Group Travel Leader September 2017 by The Group Travel Leader, Inc.

COLONIAL CITIES

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GLASS MUSEUMS

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TURN YOUR TRIP INTO A TRIP. ELECTRIFY YOUR TRAVELERS AT THE SPECTACULAR COLLISION OF COMEDY, THEATER, ROCK CONCERT AND DANCE PARTY ALL ROLLED INTO ONE. An unforgettable adventure awaits your groups, with exclusive ticket rates, incredible talkbacks and behind-thescenes experiences, transportation and dining packages, and so much more. And since it’s performed with no spoken words, Blue Man Group is perfect for all ages, languages and cultures. Join us in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston and Chicago, and experience the phenomenon that has captivated over 35 million people in 20 countries worldwide.

Treat your group to New York City’s favorite holiday tradition— the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes® presented by Chase! It’s a show generations of Christmas fans love and return to see year-after-year. Make your holiday plans early with our world-class group sales department to get the best seats and exclusive savings!

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY! 212-465-6080 Group.Sales@msg.com ChristmasSpectacularGroups.com

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table ofCONTENTS VOL 27 | ISSUE 8

BUYER’S GUIDE

6 EDITOR’S MARKS

F O R T H E G RO U P T R AV E L I N D U S T RY

12 C H A N G I N G H O R I Z O N S I

NEWS

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U N D E R S TA N D I N G T O U R P R I C E S

8 FA M I LY M AT T E R S

THE BUSINESS OF BUSES

10 I N D U S T R Y N E W S

BUILDING YOUR BRAND IDENTITY W H AT ’ S S E L L I N G A B R O A D AMERICAN BUCKET LIST O N THE COVE R

The sun rises over Utah’s Monument Valley.

FEATURES

GLASS MUSEUMS ARE CLEAR FAVORITES WITH TRAVELERS

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The Wonders of

UTAH Enjoy a week of stunning scenery on this trip.

FAITHBASED

KENTUCKY

MARYLAND SPOTLIGHT

COLONIAL SITES

MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY BRIAN JEWELL HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS DAVID BROWN

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

K E L LY T Y N E R 4

ELIZA MYERS CHRISTINE CLOUGH SAVANNAH OSBOURN ASHLEY RICKS KELLY TYNER STACEY BOWMAN

Online Editor Copy Editor Staff Writer Circulation Manager Director of Sales & Marketing Advertising Sales Director

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.

EMERALD WATERWAYS PROVIDES THE BEST VALUE FOR YOUR NEXT GROUP!

Our Group Value Program provides amazing amenities through our Exceptional Group Value Points. Cruise in style on our state of the art, boutique like ships, perfect for creating the ideal atmosphere and incredible memories for your next European vacation.

IT’S AMAZING WHAT’S INCLUDED EmeraldACTIVE guided biking and hiking tours | Extra special included excursions courtesy of EmeraldPLUS | A refined selection of wine, beer and soft drinks to accompany lunch and dinner | Innovative onboard features like our indoor pool that transforms to a cinema* | All airport transfers to and from your ship | Gratuities are included on and off the ship | 2018 Sailings now available

FEATURED ITINERARIES:

The Classic Rhine 8 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Frankfurt

The Charms of Holland and Belgium 8 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Amsterdam

The Majestic Rhine 8 Day River Cruise Frankfurt to Basel

To book your next group, call us at 844.857.6021, email us at usgroups@emeraldwaterways.com or contact your travel professional *Emerald Radiance: Pool is located on the Sun Deck with no cinema. Complimentary bicycles not available onboard this ship. ©Emerald Waterways 2017 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | One Financial Center, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02111. Ad code: 17_EW216, June 2017

marks

EDITOR’S T HE

BY B R I A N J E W E L L

hen was the last time you felt a to become. And the more that our jobs take us on the road, sense of wonder? the more travel begins to feel like work. For many of us, it has been I know these issues well because I have wrestled with them far too long. The older we get, myself. This summer marks 14 years since I started working as a travel the more we understand about journalist, and during some of those years, I have spent as many as 100 the world around us. We become immersed in its days on the road. This line of work has brought more thrills than I can systems and accustomed to its workings. When day count, and people often express envy over my job at cocktail parties and after day blends into a mindless routine, it can be easy class reunions. But there have been times when I have taken trips that to lose track of the wonder of life. would delight others, only to find them unremarkable myself. Fortunately, travel can change all that. Thankfully, this isn’t a permanent condition. We can break Leaving our surroundings can jolt free from the travel doldrums and reclaim our sense us out of our routines and open of excitement. It starts by recognizing two of the ARCHES NATIONAL PARK our eyes to the wonders of the chief enemies of wonder: routine and thriftiness. world around us. There are If you treat every destination the same or people to meet, landscapes go to the same places repeatedly, you’re almost to behold and breath to be guaranteed to lose your sense of wonder. taken away. We take to the Having a set of habits can make life easier road in search of wonder. and make you feel more at home on the road, And when things go right, but it also separates you from the mystery and we find it. mystique of travel. So does pinching pennies: The That’s how it works in theory, more you focus on saving money in your travels, the less anyway. In practice, things can be a bit more likely you will be to splurge on fantastic experiences. complicated. Travel can be expensive; transit can be Breaking out of your old, cheap travel habits isn’t just good for you, a hassle; security checks and schedule delays can be it’s also a necessary step for the health of your travel group. After all, the stressful. And even when things go right, the days malaise of leaders will eventually affect followers too. If you aren’t experican be long and tiring. Travel is glamorous, they say, encing wonder on the road, chances are your travelers aren’t experiencing it only in retrospect. either. And if that’s true, they may not remain your travelers much longer. For those of us who travel frequently, the risks are As you work on your trips for 2018, challenge yourself to shake off old even higher. With every trip we take, travel becomes habits, break free from the chains of cheapness and reclaim your sense of a bit less extraordinary and a bit more routine. The wonder. Our world is an amazing place. You and your travelers deserve to more seasoned we are, the more jaded we are likely experience the best of it. Courtesy UT Office of Tourism

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SEPTEMBER 2017

GROUP TRAVEL WITH

SCENIC

Pre-Registration is now open for 2019 groups!

BOOK NOW 2019 RIVER CRUISES at 2018 prices!

All-Inclusive, Truly Luxury River Cruising

As the most inclusive river cruise line, group travel with Scenic is perfect for you and your clients. By including all shore excursions in our cruise fare, your group can choose what interests them most… without a thought of the cost. By including all drinks in our cruise fare, your group can toast the day’s experiences… without a thought of the cost. A personal butler, all meals, all tipping & gratuities, up to 6 dining venues, e-bikes for the more active travelers, airport transfers… the list of Scenic’s Signature inclusions is long… The difference is Scenic.

Working together to ensure a successful Group • One free TC for 9 or 11 guests depending upon itinerary & sail date

• Group discount from $50 to $200 per person based on itinerary and sail date

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• Marketing support from the Groups Department and local Business Development Manager

• Higher commission structure

To contact the Scenic groups department call 1.844.279.6124 | scenicusa.com Terms and conditions: Our vacations are subject to availability. 2019 groups at 2018 pricing expires December 31, 2017. Up to $400 per couple based on sail date. Port charges and taxes are included in pricing. The deposit required is $500 per person and is due at the time of booking. Full payment is required minimum 90 days prior to departure. 2018 itineraries, hotels and inclusions are subject to change. For full details on our Groups program contact scenicusa.com. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours | One Financial Center, 4th Floor | Boston, MA 02111 Ad Code: 17_SC256 August 2017

FAMILY MATTERS BOOMERS IN GROUPS HE ADS TO DAY TONA BE ACH SALEM, Ohio — Travel planners and the travel industry attending the Boomers in Groups meeting next month will be hosted by a large assortment of event sponsors, including tour companies, destinations, casinos and even a federal agency. Boomers in Groups is the nation’s leading organization for travel leaders in the baby boomer age group, and its annual gathering draws travel planners from over 25 states. The gathering is named the BiG Travel Weekend and focuses on networking, seminars and sightseeing. It takes place October 27-29 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Delegates to the BiG Travel Weekend will enjoy three meal functions, sponsored by Globus, Eureka Springs and Experience Park Tours. These meal events will allow all delegates to network in a fun atmosphere while enjoying entertainment, as well as product and destina-

tion knowledge. “Event meal functions at BiG are designed as social events where the travel industry mixes with travel group leaders,” said Charlie Presley of The Group Travel Family. Hoosier Park of Indiana will continue its longstanding support of BiG by again sponsoring the official name badges. Hoosier Park has been an event sponsor since BiG was founded and has increased its boomer market business as a result. Hampton Inn and Suites will make sure your phone, tablet or laptop has enough power by acting as the official sponsor of the BiG phone chargers. These chargers will be placed throughout the BiG Marketplace, will be free of charge and will get a lot of activity during the BiG Travel Weekend. Delegates will learn more about chartering motorcoaches during a presentation by the

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The FMCSA is the agency that oversees safe motorcoach operations in the United States, and BiG delegates charter over 1,500 motorcoaches per year with 60,000 travelers. If you would like to bring your message to delegates at the BiG Travel Weekend, a few opportunities are still available. You can still get visibility as the keycard sponsor, with your name on every delegate’s room key, or highlight your logo on the Marketplace floor as the aisle sign sponsor. There is even an available spot for presentation time. Contact Jennifer Ferguson to find out about these and other ways to increase your marketing visibility with Boomer Travel Groups by calling 800-628-0993 or sending an email to jferguson@grouptravelfamily.com.

Shelbyville . Simpsonville . Kentucky Atmospheric Dining: Claudia Sanders Dinner House Boutique shopping and the only Outlet Mall in Kentucky Agritourism Tours Behind the scenes horse farm tours NEW: Ground to Glass Distillery Tour

Step on Guide Service Available

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VisitShelbyKY.com

502.633.6388

SEPTEMBER 2017

ZACK GRIMM JOINS GTF STAFF SALEM, Ohio — Meet the newest member of The Group Travel Family: Zack Grimm. Grimm recently came on board as a customer service specialist and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the group travel industry. “Zack is an impressive person who understands how important groups are to destinations and hotels alike,” said Group Travel Family sales manager Jennifer Ferguson. “He brings a real service attitude to his position.” Grimm is a Muskingum University graduate with a degree in business management and marketing and earned four varsity letters in football for the Fighting Muskies. You may contact Grimm at 800-628-0993 or zgrimm@grouptravelfamily.com.

SELECT REGISTRATION BOOMING SALEM, Ohio — Bank travel clubs are being joined by alumni associations and traveling chambers of commerce in a record attendance projection for the Select Traveler Conference. The Select Travel Conference is the organization of high-end travel groups. “Select Travel Conference has built a following of affinity travel clubs that are designed around a loyalty program,” said Joe Cappuzzello of Select Traveler. These loyalty travel programs are great avenues to reach the upscale group traveler, according to Cappuzzello. While most delegates at the Select Traveler Conference include cruise and international destinations in their offerings, they almost always have three-day tours and even a few day trips to round out their schedule. The Select Traveler Conference will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, February 4-6, 2018. Call 800-628-0993 for details, or visit www.selecttravelerconference.com.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

“GIVE ME LIBERTY” INCLUDES ARTWORK FROM CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELDS.

HAMPTON HISTORY MUSEUM FEATURES EXHIBIT ABOUT RESISTANCE TO SL AVERY HAMPTON, Virginia — The exhibition “Give Me Liberty: Fugitive Slaves and the Long Revolution Against Slavery,” which opened at the Hampton History Museum on February 25, explores the lives of more than 30 fugitive slaves from Hampton who escaped to freedom or fought against their enslavers during periods of war. The exhibit focuses on the Black Loyalists during the American Revolution, refugees during the War of 1812 in Hampton who achieved liberty by joining forces with the British Army and Navy and Hampton’s Contrabands, who escaped to Union-held Fort Monroe during the Civil War. Artifacts include the swivel gun from the

HMS Liberty, a vessel that played a key role in the 1775 Battle of Hampton; a door lock, key set, ceramics, axe head, scissors and toothbrush from the residences of black refugees in Nova Scotia; and a U.S. Navy button and tools discovered during archaeology of the site of Hampton’s Grand Contraband Camp in 2014. The exhibit also features several interactive elements. Visitors can try their hand at playing a snare drum after watching a video demonstration while a cipher wheel offers visitors the opportunity to decode and create secret messages, as fugitive slaves often acted as spies on both sides. “Give Me Liberty: Fugitive Slaves and the Long Revolution Against Slavery” continues through February 25, 2018. W W W. H A MP T ON H IST ORY MUSEU M.ORG

Courtesy Hampton History Museum/Library of Congress

SEE THE BEST OF NASHVILLE Catch the new stars, superstars, and legends of country music at the world’s longest running radio show, the Grand Ole Opry. Shows run every Friday & Saturday, plus Tuesdays in March through December.

Tour the Opry House and go behind the scenes of the show that made country music famous. Tours available daily.

Tour the Ryman, known as The Mother Church of Country Music. The history of this National Historic Landmark comes to life as never before with the state-of-the-art “Soul of Nashville” pre-tour experience and new multi-media exhibits. Tours available daily.

Enjoy a cruise, meal and show aboard the General Jackson Showboat. Midday and evening cruise options available March through December.

call today to book your Nashville eXPErieNCE! 10

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JAMIE LYNN THOMPSON

TOURISM SALES MANAGER 615.882.5439 | jthompson@opry.com

SANDY JUSTICE

TOURISM SALES MANAGER 615.882.5345 | sjustice@opry.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

GO UNDER THE BOARDWALK IN VIRGINIA BEACH IN OCTOBER 2018 VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia — U.S. Tours and the city of Virginia Beach are combining to present Under the Boardwalk, a nostalgia-filled group travel event October 9-12, 2018, based on the Drifter’s 1964 hit song of the same name. The highlight of three nights of rock and pop music classics from the 1960s and 1970s will be a performance by the Drifters on stage at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach, sandwiched around evenings celebrating the music of Jimmy Buffett and the Beach Boys. “This is the rock and roll evolution of group travel,” said Bob Cline of U.S. Tours. “As boomers begin filling buses, tour packages are being filled with themed events that deliver either an experience or activity that allows travelers a chance to live or relive a moment.” Guests are encouraged to get in the mood with flip-flops and bright-colored Aloha shirts for the opening night featuring the Buffett cover band Changes in Attitude and the final evening for the Beach Boys cover band Still Surfin. The trio of beach music concerts is limited to 1,200 people. Full details can be found on www.ustours.biz or by contacting Jim Coggin at the City of Virginia Beach, JCoggin@vbgov. com, 757-385-6642.

PIKE PLACE MARKET GROWS FOR FIRST TIME IN 40 YEARS SEATTLE — The Pike Place Market’s new MarketFront, a 30,000-square-foot public terrace and plaza, had its grand opening June 29. MarketFront opens panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains; creates space for 47 new stall tables for farmers, crafters and artists; 12,000 square feet of new commercial and retail space for artisans; and 40 low-income housing units for seniors. The site’s location on the western edge of the market provides future access to the central waterfront development and creates a link from the west to the market and downtown Seattle. The site is within the nine-acre Market Historic District and was part of the Friends of the Market’s original plan for Pike Place Market. The MarketFront will complete the district, created in 1971, and will connect to the main arcade via the Desimone Bridge. W W W. PI K EPL ACE M A R K E T.ORG

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Changing

SHOULDER SEASON IN ALASKA

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

HORIZONS

ack in February, I recommended that groups consider planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies during the autumn shoulder season, the period between the busy summer months and the winter ski season. Then, in our July/August issue, I recounted a delightful barge cruising experience on the Marne Canal in France aboard CroisiEurope’s Raymonde during late April, well before the crowds descend upon the continent’s popular destination areas for summer vacations. Europeans traditionally get eight weeks of vacation time, much of which is spent on holiday excursions that result in massive congestion of historic cities, towns and attractions that surely were not designed to accommodate multitudes of tourists. Prices for land arrangements and airfares are also at their highest during the summertime, when temperatures are frequently hot and uncomfortable, so savvy U.S. group coordinators have long planned trips to Europe during the spring and autumn months to take advantage of more favorable conditions across the board. This month, I’m extending my appreciation of shoulder season travel to Alaska, undoubtedly one of North America’s own top group vacation destinations. Spring 2017 once again proved to be an ideal time for a cruise to our 49th state, in this case a one-week, round-trip sailing from Seattle aboard Holland America Line’s Oosterdam, from May 14 to May 21. The more than 2,000 guests aboard enjoyed visits to

Juneau, magnificent Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay, Sitka, and Ketchikan and an evening in Victoria, British Columbia. Although I had previously embarked on numerous Alaska cruises on a variety of lines throughout the May-to-September season, excellent food, a wide variety of onboard entertainment options and exceptional shore excursions combined to make this one of the most memorable. Our itinerary did not feature the famed Inside Passage that is readily available on sailings of other ships, but it did offer lots of sunshine and brightblue skies and many hours of daylight. We enjoyed exploring Alaska before countless land travelers’ typical arrival around Memorial Day weekend and the inevitable June hatch of the state’s large and ravenous mosquitos. Of course, the shoulder-season pricing was extremely attractive as well. Similar savings are available in September, although the substantially fewer daylight hours then prohibit cruisers from seeing the sights along the way during evening hours; this is somewhat balanced by the fact that bargain seekers will find “end of the season” sales underway in many port shops. In addition to glacier viewing, our sightseeing, chosen from Holland America’s extensive lists of options, included sea kayaking; exploring pristine beaches and beautiful island rain forests, happily sans the rain; an air/sea trip to Misty Fjords National Monument; and a wonderful evening exploring Victoria’s extensively illuminated Butchart Gardens without having to contend with the larger daytime crowds. For evenings aboard Oosterdam, in addition to the expected main showroom productions, the line has added the B.B. King’s Blues Club; the Lincoln Center Stage, a favorite of mine, being a classical music devotee; and Billboard Onboard, to provide programming that appeals to a wide range of interests. Furthermore, a specially commissioned audiovisual program complete with live music and incredible photography from BBC Nature was presented one evening to celebrate Holland America’s 70 years of exploring Alaska.

