagers made

by Americans every year.

Previously, fans could place sports bets legally only in Nevada. Some states, like Delaware, moved quickly to allow sports betting in their state. Other states are studying the issue or watching to see whether or not legalized sports betting is successful.

Many gaming experts expect states to eventually allow sports betting, with some predicting that in five to 10 years, 20 to 30 states will have legalized the practice. For now, the focus is on six states now leading the charge: Delaware, Mississippi, New Jersey, West Virginia, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania.

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DELAWARE

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Delaware became the first state to legalize sports betting after the Supreme Court’s decision by opening bets on June 5. Gov. John Carney placed a $10 bet on the Philadelphia Phillies to beat the Chicago Cubs, which he won.

The state is also hoping to cash in by opening full-scale sports books at the state’s three racetrack casinos: Delaware Park Casino, Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, and Harrington Raceway and Casino. Gaming enthusiasts can also place professional and college football parlay bets at 100 retail locations across the state.

The Delaware Lottery plans to offer mobile wagering at a later date, although no timeline has been released. Casino guests can now place singlegame bets on football, baseball, hockey, basketball, soccer, golf and auto racing.

Delaware sports books accepted about $17 million in wagers for the first month of football season. The largest of the state’s three racinos, Delaware Park, has pulled in most of the wagers. Delaware Park sits just outside Wilmington in Stanton, about 30 miles from Philadelphia.

Groups visiting Delaware Park can place wagers on Arabian horse races, 2,500 slot machines and live table games. The park also offers 11 dining venues and an 18-hole golf course called White Clay Creek Country Club.

DELAWARE PARK CASINO IN WILMINGTON

HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT CHARLES TOWN RACES IN WEST VIRGINIA

GOLDEN NUGGET ATLANTIC CITY Courtesy AC CRDA

Courtesy Delaware Park

RHODE ISLAND’S TWIN RIVER CASINO HOTEL

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Courtesy Twin River Casino Hotel

Courtesy Jefferson Co. CVB

HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT PENN NATIONAL RACE COURSE Courtesy Visit Hershey & Harrisburg NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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MISSISSIPPI

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Hoping to generate more revenue for local gaming properties, Mississippi officials approved sports wagering, but with the caveat that all wagering take place inside a casino. Limited mobile sports betting is now allowed while on casino grounds. Officials enforce this regulation with geofencing that uses a phone’s location to check if a participant is betting while inside a gaming facility.

So far, the state has seen impressive numbers, with sports gamblers wagering $9.8 million at Mississippi casinos from August 1 to September 3.

Though September figures aren’t available yet, many believed the numbers would increase with the start of the football season.

Casinos executives hope sports betting will lure more wagers on other casino games, restaurants and hotels. In anticipation of a favorable decision by the Supreme Court, Mississippi lawmakers passed a bill in 2017 that allowed for sports betting. The pre-existing law made it easy for the state to cash in on sports betting earlier than many other states.

The Beau Rivage in Biloxi and the Gold Strike in Tunica became the first two of the state’s casinos to offer sports betting. Since then, 21 operators have opened sports books, with seven other operators either in the process of sports book approval or choosing not to participate. Some casinos already plan to expand their sports books to meet demand.

Mississippi is the only Southeastern state that legally offers sports wagering.

MISSISSIPPI’S BEAU RIVAGE RESORT AND CASINO Courtesy MS Gulf Coast Regional CVB

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NEW JERSEY

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New Jersey led the charge to legalize sports betting, bringing the lawsuit that challenged the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act that outlawed sports betting in 1992.

However, the state was the second state to accept bets after the Supreme Court’s decision. The governor signed a sports betting bill into law less than a month after the Supreme Court decision, with the hope of bringing in $13 million in tax revenue in the first year.

Fans placed the first bets on June 14, just days after the law legalizing sports betting was approved. Gov. Phil Murphy placed one of the first legal sports bets in the state at Monmouth Park, a racetrack in the northern part of the Garden State. The Meadowlands Racetrack near New York City also opened a sports book.

Gamblers can legally place online and mobile sports wagers throughout the state. Racetracks and casinos rolled out several internet offerings during the summer. In July, the state collected $325,000 in tax revenue from sports wagering, although more is expected during football season.

Six New Jersey casinos and two racetracks now offer sports betting, and more casinos may follow soon. Some casinos cite business relationships with professional teams, such as the Hard Rock’s partnership with the NFL and the Miami Dolphins, as a reason for delaying sports betting.

Some of the first casinos to offer sports betting in the state include the Borgata Casino, Caesars Entertainment’s casinos, the Gold Nugget Casino and the Ocean Resort Casino and Resort.

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WEST VIRGINIA

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High rollers headed to West Virginia in September to place sports wagers at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.

The Charles Town casino and race track’s sports book features individual viewing stations and expects lounge seating soon.

Guests can view betting odds on display monitors, and the casino has 50 feet of wall space dedicated to 80-inch televisions showing live sports action.

The casino accepted the state’s first sports bets on August 30. Former NFL player Joe Theismann joined the opening ceremonies on September 1. The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs also began offering sports wagering, and the other three state casinos plan to offer sports betting in the near future.

Officials estimate sports wagering could bring in about $5.5 million in the first year. The state offers betting both on-site and online via mobile apps. The first weekend at the Hollywood Casino alone drew in $320,000 in table revenue. West Virginia officials believe that since many of West Virginia’s neighboring states haven’t yet offered sports betting, the opportunity will draw people across state lines.

Currently, sports enthusiasts can bet on football, basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball, golf, tennis, auto racing, rugby, cycling, boxing and cricket.

Bold bettors can request several types of wagers, including parlays, straight bets, matchups, futures, props and in-play betting.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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RHODE ISLAND

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Though initial projections offered October 1 as the launch date for sports betting in Rhode Island, the state now hopes to accept its first wagers in mid-November. Rollout delays occurred from IGT and its partner William Hill, the company in charge of building and testing the sports betting systems. The companies have been busy, since they also helped launch West Virginia and Mississippi’s sports betting systems.

Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo signed the state budget with language allowing sports betting. The new law would allow only in-person betting, with no current plans to provide mobile betting. The state estimates that sports betting wagers could exceed $800 million the first year in the state. The current agreement allots 51 percent of sports betting revenue to go to the state.

The state offers two locations that will soon allow sports wagering: the Twin River Casino and the Tiverton Casino Hotel. The Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln, Rhode Island, sits inside a recently renovated facility with 162,000 square feet of gaming space. The casino operates 4,200 slot machines and virtual table games, as well as 119 live table games.

Visitors can also enjoy the site’s headline entertainment, live music and over 16 dining outlets. The Twin River Casino Hotel opened in October with 136 rooms and suites.

Rhode Island’s second casino, the Tiverton Casino Hotel, opened in September.

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— PENNSYLVANIA

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Although Pennsylvania was the fourth state to pass legislation allowing sports betting, the state has yet to green-light a casino sports book because of disagreements on final regulations and license fees.

The state requires that casinos interested in offering online sports betting, slot games and table games apply for a license and pay a fee of $10 million. Other requirements include one of the highest sports betting tax rates in the world, at 36 percent. Of the state’s 13 casinos, 11 have applied for the online gambling license, but only five have applied for the sports betting license.

The first sports wager in Pennsylvania is likely to come from either the Parx Casino outside Philadelphia or the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Hollywood Casino constructed six new betting windows in anticipation of receiving a license soon.

The windows sit near the simulcasted horse races.

The Parx Casino is now pursuing two sports betting licenses for its main casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and one at its South Philadelphia Turf Club. Though the casino has no opening date on the books, it is preparing a space in the Bensalem casino with the hope that sports wagering will go live soon after official approval. The casino will offer wagers on a range of American and international sports, including soccer, tennis, golf and boxing.

Other casinos hoping to offer sports bets include Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino at Chester Downs and the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.

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sound-off

STAFF

W H AT T R AV E L P L A N S D O YO U H AV E F O R 2 019 ?

No plans yet, but Southeast Asia is next on my bucket list.

— Savannah Osbourn, STAFF WRITER

I’m definitely looking forward to my Bahamas cruise and to doing weekend trips to cities within a six-hour driving radius.

— Daniel Jean-Louis,

ACCOUNT MANAGER I obviously travel a lot for work and will get to see some great places, but my personal vacations will include a mother/daughter trip to Wyoming, a cruise to the Caribbean with my girlfriends and either a beach vacation or Washington D.C. trip with my family.

— Kelly Tyner,

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

My parents’ 40th anniversary is next year, and to celebrate, they’re taking the whole family to spend a week in Destin, Florida, in June. My brothers and I all live in different cities, so it will be great to spend a week with them at the beach. Altogether, we’ll have 13 people — including five children ages 5 and younger — so it promises to be an action-packed trip!

— Brian Jewell, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

My husband and I have always wanted to go to Seattle, so we’re finally crossing it off our list in September 2019.

— Ashley Ricks, CIRCULATION MANAGER

I will be accompanying a group of our readers to Egypt in March with Aventura World, an international tour operator whose clientele includes numerous chambers of commerce groups across the country. We’ll be visiting the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and the temple of Luxor and enjoying a four-night Nile River cruise. Later in the year, my wife and I hope to join another couple for a trip to Portugal to celebrate a 60th birthday.

We have traveled with them before to celebrate various special occasions.

— Mac Lacy, PUBLISHER

I’m currently trying to get a group of friends together to go around Europe for a week or two and see different cities.

We are thinking Sweden and Germany are the best options and maybe Amsterdam.

— Kyle Anderson, ACCOUNT MANAGER

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to Staff Sound-Off, the monthly column where our staff members answer questions about their travel practices and preferences.

We hope you enjoy these tips. If you have a question you’d like to see us answer, send it to me and it may appear in a future issue.

BRIANJ@GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM 34

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TRAVEL

ALLIANCE

PARTNERS TR AVEL GUI D E

PUBLISHED BY THE GROUP TRAVEL LEAD ER

HELLO FROM TAP’S NEW HEADQUARTERS

T

TAP also continues to provide valuable education to the travel industry.

Sign up for TAP Into Travel webinars every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern time.

These webinars feature fantastic destinations, exciting and fresh tour programs and important information on industry trends. You can review topics and sign up by clicking the “Webinars” tab at www.tapintotravel.com.

Also highly rated is our Buyers Educational Tour (BET on TAP), designed

for potential new TAP partners and for new travel sellers of TAP tours. BET

on TAP runs in conjunction with the unmatched industry event TAP Dance, set for June 8-13, 2019, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

We’re helping in other ways, too. Are you a travel professional with clients

his past year has been

booking on your website? The TAP customized Tour Wrap is for you. This

Alliance Partners (TAP).

clients.

one of change for Travel The change includes the

announcement of a new

management company: Break the Ice Media. I am thrilled to be the new executive director of TAP and to be leading the TAP management team from our offices

in Pittsford, New York, a suburb of Rochester. TAP is now in its 17th year, and the leadership is strong, the

enthusiasm is high, and the power of partnership has

marketing tool allows you to receive higher commissions and never lose your It takes all of us working together to make our individual businesses a suc-

cess. I look forward to connecting with you to share more about the power of the TAP community. Join us.

TAP TOURS GO TO A VARIETY OF DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE, INCLUDING CROATIA’S ADRIATIC COAST.

never been greater. Outwardly, TAP has remained the same consistent, innovative travel organization.

I immediately felt the strong sense of community

and shared mission from all those associated with TAP. The team and I are bringing innovative award-winning

marketing expertise to TAP’s already-strong presence in the tour and travel industry. The power of the TAP

brand continues to elevate all partners — clients, tour operators and suppliers — as each partner-operator must

adhere to a high set of standards, which are assessed

annually to ensure the highest quality experience for

Courtesy Custom Holidays

your clients.

The partners continue to bring unique and fresh

destinations to their clients. Take a look at some of the

trips profiled in the following pages. TAP is known for leading the industry by offering the first Guaranteed Departure program. While exploring these tours, also

check the scheduled departures and custom tour ideas.

SINCERELY,

LISA DOERNER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRAVEL ALLIANCE PARTNERS, LLC

You’ll find everything at www.tapintotravel.com.

866-373-0790 | WWW.TAPINTOTRAVEL.COM | MARKETING@TRAVELALLIANCEPARTNERS.COM

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2019 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

NEW

FRONTIERS

BY B R I A N J E W E LL

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DOER N ER A N D BR E A K THE ICE L AU NCH TA P FORWA R D IN 2019

ravel Alliance Partners, often referred to as TAP, has undergone significant changes this year, including retaining a new management company and hiring a new executive director to replace longtime leader Stefanie Gorder.

Founded in 2001, TAP is a consortium of tour companies around the United States, each with its own area of specialty or regional expertise. The partnership consists of 28 members who buy and sell one another’s tours. The partnership allows each TAP member to offer its customers a wide array of products and gives the TAP partner that operates each tour a wider network of potential customers from around the country. The TAP catalog is large and diverse, featuring motorcoach tours, safaris,

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cruises, sporting events and other travel experiences.

That idea was groundbreaking, and in the 17 years since its founding, TAP has continued to innovate with new products, ideas and events. Much of the creative drive came from Gorder, who served as executive director of the organization for nine years.

“Stefanie was amazing for what she was doing,” said TAP president Nick Calderazzo, who owns the New York-based Twin Travel Concepts.

“She grew TAP and created new programs. She was extremely dynamic and creative and reshaped what TAP was.

“She decided to move on. It was her decision — she wanted to do some different things with her life, and we parted on very good terms.”

FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Gorder’s departure brought the opportunity for TAP partners to look for a new leader with fresh perspective and a breadth of leadership experience. They found those in Lisa Doerner, who took over leadership of the organization this summer.

“We wanted to keep the momentum of growth and change and being

2019 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

“They are marketing strategists and PR professionals,” Doerner said. “Their clients are in tour and travel, and they bring knowledge of that industry to the team. I bring more of the operational business management. So I’m essentially overseeing everything that’s happening for the TAP company, and I’ll have three or four people from Break the Ice who jump in to help with different things.”

PROGRAM CONTINUITY

NASHVILLE IS A PERENNIALLY POPULAR DESTINATION FOR GROUPS TRAVELING WITH TAP TOUR OPERATORS. Courtesy DeNure Tours

on the cutting edge of our industry,” Calderazzo said. “That’s how we ended up with Lisa. She doesn’t come from our industry, but she comes with a vast knowledge of different ways of doing things.

“We already know what we know. We wanted someone to tell us what we don’t already know.”

Doerner has spent more than 20 years in business development roles at various organizations, including the Xerox Corporation and an association of technology professionals in Rochester.

“My background is about relationship building and working with teams,” Doerner said. “My role and goals were really similar to what I’m doing her at TAP: to increase efficiency and work with our marketing team to elevate the TAP brand and provide more value to the TAP operators so they can be more successful.”

BREAKING THE ICE

In addition to hiring Doerner, the TAP partners decided to expand their marketing and outreach efforts by retaining the services of Break the Ice Media, a marketing and public relations firm also based in Rochester.

Break the Ice will serve as the organization’s management company and will bring its considerable tourism marketing experience to bear in promoting TAP through traditional and social media.

“We chose Break the Ice because they have an excellent marketing background,” Calderazzo said. “It was important to us to have a strong marketing and social media presence. We felt like we needed more support.

Stefanie was great, but she was on her own, and now we have a company supporting the executive director.”

Break the Ice has experience working with tourism clients such as the nearby Finger Lakes wine region.