HOLLAND AMERICA’S OOSTERDAM SAILS THROUGH THE GLACIER FIELDS AT YAKUTAT BAY.

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By Bob Hoelscher

SEPTEMBER 2017

SOME HISTORY IS WRITTEN IN BOOKS. OURS IS FORGED IN STEEL. Visiting Birmingham not only provides an opportunity to experience a city on the rise, but to see first-hand the foundation upon which it was built. Our Steel City Tour showcases historical places like Sloss Furnaces, and offer a rare glimpse into a steel industry past thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still on display today. Book your next tour in a place rich with history. Book your next tour in Birmingham. inbirmingham.com | # INB irmingham | 800 - 458 - 8085

KENTUCKY FAM

FAM PARTICIPANTS POSE IN FRONT OF THE ARK ENCOUNTER, KENTUCKY’S NEWEST FAITH-BASED ATTRACTION.

I really enjoyed touring the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. I’ve toured Israel twice so I’m always looking for biblical experiences that can bring the bible to life and both the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter did an excellent job! — ROBIN WARE THE WARE AGENCY 14

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SEPTEMBER 2017

ON SITE IN KENTUCKY TH E AR K E N CO U NTE R H E A D LI N ES TH E STATE ’S G ROWI N G FO LLOWI N G

NEWPORT AQUARIUM

BY B R I A N J E W E L L

THANKS TO AN ATTRACTION OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS,

PHOTOGRAPHING THE ARK

Day

SHAKER VILLAGE

BOURBON HERITAGE CENTER Photos by Brian Jewell

Day

as well as a deep religious heritage and a tradition of hospitality, Kentucky has surged to become the leading faith-based travel destination in the country. That’s what 14 tour operators, travel agents and other readers of Going On Faith magazine discovered during a four-day familiarization tour throughout the state in June. Hosted by the Kentucky Department of Tourism, this tour visited Newport and northern Kentucky, as well as historic sites in the central Bluegrass region and charming Bardstown. Follow along on this itinerary to enjoy the best of Kentucky’s faith-based attractions and other signature activities. • ARRIVAL IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY • NEWPORT AQUARIUM • BELLE OF CINCINNATI DIXIELAND JAZZ DINNER CRUISE Guests traveled from throughout the United States to Newport, a city that sits at the northernmost tip of Kentucky directly across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. After settling in at the hip new Aloft Newport on the Levee hotel, the group met to walk through the Newport on the Levee entertainment district to the Newport Aquarium. They got a guided tour of the 100,000-square-foot riverfront aquarium, where they experienced new features including the Shark Ray Bay theater and a touch tank at Stingray Bay Hideaway. From the aquarium, the group proceeded to Newport Landing and boarded the Belle of Cincinnati. Operated by BB Riverboats, the Belle offers various sightseeing and dining cruises on the Ohio River. The group enjoyed the Dixieland Jazz Dinner Cruise, which features excellent live music, great food and beautiful sunset views of the Cincinnati and Newport skylines. • • • •

CREATION MUSEUM ARK ENCOUNTER AND LUNCH DEPARTURE FOR HARRODSBURG DINNER AND OVERNIGHT AT SHAKER VILLAGE OF PLEASANT HILL

The group left Newport for Petersburg, a northern Kentucky town that is home to the Creation Museum. Participants toured the 60,000-square-foot museum, which has a variety of immersive exhibits presenting biblical history. Along the way, they saw life-size dinosaur statues, animatronics, a planetarium, a special-effects theater and beautiful outdoor botanical gardens. From there, the group took the short trip to Williamstown, also in northern Kentucky, which is home to the Ark Encounter. This massive attraction is built GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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to the scale of Noah’s Ark as described in the Bible, spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high, and made headlines when it opened in 2016. Officials estimate that more than 1 million visitors have visited in its first year of operation. After leaving the Ark Encounter, the group proceeded south through Lexington to Harrodsburg and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, where they enjoyed dinner at the Trustees’ Table restaurant, an evening marshmallow roast and overnight accommodations in some of the historic structures on the property. • • • • • • • • • •

GUIDED TOUR AT SHAKER VILLAGE LUNCH AT KENTUCKY FUDGE COMPANY DEPARTURE FOR BARDSTOWN SHOPPING DOWNTOWN IN BARDSTOWN CIVIL WAR MUSEUM OF THE WESTERN THEATER HEAVEN HILL BOURBON HERITAGE CENTER MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME STATE PARK DINNER AT KURTZ RESTAURANT “THE STEPHEN FOSTER STORY” OVERNIGHT IN BARDSTOWN

After enjoying the overnight guest rooms at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, FAM participants learned the story of the settlement and the Shakers who lived there during a guided tour of the 3,000acre site. The tour included an overview of the Shakers, a 19th- and 20th-century Christian sect who built the village and operated a Historic Downtown Bardstown

History surrounds you in the Bourbon Capital of the World®. Dine on a dinner train, spend the night in an old jailhouse, or peruse the scenic downtown shops. From Civil War museums to world-renowned distilleries, see it all in Bardstown, KY – the small town with big escapes.

www.visitbardstown.com | 800.638.4877 16

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celibate commune there. The experience ended with a rousing Shaker music performance. After a lunch at the Kentucky Fudge Company in downtown Harrodsburg, the group proceeded west to Bardstown, a charming Kentucky town roughly 40 miles south of Louisville. Participants had a choice of activities upon arrival: Some perused the shops in Bardstown’s charming central square while others visited the Civil War Museum of the Western Theater or enjoyed a bourbon tasting at the Bourbon Heritage Center at Heaven Hill Distilleries. The rest of the day focused on Bardstown’s claim to fame. The group spent time touring My Old Kentucky Home State Park, which preserves the mansion and estate said to be the inspiration for composer Stephen Foster’s classic “My Old Kentucky Home,” the official state anthem. Then, after a delicious dinner, the group attended a performance of “The Stephen Foster Story,” one of the longestrunning outdoor dramas in the country.

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• ABBEY OF GETHSEMANI • BASILICA OF ST. JOSEPH PROTO-CATHEDRAL • LUNCH AT TALBOTT TAVERN • DEPARTURE FOR NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND RETURN HOME In addition to its history and culture, Bardstown enjoys a deep religious heritage, and the group spent the final morning of the tour seeing Catholic sites in and around the city. They began at the Abbey of Gethsemani, a monastery founded in 1848 that is still home to dozens of Trappist monks; there, they learned about the history of the order and the lifestyle practiced by the brothers who live and work at the large site. Next, the group visited the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral. When it was built from 1816 to 1819, it was the first Catholic cathedral west of the Allegheny mountains. Visitors saw valuable artifacts, learned about the church’s history and discovered Bardstown’s role in the expansion of Catholicism on the American frontier. Before leaving Bardstown, the group stopped for a farewell lunch at Talbott Tavern, an iconic, historic restaurant on the town square. Then everyone boarded the motorcoach for the two-hour drive back to northern Kentucky, where they bid goodbye to their new friends and began making plans to return to the Bluegrass State.

KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM WAY N E C US I CK 502-892-321 5 WWW.KENTUCKYTOURISM.COM

SEPTEMBER 2017

tops for groups at the top of the state

Left to Right: Ark Encounter, Coppinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Hotel Covington, Braxton Brewing Co., Macâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza Pub, Marriott RiverCenter, Newberry Bros. Coffee & Prohibition Bourbon Bar, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Mainstrasse Village, Newport Aquarium, Cincinnati Zoo, Smoke Justis, New Riff Distilling, Hofbrauhaus Newport, Covington, BB Riverboats, Ark Encounter

#makeitNKY meetNKY.com

by BRIAN JEWELL

t takes a special kind of creativity, along with about 2,000 degrees of heat, to create artwork out of glass. Painting, sculpture and photography can all be fascinating, but few media capture our attention the way that glass does. Whether it’s a historic Tiffany stained-glass window or a tower of otherworldly blown-glass figures created by Dale Chihuly, a colorful, transparent piece of artwork showcases the imagination and skill of its maker in a way that makes us want to see more. At glass museums around the country, groups can learn about America’s long and proud history of glassmaking and even have interactive glass experiences of their own.

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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS

CORNING, NEW YORK Arguably the leading glass museum in the country, the Corning Museum of Glass is a must for any group traveling in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. The city of Corning was put on the map by the glass company of the same name that started there, and the city’s heritage in glass is reflected in the museum’s wide-ranging exhibits, which include more than 11,000 pieces of glass on display EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS: Ancient and modern glasswork are on equal footing at this museum. The oldest pieces in the collection date back more than 4,000 years, and the newest addition, the 26,000-square-foot contemporary art glass gallery, opened in 2015.

By Stu Gallagher, courtesy CMOG

H E R E A R E E I G H T G R E AT G L A S S M U S E U M S

GLASS EXPERIENCES: Live glass demonstrations take place throughout the day in various areas of the museum, but the main venue is the Amphitheater Hot Shop, where visitors can see artists sculpting molten glass in the world’s largest glassblowing studio. Visitors also enjoy some time to peruse the large glass gift shop on-site. — W W W.C MOG.ORG —

TACOMA MUSEUM OF GLASS

TACOMA, WASHINGTON Tacoma, Washington, has a long heritage in the Studio Glass art movement and was, notably, the place where glass legend Dale Chihuly got his training. After a decade of planning by Chihuly and others in the area, the Tacoma Museum of Glass opened in 2002 to tell the story of Tacoma and studio glass in general. The only dedicated glass museum west of the Mississippi, the Tacoma Museum of Glass focuses on the work of 20th- and 21st-century artists. EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS: The Tacoma Museum of Glass features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, allowing it to showcase works large and small by contemporary glass artisans from all over the world. It also has exhibits of glass artwork created by children and an artist-in-residence program. GLASS EXPERIENCES: Groups can have docentled tours of the museum and watch glassblowing demonstrations in the Hot Shop Amphitheater. The museum also has a creative studio, where visitors can participate in glass and other arts workshops led by local artists. — W W W. MUSEU MOF GL ASS .ORG —

Courtesy Lafayette Travel

BERGSTROM-MAHLER MUSEUM OF GLASS

NEENAH, WISCONSIN Evangeline Bergstrom was a child when she first fell in love with glass paperweights in the late 1800s. As an adult, she collected fascinating paperweights from around the world, and arts institutions throughout the Midwest began borrowing her collection for their exhibitions. In 1954, the still-growing collection got the home it deserved: the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, in her longtime home city, Neenah, Wisconsin. EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS: Today the museum

has more than 3,500 pieces of glass artwork on display, including 652 paperweights from Bergstrom’s collection and a wide variety of other works. Some of the paperweights date back to 1845. The museum’s Mahler Collection of Germanic Glass comprises items from northern and central Europe created in the 1500s, 1600s and 1700s. The museum also has galleries displaying contemporary glass and other art glass GLASS EXPERIENCES: The Glass Studio and the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum offer a range of hands-on glass workshops for students and adults. Instructors lead participants through crafting projects using tools such as hand torches, grinding wheels and fusing kilns. — W W W. BM MGL ASS .COM —

CHIHULY GARDEN AND GLASS

SEATTLE When city leaders were looking to revitalize an area of the Seattle Center next to the famous Space Needle, they reached out to Chihuly and asked him to design an immersive experience on the site that would showcase his artwork. Chihuly took them up on the invitation, and in 2012, the new attraction, Chihuly Garden and Glass, opened to the public. EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS: The cornerstone of the visitor experience is the Glass House, a 40-foottall, 4,500-square-foot building inspired by garden conservatories. The Glass House showcases a 100-foot-long sculpture in red, orange, yellow and amber blown glass, Chihuly’s largest-ever suspended glasswork. Other gallery spaces showcase additional works by Chihuly, and gardens at the site are home to four large-scale glass-sculpture installations surrounded by trees, plants and flowers. GLASS EXPERIENCES: There is no glassblowing studio at Chihuly Garden and Glass, but an on-site theater presents short videos showing Chihuly and his team working on large glassblowing projects. — W W W.CH I H U LYG A R DE NA N DGL ASS .COM —

WHEATONARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER

MILLVILLE, NEW JERSEY New Jersey has a long history in the glass industry dating back to the 1730s, and the Wheaton glass bot-

OPPOSITE PAGE: VISITORS ADMIRE AN IMAGINATIVE CHANDELIER IN THE CONTEMPORARY GALLERY AT THE CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS. GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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Hands-On ARTS SCENE! AN OUTDOOR GLASS SCULPTURE AT THE MUSEUM OF GLASS IN TOLEDO. Courtesy Museum of Glass

tle company began in the town of Millville in 1888. In the 1970s, the first building of what would become the WheatonArts and Cultural Center opened to the public to showcase a collection of Wheaton glass and other glass made in the area. Today, the center encompasses more than 20 buildings on 60 acres. EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS: The cornerstone of WheatonArts is the 18,000-square-foot Museum of American Glass, which houses over 7,000 historic and contemporary glass objects. The collection focuses on American glass, with special attention paid to glass objects created for everyday work in Millville and other parts of the Northeast. GLASS EXPERIENCES: Among the many buildings at WheatonArts is a fully operational glass studio that presents daily interpretive demonstrations, during which glass artists display both traditional and contemporary glassblowing techniques. Groups can also arrange to meet some of the glassmakers and other artisans who work in the studios at the complex.

Don ’t ju st oe ! Seexp.e.r.D ienc E Southern Indiana!

— W W W.W HE AT ONA RT S .ORG —

SANDWICH GLASS MUSEUM

Somewhere between the hustle & bustle of a big city, and the quaint charm of Smalltown USA, lies a place So Perfect and SoIn. Southern Indiana, home to an awarding-winning Arts Scene, with ample opportunities to play along! Located just a bridge away from Louisville, the Bourbon Trail, and a host of other attractions, Southern Indiana is chalk-full of Must-Do Experiences. Find yourself on stage at the region’s largest dinner theater, Derby Dinner Playhouse. Do your best Colonel Mustard in a classic game of Clue® at the Historical Culbertson Mansion. Try your hand at painting... making music with the Ukulele...or walking with dinosaurs at the fossil beds of the Ohio River. It all awaits you in beautiful, affordable Southern Indiana. BOOK US TODAY!