WWW.TAPINTOTRAVEL.COM

Though much has changed in TAP’s inner workings this year, the partners’ goal has been for the customer experience to remain smooth and consistent.

“From the outside, you won’t see any difference at all,” Calderazzo said.

Group travel planners can continue to count on the TAP programs and services that have made the organization a tourism leader for years. Among those is its signature series of Guaranteed Departures. TAP was the first organization in the tourism industry to publish a catalog of trips that are guaranteed to operate from the time the first passenger signs up so that group leaders never have to worry about a trip being canceled. Calderazzo said the partners are adding more Guaranteed Departures than ever for 2019.

Another program, TAP Into Travel Tuesdays, has been growing in popularity. This weekly webinar series offers travel professionals and trip planners free online education about destinations and other tourism issues each Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern time. Webinars are archived online so planners can access and view them at any time.

TAP’s signature event, TAP Dance, will also continue uninterrupted. The 2019 edition will take place this June at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne, Wyoming; more than 200 Preferred Professional Travel Providers from throughout the industry will attend.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

With a strong foundation and new leadership, TAP is poised for growth on various fronts in 2019 and beyond.

“I’m getting a lot of interest from some awesome destinations calling to find out more about TAP,” Doerner said. “The stronger our relationship with these destinations, the stronger our tour operators become and the better tours we can provide. There’s a lot of excitement and enthusiasm.”

Calderazzo said the 28 TAP member companies are also looking to expand their ranks by strategically bringing new partners aboard.

“We’re making a big push for more partners,” he said.

“We’re looking for people who are the right fit. They have to be a certain size, and they have to want to do this.”

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HELLO, WORLD!

TALBOT TOURS ADVENTURES IN COSTA RICA FEATURE UP-CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH TROPICAL WILDLIFE.

BY E LI Z A M Y E R S Courtesy Talbot Tours

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TA P COM PA N IES OFFER GLOBA L A DV EN TU R ES

ravelers can stand face to face with an elephant herd, float in the Dead Sea or stare up at the Sistine Chapel on international adventures with Travel Alliance Partners (TAP).

The organization’s tour operators carefully craft their international itineraries to ensure that each trip is a life-changing experience.

Groups can explore the world with these readily available international TAP tours.

COSTA RICA

Passengers cruise through the Tortuguero Canals to see some of Costa Rica’s abundant flora and fauna on Talbot Tours’ Costa Rica tour. Monkeys, sloths, iguanas and a colorful bird population help make Costa Rica one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Based in San Jose, California, Talbot

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Tours takes groups to this tropical paradise with the goals of seeing wildlife, admiring stunning vistas and interacting with the local culture.

Over a quarter of Costa Rica is preserved for conservation. This allows guests to easily enjoy the country’s diverse topography, from jungles to volcanoes. Instead of rushing groups from one site to another, this itinerary features shorter drives between overnight stays, with two nights in each outlying area.

The nine-day tour starts with a banana-processing and -packaging plant tour to learn more about one of Costa Rica’s prime products. Other highlights of the tour include visiting the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, sampling local flavors at a small bakery and exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest. There, guests can soar on one of the longest zip lines in Costa Rica or explore the virgin cloud forest on elevated walkways.

The tour ends with a farewell dinner, traditional Costa Rican dancing and toasts with the local drink, Sangre de Bruja.

HOLY LAND TOUR

Visitors walk the same routes as Jesus on the spiritually moving 12-day Holy Land Tour with Ed-Ventures. Based in Rochester, Minnesota, Ed-Ventures runs between four and eight of these tours annually, with itineraries that can be customized for Catholic and Protestant groups.

Groups spend three nights at a kibbutz on the Sea of Galilee. During the day, travelers enjoy a quiet boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, view the 2,000-year-old Jesus Boat and attend a church service on the Mount of

2019 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

DUBROVNIK’S ADRIATIC COAST

The itinerary includes free time for guests to meander through small towns, such as Waterford, Ireland, and Cardiff, Wales.

ATLANTIC MARITIMES

Courtesy Custom Holidays

Beatitudes, the place where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount.

Guests also explore Nazareth, float in the Dead Sea and view the surrounding beauty from the top of the Mount of Olives. Travelers often feel emotional while retracing Jesus’ last steps in Jerusalem as the tour moves from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Via Dolorosa and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The next stop in Bethlehem celebrates Christmas year-round with a visit to the Church of the Nativity and lunch with local Christians.

Ed-Ventures offers an optional three-day extension to Jordan, where visitors enjoy Petra, Mount Nebo and a jeep tour of Wadi Rum. Returning travelers often tell Ed-Ventures staff that they believe they understand more about the Bible and feel closer to God after the trip.

HEART OF THE BRITISH ISLES

From London to Edinburgh to Dublin, the 16-day Heart of the British Isles tour reveals the fascinating history and rich culture of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Image Tours, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, developed the itinerary with two-night stays in five of the overnight cities for a comprehensive tour of two islands.

Guests immerse themselves in the local culture as they travel, with an English tea in Jedburgh, time to explore historic York and optional themed dinner shows in Scotland, Ireland and England. Other favorite stops include Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Hadrian’s Wall, Edinburgh’s city tour and the Caernarfon Castle in Wales. For August departures, Image Tours adds the Edinburgh Military Tattoo experience. The spectacle of performing military bands from around the world has become a client favorite.

Once in Ireland, stops at the Kildare National Stud Farm, Dublin and the Ring of Kerry and a sheep dog demonstration showcase aspects of Ireland’s heritage. The trip ends back in England for a tour of charming Bath, mysterious Stonehenge and exciting London.

WWW.TAPINTOTRAVEL.COM

Guides who live in Atlantic Canada share details only locals know during Atlantic Tours’ Atlantic Maritimes programs. These locals know the area’s insider secrets, such as the customary way to eat a lobster. The Dartmouth, Novia Scotia, company is offering an impressive 14 guaranteed departures of the 13-day tour in 2019.

Visitors breathe in the salty air as they view the unspoiled vistas and charming fishing villages of Novia Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. One of the first tour experiences is a cruise on Shediac Bay aboard a lobster boat. Passengers learn about the fishing industry while watching it operating firsthand before they savor a lobster meal.

Next, groups visit the Bay of Fundy, where the world’s highest tides created the flowerpot-shaped formations at Hopewell Rocks. The tour goes on to alternate natural activities like whale-watching and cultural experiences at picturesque towns such as St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick.

At Lunenburg, renowned for fleets of fishing schooners, groups walk through a remarkable preserved colonial settlement. Book lovers adore the visit to the Green Gables Heritage Site at Prince Edward Island, which inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic “Anne of Green Gables” books.

GRAND TOUR OF ITALY

Groups use all their senses on Durgan Travel Service’s Grand Tour of Italy. They smell freshly cooked pasta dishes, listen to hushed sounds of awe in cathedrals and view lovely medieval towns from Venice to Capri.

Based in Stoneham, Massachusetts, Durgan Travel Service attributes the success of the Grand Tour of Italy to its including most of the sightseeing and food costs in the price. The tour covers a lot of ground, using hotels in Tuscany, Rome and Sorrento to serve as a base for touring the surrounding areas.

The 10-night trip begins with a full-day guided tour of Florence, including the Academia Museum, the home of Michelangelo’s “David.” Next, the group ventures to Venice to walk the narrow, historic streets and learn the history of the city at Doge’s Palace.

After touring some of Tuscany’s medieval towns, guests explore ancient Rome with tours of the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Guides explain the art treasures inside the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Pompeii, the Amalfi Drive and the beautiful isle of Capri also captivate visitors.

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TANZANIA AND THE GREAT MIGRATION SAFARI

“Serengeti” means “endless plains” in the native Maasai language.

Groups see the expansive landscape of the Serengeti on CTN Travel’s Tanzania and the Great Migration Safari. Based in Midland, North Carolina, CTN Travel has customized many of these 12-day tours for clients, including several bank groups over the last few years.

Each of the safari vans seats six or seven people, so every traveler gets a window seat. At Lake Manyara National Park, the tour begins with a game drive to see some of the park’s famed elephant herds and tree-climbing lions.

Afterward, groups arrive in Olduvai Gorge where Mary Leakey found the remains of early prehistoric humans and the oldest known human footprints in Africa. Once in the Serengeti, the real show begins with thousands of migrating wildebeests, Cape buffaloes and zebras grazing across the landscape.

Guests can connect with the warmhearted locals during visits to a coffee plantation, a local school and a Maasai village. The Ngorogoro Crater stands out to many travelers for its incredible wildlife population and views of the extinct volcano. Pink flamingos, hyenas and the “big five” —lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards — frequently appear for tourists there.

PEGGY’S COVE IN NOVA SCOTIA

ADRIATIC CRUISE Courtesy Nova Scotia Tourism

TREVI FOUNTAIN IN ROME

DOME OF THE ROCK IN JERUSALEM Courtesy Durgan Travel Services

Courtesy Ed-Ventures

IRELAND’S RING OF KERRY

A TRIBAL ENCOUNTER IN TANZANIA Courtesy Image Tours

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The vibrant blue waters of the Adriatic Sea beckon travelers to the historic and stunning coastal cities of Croatia. Guests stroll the country’s cobblestone streets and walk in the footsteps of the ancients on Custom Holiday’s small-ship cruise that holds 36 passengers.

The Allen Park, Michigan, tour company says this experience is more like a yacht tour than a cruise because of the intimate atmosphere on board and the ability to sail right into port. The tour works well as a multigenerational adventure for families.

The trip begins in Porec, then travels to the romantic town of Rovinj. From there, passengers sail to Brijuni National Park, Pula, Zadar, Krka National Park, Split and Hvar. Each of these Old World cities offers opportunities to explore and discover centuries of local history. Passengers can even jump into the clear Adriatic Sea with a swimming stop on a small island.

The tour continues to Korcula, a walled city believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The final stop, Dubrovnik, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

The price of the cruise includes all excursions. Each explores the local area and gives a glimpse into a culture that is a mix of Italian art and Slovak heritage.

AN AFRICAN SAFARI Courtesy CTN Travels

Courtesy CTN Travels

2019 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

Shopping for destinations? Elevate your expectations. Because in Oklahoma, we take group travel to new heights. Mosey on down to the world’s largest stockyard — then dine and shop in Stockyards City. Stand in awe of an authentic European palace built by a 1920s oil baron. Marvel at the marvelous East Meets West Statue, the Capitol of Route 66.

Move to the hypnotic rhythms of the pow wow, where ancient heritage lives and breathes.

Find adventures and itineraries at TravelOK.com/Group.

CIRCLE THE DATE

SHENANDOAH TOURS’ MYRTLE BEACH CHRISTMAS SPECIAL CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS ON THE COAST.

BY E LI Z A M Y E R S

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hen a travel planner adds holiday lights, compelling sports events, historic anniversaries or world-famous parades to an itinerary, customers respond with increased interest. Travelers who might have put off visiting a destination are more likely to go when there’s an exclusive event or special occasion involved.

These Travel Alliance Partners tours are built around exciting events to create memorable experiences.

NASHVILLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

Guests enter a fantasy world made entirely of ice at the Ice! experience at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. DeNure Tours’ clients rave about the castles, tunnels and intricate figures carved with 2 million pounds of ice by 40 artisans during their 46

Nashville Country Christmas tour.

This five-night trip is a best seller for the Ontario-based tour company. Many customers remark on how much they appreciate the tour’s included Christmas shows and the three-night stay at the Gaylord Opryland.

The four-star hotel immerses guest in the holiday spirit with its Country Christmas, which includes the Ice! experience, decorated Christmas tree displays and 2 million twinkling lights. Performances at the resort and the nearby Ryman Auditorium showcase legendary country music singers such as Trace Adkins, Amy Grant and Vince Gill.

The itinerary also leaves plenty of time for shopping at the Opry Mills Mall and the Treasure for the Holidays craft show.

Guided tours of Nashville showcase the interesting history and culture of the town.

Nashville’s Historic RCA Studio B is also a favorite stop on the tour. Visitors learn about the art of recording with handson exhibits and see artifacts from artists who have recorded there, such as Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton.

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND

Baseball fans often include the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, among their bucket list events. Sports Travel and Tours allows groups to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event on its Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend tours each year.

Based in Hatfield, Massachusetts, Sports Travel and Tours

Courtesy Shenandoah Tours

EXCLUSI V E E V EN TS A R E A TA P MEM BER TR A DEM A R K

2019 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

MAGNOLIA TABLE IN WACO

Courtesy Main Street Experiences Courtesy DeNure Tours

ICE! AT OPRYLAND RESORT

Courtesy Advance Tour and Travel

A ROSE PARADE FLOAT

Courtesy Advance Tour and Travel

NIAGARA FALLS AT NIGHT

WWW.TAPINTOTRAVEL.COM

offers five different spending packages for customers. The Base Hit package is the basic value rate. At higher price points, packages include the Legends of the Game Round Table event at Doubleday Field, better seating, autographed baseballs and a hotel closer to Cooperstown.

Participants love the excitement of attending the special weekend event, which draws about 45,000 baseball fans each year. The three-day tour starts with downtime in Albany, New York, for shopping and dining. The next day, guests immerse themselves in the history of the sport at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

The Parade of Legends brings more than 50 Hall of Fame members to walk on a route that ends at the front steps of the museum for the Red Carpet Arrival Ceremony. The next day, groups watch the nearly three-hour ceremony from reserved seats.

GRAND ILLUMINATION AND 100 MILES OF LIGHTS

Dramatic fireworks, caroling, dancing and historic presentations impress guests looking for holiday cheer on the Grand Illumination and 100 Miles of Lights tour from Mid Atlantic Receptive Services.

The Stephens City, Virginia, company crafted the tour to take advantage of the nightly holiday lights and events that take place in the Virginia Beach area.

Historic homes, military museums and historic attractions highlight this trip to Virginia destinations such as Yorktown, Newport News, Williamsburg and Richmond. The tour begins with a driving tour of the holiday lights at the Virginia Beach boardwalk.

The hub-and-spoke tour explores the military history of the region at the Yorktown Victory Center and the Mariners’ Museum and Park. Virginia’s history and old-fashioned Christmas traditions come alive at Berkeley Plantation and Maymont Mansion.

Each night, groups see Christmas lights in a different location, such as Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and Jamestown Christmas. Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination stands out as the most elaborate celebration, with fireworks, music and period-dressed historical interpreters. The Colonial-era Christmas decorations are handmade with natural materials.

ROSE PARADE PLATINUM EXPERIENCE

Color, whimsy and spectacle make a trip to the Rose Parade an unforgettable experience. Groups can see the flower-covered floats up close on Main Street Experiences’ Rose Parade Platinum Experience tour. Guests stay at one hotel for the entire six-day tour, exploring Southern California and partaking in Rose Parade-related events. Among the favorites is the Showcase of Floats, which allows guests to examine the impressive floats almost close enough to touch after the parade.

The New Year’s Eve Gala features a champagne toast, a live band and a casino. The next day, the group watches the Rose Parade before heading to the Southern California Backyard Barbecue on the hotel lawn. The luncheon allows guests to relax after the thrilling parade. In the evening, the group gathers on the hotel’s lawn again for an outdoor movie.

Based in Lakewood, California, Main Street Experiences has been sending groups to the Rose Parade for over 30 years. The tour operator credits the tours’ success to the added experiences, such as shuttles to the beach so guests can enjoy the Pacific Ocean. The tour also builds in time for members to decide their own activities.