SANDWICH, MASSACHUSETTS It has nothing to do with deli meat — the town of Sandwich, Massachusetts, was settled in 1637, making it the oldest town on Cape Cod. In 1825, a local entrepreneur established a glass-manufacturing company there employing master glassblowers from Europe, launching what would be the first in a series of glass factories in the small town. Though Sandwich’s days of industrial glass production are gone, the Sandwich Glass Museum exists to tell the town’s glass story and to showcase some of the beautiful objects made there. EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS: The museum’s galleries feature nearly 6,000 pieces of glass produced at the Boston and Sandwich Glass Co. between 1825 and 1888. The museum also has a contemporary exhibit with studio glass created by artists from around the world, as well as a collection of historic oil, kerosene and electric lamps. GLASS EXPERIENCES: The Sandwich Glass Museum has installed a small hot shop and presents 20-minute glassblowing demonstrations throughout the day. Members of the audience are invited to take part in the glassmaking. — W W W.S A N DW ICHGL ASSMUSEU M.ORG —

GoSoIn.com • (812) 282-6654 GROUP

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CLARKSVILLE • JEFFERSONVILLE • NEW

ALBANY

TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART

TOLEDO, OHIO The Toledo Museum of Art features an encyclopedic collection of artwork in all kinds of media, but the museum is perhaps best known for its glass collection. In 2006, the museum opened its Glass Pavilion across the street from the main museum facility in a sleek 74,000-square-foot building whose exterior walls are made entirely of glass. Construction took two years and cost more than $30 million. Admission is free. EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS: The Glass Pavilion features more than 5,000 pieces of glass, ranging from ancient glass artifacts to contemporary art glass sculpture. Many are related to Toledo’s role in the growth of the Studio Glass movement. GLASS EXPERIENCES: Groups have a variety of ways to get their hands on glass at the Glass Pavilion. Private art glass workshops give participants a chance to create small glass art pieces using hot glass, warm glass, flamework and a variety of other techniques. The museum also offers a range of glassblowing demos in one of several hot shops at the Glass Pavilion. — W W W.T OL EDOMUSEU M.ORG —

CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA Since 1971, the Chrysler Museum of Art has been the cultural cornerstone of Norfolk, Virginia. Created by the son of the Chrysler car company founder, the museum features works of art from throughout time and from around the world. Among the most treasured parts of its collection are more than 10,000 glass objects spanning 3,000 years of human history. EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS: The glass collection at the Chrysler is most famous for the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Other highlights include French glass and English cameo glass. Visitors will also find work from American Studio Glass pioneers, as well as some contemporary 21st-century artists. GLASS EXPERIENCES: The Chrysler brings an innovative twist to interactive glass: In addition to having the on-site Perry Glass Studio, the organization can also take its show on the road in a mobile studio. Groups that visit the museum can participate in free daily glassblowing demonstrations at noon or take classes with professional glass artists. Options range from glassblowing to flameworking and stained glass. — W W W.CH RYSL ER .ORG —

PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

One of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations! Ask about our docent-led group tours Two restaurants available with tour group options

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Tour Through Air Force One 27000

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View a Full Scale Replica of the Oval Office

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STATE SPOTLIGHT

MARYL AND

BOONSBORO

B A LT I M O R E

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S I LV E R S P R I N G S

DEN TON

5 S T. M A R Y â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S CI T Y

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BY B R I A N J E W E L L

rom

muse-

ums to brewe ries ,

new

and exciting

attractions are

popping up all over Maryland.

Abundant water attractions, includ-

ing the Atlantic Ocean coastline and the magnificent Chesapeake Bay, have long

made Maryland a popular destination for travelers along the Eastern Seaboard. In

addition to scenic beauty, the state is replete with historic sites and cultural attractions, and the list continues to grow with new developments coming online this year.

In Baltimore, groups can experience a

new Guinness brewery and learn about

the distilling process at the Sagamore Spirit Distillery. Two new museums

have opened on the state’s Eastern Shore showcasing the area’s environmental and cultural heritage.

The National Road got its start in

western Maryland, and the new National Road Museum will tell that story to groups

passing through Boonsboro. The new Woodlawn Museum details the agricul-

tural traditions of Silver Spring, as well as its Underground Railroad history. And

the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum

in the southern part of the state has completed a new construction project to show-

Courtesy Sagamore Spirit Distillery

BALTIMORE BUZZ There’s never a shortage of things to see and do in Baltimore, one of the biggest and busiest cities on the mid-Atlantic coast. In keeping with the brewing and distilling boom that has been sweeping the nation, Baltimore has a pair of new beer and whiskey attractions. Guinness, the legendary Irish beer brand, will have a new outpost on American soil with the opening of a brewery in Baltimore. Diageo Beer Company will open the new brewery and taproom in a historic structure that was the site of the first distillery to open in the state after Prohibition. Resident Guinness brewers will develop new beers for the American market on-site, and visitors will be able to take a tour and sample beers in the tasting room. Another new development, the Sagamore Spirit Distillery, is expected to draw about 100,000 visitors annually for tours and tastings. The four-building complex includes a restaurant, a 22,000-square-foot distillery, a processing center and a 120-foot water tower brought from a horse farm outside Baltimore. W W W.BA LTI M O RE .O RG

case its innovative aviation collection.

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Courtesy Delmarva Discovery Center

SHORE THINGS On Marylandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scenic Eastern Shore, which sits across the Chesapeake Bay from the mainland, a pair of new museum developments are set to give groups an inside look at the natural and human history of the area. In downtown Pocomoke City, the Delmarva Discovery Center and Museum recently debuted a new 16,000-square-foot exhibit gallery in a restored 1920s car dealership. The center features a river otter exhibit with two playful male otters, as well as a technology lab. Group workshops and nighttime experiences at the center are available. In Denton, the Choptank River Heritage and Visitors Center opened in June. The $1.5 million, 2,500-square-foot facility serves as both an interpretive museum and the headquarters for the Caroline County Office of Tourism. It is a replica of the 1883 Maryland Steamboat Company Wharf in Denton. The center is built on stilts and has three outdoor decks for panoramic views of the Choptank River. W W W.D E L M A RVA D I S C OV E RYC E N T E R.O RG W W W.CA RO LI N E H I S TO RY.O RG

Courtesy Caroline Office of Tourism

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Ocean C

ity, M aryland

JUST THE BEACH Don’t get us wrong. You’ll love soaking up the sun on our free, 10-mile beach, or swimming and playing in the ocean. But that’s just the tip of the sandcastle when it comes to Ocean City, Maryland. There’s literally something for everyone:

Courtesy NRHA

ROAD WORK In 1811, congressional leaders saw the need for a way to travel between growing cities across the thenfledgling United States, so they authorized construction of the National Road, the first federal highway designed to provide safe and fast transportation to the West. The road began in western Maryland and stretched 620 miles west into southern Illinois. Now, in the Maryland town of Boonsboro, local history lovers are opening the National Road Museum to honor the highway system and to tell its story to visitors who have come to drive along the remnants of that byway. Expected to open later this year, the museum will feature exhibits such as “Road Origins,” “National Road Engineering,” “Vehicles Through Time” and “Civil War Logistics.” Exhibits will make use of photographic murals, maps, artwork, historic images, video, artifacts and outdoor models. Boonsboro sits in Maryland’s Civil War Heritage Area, not far from Antietam National Battlefield and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

• An award-winning three-mile boardwalk

• Year-round festivals, concerts and events

• 200+ restaurants and exciting nightlife

• Shopping, wildlife and historical museums

• Indoor and outdoor sports facilities

• 1,200-seat Performing Arts Center in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center

• New Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center

BOOK YOUR

TRIP NOW!

• Popular family reunion destination

Call Norma Dobrowolski

CVB Destination Sales & Marketing Manager 800.626.2326 | ococean.com/group-travel

OCO-2017-23142 Group_Travel_Buyers_Guide_MD_Issue_5x4.5.indd 1

8/7/17 11:42 AM

Don’t Let These Moments

PASS YOU BY

W W W.N ATI O N A L RD FO U N DATI O N.C O M

& Washington County, MD

301-791-3246 | VISITHAGERSTOWN.COM GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

Courtesy Montgomery Parks

HISTORY IN THE SUBURBS Silver Spring is best known as a ritzy suburb of Washington, D.C., sitting just six miles from the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital. But in addition to lobbyists, political operatives and other power players, the town is home to Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, which is dedicated to telling the stories of life in Maryland during the 1800s. The park has a number of elements, including a historic manor house. The newest development is the Woodlawn Museum. Built in a 19th-century stone barn behind the main manor house, the museum tells the story of the farm that once thrived at the site as well as that of the surrounding community, and the role that both played in the Underground Railroad. Groups that visit the new museum will learn about the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong Quaker heritage and the sizable communities of free blacks in the area. Guided tours of the house and museum are available, and group leaders can also arrange guided Underground Railroad hiking experiences on nearby trails.

Courtesy PRNAM

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Courtesy Montgomery Parks

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Courtesy PRNAM

Enjoy the Montgomery County, Maryland countryside, a rural destination just outside of the nation’s capital.Watch artisans at work in their studios, learn about the history of the Underground Railroad with a visit to the Woodlawn Manor and finish the day with beer tasting at Brookeville Beer Farm. For group sales, email lcallicutt@visitmontgomery.com GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

MUSEUM MAKEOVER For years, the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum was an official institution of the U.S. Navy. But after recent federal budget changes cut the museum’s funding, locals stepped in, along with the St. Mary’s County government, to preserve the museum as a private, nonprofit entity. Along the way, they started a capital campaign that raised millions of dollars and allowed for the construction of new museum facilities. Today, visitors to the museum in southern Maryland can learn all about the aviation research, development, testing and evaluation done by the Navy on the Patuxent River. Unlike many aviation museums that highlight popular aircraft, this one focuses on the developmental process and features displays of some prototypes and other aircraft that were never produced. The museum has an outdoor aircraft park with 21 naval aircraft. Interior exhibits include drones, ejection seats, test instruments and other technology, as well as flight simulators that guests can use to experience flight. W W W.PA X M US EU M.C O M

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WOW

Week

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UTAH DELIVERS SEVEN DAYS OF

MAJESTY

BY B R I A N J E W E L L

SUNSET BATHES THE ROCK FORMATIONS OF BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK IN COLOR. All photos courtesy UT Office of Tourism By Frank Jensen

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pend seven days in Utah and your group will experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the American West. Bridging the arid deserts of the Southwest and the majestic mountains of the Northwest, Utah offers opportunities for travelers to experience a variety of natural wonders. Salt Lake City, itself a significant tourist destination, serves as a jumping-off point for groups visiting the state to see national parks such as Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion, as well as numerous state parks, distinctive towns and other interesting sites along the way. Utah tourism officials promote this itinerary as “the best week of your life,” and if you take your travelers to experience it, they just might agree. There are several modifications that can be made to lengthen or shorten the trip, so groups have a variety of ways to customize their tours and create an ideal journey through this scenic state.

thousands of sandstone arches, including Delicate Arch, an iconic formation widely featured in travel photography and on Utah license plates. Delicate Arch is accessible by a one-and-a-half-mile hike, but there are easier, shorter hikes to experience in the park as well. Arches also offers numerous tour opportunities. Groups can take a trip around the 26-mile Arches Scenic Drive in about two and a half hours, with plenty of stops for photographs. Another favorite activity is a guided tour through Fiery Furnace, a twisting maze of red-rock fissures and spines. Moab, the gateway to Arches National Park, is also home to Dead Horse Point State Park, which sits 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. “It’s really known for a lookout point that has gorgeous views of the surrounding red rocks because it’s on a little plateau,” Moench said. “Legend has it that ranchers used to keep their horses up there because the plateau meant they only had to build fences along one side of it.”

AN ADV ENTURE IN ARCHES If you start your tour in Salt Lake City, you’ll have to drive about four hours to reach the city of Moab and Arches National Park, one of the geological highlights of west-central Utah. It doesn’t have to be a boring drive, though, as there are plenty of interesting and enticing places to stop along the way. “One of my favorite stops is Green River,” said Emily Moench, public relations manager for the Utah Office of Tourism. “They’re famous for growing melons, and they also have a couple of cool restaurants. Tamarisk, in particular, is really famous for Navajo tacos, which is a favorite in southern Utah.” Making the trip in a leisurely fashion allows groups to arrive at Arches National Park close to sunset, when they will experience smaller crowds and dramatic lighting. The park is known for its

A CANYONLANDS TRIO After the long trip from Salt Lake City to Moab, the journey to the next Utah park destination, Canyonlands National Park, is thankfully short. The first entrance to the park is only about 35 miles from Moab, making it easy for groups to get there first thing in the morning. The largest national park site in Utah, Canyonlands is divided into three distinct districts. Island in the Sky is the park’s most accessible and most visited district, and it offers a bird’s-eye view of the landscape, which was carved out by the Colorado and Green rivers. The “island” sits 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. The Needles District is named for its thousands of red-rock spires and sandstone fins that jut out from the ground. The most remote area of the mark, the Maze District, is a backcountry area full of jagged stone. Visitors can take a two-mile hike on the Grand

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CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

By Tom Till

SCENIC BYWAY 12

THE VIRGIN RIVER AT ZION NATIONAL PARK By Michael Kunde

View Point Trail to see the southernmost edge of Island in the Sky. Groups can also opt to drive along the park’s 20 miles of paved roads, which can take them all the way down from the Island to the banks of the Colorado River. The light is most dramatic during sunrise and sunset, but groups should also plan to spend some time in the park at night. “Canyonlands has very little light pollution and has been certified as an International Dark Sky Park,” Moench said. “They have stargazing parties and special events. But even if you don’t go to those, you can still see the Milky Way very clearly at night.” A HIDDEN VA LLEY After visiting the Canyonlands area, you have a decision to make: take the easy 150-mile trip west to Capitol Reef National Park or make a 230-mile

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detour into southwest Utah. Though time-consuming, the second option offers an opportunity to explore Monument Valley. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park preserves land that is considered sacred by the Navajo people and is treasured by Hollywood filmmakers for its rugged, remote landscapes. The valley was made famous in classic Westerns, including “Stagecoach” and “The Searchers,” as well as the classic “Thelma and Louise.” Groups can learn about the area’s famous film roles by visiting the Goulding Film and Cultural History Museum at Goulding’s Lodge. In addition to the film museum, the lodge also features a trading post museum, a Navajo restaurant and a large gift shop that features Navajo art, jewelry and pottery, as well as an on-site movie theater that plays classic Western movies nightly. The lodge also offers a variety of excursions into Monument Valley, which range in length from one hour to one day, showcasing the area’s sandstone buttes and red rocks.

A REEF ABOVE GROUND Regardless of whether you come straight from Canyonlands or made the side trip to Monument Valley, Capitol Reef National Park will thrill your travelers. Unlike most reefs, which are underwater, this park takes its name from its central geological feature, a system of rainbowcolored sandstone “reefs” and canyons. “Capitol Reef is one of our most underrated parks,” Moench said. “There’s a highway that goes right through it, so a lot of people don’t stop. But they’re missing out because it’s really cool. It’s a little bit deeper red rock there.” There are numerous ways for groups to experience the park. The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is a 90-minute round trip that highlights petroglyphs, canyons and other natural areas. Rangers can lead short hikes to Hickman Bridge or By Matt Morgan longer excursions to sites such as Cohab Canyon or Sulphur Creek, which give an up-close look at the Utah desert. The park service also offers astronomy programs, educational games and other activities in the park. The area around Capitol Reef is also known for its historic farmland and modern produce. “Mesa Farm is close to Capitol Reef,” Moench said. “They are goat farmers who are doing some really cool things with the cheese-aging processes. He puts on a really cool visit for groups. You can meet the farmer, meet the goats and taste the cheese.” A HO OD O O HOT SPOT What’s a hoodoo? Your travelers may not be familiar with these tall columns of weathered rock, but after visiting Bryce Canyon, which is filled with thousands of these formations, they’ll never forget the word. Bryce Canyon, about 115 miles west of Capitol Reef, is one of the most

SEPTEMBER 2017

ES R R O F , N U R

popular national park sites in the Southwest. The highest point in the park is 9,000 feet above the canyon floor, and from there, visitors can see a series of natural amphitheaters sunk into pink cliff walls and bursting with red rock hoodoos. The colors turn brilliant with the light of sunrise or sunset. Groups can get an overview of Bryce Canyon on a 37-mile scenic drive that overlooks a number of the park’s most impressive scenes. A slightly more adventurous but still accessible option is the Rim Trail, a paved and level path that offers splendid views of some of the park’s hoodoos. Other hikes showcase waterfalls, spruce forests, the Bryce Amphitheater and other iconic sites. Near Bryce Canyon, Scenic Byway 12 is Utah’s only All-American Road and offers a variety of other experiences. “Anasazi State Park Museum has a really cool exhibit of Native American history and culture,” Moench said. “And about 10 to 15 minutes from there, you get to the Hog’s Back area, where the side of the highway drops off into sheer cliffs.” A ZION FINA LE For many travelers, Zion National Park will be the “Promised Land” of a tour in Utah. This park is the most popular in the state and attracts more than 3 million visitors each year. This canyon is considered by many to be among the most beautiful places in the United States. Eighty-eight miles from Bryce Canyon and 160 from Las Vegas, it makes a fitting place to finish a tour of the state’s spectacularly scenic sites. Though the park is a veritable paradise for adventure lovers, travelers of every age and ability level can enjoy a customized walk through the Narrows. “The Narrows is a pretty wide rock canyon that you can walk up,” Moench said. “You can put on river walking shoes and walk through the Virgin River.” The park staff offers a variety of other activities appropriate for groups, among them ranger-led programs, rafting excursions, horseback riding and birding. To celebrate a successful trip, groups should plan to spend some time enjoying the shops and restaurants of nearby Springdale, the gateway to Zion National Park. “They have a couple of really nice fine-dining places,” Moench said. “They also have a lot of art galleries and local artisans. It’s a really cute main-street community, and they have a lot of bigger hotels for groups.”

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Artwork by Donia Simmons

By Tom Till

hree years, two months, 14 days and 16 hours after he started running, Forrest Gump, the protagonist of the blockbuster 1994 movie of the same name, decided to call it quits. He was at around mile marker 13 on U.S. Route 163, which happens to fall in southwestern Utah. In the famous scene where Gump announces to his followers that he is tired and ready to go home, the entire group is running down this desolate stretch of highway, with the iconic 1,000-foot Mittens formations of Monument Valley towering in the background. Today, the spot has become a popular stopping place for other travelers, who jump out of their cars and buses for a “Forrest Gump selfie.” “Every time I drive there, there’s always a line of people pulled over to get a photo of themselves running in that spot,” Utah Tourism’s Emily Moench said.

U TA H O F F I C E O F T O U R I S M — W W W.V ISI T U TA H.COM —

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EARLY ICONS COLONI AL CITIES SH ARE ENDURING LEGACIES B Y LYS A A L L M A N - B A L D W I N

he Colonial history of the United States is a wealth of stories encompassing culture, emigration, sacrifice, conflict and discovery that together have had a profound and lasting impact on the country in which we live today. Following are five noteworthy destinations with strong Colonial histories, each offering a wealth of distinctive special experiences for tour groups.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S CASTILLO DE SAN MARCO

Courtesy FloridasHistoricCoast.com

A SAVANNAH TROLLEY TOUR

Courtesy Visit Savannah

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S T. AUGUS TINE, FLORIDA

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St. Augustine, Florida, about an hour south of Jacksonville, has been a city of firsts since its founding in 1565. The capital of Spanish Florida for nearly 200 years, St. Augustine owns the distinction of being the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America and the oldest town plat in the United States. After Spanish rule ended, St. Augustine was controlled by the British. Structures and artifacts from the Spanish, British and American periods work together to make the entire city a living museum. Among them is Castillo de San Marcos, built between 1672 and 1695 to protect the Spanish fleet from foreign invasion. It stands today as the oldest masonry fort in the country and America’s first national monument. Spanning 144 square blocks and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Plaza de la Constitution, established in 1573, is home to the Constitutional Monument. Monuments such as this were erected in every Spanish colony during the 1500s, and the St. Augustine monument is believed to be the only remaining one. St. Augustine is also known as the first commercial seaport in North America and the home of the first hospital opened in North America, in 1598. In 1738, the first legally sanctioned African-American town in what would become the United States, Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, also known as Fort Mose, opened near the city. Groups can experience the city’s Colonial highlights in a variety of ways. “Many tours here are geared to working with leisure groups,” said Evelyn Vazquez, director of leisure sales for the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. “Since 1953, the Ripley’s Sightseeing Trains have been providing narrated tours of the nation’s oldest city. Tour planning by Ancient City Tours includes professional guide service, itinerary planning and scheduling, meals, transportation, accommodations and more. And DMC Ventures is a St. Augustine full-service tour operator that creates customized tour planning and itineraries for groups of any age.” Other worthwhile sites and attractions attractive to groups are the St. Augustine Lighthouse, the Colonial Quarter, the Pirate and Treasure Museum, and Mission Nombre de Dios. W W W.FLOR I DASH IST OR ICCO AST.COM

AN INTERPRETER AT HISTORIC JAMESTOWN

Courtesy Jamestown-Yorktown Found.

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SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

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When English visionary, social reformer and military leader Gen. James Oglethorpe landed on a bluff high above the Savannah River in search of a better life for his home country’s working poor, he named this new territory Georgia, after England’s King George II, making it America’s 13th and final colony. He called its first city Savannah, honoring the river above which it sat. Savannah is about two hours from Charleston, South Carolina, and is known as America’s first planned city. Its landscape follows Oglethorpe’s design for a series of grids that connect the area and citizens via 24 public squares, 22 of which are still in existence; wide-open streets; and parks. Today’s historic district captures the romantic ambiance that flourished from this city plan, which continues to enchant visitors and residents alike. According to Mindy Shea, director of tour, travel, and international sales for Visit Savannah, a visit here is a unique Savannah Colonial experience. “Tour groups can explore the city in many ways, but one of the most popular is by open-air trolleys touring the beautiful historic homes and museums,” Shea said. “Among some of the unique activities your group can do is play a round of Colonial cricket, take part in a pine-needle basket-weaving demonstration, learn about Colonial fibers and try [their] hand at weaving.” Area attractions include the Mercer-Williams House, a pre-Civil Warera mansion; the Wormsloe Historic Site, which has been in the same family since the 1930s; the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, built between 1873 and 1876 and an excellent example of French Gothic architecture; and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, which recounts the history of segregation and the civil rights movement in Savannah. Tricentennial Park preserves Savannah’s Central of Georgia Railway National Landmark District, as well as the oldest and most complete antebellum railroad manufacturing and repair facility still in existence in the country. Within only a few miles of the city, historic attractions attractive to groups include Old Fort Jackson, one of the few surviving brick fortifications in the United States, and on Tybee Island, Fort Pulaski National Monument and the Tybee Island Lighthouse. More modern-day excursions include haunted ghost tours; a cruise aboard the Georgia Queen, the country’s largest riverboat; and walking amidst the stunning art and period architectural structures around town. W W W.V ISI T S AVA N NA H.COM

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JAMESTOWN, WILLIAMSBURG — AND YORKTOWN, VIRGINIA

Linked by the scenic 23-mile Colonial Parkway a little over an hour north of Norfolk, Virginia, Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown played integral roles in the English settlement of the Chesapeake region beginning in the early 1600s and, in the process, helped transform the original 13 Colonies into a new free and independent country. Each of these points on the triangle has a distinctive history and has a great deal to offer visitors interested in the early influencers and events of what we now know as the United States of America. Jamestown and the James River leading up to it were named to honor England’s King James I, who in 1606 granted a charter allowing three ships to sail to America. Now part of the Colonial National Historical Park Virginia, Historic Jamestowne encompasses active excavation sites where groups can choose from two behind-the-scenes walking tours. Groups touring the site can explore James Fort, built in 1607, and see artifacts being unearthed from this early settlement, which also served as Virginia’s government seat for almost a century. The Curators Artifact Tour gives visitors a close-up look at the astounding 2 million-plus artifact collection and what these items tell us about the life and times of those residing here over 400 years ago. Colonial Williamsburg offers a step into the past to experience an 18thcentury setting with period-costumed portrayals of the men, women and children who lived here. Groups can choose from over 20 guided and selfguided tours where they can walk, talk and work alongside the Williamsburg community’s political figures, tradespeople, shopkeepers, slave community, homemakers and others. The tours — Behind-the-Scenes, Ghost Walk, Bits and Bridles, Renegade, and Art Museum, just to name a few — delight visitors with themed in-depth explorations of this vitally important Colonial capital. Last in the timeline of Virginia’s Historic Triangle is Yorktown and the Yorktown Battlefield. It was here that the last major battle of the Revolutionary War, the 1781 Siege of Yorktown, took place for control of this once-thriving plantation tobacco port and home to approximately 2,000 residents. The location and city is significant in that America’s independence was ultimately secured here when allied American and French forces led by Gen. George Washington defeated the British army. Other specialized tours and programs here include Siege Line Walking Tours and Non-Firing Artillery Demonstrations held at the Yorktown Visitor Center and museum, and the original and reconstructed historic homes, structures and military-stronghold points of interest that dot the seven-square-mile battlefield grounds. W W W. H IST ORY ISFU N.ORG

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NE WPOR T, RHODE ISL AND

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The charming coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island, approximately 70 miles south of Boston and known as America’s First Resort, was one of the foremost ports in the Colonies. Today it is home to one of the largest, most extensive and well-preserved assortments of Colonial-era buildings dating from the early and mid-18th century. Tour groups will find an extensive and diverse mix of Colonial history and contemporary attractions here. Among them are the Old Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in the city, where you will find the Redwood Library and Athenaeum founded in 1747, the oldest lending library in America and the oldest library building in continuous use in the country. Touro Synagogue is recognized as America’s oldest synagogue; the Newport Art Museum inside the John N.A. Griswold House is widely considered to be the country’s premier example of Modern Gothic or American “Stick-Style” architecture; and Fort Adams State Park is billed as “the most complex coastal fort in the United States.” The Newport County Colonial Landmark Trail features one of the largest concentrations of Colonial homes and buildings in America, including the Samuel Whitehorn House Museum, a Federal-period house that features Newport artisan works from 1740 to 1840; the Hunter House, a Georgian Colonial home built in 1748 that served as the Revolutionary War headquarters of French Admiral Charles-Louis de Ternay; the Wanton

Lyman Hazard House, Newport’s oldest private residence; and Prescott Farm, which features British General William Prescott’s guard house, a country store and an operating windmill, among others structures. According to Andrea McHugh, marketing communications manager for Discover Newport, groups love experiencing firsthand why Newport is considered the Sailing Capital of the World. “Sailing on an authentic 12-meter yacht on glorious Narragansett Bay is extraordinary,” McHugh said, “and groups can experience it in a whole new way by grinding and raising the winches in a miniregatta. Another fantastic group activity is riding the rails along the bank of Narragansett Bay on Rail Explorers, pedal-powered bike/vehicle hybrids that ride on railroad tracks, hands-free, [with] tour guides in the lead and in the last position.” Other worthwhile tour stops are the newly opened Newport Car Museum in nearby Portsmouth, a 40,000-square-foot museum that features a remarkable private collection of over 45 automobiles that represent six decades of automotive design since World War II. The Newport Audrain Automobile Museum showcases over 112 of the rarest and most extraordinary vehicles made, ranging from the beginning of the 20th century to today, and is one of the most highly regarded automobile museums in New England. W W W.DISCOV ER N EW PORT.ORG

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PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS

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Off Route 3 South in Plymouth, Massachusetts, less than one hour from downtown Boston, Plimoth Plantation, which sits on an archaeological site with artifacts dating back 8,000 years, brings the 17th century to life with award-winning interpretation, workshops, demonstrations, special-interest clubs, exhibits and live theater at five major sites in three separate locations. Whether the Mayflower II ship is docked at the State Pier in Plymouth or is on one of its occasional sailings, groups will learn about the experiences of the crew and passengers who sailed from Europe to their new homeland in 1620. At the Wampanoag Homesite, Native Wampanoag and other Native American citizens whose descendants have lived in this region for more than 10,000 years are dressed in historically accurate clothing. They demonstrate cultural traditions, crafts and textile making, structure building, hunting and fishing techniques, and more during Colonial times. The 17th Century English Village, a re-creation of the small Pilgrim farming and maritime community, features modest timber-framed houses and artifacts, and costumed characters share what life was like here along the shores of Plymouth Harbor at that time. The Craft Center is where Native American artisans work alongside staff tailors, joiners, potters and cabinetmakers to re-create and use the tools, materials and craft techniques used in the 1600s in a typical 17th-century English village. Just a short walk from the waterfront and the Mayflower II ship in Town Brook, the Plimoth Grist Mill is a working, water-powered reproduction of the original 1636 mill operating with 200-year-old French Buhr millstones, like those used by the Pilgrims to mill organic corn into cornmeal. Other exciting options for groups are private guided tours; specialized speakers who focus on topics such as early gardening, timber-frame construction, period cookery, navigation and Colonial religion; and booking a historical themed dining experience with English Pilgrim or Native American hosts.

FORT ADAMS STATE PARK IN NEWPORT

4 NEWPORT’S REDWOOD LIBRARY AND ATHENAEUM Courtesy Discover Newport

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sound-off

STAFF

WH AT ITEMS OR E XPERIENCES DO YOU SPLURGE ON WHEN YOU TR AVEL?

In our most recent travels, our family has been splurging on nicer rooms at better hotels. Since we have young kids, we like getting a suite that allows us to put them in to sleep in a separate room. And we love a hot, made-toorder breakfast, so we’ve been skipping forgettable continental spreads at midlevel hotels and paying more for full breakfast at nicer places. — Brian Jewell, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

l always have to get a latte everywhere we go. We do like to splurge on a night or two at historic or boutique hotels and make up for it by camping during the rest of the trip. — Donia Simmons, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Christmas ornaments. Yes, I’m a 100-year-old touristy tourist that likes to get a nice overpriced Christmas ornament that reminds me of the places my family has visited.

I usually keep a tight budget on food and lodging when I travel so I can conserve my funds for unique experiences like snorkeling in the Florida Keys or taking a boat tour of the Everglades.

— Stacey Bowman, DIRECTOR, ADVERTISING SALES

— Savannah Osbourn, STAFF WRITER

Sometimes it’s getting some new camera gear to capture a moment from our trip or buying a magnet from an attraction or destination we loved; our big splurge is always on making and bringing home our travel memories. — Ashley Ricks, MARKETING AND CIRCULATION MANAGER

Food: local dishes, local beers. But also, connectivity. Traveling for me now includes investing in the luxury of social media. I purchase a cellular data package that allows me to post on Twitter and use texts and email as I go. Kim posts more to friends on Facebook, and she, too, purchases international data to do that. Neither of us has the patience to seek out and wait for Wi-Fi hot spots along the way. — Mac Lacy, PUBLISHER

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 36

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C O NF RON TING DISRUPTION

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TRAVEL LEADERS EXAMINE THE PROS AND CONS OF CONFLICT CARYLANN ASSANTE, TERRY DALE, PAM INMAN,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STUDENT AND YOUTH TRAVEL ASSOCIATION (SYTA)

PRESIDENT AND CEO, UNITED STATES TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION (USTOA)

PRESIDENT, NTA

PETER PANTUSO,

PRESIDENT AND CEO, AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION (ABA)

A contentious 2016 election has led to an acrimonious 2017 in the United States, with political forces inside and outside the country putting pressure on how Americans see each other, as well as how they see outsiders and how foreigners view America. The Group Travel Leader spoke with the heads of four tourism industry associations to get their perspectives on these and other issues shaping the travel industry today. he political landscape — both and home and broad — seems more complicated and contentious than it has been in a long time. does this have implications for the travel industry, and if so, how are your members and their customers reacting and adjusting to those implications? DALE: It doesn’t, and it’s probably the most interesting, frustrating, fascinating cycle that I have been in, possibly in my whole career. On one hand, it feels as if we’re under attack, when we have a new administration’s travel bans, “extreme vetting,” rollback of Cuba travel and laptop bans. It feels like so many of our core issues, which can strike at the success of our members’ business, are under siege. But the reality is, business is extraordinarily healthy. We just did a survey of our members, asking them about how business is coming in 2017. Everyone who responded, except for one, indicated that they’re having doubledigit growth. This is the first time we’re seeing growth like that virtually across the board. It’s an extraordinary political landscape that we’re operating in, but I cannot say that it’s impacting our members. I like to be an optimist. I don’t know how long this will last. It could be that Wall Street doesn’t continue on this escalation. The dollar or consumer confidence may weaken. But for the moment, we have to enjoy the healthy start of 2017. INMAN: It’s certainly a concern. Every time the travel ban or something negative is mentioned in the press, it’s a concern for people wanting to travel. But our members are saying their business has not been affected yet. Arrivals and spending are up. The first year of the Obama administration, we went through the same thing. People were saying, you don’t need to travel, you don’t need to go to conferences; and the industry had to work with them to educate them about the value of travel. We’re going to work with this administration as well. Overall, we feel like we continue to advocate for Brand USA and the national parks and work with them. So our members say that business is up and that they’re confident.

TERRY DALE

“It feels like so many of our core issues, which can strike at the success of our members’ business, are under siege. But the reality is, business is extraordinarily healthy.”