HGTV’S FIXER UPPER TOUR

After five seasons of renovating houses in Waco, Texas, celebrity remodelers Chip and Joanna Gaines ended their hit television show “Fixer Upper” in April. But fans of the show can continue to enjoy its highlights on a Texas tour with Advance Tour and Travel.

The company, based in Ozark, Missouri, decided to create the tour after hearing from group clients who loved the show. The HGTV’s Fixer Upper Tour spends six days in Waco and Dallas to explore the area and relive moments from the hit program.

Groups start with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium. After a tour of Dallas, participants depart for Waco and dine at hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines’ new restaurant, Magnolia Table. Afterward, guests can shop for home decor handpicked by Joanna at Magnolia Market.

The “Fixer Upper” theme continues the next day with a driving tour past some of the homes featured

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on the show, as well as Harp Studio and Baylor University. That evening, groups tour Homestead Traditional Crafts Village to learn about the attraction’s handcrafted items.

The next day, visitors discover the backstory behind JDH Iron Designs, a company featured several times on the show. Groups spend the rest of the day in Dallas before heading home.

MYRTLE BEACH CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Groups can combine the warm feeling of the holidays with the beauty of the beach during Shenandoah Tours’ Myrtle Beach Christmas Special. The Staunton, Virginia, company crafted this four-day tour for a quick seaside escape during the hectic holiday season.

The oceanfront Caribbean Resort provides a comfortable place to access the beach, swim in an indoor pool or sit on the balcony to listen to the waves. The itinerary offers the chance to relax at the beach or venture out for a shopping excursion at Tanger Outlets.

“The South’s Grandest Christmas Show” at the Alabama Theatre is the tour’s first structured outing. The performance explores Christmas history and traditions with characters, costumes and songs.

After a free morning at the beach, visitors attend another show, “The Carolina Opry Christmas Special.” The show features festive music and dancing by a talented cast. The tour ends with a seafood dinner and time to walk along the beach before departing the next morning.

HIPPIES AND HONEYMOONS

In 1969, 400,000 people overran a dairy farm in the Catskill Mountains of New York for a music festival now considered a pivotal moment in music history. To celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, Twin Travel Concepts has developed the Hippies and Honeymoons tour.

The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts now sits where the music festival once took place and will honor the anniversary with special events taking place in 2019. Tour participants explore this museum for a dramatic depiction of not just Woodstock, but the entire cultural movement of the 1960s. A VW bus, art from the era, concert footage from the festival and other interactive exhibits provide the background history of the decade.

The five-day tour goes beyond Woodstock with stops throughout central New York. The Villa Roma showcases the quaintness of the Catskills resort era with elegant rooms and scenes familiar from the film “Dirty Dancing.” Other attractions in the area include the Turning Stone Casino, the Erie Canal Cruise, the George Eastman Museum and the Jell-O Gallery Museum.

Twin Travel Concepts, based in Kinderhook, New York, also includes Niagara Falls, a popular honeymoon destination, on the fourth day of the tour. Travelers marvel at the powerful natural beauty of the falls and enjoy the evening Illumination of the Falls light display.

The final day includes stops at Niagara attractions such as the Cave of the Winds, the Maid of the Mist cruise and the Niagara Power Vista Center.

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2019 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

Explore New York.

1000 Islands Niagara Falls USA

Cayuga Ithaca

Tina Mt. Pleasant Director of Leisure Group Sales

Sarah Imes Tour & Travel Manager

Destination Niagara USA tmtpleasant@niagarafallsusa.com 716-282-8992 ext. 315 niagarafallsusa.com

Ithaca Convention & Visitor’s Bureau sarah@visitithaca.com | 607-272-1313 visitithaca.com

In Niagara Falls USA, adventure doesn’t call-it roars! Whether you’re looking to enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace, or seeking adrenalinecharged thrills, Niagara Falls USA offers a plethora of activities to create an unforgettable experience year-round. Whatever adventure you choose, you’re certain to be moved by the sights, sounds and soul of Niagara Falls USA.

In the heart of NY’s Finger Lakes region, between NYC and Niagara Falls, Ithaca is best known for stunning waterfalls and dramatic gorges. Ithaca is the perfect hub for a regional Finger Lakes tour, a short drive to the Corning Museum of Glass, MacKenzie Childs, Captain Bill’s Boat Cruise and other popular attractions. There’s always something to discover, explore and share in Ithaca.

We’ll supply the Ithaca experience, you pack a keen sense of curiosity.

Rhonda Vaccaro Group Tour & Meetings Sales

Tillie Youngs Sales Manager

Cayuga County Office of Tourism groups@tourcayuga.com | 585-287-8838 tourcayuga.com

1000 Islands International Tourism Council tillie@visit1000islands.com | 800-847-5263 tour1000.com

Drink in the unspoiled beauty of Cayuga County. See the rolling farmlands, feel the fresh country breeze, relax to the sounds of trickling waters, bask in the warm glow of a Finger Lakes sunset and sip a fine local wine while unwinding and discovering New York’s fabulous Finger Lakes. Whatever is desired, Cayuga County’s towns and villages are perfect for sightseeing, shopping, dining and enjoying the lush Finger Lakes region.

The 1000 Islands is a sightseer’s paradise and a popular destination located along the peaceful border between northern New York State and southeastern Ontario, Canada. The region boasts over 200 miles of freshwater coastline and over 1,800 islands. Scenic cruises to castles and lighthouses, craft beverages, amazing fishing, helicopter tours, quaint boutique shopping, on-the-water dining and more, make 1000 Islands a destination to be visited again and again.

WESTWARD

ANDERSON VACATIONS’ ALASKA AND THE YUKON EXPLORER FEATURES A VISIT TO STUNNING DENALI NATIONAL PARK.

RAILS

BY E LI Z A M Y E R S

TRAIN TRIPS HIGHLIGHTING THE AMERICAN WEST

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n an age of suburbia and artificial intelligence, the wild, untamed American West looms large in travelers’ minds. The landscapes in the West seem to stretch on forever, often without a trace of human life.

What better way to contemplate these vast expanses than by train? Choose one of these train-themed Travel Alliance Partners tours for a relaxing way to experience the Wild West.

YOU ARE THE RAILROAD ENGINEER

Instead of sitting idly while the scenery goes by, passengers take charge of the train themselves on the You Are the Railroad Engineer tour with Leisure West Tours and Cruises. According to previous participants, operating a steam locomotive is a big thrill and the highlight of this four-day tour.

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Based in Brighton, Colorado, Leisure West Tours and Cruises offers this interactive tour on the Nevada Northern Railway in mid-October and other dates as requested. The company designed the tour for small groups and has scheduled previous tours for as few as two and as many as eight.

The Nevada Northern Railway is the country’s only railroad engineer program that lets guests operate a locomotive.

Group members take turns standing at the controls of a steam locomotive and a diesel locomotive on each train’s main lines.

Guides walk them through blowing the whistle at road crossings, controlling the throttle, ringing the bell and other train operations.

After donning the engineers’ caps, participants feel the heat of the coal-banked fire and watch the steam fill the sky from behind the throttle of a 19th-century steam locomotive. They also explore the rail yards and historic Nevada mining towns of Ely, McGill and the surrounding area.

COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE

Though 19th-century train passengers eyed the passing Colorado mountains wistfully imagining gold, today’s groups can ride across the state simply to appreciate the breathtaking mountains, clear lakes and untouched scenery.

The Colorado Train Adventure tour from Western Leisure allows guests to ride three scenic train routes as they circle the Centennial State. Western Leisure, based in Midvale, Utah, reports that the eight-day itinerary works well for fall foliage tours and for all levels of mobility.

Courtesy Anderson Vacations

TAP OPERATORS HAVE

2019 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

Past tours rode up the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, but that attraction is now shut down for repairs; the company is researching replacement activities.

At the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, guests ride a vintage train along the Arkansas River for stunning views. After a visit to the rail town Salida and Great Sand Dunes National Park, guests board a train on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. Western Leisure clients often say this route delightfully surprised them with its open vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The next stop, at mysterious and intriguing Mesa Verde National Park, also ranks as a customer favorite.

But the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad remains the biggest draw of the tour for the Wild West fun of Durango, and the famous train ride’s rugged peaks and alpine meadows.

Courtesy Western Leisure

CUMBRES AND TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD

RED CLIFFS UTAH ADVENTURE BY RAIL

One type of traveler might leap at the chance to relax at a resort with jaw-dropping red cliffs in full view, but another might opt to insert some adrenaline into the experience with a Slick Rock Hummer Safari ride. Both types of travelers leave happy on Joy Tour and Travel’s Red Cliffs Utah Adventure by Rail.

The eight-day tour from the Cincinnati-based tour operator begins onboard a train traveling from Denver to Grand Junction, Colorado. After seeing lovely mountain scenery from the Amtrak train, guests settle into the Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge in Moab, Utah, for four nights. The lodge’s cliffs and optional excursions of Hummer and horseback rides allow visitors to choose their own adventure during built-in free time.

From the lodge, groups embark on a scenic raft trip on the Colorado River and explore Canyonlands National Park. At Arches National Park, travelers hike past some of the famed arches and learn about the formations’ geological history at the 18,000-square-foot visitors center.

Other highlights of the tour include time at Capital Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park and a whole day at Zion National Park. Joy Tour and Travel’s clients consistently rave over the tour, with many reporting that they would consider booking the Utah trip again.

UTAH’S BRYCE CANYON

Courtesy Joy Tour and Travel

ALASKA AND THE YUKON EXPLORER

One of the most popular tours in Anderson Vacations’ 25-year history is Alaska and the Yukon Explorer. The tour ventures into the Alaskan and Canadian wilderness for awe-inspiring scenery and abounding wildlife. The Calgary, Alberta, company credits some of the tour’s popularity to the fact that it offers both a driver and an experienced tour manager instead of a driver who also serves as a guide.

The customizable 12-day tour limits seating to 28 participants on a 56-passenger motorcoach for window seats and plenty of personal space. The tour winds its way to the Klondike gold rush town of Dawson City in Canada’s Yukon province for a demonstration of the enormous Gold Mining Dredge, one of the largest wood-hulled dredges in North America.

Clients rank the full-day excursion into Denali National Park as a top highlight for its spectacular mountain scenery and frequent wildlife encounters. Another highly rated excursion sends visitors on a cruise of Prince William Sound to witness massive chunks of glacial ice crashing into the water. Puffins, otters, sea lions and whales make frequent appearances.

To ride on one of Yukon’s famous railways, groups can add an excursion aboard the White Pass and Yukon Railway in Skagway. The railroad follows a mountain route along the original Klondike trail.

A RAILROAD ENGINEER EXPERIENCE

WWW.TAPINTOTRAVEL.COM

Courtesy Leisure West Tours

ARIZONA’S TRAINS

When in search of Arizona’s red rock canyons, richly hued fall foliage and riparian ravines, why not travel in style? First-class passengers aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad not only admire magnificent panoramas but also sip on champagne and snack on Southwestern-style appetizers from a shaded open-air viewing car.

This fully restored vintage train ranks as a high point on Alki Tours’ Arizona’s Trains trip. The six-day itinerary with the Seattle-based tour operator offers two scenic railroad rides that bookend experiences in some of Arizona’s most dramatic landscapes.

The Grand Canyon Railway, operational since 1901, still enchants visitors with larger-than-life vistas and authentic characters and musicians eager to bring the Old West to life. At the end of the ride, guests immerse themselves in the overwhelming beauty and history of Grand Canyon National Park.

Participants can venture out to view a sunrise over the canyon before a naturalist shares the history and geology of one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

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Groups also especially love their private tour of the galaxy at the Lowell Observatory and the abundant art galleries and natural scenery in Sedona.

The tour ends with an upscale train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad.

ARIZONA’S VERDE CANYON

SURPRISING NEVADA

Courtesy Alki Tours

NEVADA’S HOOVER DAM

VERDE CANYON RAILROAD Courtesy Alki Tours

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Courtesy Shebby Lee Tours

Though travelers might initially associate Nevada with the highrolling casino experience, the Surprising Nevada tour from Shebby Lee Tours reveals another side of the state. The Silver State’s rich railroad heritage and natural wonders fill the seven-day custom tour. Shebby Lee Tours is based in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The tour introduces guests to the state with a half-day raft tour through the Black Canyon. The water excursion begins below the immense Hoover Dam, where the canyon walls rise 2,000 feet from the river’s edge. The raft glides past waterfalls, hot springs, bighorn sheep and other natural wonders.

The next day, groups try ancient activities such as corn grinding, fiber-making, petroglyph painting and atlatl throwing at the Lost City Museum. The tour’s next stop, Valley of Fire State Park, showcases displays of real petroglyphs.

From there, the itinerary focuses on Nevada’s railroad heritage at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely. Guests ride a historic steam train and visit Ely’s Renaissance Village, a museum consisting of homes restored to represent the various ethnic backgrounds.

Groups see more natural wonders at Great Basin National Park before ending their trips with a hop-on tour of the Las Vegas Strip.

2019 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

CLEAR

THIS VIBRANT WISCONSIN LIGHTHOUSE IS A HIGHLIGHT OF LET’S GO TRAVELIN’S GRAND TOUR OF DOOR COUNTY, MACKINAC ISLAND AND LAKE MICHIGAN.

SKIES

BY E LI Z A M Y E R S

WATERFRONT VACATION

F

rom the seaside charm of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to Florida’s relaxing beaches and the historic cities and towns along the Mississippi River, waterfront destinations offer a wide variety of opportunities on Travel Alliance Partners (TAP) tours. TAP tour operators build engaging itineraries along ocean beaches, calming lakes and mighty rivers across the country.

MACKINAC ISLAND, DETROIT AND CHICAGO

Groups can see the bright lights and world-famous attractions of Chicago, Detroit and Milwaukee, as well as rural gems, on Tri-State Travel’s tour of Michigan and the Great Lakes region. In Galena, Illinois, Tri-State Travel offer this trip as a custom tour for groups so travel planners can tailor the tour’s hotel and details to fit their needs.

The eight-day journey begins with two nights in Detroit to explore this quintessential American city. Groups enjoy

WWW.TAPINTOTRAVEL.COM

a fascinating tour of Ford Motor Company’s Rouge Pickup Truck Plant, the Motown Museum and the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House. Next, guides introduce the Bavarian culture of Frankenmuth, Michigan. After a stop in Bronner’s Christmas Store, the tour continues with a carriage ride into Elk County.

Many groups call their two-night stay at Mackinac Island, Michigan, a highlight of the trip because of the ferry ride, carriage ride and lunch at the Grand Hotel. The peaceful island’s restrictions on motor vehicles allow guests to imagine they have stepped into the pages of a historical novel.

Cherry pie in Traverse City, Michigan, a ranger-led tour of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and a ferry trip across Lake Michigan also delight groups. The itinerary then leaves time to explore Milwaukee and Chicago. A view from the Chicago Skydeck and lunch on historic Navy Pier end the waterfront tour.

CAPE COD, MARTHA’S VINEYARD AND NANTUCKET

Shingled cottages, pristine beaches, maritime history and towns famous for their charm create the perfect blend of picturesque views and intriguing stories on a tour in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket tour with Fancy-Free Holidays doesn’t just pass

by Cape Cod on its way to somewhere else; rather, it provides time to explore the island.