Courtesy Mayflower Tours

ASSANTE: Yes, we do believe it has implications for the student and youth travel industry, and as a result, our board has met to develop a response to this changing landscape. SYTA believes that all students and youth should have the opportunity to experience the world through travel, and therefore, any hindrance to DESPITE THE TURBULENT ENVIRONMENTS AT HOME AND ABROAD, TOURISM LEADERS SAY THAT AMERICAN TRAVELERS ARE VENTURING OUT IN RECORD NUMBERS, EVEN TO PLACES AS EXOTIC AS EGYPT. GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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CUBA CONTINUES TO SELL WELL FOR TOUR OPERATORS, ALTHOUGH THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS GIVEN SOME CLUES THAT IT MAY CLOSE OBAMA-ERA LOOPHOLES THAT ALLOW AMERICAN LEISURE TRAVEL TO THE ISLAND.

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Courtesy Go Next

that opportunity is a concern for our members. SYTA is gathering information to measure the actual and potential impact of the travel ban and other policies so that we can educate our legislators, members and customers about the issues resulting from the ban. We want to reassure all travel planners and travelers that SYTA is committed to a culture of safety, with thorough planning, excellent itinerary implementation and the highest quality standards, so that every child who travels the world can do so with confidence. We are actively working with U.S. Travel and other associations both domestically and internationally to have a coordinated response to the current environment. PANTUSO: The political landscape has some positives to it that aren’t always evident. We have seen some of the challenges, like the administration’s interest in jettisoning Brand USA, which Congress rejected. And the focus on the border and the early presidential order that limited people coming in from certain countries have painted the U.S. as being an unfriendly place to come and do business. When those things happened, we started getting calls from a number of our travel members saying they’re getting cancellations from groups. The Toronto school district canceled trips by students to the U.S. So there’s no question there’s been an impact. Having said that, the economy is pretty good right now, and the stock market is up there and has been for a month. The other plus is that this administration came in with the idea that they were going to look at some of the regulations that have impacted industry and have certainly impacted the motorcoach industry. In the prior two

SEPTEMBER 2017

years, we saw a tremendous amount of regulations come out of the Department of Transportation. This year, we have seen a lot of regulations pulled back. From a motorcoach perspective, we’re pretty pleased with where we see the administration going, not withstanding all the other things that people get worked up about. What are the biggest challenges facing your members right now, and what are the most promising solutions to those problems? INMAN: Sensationalized media stories can be a problem if people are afraid to travel. The more we can get the word out about the safety of travel, the better. And if travelers are seasoned, they’re not as influenced by sensationalized stories as others. Our members are having challenges finding qualified applicants to fill jobs in their companies. So we’re starting a career center on our NTA website that will hopefully help with that. Our colleges and universities aren’t really teaching about the tour operator part of travel and tourism, so the more we can get universities to develop these programs the better. The fast change of technology is always an issue, especially for small businesses. We continue to look for solutions to help our members with that.

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“The opportunity for all of us in this space is to try to figure out who these new buyers are and enlist them to understand how the group process works.”

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ASSANTE: Our challenging situations are safety and risk management for traveling student groups, both domestically and internationally. Our customers — educators, school boards, etc. — are pushing the liability for student safety in all areas onto the tour operator, where in the past it may have been divided between the school and the tour operator. This relates to all areas: transportation, finance, contracts, chaperones and even social issues such as students with disabilities, transgender and health issues. We are responding by creating and implementing a crisis and safety preparedness plan, educating members about best practices in crisis and safety planning, and developing a crisis safety readiness certification program for members. We are going to require minimum planning and readiness standards for members, establish insurance requirements, and provide members and their customers with tools and resources.

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PANTUSO: The biggest thing I hear repeatedly from our members is the driver shortage issue: finding good drivers and being able to hire them. That’s not unique to us; I hear the same thing from my friends in the trucking industry. Because the economy is doing really well, unemployment is relatively low and puts a lot of pressure on the ability to find replacement employees and new employees. If the economy gets better, you’re investing more and have more demand, and you need to staff up. But because unemployment rates are relatively low, you don’t have the people to staff up. It’s a challenge and an opportunity at the same time. DALE: The overarching challenge is to recognize that your competitor isn’t the member seated next to you at events or conferences, but those disrupters in the broader, larger industry. That could be the sharing economy, online travel agencies or the hotel chain I just read about that is now selling air and packaged travel, functioning as a tour operator. Recognize that is the threat. The challenges are much bigger than a single business. It really requires us as an industry to address and determine ways that we can maintain relevance and create successful businesses that can thrive.

SAVVY TOUR COMPANIES ARE ADAPTING TO CUSTOMERS’ USE OF TECHNOLOGY.

Courtesy G Adventures

NASA Visitor Center

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Are you seeing new group travel buyers enter the industry? Where are they coming from, and in what ways are they different than the conventional group travel planner? ASSANTE: In the student and youth market, more teachers are planning educational travel for their students by doing their own research online, searching travel sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp, and then reaching out directly to suppliers. Many of them are starting with a local or regional trip and then moving up to overnight travel. Fortunately, we see that as the trip becomes more complex with airfares, hotels, contracts and airline availability, they are reaching out to professional tour operators and group travel planners like our members. In addition, we see independent and private high schools developing travel programs for credit and making it part of their curriculum and tuition, whereas before, this was done at the college level. PANTUSO: We are struggling to figure out who and where these new buyers

are. All my motorcoach operators are busy right now; every one of them tell me they’re having one of the best years they’ve ever had. The people who are chartering are different in some cases. You see trips coming from sports teams and PTAs. They’re not what we would call group leaders, but they’re leaders of groups. They can be meet-ups, professional societies, alumni groups or corporate planners of some kind. The opportunity for all of us in this space is to try to figure out who these new buyers are and enlist them to understand how the group process works. INMAN: For us, it’s still China. Our China Inbound program has more than 200 Chinese tour operators. We continue to see interest with our existing

CARYLANN ASSANTE

“We are going to require minimum planning and readiness standards for members, establish insurance requirements, and provide members and their customers with tools and resources.”

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Courtesy Collette

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CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

tour operators to work more and more with the existing inbound market. We just recently went to India with the U.S. Department of Commerce and Brand USA and met with their tourism industry. We have signed an agreement with the India Tour Operators Association for a partnership with them. What are forward-thinking tour operators, DMOs and travel planners investing in now to help ensure their success for the future?

Courtesy A&S Signature Journeys

TODAY’S NEW GROUP TRAVEL BUYERS DON’T NECESSARILY FIT THE PATTERNS OR PROFILES OF THE TRADITIONAL TOUR PLANNER.

PANTUSO: They’re throwing the old tour book away. They’re not throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but they’re doing things differently for different segments. There may be some products they offer that work well for the traditional traveler, but today’s traveler is different. The millennials and baby boomers and the segments in between don’t want to travel the way my parents did. They have less time. They may want to take an Uber on their own when they get to a destination. I think the sharing economy is a huge opportunity going forward. You have to be attuned to it and recognize where it is right now. If you want to attract a new spectrum of people, you have to figure out how to use it right. DALE: Those who are forward thinking are really prioritizing digital strategy. It needs to be a pretty strategic and comprehensive one. We have a responsibility to help drive home that message, so next year, in the first quarter, we’re doing our first-ever digital marketing academy for a day and a half. We’ll bring in expert speakers and talk about best practices. If you don’t have this on your radar screen, your relevance is going to diminish. INMAN: The international market is key. I asked the chairs of six of our leadership teams where they’re predicting growth, and half of them referred to international inbound: Asia, China and India, in particular. Other leaders say they need to invest more in the niche tour markets: loyalty programs and partnering with likeminded companies to work together. And technology is on the forefront of their minds, so we’re looking for some different types of outreach or companies that could assist our members with these issues. ASSANTE: They’re investing in responsive registration and payment platforms to make it easy for customers to work with them. They’re using mobile apps for crisis management, with GPS to track students. They’re using apps like WhatsApp or text groups to communicate with students and parents. They’re using digital marketing to find new customers, and understanding the millennial teacher and traveler, as they will be their future customers.

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Tour SOUTHEAST INDIANA

RiveR Town “Our members are having chalPAM INMAN

lenges finding qualified applicants to fill jobs in their companies. So we’re starting a career center on our NTA website that will hopefully

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VALUE IS AVAILABLE AT MANY PRICE POINTS

By Rachel Carter

hen it comes to travel, experience isn’t necessarily tied to expenditure. Some of the best memories are free. Some of the most exclusive access and most exceptional interactions aren’t — but are worth the money. “You can have a great value and a great experience, and that value can be a low dollar amount or a high dollar amount,” said Jeremy Palmer, senior vice president of worldwide operations and general manager of land tours for Tauck. Tours at different price points vary in what they offer. Here’s what buyers can expect for hotels, meals and experiences at these four pricing tiers: affordable, standard, luxury and custom.

AFFORDABLE

Gate 1 Travel tries not to enter a market unless it knows it will be the price leader in that destination, said vice president of marketing Marty Seslow. “We predominantly market on price point,” he said. “That’s what we’re known for; that’s where we position ourselves in the market — as the price leaders.” Though Gate 1 Travel often sells on price, “we try to overdeliver in terms of service,” Seslow said. Gate 1 offers three types of tours: its standard, large-group product; the Discovery line of smallgroup tours; and its Signature Collection of luxury itineraries, all fully escorted. Groups have two options to travel with Gate 1: They can buy into an existing, off-the-shelf product — Gate 1’s two highest-volume destinations are Italy and Peru — or have the company customize an itinerary for the group. But Gate 1’s regular, large-group tours are “90 percent of what we do,” Seslow said. The company aims for a maximum of 42 people per departure, using 50-plus-seat motorcoaches.

Courtesy A&S Signature Journeys

A SRI LANKAN MAN DEMONSTRATES TRADITIONAL POTTERY DURING AN A&S SIGNATURE JOURNEYS TRIP.

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Most trips are 10 to 12 days, and all include a mix of free time and escorted touring. In every major city, Gate 1 books only four-star hotels, and they “must be centrally located; we almost never use hotels outside of the city center,” Seslow said. Gate 1 also only uses hotels that provide breakfast. Aside from breakfast, travelers can expect three to five included meals, mostly dinner, during the entire trip, although Gate 1 will sometimes include lunch “if it’s a grueling day, and they’re on the road for the day,” he said. For experiences, Gate 1 usually gives people free time in the city but also includes fully guided touring at area attractions. In Italy, for example, Gate 1 hires a local guide to lead groups through museums and historic sites. Gate 1 can market itself as the price leader for affordable travel in part because the company, which was founded in 1981 in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, now has 19 offices around the world. That global presence “gives us so much more control over product and offers better consistency worldwide,” Seslow said. “We cut out the local hand; we’re buying direct almost everywhere instead of relying on an incoming tour operator.”

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W W W.G AT E1T R AV E L .C O M

STANDARD

Wade Tours offers a range of itineraries, from one-day casino, shopping and sightseeing trips to tours that span several days or a couple weeks, such as the weeklong Alaska’s National Parks tour and the 16-night Wade’s Wild West Adventure. Wade aims to offer the same comfort, service and hospitality on every trip and treat everyone like family, but “every tour has a different experience, and it depends on the destination what level of service they’ll have,” said Crystal DeLorenzo, executive director. Wade’s standard tours include a deluxe motorcoach, a comfortable hotel, most meals and a range of guided exWhat 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

WADE TOURS PROVIDES STANDARD-LEVEL TRIPS TO POPULAR DESTINATIONS SUCH AS WASHINGTON, D.C.

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 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

Courtesy Wade Tours

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CUSTOMERS CHOOSE GATE 1 TRAVEL FOR AFFORDABLE TRIPS TO BLOCKBUSTER DESTINATIONS, SUCH AS YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK.

Courtesy Gate 1 Travel

periences, all for about $150 per person per day, based on double occupancy, she said. Hotels are always at least three-star and usually higher, and “some destinations are the hotel,” she said. For example, Wade runs many tours to Pennsylvania Dutch Country and often books the AmishView Inn and Suites, which is surrounded by Amish farmland and delivers views of grazing cows and a one-room schoolhouse on the horizon. In cities and suburbs, Wade often books Country Inn and Suites hotels, although for an upcoming trip to Chicago, they’re working with Hilton to choose the right property. Though it’s not necessary for Wade to have a full-service hotel, the company does try to book hotels where breakfast is always included. Wade includes most meals during trips because the company’s travelers like not having to walk around looking for a place to eat, especially if the group is coming into the hotel late. “We don’t want them to have to worry about where to go eat,” she said. If Wade doesn’t include a meal, “it’s because we’re staying in a location that’s easily accessible to many options.” Wade’s customers also prefer buffets so they can choose what to eat rather than a set menu. For each itinerary, Wade includes a range of experiences, from meet-and-greets to museums like the free Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, New York. In Branson, entertainers often board the motorcoach to greet the group before the show or, if they have time, take guests on a behind-the-scenes theater tour. At the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, singer Tony Orlando might get on board to ask how Wade’s group enjoyed the show. Wade’s guide at Great Smoky Mountains National Park was born and raised in the area and personally knows Dolly Parton. “That kind of stuff really enhances a tour,” DeLorenzo said. W W W.W A D E TO U R S .C O M

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LUXURY

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There’s often a misconception that luxury items are expensive just for the sake of being expensive. But for Tauck, premium travel isn’t about price — it’s about value, Palmer said. Luxury and a great experience are not uniformly linked, he said. “We want to provide the greatest value possible, and yes, for our clientele that tends to be at the higher end of the price scale,” he said. “But I’m not choosing things just because they’re expensive. Some are cheaper, some cost more money; but at the end of the day, what I want to do is give you a really great experience.” Tauck tours are nearly all-inclusive. Each trip includes not only big-ticket items — hotels, transportation, meals and attractions — but also gratuities, alcohol at select times and Wi-Fi at hotels that would otherwise charge extra for it. The company covers about 100 different cost components in every tour, which ensures “you don’t feel nickel-and-dimed,” Palmer said. Though it varies by destination, Tauck’s per-person, per-day cost without airfare averages $600 to $700. That is not a company guideline, Palmer said, but “just where it hits.” For lodging, Tauck aims for the best hotel for the experience and the destination. In Europe, that means a grand, city-center hotel with history and presence, but that doesn’t mean the most expensive. It means the “best available for what our guests want,” Palmer said, such as the Savoy Hotel in London or the Gritti Palace in Venice. Conversely, on a trip to Yellowstone or Grand Teton national parks, Tauck books Jackson Lake Lodge or Lake Yellowstone Hotel, “not the most expensive, but they are in the parks, which is what people want,” he said. Most meals are included; daily breakfast always is. But “it’s not just feeding you; it’s the experience that goes along with it,” Palmer said. That could mean dinner in the Serengeti bush surrounded by animals, dining in the catacombs beneath a Roman street or being served a meal in a palace just as it would have been in the 1800s. Tauck’s clients are mostly well-to-do, well-traveled American retirees who are looking for entree and experiences they can’t get on their own. In Italy, Tauck’s relationship with the Vatican allows its travelers after-hours access to the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, where they can spend an hour with only 40 other people. In Paris, during an after-hours Louvre tour, “you’re essentially alone with the ‘Mona Lisa,’” Palmer said. Though Tauck gets its clients behind the velvet rope, it also offers plenty of lessexpensive, wholly authentic interactions, including an array of “local characters we can introduce you to,” he said. “That’s an experience that stays with you a lifetime.” W W W.TA U C K .C O M

TAUCK’S LUXURY TOURS INCLUDE HIGH-END ACCOMMODATIONS, SUCH AS THE GRITTI PALACE HOTEL IN VENICE, ITALY.

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GROUP

Scan this QR to visit 54 our mobile site and get TRAVEL ADER your LE keys to Vicksburg. /VisitVicksburg T HE

Courtesy Tauck

Contact Ashley Gatian, Sales Manager for planning assistance. 800-221-3536 • ashley@visitvicksburg.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

The Outer Banks

CUSTOMIZED TOURS ALLOW GROUPS TO TAILOR THEIR TOURS TO THEIR LEVEL OF ACTIVITY.

OF NORTH CAROLINA

Am e r ica’s Fir st B e ach

By Reza Akram, courtesy A&S Signature Journeys

Local Outer Banks Cuisine

Elizabethan Gardens

For group adventures, contact Lorrie Love; love@outerbanks.org, or call 877-629-4386

AmericasFirstBeach.com

CUSTOM/ BOUTIQUE

It’s not an exaggeration to say the world of customized group travel is limitless. Any group can do anything if they can afford it, but that’s not to say custom travel is always about high-end, high-price luxury. Far from it. Often, it’s about including undiscovered wonders that align with the group’s interests, said Sheri Fazleabas, president of A&S Signature Journeys. “People run away with the concept that custom travel is expensive; custom travel doesn’t have to be expensive,” she said. “As far as we are concerned, we don’t have such huge, huge pricing because we find these hidden gems.” She said, “We try to give the best — best not in terms of the most expensive, but best in terms of the experience.” A&S customizes group itineraries to international destinations and specializes in Asia, Africa, South America and Central America, and the Middle East. A&S works with groups of at least six people, although groups tend to be about 10 to 15 people. GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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Courtesy A&S Signature Journeys

BOUTIQUE OPERATOR A&S SIGNATURE JOURNEYS ARRANGES FOR TRAVELERS TO MEET LOCALS ON TOURS IN SRI LANKA.

The company always starts by talking with the travel agent or the client to discuss their expectations. Most clients want a 4.5- or five-star hotel, or if it’s a unique property, they want to experience it. In Cape Town, South Africa, that could be the waterfront One & Only resort, a five-star bed-and-breakfast or a luxury boutique hotel in the middle of a vineyard outside the city. Different properties provide different experiences, which are tailored to a group’s interests. “What do you normally do in your life? We try to bring that interest out during their travel,” Fazleabas said. A group of architects may want to stay in a Sri Lankan hotel designed by the country’s most-famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa, or stay in a Dubai property with views of the Burj Khalifa. Nature lovers can book an eco-friendly property in a paddy field and arrange for nature walks and bird-watching excursions. Adventure seekers can stay at the Palmstone Retreat in Sri Lanka and go whitewater rafting in the nearby town of Kitulgala or go “canyoning” — sliding down rocks and jumping from waterfalls into natural plunge pools. Those are the types of hidden gems that are unknown to clients and that they “need to look for; it doesn’t have to be highest-end property,” Fazleabas said. Boutique properties are often on par with or more affordable than other hotels because guests aren’t paying for the brand name, she said. A&S doesn’t always include meals but can make suggestions, reservations at restaurants or arrangements for exclusive dining experiences. In remote areas where the only food available is at the resort, A&S recommends that clients include board packages. Experiences are intertwined with every aspect of the itinerary and, like everything else, are tailored to the group’s interests. “We add a lot of experiences to our tours, and that’s why it’s custom,” Fazleabas said. W W W. A N S J O U R N E Y S .C O M

SEE FOR YOURSELF Stop in and browse handcrafted, West Virginia-made products. Grab a bite of our famous fried green tomato sandwich, or stretch your legs in our beautiful courtyard. Tucked in the hills, yet right off the interstate, Tamarack is here to be the favorite part of your journey.

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EASY COMPANY: ENGLAND TO THE EAGLE’S NEST Based on the best-selling book by Museum founder Stephen E. Ambrose, and the award-winning HBO miniseries Band of Brothers The National WWII Museum provides vivid insight into the war that changed the world, but nothing can tell its story more dramatically than a visit to the actual places where victory was fought for and won. Our program allows you to experience these journeys in first-class comfort as you go behind the scenes to the beaches, bridges, cities, and villages where crucial battles took place and history-making decisions were made. Guided by the best experts in WWII history, you’ll hear the personal stories and walk in the footsteps of the citizen soldiers who fought for the freedom we enjoy today. From the hedgerows of Normandy, along “Hell’s Highway” in the Netherlands, in the foxholes surrounding Bastogne, and atop the Eagle’s Nest, this tour immerses you in the drama of D-Day and beyond. *Terms and conditions apply. For a full list of terms and conditions, contact The National WWII Museum Travel at 1-877-813-3329 x 257

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THERE’S AN ART TO FINDING THE RIGHT MOTORCOACH FOR YOUR GROUP By Eliza Myers

hen crafting the perfect spring day trip to New York City, tour planners may consider booking the motorcoach an afterthought. That mistake could cost them the trip. A 16-hour day trip to New York in the spring might seem a straightforward tour that planners could book last-minute. Yet because of seasonal availability and service hour limits, it is next to impossible. Motorcoach companies often spend considerable time explaining these types of restrictions. “A lot of people don’t know about the motorcoach industry,” said Brandi Rigsby, sales administrator for Premier Transportation. “They don’t know about the regulations put in place for the driver. They have a lot of questions.” Other group leaders, not knowing how to choose the right motorcoach company, simply select the least expensive one. This decision also might derail the trip if the group’s safety depends on an inexperienced driver. Since transportation plays such an integral role during a tour, tour planners should understand the motorcoach industry’s services and limitations before selling an itinerary.

PERFECT TIMING

What’s the typical booking window for touring groups? It depends on whom you ask. Most organized group tours book around five to six months in advance, and some call the motorcoach company anytime between a year and a couple of weeks out. Premier Transportation, a 46-motorcoach company with three east Tennessee locations, deals with a range of deadlines regularly. “Groups are booking all over the board,” said Rigsby. “We have groups that are repeat customers that will book almost a year in advance. We have some that will call two weeks out and say, ‘I need to go somewhere.’ We try to be flexible and work with whatever time frame they have.” Motorcoach companies strive to accommodate everyone. However, depending on availability, some group tours may be turned away. “You can never book too early,” said Mark Dennis, director of sales and business development for First Class Charter. “Spring through the first part of summer and fall from September through November is when we sell out more. For instance, I have several dates in the spring that have already sold out — that far in advance. You have to plan your trip early.” The family-owned Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, charter bus transportation service offers 11 motorcoaches, which are in demand with both leisure tour groups and student groups. Most motorcoach companies cater to both types of groups, which is why the two types of tours compete every spring for vehicle availability during peak senior trip season. School trips use motorcoaches instead of school buses for these longer trips, which is why the spring offers low availability and higher prices for transportation.

Courtesy Premier Transportation

KNOW THE LIMITS

When a charter bus company receives an itinerary proposal from a tour planner, the company representative will first look over the travel times to see if they comply with the federal Hours of Service rule. This 2012 law restricts consecutive driving hours of commercial drivers to prevent the No. 1 cause of accidents in the industry: fatigue. Drivers of both trucks and motorcoaches can stay on duty only for 10 hours at a time within a 15hour period before they are required to take an eight-hour break. By December 2017, the electronic

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

TRAVEL PLANNERS SHOULD CONSIDER A VARIETY OF FACTORS — INCLUDING PRICE, AMENITIES AND SAFETY RECORD — WHEN CHARTERING MOTORCOACHES FOR TOURS.

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MANY COACH COMPANIES, SUCH AS FIRST CLASS CHARTERS, ARE SMALL BUSINESSES.

Courtesy First Class Charters

logging device rule will require all commercial drivers to electronically track their hours to ensure they stay in compliance. This impacts tour planning, since some proposed day trip itineraries might have to switch to an overnight to stay in compliance. “We have found that the itineraries we get from customers tend to push the hoursof-service limit,” said Dennis. “It’s been an educational process. When we get an itinerary, we have to map it to make sure it can be done so we don’t go into violation. You must remember that there is more traffic on the road than there was five, 10 years ago. People tend to not take that into consideration.” Planners using online mapping tools to calculate their travel time often forget to add potential traffic delays and rest stops. Motorcoach companies like Oneonta Bus Lines/Eastern Travel in Oneonta, New York, can not only point out the issues for those chartering one of their 12 motorcoaches, but also arrange the details of the trip, since a branch of the company acts as a travel agency. The company often uses this expertise when helping planners plot itineraries that stay within the limits of the law. “The service hours limits are based on safety, which I completely support,” said Peggy Bush, general manager of the family-owned, 70-year-old company. “But they have changed the face of planning a tour because you have to take those limits into consideration. Sometimes, what the group wants to accomplish in a day, they can’t. We do everything on our end to help.”

MOTORCOACH SHOPPING

Ask adult travelers and students to name their most vital motorcoach amenity, and they will probably give different answers. Cavallo Bus Lines, a 75-year-old company that operates 114 motorcoaches in three Midwest locations, has heard them all. “The amenity preference depends on the style and age of the group,” said David

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Courtesy Cavallo Bus Lines Courtsy Oneonta Bus Lines

Warren, CEO of Cavallo Bus Lines, based in Gillespie, Illinois. “To some senior groups, comfortable seats are really important. They are looking for comfort because they are usually on the coach for multiple days. Wi-Fi has recently become popular for some groups, so they have the ability to do their own thing on the devices they bring onboard the motorcoach.” Other typical amenities include a restroom, a DVD player, seat belts and electronic charging outlets. For groups looking for luxury, motorcoach companies like Premier Transportation can even provide equipment for watching live sports on board. “Our most popular amenity is Wi-Fi, but we also have DVD players and satellite TV,” said Rigsby. “A lot of people are blown away by the satellite TV. I was, too, when we first brought that in.” Operators like Premier offer various motorcoach passenger sizes with a focus on the commonly requested 56-passenger motorcoach. Vehicle sizes range from a 14-passenger minicoach to the gigantic 81-passenger double-decker bus. Once tour planners figure out the type of motorcoach to book, they should keep several potential costs in mind when requesting bus charter quotes. “The biggest factor in price is mileage,” said Bush. “Depending on the tour, a number of other things affect it as well. The weekends are particularly busy; we have a higher price for motorcoach charters on the weekends. Calling to book at the last minute, you could also get a surcharge.” The customer will also be responsible for any bills incurred during travel, such as vehicle permits, parking fees and tolls. Meals and nightly accommodations for the driver also fall under the planner’s responsibility. Proactive planners can check with restaurant and hotel staffs about comped meals and rooms, since this is a common practice to encourage group business.

CAVALLO BUS LINES OUTFITS ITS EQUIPMENT WITH WI-FI AND OTHER HIGH-TECH TOUCHES.

ONEONTA BUS LINES TRANSPORTS VETERANS FOR THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT.

LOCAL ISN’T A BUZZWORD IN MILWAUKEE, IT’S JUST HOW WE LIVE. LOCAL RESTAURANTS, LOCAL COFFEE, LOCAL RADIO – YOUR GROUP IS IN FOR A TOTALLY AUTHENTIC, ONE-OF-A-KIND MILWAUKEE EXPERIENCE.

PLAN YOUR TOUR IN MILWAUKEE

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VISITMILWAUKEE.ORG/GROUPS

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MODERN MOTORCOACHES CAN BE OUTFITTED WITH LIVE SATELLITE TV.

Courtesy Premier Transportation

FINDING A PARTNER

Even after tour planners nail down the numerous details needed to collect price quotes from different companies, more research is needed before selecting a final operator. “Do your homework,” said Dennis. “With the internet now, the information is easy to get. Read the reviews. Ask for a copy of the insurance. Ask for references. Look for referrals from friends about who they have traveled with, and listen to their experiences.” The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration publishes safety ratings, hours of service compliance, crash reports and inspection results for every commercial transportation operator. Tour planners can check the safety records free online. Some companies require their drivers to complete a certified driver training program. Since the industry suffers from driver shortages, this reassures groups they aren’t relying on a newly hired and inexperienced driver for their safety. Other safety measures to investigate include seat belts, the company’s insurance policy and membership to respected organizations like the American Bus Association. After tour planners thoroughly scrutinize their chosen charter company, many don’t desire to repeat that process with each new trip. Since travelers frequently equate the motorcoach driver with the tour company, once planners find a reliable charter company, they tend to stick with that operator. “You want reputable operators that put safety first,” said Warren. “Don’t always choose on price. That’s difficult in an open market because you might give up trained drivers to cut cost. Vet the operators, and make sure they have experience servicing this type of market. It’s not just picking up people and transferring them from one location to another. The bus company is part of the face of the tour company. It’s certainly a partnership.”

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YOUR BRAND MATTERS

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SEPTEMBER 2017

TRY THESE 10 STEPS TO BETTER B R A N D I N G F O R Y O U R T R AV E L P R O G R A M By Brian Jewell

f you have ever walked out of a restaurant because it didn’t look clean enough or put on nice clothes to make a good impression on a first date, you’re a living demonstration of a fundamental truth: Perception is reality. No matter how many times we’ve been told not to judge a book by its cover, we do so every day because that’s the way our brains are wired. We constantly make decisions about people, places and things based solely on appearances and first impressions, often without even realizing it. This habit affects how we buy things, how we build relationships and even how we travel. Unfortunately, too many small businesses and organizations don’t grasp the power of brand or don’t think they can afford to harness it, and so they miss out on a lot of opportunities by making less-than-stellar first impressions on potential customers and partners. The issue is especially problematic in group travel, where many small organizations and home-based travel planners don’t take the time to refine their brand identities. Thankfully, though, it’s never been easier to create a brand for your organization that looks inviting and professional.

1. A NAME & LOGO

If you’re planning travel on behalf of a larger organization, such as a church, a community center or an alumni group, you don’t have to think much about your travel club’s name or logo. But if you’re trying to build an independent travel business or put together a group based around your personality, you should be strategic and intentional about these things. First, you need a name: Many group leaders call their organization something simple like “Fran’s Travelers” or “Happy Travel Club.” Casual names like this are easy to come up with, but they often give the unintended impression that a travel organization isn’t serious or that its leaders aren’t professional. Consider a name that has more weight to it while still communicating what your organization is about. A logo is also important. The logo doesn’t have to have your entire name in it — rather, it’s a visual of what you want your brand to represent. It’s worth a small investment to have a professional graphic designer create a great-looking logo for you.

2. A WEBSITE

The first thing many people do when investigating an unfamiliar organization is check out its website. If an organization has no website, it immediately casts suspicion on it. And even a website that looks outdated or lacks critical information will make people think twice before doing business with that organization. There was a time when building websites required a lot of technical and design expertise, and hiring those experts was expensive. Times have changed, though; now, a variety of services, such as WordPress, Squarespace and Wix, offer attractive website templates that are easy to customize, all for just a few dollars a month. At a minimum, your website should have your name and logo, a short overview of your organization, and your phone and email contact information. From there, you can add photography from past trips, descriptions of upcoming trips and a host of other features.

Courtesy G Adventures

3. A CUSTOM EMAIL DOMAIN & SIGNATURE

You may have been using the same email service for decades, but just because you’re comfortable with your age-old email address doesn’t mean your customers will be. As much as you love it, an email address like “jetsfan45@aol.com” doesn’t exactly make you look professional to potential clients or partners. The ideal address for a professional should look something like “yourname@yourcompany.com.” If you have set up a website for your group, the domain name you purchased for the site should have also come with the ability to set up email addresses that use that same name. And if you still prefer to use the interface SMALL TOUCHES, SUCH AS A WELL-DESIGNED LOGO, CAN HELP YOU MAKE YOUR BRAND APPEAR MORE PROFESSIONAL AND TRUSTWORTHY.

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INVESTING IN SOME PROFESSIONALLY-SHOT DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHY TO USE IN YOUR MARKETING MATERIALS WILL HELP YOU LOOK MORE PROFESSIONAL.

of a mail program you’re familiar with, such as AOL, Yahoo or Gmail, you can set up your customized email address to automatically forward your messages to your personal account. Your customers will never know the difference.

4. HEADSHOT & PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

To a certain extent, your professional brand identity is always going to be linked to your personality. If you’re excited about planning travel for your friends, you’re likely a people person, so make the most of that fact and use your personality in your branding. Every professional should have an up-to-date headshot, preferably taken in the past five years. And although it’s common to have this done in a portrait studio in front of a boring backdrop, the fact that you’re selling travel gives you the leeway to exercise a little more creativity in your headshot. Use a picture of you in one of your favorite travel destinations to showcase what your organization is about. You can use your headshot in your email signature, on your website or on any printed newsletters or flyers you distribute.

5. A SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE

You’ve heard about the importance of social media in business for years, and perhaps it has sounded too intimidating or time consuming to get started. But you don’t need a comprehensive social media strategy to make social media work for your organization. You just need a simple presence that helps people feel positive about your brand and that gives them a way to interact and share with you if they desire. Just as many people judge you based on your website, some shoppers will look for your social media pages to tell them important information about you. So start by setting up simple Facebook and LinkedIn accounts that represent your business, as opposed to you

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personally. Include your headshot there, and post some pictures of your groups having fun in various places you have traveled.

USE YOUR SMARTPHONE AND MOBILE DATA PLAN TO STAY ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA DURING TRIPS.