Based in Naperville, Illinois, the company created the six-

Courtesy Let’s Go Travelin’

SHOVE OFF ON A TAP-DESIGNED

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Courtesy Southwest Adventure Tours

EXPLORING LAKE POWELL

day hub-and-spoke tour so guests could experience the area without the hassle of changing hotels. Fancy Free Holidays can add a pre-night hotel stay for those needing extra time to arrive.

The in-depth tour starts at Plymouth, Massachusetts, where the Pilgrims landed in 1620.

The Forefather’s Monument, Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II tell of the perils the first Pilgrims faced. From there, groups take a high-speed ferry to Nantucket Island to explore cobblestone streets and Quaker-style homes.

Groups also visit other Massachusetts towns in the area, among them Provincetown, Martha’s Vineyard, Oak Bluffs and Hyannis. Along the way, they enjoy a traditional lobster dinner, embark on a whale-watching cruise and learn about one of the area’s most famous former residents at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

FLORIDA GETAWAY

Wade Tours’ Florida Getaway is all about relaxation. The Schenectady, New York, tour operator allows travelers plenty of free time during the 10-night tour to lounge by the beach or discover exciting St. Pete Beach nearby.

Sandy beaches, sparkling blue water and incredible sunsets encourage travelers to sit back and listen to the waves on Florida’s west coast. Known as the sunset capital of Florida, St. Pete Beach also offers the handicapped-accessible Suncoast Beach Trolley, which delivers guests to several attractions from the hotel.

Wade Tours offers “a la carte excursions” or an all-day trolley pass to explore beyond the beachside resort. One popular stop, the Don CeSar hotel, is an opulent pink palace built in 1928.

The beach town Pass-a-Grille offers intriguing history, such as the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, which displays artifacts from the 16th century to the present day. More quaint shops and restaurants lie off Eighth Avenue, the town’s main shopping district.

Even without leaving the Dolphin Beach Resort, the tour’s hotel property, beachgoers can keep busy with shopping, restaurants and resort entertainment on-site.

LOBSTER IN CAPE COD

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Courtesy Fancy-Free Holidays

CHICAGO’S LAKE MICHIGAN SHORELINE

Courtesy Choose Chicago

MISSOURI LIFE

The powerful, muddy waters of the Mississippi River live on in the American imagination. Groups can explore the river that inspired Mark Twain on the Missouri Life tour with All American Tours. The company, based in Ellington, Missouri, offers this customizable itinerary for a laid-back journey along the river with stops at some of the Show Me State’s most beloved attractions.

The six-day tour begins with Mark Twain in Hannibal. A narrated trolley tour, the Mark Twain Home and Museum and the Molly Brown House Museum introduce travelers to Mark Twain’s hometown. For the evening’s entertainment, guests climb aboard a riverboat for a dinner cruise on the Mississippi River.

Period-dressed docents meet groups in St. Charles to give colorful background for the historic town and its French influences. The Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum depicts the town’s days as the edge of the frontier.

The two-day stay in St. Louis stands out as a highlight of the trip. With the Gateway Arch renovations complete, participants can look over the city from an unparalleled vantage point on the iconic structure. Other St. Louis stops include the Cathedral Basilica, the Missouri History Museum and the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

More memorable history and charming towns await in Ste. Genevieve and Cape Girardeau.

LAKE POWELL HOUSEBOAT TOUR

Clear blue water and rusty orange canyons as far as the eye can see make a sweeping backdrop for Southwest Adventure Tours’ Lake Powell itinerary. Based in Cedar City, Utah, the company runs custom tours to the lake with different price points depending on the level of luxury desired by the group. Larger budgets can include a personal chef, private dinner cruises and additional experiences.

To maximize time on the pristine lake, groups stay in houseboats while they explore the 186-mile-long Lake Powell. Groups typically split into 10 or 12 per houseboat and enjoy

2019 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

views of some of the lake’s 96 canyons and 1,960 miles of shoreline.

Lake Powell straddles the corner of Utah where Navajo and Hopi tribes lived for centuries. Along the trip, groups can see ancient petroglyphs, 1,000-foot multicolored rock walls and one of the largest natural bridges in the world, Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

Groups can kayak, fish and try other water sports as they cruise to the various marinas of Lake Powell.

GRAND TOUR OF DOOR COUNTY, MACKINAC ISLAND AND LAKE MICHIGAN

Lighthouses, scenic shorelines and quaint towns line the Lake Michigan shoreline of Door County, Wisconsin. A seven-day trip to the area with Let’s Go Travelin’ is especially popular during the fall when the trees are ablaze with oranges and reds throughout the countryside.

Based in Hermitage, Tennessee, Let’s Go Travelin’ can customize the trip for a group of 20 or more, although set dates are also offered for 2019. Previous passengers especially enjoyed seeing the quaint towns along Wisconsin’s coast and the ferry crossing of Lake Michigan.

The itinerary starts with a trolley tour of the Door County peninsula, with stops at lighthouses, shops and wineries. An evening’s entertainment at one of the many theater venues ends the first full day.

After a ferry crossing to Washington Island, groups ride the Cherry Train to see some of the island’s scenic and historic sites. The next day, guests depart for a two-night stay at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel.

From there, groups enjoy final stops at Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

take your next tour somewhere

new

CLEARWATER BEACH

Courtesy Wade Tours What tour doesn’t need to stop somewhere new to ensure an experience that’s fascinating, fresh and fun?

In Oklahoma City there’s something new to discover on

DOOR COUNTY’S WASHINGTON ISLAND FERRY Courtesy Let’s Go Travelin’

ARIZONA’S LAKE POWELL

every corner. From our gleaming new downtown to the Old West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. From a new appreciation of our spirit at the

Courtesy Southwest Adventure Tours

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to being welcomed like a new friend everywhere you go. Add us to your next itinerary and you’ll soon discover that around here, things are more than just new. They’re OKC new.

FLORIDA’S EMERALD COAST

Courtesy Wade Tours

WWW.TAPINTOTRAVEL.COM

UNI_17-OKC-029 Group Tour_Group Travel Leader.indd 1

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TRAVEL ALLIANCE PARTNERS Alki Tours can your make your World Wide Travel Dreams come true. Check out all our web site has to offer. We look forward to making your travel dreams come true! www.alkitours.com

KIM VANCE 417-485-7445 We specialize in great customer service and hands-on outside the box itineraries. We make sure our passengers experience everything the destination has to offer.

ADVANCETOURANDTRAVEL.COM KIM@ADVANCETOURANDTRAVEL.COM

JAYME MILLER 206-935-6848 WWW.ALKITOURS.COM

JAYME@ALKITOURS.COM

DAVID G. BURNS 800-905-0590 Since 1970, we have offered the perfect all inclusive distinctive and economical package tours throughout the US and Canada, for groups of 30 persons or more. Five offices across the US. ABA, NTA, TAP WWW.ALLAMERICANTOURS.US

DAVID@ALLAMERICANTOURS.US

JIM WARREN 866-814-7378 Anderson Vacations is the leader in customized tour planning for Canada, United States and Australia/New Zealand.

We also feature sheduled departures and Independent travel arrangements.

WWW.ANDERSONVACATIONS.CA

RICHARD ARNOLD 800-565-7173 Atlantic Tours offers custom-designed group programs, scheduled guaranteed departures and self drive/city stays in the Canadian Maritimes, step-on-guides, private cruise shore excursions and day tours.

WWW.ATLANTICTOURS.COM

RARNOLD@ATLANTICTOURS.COM

CARLA MEIEROTTO 319-753-2864 Offering custom planned group tours for those wishing to expand their travels with the aid of a Burlington Trailways professional driver and a friendly, experienced tour host.

TrailwaysTravel.com WWW.TRAILWAYSTRAVEL.COM

CTN Travels begins in 28 year of serving a variety of group travelers. Customized group tours are our specialty. Groups of all sizes are welcome.

RICK@CTNTRAVELS.COM

JULIA BRYAN 800-668-6859 DeNureTours is a Canadian company that began in 1960. Our vacations in North America, Britain and Europe feature a kaleidoscope of experiences designed to turn ideas and dreams into lasting memories.

WWW.DENURETOURS.COM

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JULIABRYAN@DENURETOURS.COM

TOURS@BURLINGTONTRAILWAYS.COM

We offer guests an exciting and informative tour coupled with a cost effective rate. Our tours include planned activities as well as ample time for guests to pursue their own interests.

RICK PHARR 800-596-8687 WWW.CTNTRAVELS.COM

JWARREN@ANDERSONVACATIONS.CA

SUE BIGGS 313-388-0448 WWW.CUSTOMHOLIDAYSONLINE.COM SUE@CUSTOMHOLIDAYSONLINE.COM

Award-winning full-service agency with a focus on high-value European group tours with Italy a specialty.

Our forte is to be able to customize a European Tour to meet your exact specifications for your expected number of travelers.

RICHARD DURGAN 800-234-9959 WWW.DURGANTRAVEL.COM

RDURGAN@DURGANTRAVEL.COM

2019 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

W W W.TA P I N T O T R AV E L .C O M JACK HINTZ 800-421-3330

SHANNON LARSEN 507-289-3332 With decades of experience creating tours, Ed-Ventures has gained the skills and reputation for delivering top-notch customized group tours to worldwide destinations.

WWW.ED-VENTURES.COM

SHANNON@ED-VENTURES.COM

Family owned & operated since 1916- we specialize in tours of the Southwest and Mexico, sightseeing tours, (culinary and local), and vehicles for charter from vans to state of the art motorcoaches.

“TJ” THOMAS B. MORGAN, JR WWW.GRAYLINEARIZONA.COM

800-276-1528

INFO@GRAYLINEARIZONA.COM

Fancy-Free Holidays has been offering first class travel experiences to the most sought after destinations since 1989.

We specialize in great service with exceptional quality.

WWW.FANCYFREEHOLIDAYS.COM

JUSTIN OSBON 800-968-9161 Image Tours is a 3rd generation family owned and operated company specializing exclusively in escorted Europe Tours since 1939.

WWW.IMAGETOURS.COM

JUSTIN@IMAGETOURS.COM

GREG WINGHAM 513-777-8221 Joy Tour & Travel has been developing exciting trips for groups since 1985. We serve mid to upper scale clientele with nice hotels that are 3 star or better and many inclusions and few options.

WWW.JOYTOURS.COM

GREG@JOYTOURS.COM

TOURS@FANCYFREEHOLIDAYS.COM

LEE DAHL 303-659-4858 Experience the true Southwest. We offer unique, active and informative travel experiences. Our philosophy is to provide the best value and service possible.

WWW.LEISUREWESTTOURS.COM

LWT@LEISUREWESTTOURS.COM

We are Peach Cobbler, Fried Green Tomatoes, Grits and Gravy.Golf, Music, History and Culture and more fun than you can shake a stick at.

We love it all and we want to take you there.

From our innovative day and multiday tours to our specialized Rose Parade and WINOS itineraries, we have provided our travelers with unique and enriching experiences since 1985.

JUDY JOHNSON 866-992-8784

LAURIE LINCOLN 800-300-6246

WWW.LETSGOTRAVELIN.COM

JUDY@LETSGOTRAVELIN.COM

WWW.MAINSTREETEXPERIENCES.COM

Our tours are designed with a “love of discovery”. We include upscale accommodations, exciting and unique attractions. Our Tour Directors are professional and experienced, to ensure everyone has fun.

KATE SCOPETTI 800-769-5912 Mid Atlantic Tours and Receptive Services operates hundreds of hand crafted, custom tours for groups traveling to Washington DC, NYC, Virginia, the Mid Atlantic Region, and the World!

WWW.TAKEAFUNTRIP.COM

WWW.TAPINTOTRAVEL.COM

MARS@TAKEAFUNTRIP.COM

LAURIE@MAINSTREETTOURS.COM

TONY MINDEN 503-585-3979 WWW.ORWEST.COM

TONY@ORWEST.COM

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TRAVEL ALLIANCE PARTNERS SHEBBY LEE, CTP 605-343-4852 Journeys of Exploration and Discovery. Explore the West where legends live. Enjoy magnificent western parks as you’ve never seen them before with special insights provided by experts in the field.

WWW.SHEBBYLEETOURS.COM

SHEBBY@SHEBBYLEETOURS.COM

Receptive Tour Operater focusing on adventure, scenic, and photography tours throughout the Southwestern US. Small Group Experience from 1 to 25 customers.

Private and Custom Tours also.

STEVE EVERIDGE 800-572-3303 A tour operator based in Staunton, Virginia, offering superior escorted tours throughout the United States and Canada since 1972. Quality vacations at value pricing with a personal touch.

WWW.SHENANDOAHTOURS.COM

We offer Baseball Road Trips, Spring Training, Hall of Fame packages, Major Sporting Events and can customize packages to fit your schedule and budget.

MICHAEL COLDESINA 800-662-4424

JASON MURRAY 800-970-5864 WWW.SOUTHWESTADVENTURETOURS.COM INFO@SOUTHWESTADVENTURETOURS.COM

Talbot Tours offers groups, individuals and families exceptional values on tours, cruises, and international destinations. Fully escorted and independent travel services.

SERGE TALBOT 800-662-9933 WWW.TALBOTTOURS.COM

INFO@TALBOTTOURS.COM

WWW.SPORTSTRAVELANDTOURS.COM

TWINTRAVELCONCEPTS.COM

NICK@TWINTRAVELCONCEPTS.COM

MIKE@SPORTSTRAVELANDTOURS.COM

ANDY HILLARD 800-779-4869 We own and operate an award-winning fleet of deluxe motorcoaches, including a tour division that provides fully escorted travel packages for both individuals and groups throughout the United States.

WWW.TRISTATETRAVEL.COM

NICHOLAS CALDERAZZO 917-575-6600 Always thinking of something new, quirky and surprising, our tours are custom-designed to your tastes and budgets.

NY City, The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are home.

SHENANDOAHTOURS@COMCAST.NET

INFO@TRISTATETRAVEL.COM

CRYSTAL DELORENZO 800-955-9233 Wade Tours & Travel, a family owned business since 1926, serving the Northeast offering single & multi-day tours across the continental US and Canada with our fleet of modern state-of-the-art coaches.

WWW.WADETOURS.COM

CRYSTAL@WADETOURS.COM

SHAWN HORMAN 800-532-2113 Western Leisure is a full service receptive tour operator specializing in custom group tours to the National Parks of the west and along the Pacific Coast.

WWW.WESTERNLEISURE.COM

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INFO@WESTERNLEISURE.COM

LISA DOERNER 866-373-0790

WWW.TAPINTOTRAVEL.COM MARKETING@TRAVELALLIANCEPARTNERS.COM

2019 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

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From the Arctic to the Antarctic–and the tropics in between–guests can explore these natural wonders in the ultimate dimension of luxury and adventure: The Scenic Eclipse. Your clients will be pampered with personal butler service and a staff member for almost every guest. And they’ll venture out in everything from zodiac to submarine and helicopter. Launching January, 2019.

To book your clients call us at 1.833.777.9056 or visit scenicusa.com Terms & Conditions: Prices are in U.S. dollars and available to legal residents of the 50 United States of America. Book and pay in full by October 31, 2018 and save $750 per person on all Antarctica in Depth 2019/20 season departures; $500 per person on voyages 10 days or longer, and $300 per person on voyages less than 10 days. Tour Conductor Credit of 1 for 15 on any Non-Polar voyage and 1 for 20 on all Polar voyages. Full group offer details at scenicusa.com. Offers may be extended, canceled or withdrawn at any time without notice. All bookings are subject to Complete terms & conditions available at scenicusa.com