6. RESPONSIVE COMMUNICATIONS

There was a time when traveling away from home meant being disconnected from your normal means of communication, but those days are long gone. Customers, vendors and other partners who want to get in touch with you expect to be able to reach you wherever you are, and they will feel unappreciated and undervalued if you take a long time to respond. It can be difficult to get back to everyone quickly, especially if you’re on the road, but you should have some goals in place to help you. Return phone calls the same day, even if just to say that you got the message and need more time to investigate the answer. The same goes for email: Try to answer emails within 24 hours. And if you’re traveling or otherwise unable to respond for a while, set up an email auto response that lets people know when they can expect to hear back from you.

7. TRAVEL SAVVY

If you’re branding yourself as a trustworthy travel expert, you need to be savvy enough to handle the unforeseen challenges and surprises that come about during trips. Customers and industry partners alike will expect you to know what to do if you encounter a flight delay, an oversold hotel or inclement weather that affects your plans. If you’re traveling to a conference, a familiarization tour or other professional event, be prepared to handle the little inconveniences that come up along the way. Have your smartphone handy, and use it to change flights, book hotels, get driving directions, find restaurant recommendations and hail rides when you need to.

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Huntsville

Get ready for your adventure in the Rocket City! Huntsville, Alabama | huntsville.org

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Embrace adventure at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Discover the nation’s largest seasonal butterfly house at the Huntsville Botanical Garden

Shop the Artist Market at Lowe Mill and stay for a concert & picnic

Hear stories of spies, lies, alibis & ghosts while touring our Historic Districts, Historic Huntsville Depot, Weeden House ...and more!

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Tourism Sales Manager HuntsvilleCVB

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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256.551.2204 pam@huntsville.org

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8. OPERATING CAPITAL

In some ways, having a more polished, professional travel organization will mean running your endeavor like a business. And one thing all businesses need to be successful is operating capital. If you don’t have enough free cash available to get things done, you’ll have a difficult time coming off as legitimate. Although group travel buyers often get complimentary trips, hosted meals and other perks and freebies, you shouldn’t take it for granted that all your travel will be free. Whether it’s paying for an airfare and an extra hotel night to attend a professional event or having some cash to get things done during an emergency on the road, keeping some operating funds on hand will ease the stress that comes with travel and help you appear calm and collected with your customers and partners.

9. COMMITMENT TO COMMITMENTS

When your professional brand is built largely around your personal reputation, whether you honor the commitments you have made is critical to shaping how people perceive you. Professionals value their time and resources, as well as those of the people with whom they work, and they don’t waste either. HEALTHY BUSINESSES REQUIRE If you have committed to doing something, to attending something or to OPERATING CAPITAL TO RUN EFFECTIVELY, AND YOU SHOULD paying for something, make a point of honoring those commitments. Keep an KEEP SOME CASH ON HAND TO organized to-do list to make sure you don’t drop the ball on work you have COVER UNEXPECTED TRAVEL agreed to do. If you have committed to attend a conference, a FAM or a proEXPENSES. fessional event, do everything you can to keep that commitment, even if the circumstances become difficult or a more attractive offer comes up. And by all means, pay your bills. Because it’s not just your professional brand on the line; it’s your personal integrity. KCVBGroupTourLeaderSept16.qxp_KCVB GroupTourLeaderSept16 7/20/17 11:55 AM Page 1

Retreat. Relax. Always aGreat Time in Kerrville!

10. COMPLETED BUSINESS

At the end of the day, nothing will do more to bolster your reputation in the travel industry than running trips that take paying customers on the road. Conferences, FAM tours, site visits and other research can be incredibly helpful in gathering ideas and putting together itineraries. But in the end, if you can’t arrange a trip, sell it to passengers and execute the itinerary, people in the industry will stop taking you seriously. To make sure you’re successful in this, focus your time and attention on the destinations and trips that have the most potential for success. Don’t be distracted by opportunities for free travel if they won’t lead to your bringing groups back to the places you visit. If you can consistently and reliably produce paying customers for the people you work with in the industry, you’ll be one of their favorite people to do business with.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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THERE’S ALWAYS SOMEWHERE ELSE

AT THE END OF THE DAY, TRAVELERS TRAVEL

By Rachel Carter

olitical unrest, terrorist attacks, mass protests — unfortunately, these have become the new norm in the world. And that’s why people aren’t letting it sway them from traveling. Where people choose to go is, of course, tied to where people aren’t going. Travelers still want to see Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, even though England and France have seen a surge in attacks. Others may opt to explore Scotland, Ireland or Portugal, countries that haven’t been making headlines. Travelers aren’t letting anything stop them from exploring the world. We talked to five tour operators to find out where people are going abroad in 2017 and 2018 and what is motivating their choicesk.

G ADVENTURES

Bruce Poon Tip founded G Adventures in 1990 and started out offering trips in Ecuador. He soon expanded to Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Peru and, eventually, all over the world — even Antarctica. Because the company goes to so many destinations, geopolitics sometimes affects its itineraries. But, in general, when a destination hits the news, adventure travelers “don’t stay home; they just go somewhere else,” said Kim McCabe, who handles public relations for G Adventures. After recent attacks in France, G Adventures did see some people redirect to Portugal, Spain and Norway. “But now we’re seeing people coming back to France,” she said. “We offer a river cruise in Burgundy that’s selling out.” There has also been a dip in Americans booking Turkey, Egypt and South Korea. G Adventures had predicted that South Korea would be a hot destination in 2017, and it is with travelers from other countries. But because of tensions between North Korea and Washington, “it’s taking a dip” with Americans. Peru is consistently the company’s strongest performer in Central and South America, and there’s no sign of its slowing, McCabe said. “I think it’s a real rite of passage for Americans who have done the Caribbean and Europe and are looking for that first real big adventure,” she said. The Galapagos Islands are booming, and G Adventures offers a variety of trips there, from its budget-conscious camping line to its upgraded National Geographic Journeys product. National Geographic Journeys is performing so strongly that the company is adding four new tours — Tanzania, Botswana, Mongolia and Borneo — bringing the number of 2018 itineraries to 83. Colombia has been on the rise for the past couple years and will be a “priority for us in 2018,” McCabe said. People are beginning to recognize Colombia as a beautiful tropical destination with wildlife galore just as its security is being perceived as improving, especially after the president received the Nobel Peace Prize in December. W W W.G A D V E N T U R E S .C O M

By Vik Seljaldsfoss, courtesy G Adventures

IMAGE TOURS

All 12 of Images Tours’ itineraries are based in Europe, where the company has been leading groups since 1989. The Heart of Europe Circle Tour includes Paris, and the Heart of the British Isles itinerary includes London, cities that have seen a rise in terrorist attacks in the past couple of years. Both of those destinations are “taking a small hit, but it’s not dramatic,” said sales manager Justin Osbon. “It’s not so much of a dip as it is a pause.” Most amazing, he said, is that travelers who were booked on 2016 and 2017 itineraries did not cancel when an attack happened in or near their destinations. Five to 10 years ago, if any of those incidents had happened, “then it would probably be a big, mass cancellation issue,” he said.

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A G ADVENTURES GROUP HIKES THROUGH THE MIST OF A WATERFALL IN ICELAND.

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SEVILLE IS AMONG THE CITIES VISITED ON A IMAGE TOURS JOURNEY TO SPAIN.

Instead, people who were thinking about booking paused and booked later, and “the people who were booked said, ‘We’re doing it. We’re not getting younger, prices aren’t getting cheaper. Let’s go.’” Although clients are still booking the big European cities, many are also gravitating to Spain and Portugal this year and in 2018, which “may have something to do with clients looking at different destinations,” Osbon said. The company doesn’t typically make sweeping changes to its lineup, but it recently unveiled its new Scandinavia and Baltic Highlights itinerary, and is adding a France and Holland Favorites itinerary. The new Scandinavia and Baltic Highlights tour includes visits to Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, with the choice of a 12-day tour ending in Helsinki or a 16-day tour ending in Vilnius. Image has already sold out one itinerary for 2018, and another is “booking solidly.” “Clients have been asking for that, and it is phenomenal,” Osbon said. Image Tours is going to beat its 2016 bookings this year and is already surpassing 2017 bookings for 2018, Osbon said, so “I believe ’18 is going to be even better.” W W W. I M A G E TO U R S .C O M

By T.M. Luis, courtesy Image Tours

GO NEXT

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Go Next is a family-owned company with 40 years of experience in land and cruise travel, but most of its departures today are “definitely on the cruise side,” said Anita Root, director of product development. Go Next saw the Mediterranean rebound this year and into 2018 after a range of geopolitical events, including echoes of Greece’s monetary crisis and recent terrorist activity in the region, caused the cruise sector to become a bit depressed. However,

SEPTEMBER 2017

both the eastern and western Mediterranean have rebounded, and there’s a resurgence of travelers wanting to cruise there. “The customers are resilient,” Root said. “There’s a little bit of apprehension for a moment, then things get resettled; and that’s the new norm.” Go Next partners with Oceania Cruises, which no longer offers trips that begin or end in Turkey because of unrest there. “We’re anxious to go back there when they feel the time is right, but I know for ’17 and ’18, they’ve eliminated Turkey as a beginning or ending point,” Root said. Root believes that travelers want the culturally immersive programs Go Next offers, but that returning to the ship every night may give them an extra layer of security. “People are quite resilient, and their desire for exploring is still there,” she said. “Maybe one destination isn’t quite as attractive, but there’s still a series of other destinations to go to.” Scandinavia and the Baltic states still have a lot of interest, and new this year, Oceania is offering a cruise that circumnavigates Ireland. Go Next’s new partnership with Scenic Cruise Lines will offer four or five European river cruises in 2018 on the Danube, Bordeaux, Rhine and Moselle rivers. W W W.G O N E X T.C O M

COLLETTE

ITALY REMAINS A FAVORITE GO NEXT DESTINATION.

Courtesy Go Next

Collette can pinpoint to the day whether international incidents have affected bookings, and looking back at the last couple of years, there seems to be a bit of a pattern. “We’re seeing a shift right now from some of the Paris [and] London [trips] to Scotland and Ireland,” said public relations manager Amelia Sugerman. “It’s starting to seem like people — not that they’re afraid — but they might be more comfortable going to those areas.”

PL AY A ND GE T AWAY ON T HE

NORTHSHORE

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In addition to a surge in travel to Scotland and Ireland, Collette’s numbers for Croatia are huge and expected to grow. Collette led its first tour to Croatia in 2013, and the Discover Croatia itinerary features the coastline of the Adriatic Sea all the way from the northern area across from Venice, Italy, to the white-stone walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Collette also had to double the number of departures to Iceland this year “just because of how many people wanted to go,” Sugerman said. The company now offers two different itineraries in Iceland to cater to travelers’ interests. Collette has been offering the Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights tour and this year added the Icelandic Adventure itinerary on its small-group Explorations line, with the first departures in 2018. Collette is also seeing a shift in the types of products people are choosing. Collette’s Spotlights product allows travelers to stay in a single hotel in a single destination — like the Spotlight on Tuscany tour, which is growing — while enjoying both guided excursions and free time. “We’re seeing a trend in people who want to go to a place they’ve never been to or have been to before but want to go back and explore more in depth with a tour guide,” Sugerman said. W W W.G O C O L L E T T E .C O M

MAYFLOWER TOURS

Courtesy Collette

ECUADOR AND OTHER SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES ARE GROWING IN POPULARITY WITH COLLETTE TRAVELERS.

John Stachnik founded Mayflower Tours with his wife, Mary, in 1979, and they have seen many changes over the past nearly four decades. And they’ve seen a lot of changes even in the past several years. As unfortunate as it is, “since what has happened with the onslaught of terrorist

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Cherry Street

MAYFLOWER TOURS IS SEEING GROWING INTEREST IN ITS ICELAND ITINERARIES.

Courtesy Mayflower Tours

attacks, people have become desensitized to them; it doesn’t affect travel like it did five years ago,” he said. Travelers have become more worldly, and “they do know it’s OK to travel,” Stachnik said. What affects international travel more is when uncontrollable events occur, for example, when volcanoes erupted in Iceland and disrupted air service to half of Europe. But when it comes to isolated attacks or incidents, “the people’s attitude is, ‘I’ve wanted to do this my whole life, and I’m not going to let a bunch of cutthroats stop me.’” Although Mayflower has been going to Egypt for 25 years, “it’s a stop-and-start love story” for the company. When an issue or challenge arises, Mayflower may take Egypt off the table for two or three years, and then resume trips to the country. Travel there is now thriving. “Interestingly enough, we have filled up our Egypt tours,” Stachnik said. “It’s got its challenges, and we’re very, very aware of them, and there are safety issues. But people want to go.” Croatia wasn’t even on Mayflower’s radar until three years ago when the company started traveling there. In addition to Dubrovnik’s being a major film location for HBO’s “Game of Thrones” series, “they have a shoreline to die for” on the Adriatic coast, Stachnik said. But, most importantly, it’s a new destination for most travelers. Iceland has been booming for several years; Mayflower started leading Iceland tours last year and regularly fills up its trips. Stachnik thinks it will stay strong for at least a few more years. In South America, Mayflower has several programs that do “very well no matter what,” such as Ecuador paired with the Galapagos Islands. Peru is perennially popular because “everyone has been wanting to be up on Machu Picchu,” he said. W W W. M AY F L O W E R TO U R S .C O M

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â&#x20AC;&#x2122; YER GU

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WHAT A COUNTRY

HERE ARE 10 GREAT AMERICAN TRIPS TO CONSIDER By Eliza Myers

here’s only one country that offers the chance to hike beside flowing molten lava on the side of a volcano, sail through icy fiords to watch glaciers calve and watch hundreds of buffalo stampede across the plains: the great USA. America’s top tourist stops can prove ideal for groups finding it difficult to sell strictly international tours because of travelers’ budgetary restrictions or sense of safety. These 10 domestic bucket list destinations appeal to groups of all ages and sizes for their enduring once-in-a-lifetime appeal.

1. ALASKA

Many locations claim massive glaciers, ice-capped peaks, breathtaking fiords and abounding wildlife, but few offer such an all-encompassing natural paradise as Alaska. A dream destination for foreigners and citizens alike, the enormous state is twice as big as France but has a population of only 750,000. Cruises explore the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park so passengers can hear the thunderous roar of glaciers crashing into the sea. The Alaska Railroad delivers guests through a piece of 6 million-acre Denali National Park, which is home to North America’s highest peak and a wildlife reserve. Wildlife expeditions let groups witness grizzly bears, caribou and moose roaming the Alaskan landscape.

2. HAWAII

Tropical rain forests, jaw-dropping canyons and bubbling lava make Hawaii much more than a beach destination. Though tours always incorporate some time on the white-sand beaches, they also venture inland to see lush valleys, coffee plantations, dramatic cliffs and volcanic craters. At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visitors can walk impressively close to a volcano that has been continuously erupting since 1983, smelling its sulfur and hearing the hiss as the lava hits the ocean. The tropical wonderland also has the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” — Waimea Canyon — which makes an awe-inspiring photo op. For a historic stop, visitors can tour the USS Arizona Memorial, which memorializes the lives lost in the fateful 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

3. NEW YORK CITY

Even the most seasoned traveler will rarely tire of New York. The City That Never Sleeps delivers so many varying attractions and cultures that groups can return numerous times with completely different itineraries. Whether the tour revolves around history, art, culinary arts, shopping or theater, the Big Apple offers more than enough world-class options. Most tours include the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for a memorable look at the city’s immigrant heritage. A trip to the top of the Empire State Building remains another beloved outing, since it gives viewers an idea of the immense scope of the sprawling city. The 9/11 Tribute Museum Walking Tour stays with guests long after it ends. Guides with firsthand experience of the tragedy educate participants on the history of the World Trade Center, the September 11 attacks, the aftermath and their personal experiences.

Courtesy Destination D.C.

4. CANYONLANDS

Even in person, it takes a while for the brain to comprehend the vastness of a canyon so massive that all the water from all the lakes in the country wouldn’t fill it. One of Mother Nature’s most impressive views, the Grand Canyon stretches 18 miles wide, more than a mile deep and 277 miles long. Visitors can learn about Earth’s geological past on a ranger-led tour that explains the formation of the canyon’s colorful walls. Since the northern Arizona park sits next to other extraordinary canyons in nearby southern Utah, the area is known as Canyonlands. Many groups include Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park in their Grand Canyon tours.

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THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL IS A MUST-SEE ATTRACTION FOR GROUPS VISITING WASHINGTON, D.C.

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TRAVELERS CAN RIDE MULES TO THE FLOOR OF THE GRAND CANYON.

Bryce’s crimson hoodoos and Zion’s steep red cliffs seen from below shock and awe viewers just as much as their more famous neighboring canyon.

5. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Within a two-square-mile section of D.C., a visitor can touch a moon rock, see the original Star-Spangled Banner and stand next to the 45-carat Hope Diamond. The National Mall between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial shines as a guardian of America’s history and culture, along with the Smithsonian Institution’s world-renowned museum collection. Guests can wander through museums that focus on art, indigenous culture, natural history and botany. Visitors also reflect at the Mall’s numerous monuments commemorating heroes that have shaped America’s past, such as the World War II Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial.

Courtesy NPS

6. SOUTH DAKOTA’S BLACK HILLS

Groups seeking a Wild West experience can discover cowboy roundups, Native American culture, vast landscapes and an indelible piece of mountainside art in South Dakota’s Black Hills region. The mountain range rising from the Great Plains served as the canvas for the colossal Mount Rushmore sculpture, which immortalized four presidents. Groups can explore this 14-year mountain project with a ranger-led walk and the luminous Evening Lighting Ceremony. Visitors often couple the experience with a viewing of the Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain sculpture, still in progress. Other nearby stops include Deadwood, the Needles Highway, Custer State Park and Badlands National Park.

Enjoy a perfect day-tour, overnight or multi-day excursion in Oklahoma with a focus on Native American culture & Western heritage.

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For more information contact b e n a t i ve t o u r s .c o m SEPTEMBER 2017 405.767.8998 info@benativetours.com

7. NEW ENGLAND FALL FOLIAGE

DRAMATIC SHORELINES DEFINE HAWAII’S SCENERY.

Gold, scarlet and orange leaves glow like a sunset on a fall foliage tour of New England. Tours frequently start in Boston from the last week of September to the second week of October and follow scenic routes up through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Vermont’s Route 100 is a cherished foliage route, with white-spired churches, clapboard homes and red barns breaking up the parade of autumnal glory. Maine’s Acadia National Park frequently appears on foliage itineraries for its rocky coastal beauty and carriage ride tours. In New Hampshire, guests flock to the White Mountains for the outdoor recreation opportunities and stunning forest views. Vermont educates visitors on the rural past of the area at Billings Farm and Museum, a living museum and working dairy farm with locally made ice cream.

8. CHICAGO

Courtesy HI Tourism Authority

Bookended between the 110-story Willis Tower and the crisscross-trussed John Hancock Center, Chicago’s downtown skyline rose from the visions of influential architects eager to make their marks. Visitors love gazing up at the city’s skyscrapers, especially the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, which stood as the world’s tallest building from 1974 to 1998. Groups can discover how the Windy City became an architectural marvel with riverboat tours by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The Willis Tower also welcomes guests to its Skydeck for an exceptional view from above. The city’s structures also offer remarkable interiors with several entertaining museums, among them the Field Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Take whatever you expect from Columbia, and unexpect it. Then take a day, a weekend, a road trip, to see how a midsized Midwest town likes to have a good time. Just don’t feel like you need to take out a small loan or a lot of vacation days to get here. visitcolumbiamo.com

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9. CALIFORNIA’S PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

From San Francisco to Los Angeles, the most famous stretch of California’s Pacific Highway 1 reveals panorama after panorama of rocky coast meeting the sea. This winding seaside road is made for slow travel, scenic overlooks and stops at the small towns along the way. The celebrated coastal route starts in San Francisco, where groups can explore the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Japanese Tea Garden. Visitors relish the thrill of riding the city’s famed cable cars up the impossibly steep San Francisco hills. After driving down the coast to the Big Sur area, groups can admire the beauty of the landscape at the McWay Waterfall, Pfeiffer State Beach and the Bixby Bridge. Guests often take a detour near San Simeon to discover the opulence at Hearst Castle. The National Historic Landmark was the residence of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, who inspired the classic movie “Citizen Cane.”

A COUPLE WALKS THROUGH THE NEW HAMPSHIRE WOODS IN AUTUMN.

Courtesy NH Division of Travel & Tourism

10. NEW ORLEANS

With French, Southern and Creole influences all blending together, New Orleans is a compelling city for the curious. Though Mardi Gras is legendary as an over-thetop party, the rest of the year the city draws crowds seeking the cobblestone streets, Creole cottages built on stilts and French colonial townhouses draped in ivy. Guests can wander through art galleries, antique stores and jazz clubs. The city also entices food lovers with its beignets, Cajun-spiced specialties and other culinary treats. The eclectic town can deliver both a slow-paced Old World tour and a thrilling nightlife tour. GroupTravelLeader.qxp_Courier 7/04 1/4/17 4:24 PM P

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Discover The Huntington

Group Tours Available Pasadena Adjacent huntington.org

SEPTEMBER 2017

TOUR OPERATORS DIRECTORY Collette

AdVance Tour and Travel LLC 68 3rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11231 917-515-5409 Tony Muia tony@asliceofbrooklyn.com www.asliceofbrooklyn.com Manhattan? FUHGETTABOUDIT! A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours is the leader in guided bus tours of Brooklyn’s favorite foods, neighborhoods, landmarks and movie locations since 2005! Tours include the Pizza Tour, Chocolate Tour, Neighborhood Tour and Christmas Lights Tour. As seen on the Today Show, Food Network and Travel Channel!

PO Box 489 Ozark, MO 65721 800-346-7706 Kim Vance, CTIS, ACC kim@advancetourandtravel.com www.advancetourandtravel.com AdVance Tour & Travel is thinking outside the box. We specialize in customizing that itinerary with activities that are created just for your group, allowing you and your customers to truly Advance Beyond the Ordinary. We pride ourselves on great customer service, firstrate tours, 24-hour proposal turn around and same day answers to all your questions. You will receive great customer service and satisfaction when you travel with AdVance Tour & Travel.

Country Travel DISCOVERIES

DeNureTours

A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours

13500 Watertown Plank Road, Ste 107 Elm Grove, WI 53122 855-744-8747 / 262-923-8120 groups@CountryTravelDiscoveries.com www.CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/groups Our unique, handcrafted, off-the-beaten-path tours give groups a stellar travel experience and leaders peace of mind. Discounts on dozens of land, rail, cruise, international, and agricultural tours, custom/ private-label options for larger groups, insurance, coop promotions and other benefits make planning, selling and enjoying the trip of a lifetime a snap!

The National WWII Museum Travel

945 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA 70130 877-813-3329 x 257 Michelle Bell travel@nationalww2museum.org www.ww2museumtours.org The National WWII Museum Travel program extends the Museum’s tradition of inspiration, excellence, and thoughtful inquiry to World War II sites around the world. With VIP access to the most intriguing destinations, rich historical context from curators, primary-source materials from the Museum’s digital collections, and custom experiences found nowhere else. We have become the leader in World War II travel, providing unforgettable journeys into history. GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

71 Mount Hope St. Lindsay, Ontario, K9V 5N5 800-668-6859 / 705-324-9161 Mandy Morrison mandymorrison@denuretours.com www.denuretours.com DeNureTours is a Canadian company with 57 years of experience. We own deluxe motorcoaches, offering you a complete package - an inclusive itinerary, coach, driver and tour director. Our tours feature a kaleidoscope of experiences that create a more meaningful trip. Sharing the world ... Inspiring travel

Be Native Tours

One East Sheridan, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73104 405-767-8998 Angel Green, CTE angel.green@chickasaw.net www.benativetours.com Tour the very best of America’s heartland with Be Native Tours. Groups of all sizes can experience pre-built and customizable tours to America’s most exciting and thriving destinations. Rich in culture and natural beauty, don’t wait to book your trip to explore the south-central United States with Be Native.

180 Middle Street Pawtucket, RI 02860 855-903-8687 Jim Edwards jedwards@collette.com www.collette.com Collette’s tours give you MORE of what makes guided travel special. With a focus on quality and service for 100 years, Collette gives you MORE value for the money. Hometown Pick Up, worry-free Travel Protection, Professional Tour Managers, must-see’s and culinary inclusions, cultural immersions, and amazing accommodations are just a few ways we give you MORE. Let us help make your job of fulfilling travel dreams easier.

Mayflower Tours

Reformation Tours, LLC

1225 Warren Avenue Downers Grove, IL 60515 800-323-7604 Julius Stecker julius@mayflowertours.com www.mayflowertours.com Mayflower Tours is a premiere Midwestern based tour operator offering guided holidays throughout North America and the World. Now featuring over 100 itineraries on six continents. Through a variety of travel styles, Mayflower Tours has been providing Life Enriching Experiences to countless travelers since 1979.

P. O. Box 854 Belleville, IL 62222 800-303-5534 Rowena Drinkhouse info@reformationtours.com www.reformationtours.com Reformation Tours is a unique specialist Christian company that is dedicated to encouraging believers through church history-inspired travel. We’ll show you Europe from a Christian perspective- a continent full of history and charm. Our clients include churches, Bible colleges, Christian schools, families, and individuals. We are members of NTA and the Faith Travel Association.

Twin Travel Concepts

U.S. Tours

Travel Alliance Partners (TAP)

PO Box 221666 Anchorage, AK 99522 866-373-0790, ext. 2 Stefanie Gorder, CTP, DS marketing@TravelAlliancePartners.com www.TAPintoTravel.com Extraordinary NEW TAP Tours are now available globally via TAPintoTravel.com. Guaranteed Departures, Scheduled and Custom Tours for groups worldwide allow for revenue production with little to no headaches. TAP can help you grow your business. With locations all over North American and growing, it’s time to TAP into our network! We offer educational programs each week to allow new ideas for your sales team. We offer tour wraps for web savvy professionals to expand destination offerings. #TAPintoTravel

451 Eichybush Road Kinderhook, NY 12106 917-575-6600 Nicholas Calderazzo, CTP Nick@TwinTravelConcepts.com www.TwinTravelConcepts.com Creating effortless group travel experiences! The Northeast is our backyard and playground – from NY City and throughout New England; From Pennsylvania and New Jersey down to Washington DC. Fun, affordable, and unique itineraries - checkout our website for ideas. We are also a TAP Partner!

7000 Grand Central Avenue Vienna, WV 26105 304-485-8687 Bob Cline bob@ustours.biz www.ustours.biz Innovative & Creative Concepts . . . Kentucky Derby Festival . . . Johnny Cash Prison Concert . . . 50th Anniversary of Woodstock at the Rock Hall . . . Music City Wine Train . . . Legends on the Crooked Road . . . “Under the Boardwalk” a Virginia Beach Music Event . . . Blue Christmas Memphis . . . We sell better American Experiences, with a little imagination, music & style.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY DIRECTORY CRUISES

Emerald Waterways

One Financial Center, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02111 844-857-6021 Michelle Arigo usgroups@emeraldwaterways.com www.emeraldwaterways.com Emerald Waterways is Europe’s deluxe river cruise line. Our innovative river cruise ships offer panoramic views of the stunning scenery, feature contemporary boutique hotel styling, deluxe in-suite comfort, fine dining options and exceptional service, all included in the price. Come experience Emerald’s Exceptional Value for yourself.

CRUISES

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

One Financial Center, 4th Floor Boston, MA 02111 844–425-6076 Dave Lubchansky dave.lubchansky@scenicusa.com www.scenicusa.com Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is the leader in truly allinclusive, luxury river cruising. From complimentary drinks all day, all shore excursions & private events… the list of inclusions is long. Enjoy your river cruise on our state-of-the-art Space-Ships – which include up to 6 dining venues, WiFi throughout, and a private balcony on the majority our cabins. Scenic provides an unmatched travel experience for your clients.

ALABAMA

Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau

2200 Ninth Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 205-458-8000 / 800-458-8085 Tara Walton twalton@inbirmingham.com www.inbirmingham.com Group tours come to Birmingham for the year ‘round menu of special events. The calendar is packed with outdoor art shows, ethnic and regional food festivals, and music events showcasing symphony pops and classical performances. Other events spotlight independent film, locally crafted beer and wine, and historically significant events from Birmingham’s storied past.

ALABAMA

Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau

500 Church Street NW Huntsville, AL 35801 256-551-2204 Pam Williams pam@huntsville.org www.huntsville.org With endless options for group activities, natural beauty and deep history, Huntsville is a perfect destination for group travel. Let us help make your group’s journey run as smoothly as possible with customized itineraries, themed tours, complimentary brochures, and more. We’ve got space for your group in the Rocket City!

ALABAMA

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

1 Tranquility Base Huntsville, AL 35805 800-637-7223 Tom White tom.white@spacecamp.com www.rocketcenter.com The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the Official Visitor Center for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and is a Smithsonian Affiliate museum. Home to Space Camp, it tells the story of five decades of space exploration and looks to the future with exhibits highlighting the next-generation space vehicles, from Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser to NASA’s Space Launch System.

ARKANSAS

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

1 Capitol Mall Little Rock, AR 72201 501-682-1219 Brant Collins, Group Travel Manager Brant.Collins@Arkansas.gov www.Arkansas.com Affordable, centrally located and scenic, Arkansas is a natural destination for your next group tour. Explore mountains, lakes, rivers and forests showcasing our 52 state parks. Visit our museums, spas, beautiful gardens and many attractions. Experience delicious Southern cuisine and hospitality and memories your group will cherish forever.

ARKANSAS

Eureka Springs CAPC

121 East Van Buren, 3B/P.O. Box 522 Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-7333 Karen Pryor, CTIS karen@eurekasprings.org www.eurekasprings.org This is decidedly not an ordinary town! Attractions, shopping, arts and entertainment, fine dining, sports and recreation, unique architecture, and amazing history, there’s a town full of engaging residents and merchants who care for you while you are here and will always welcome you back. Eureka Springs is the answer for your group needs.

CALIFORNIA

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108 626-405-2100 Jane Sandmeier tours@huntington.org www.huntington.org The Huntington: World renowned center of art & culture, covering 120 acres of breathtaking gardens. Featuring European & American art, and Library treasures. Highlights: 17th Century art, a Gutenberg Bible, 16 magnificent gardens including new California Drought Tolerant, Japanese, Chinese, Rose, Camellia, Desert & Children’s Gardens. Docent Tours our specialty (Pasadena adjacent).

GEORGIA

Macon-Bibb County Convention & Visitors Bureau

450 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Macon, GA 31201 800-768-3401 Steven Fulbright info@visitmacon.org www.VisitMacon.org Located south of Atlanta, Macon is a welcoming city that invites you to explore our beautiful architecture, rich history, a variety of festivals, local craft beer, and places to eat. Macon is sure to provide a soulful experience. Let us help you discover why Macon is “Where Soul Lives”.

GEORGIA

Savannah Theatre

222 Bull Street Savannah, GA 31401 912-233-5542 Christina Lopez christina@savannahtheatre.com www.savannahtheatre.com After a day of sightseeing, come be entertained by the show NTA voted as one of their 5 “Favorite Theatre Shows in America.” Located in Savannah’s Historic District, this newly remodeled intimate theatre is one of the oldest in America. Singers, dancers and a rockin’ live band present 2 hours of high-energy fun year-round, with their Christmas Spectacular every Nov 24 - Dec 24.

CALIFORNIA

INDIANA

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

Dearborn County Convention, Visitor & Tourism Bureau

40 Presidential Drive Simi Valley, CA 93065 805-522-2977 Melanie Salvesen msalvesen@reaganfoundation.org www.ReaganLibrary.com The Reagan Library is one of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations. Tour through the actual Air Force One that flew seven U.S. presidents. View a full scale replica of the Oval Office. Touch an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall. Also home to President and Mrs. Reagan’s memorial site.

320 Walnut Street Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 800-322-8198 Sally McWilliams smcwilliams@visitsoutheastindiana.com www.toursoutheastindiana.com Located in Southeast Indiana along the Ohio River Scenic Byway, the Dearborn County Visitors Center provides itinerary planning assistance and tour coordination to the area. Activities include handson arts & gardening projects, historic site tours, progressive dinner, farm & markets tours. Tour for the Cure® travel rewards program. SEPTEMBER 2016

TRAVEL INDUSTRY DIRECTORY INDIANA

Southern Indiana, Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Bureau

315 Southern Indiana Avenue Jeffersonville, IN 47130 800-552-3842 Kate Kane, Director of Sales Kate@GoSoIN.com www.GoSoIN.com Southern Indiana is SoIN to Group Travel and just one mile north of Louisville, Kentucky. We are a little bit country and rock-n-roll. Enjoy Beatles’ tunes at Abbey Road on the River or year-round entertainment at Derby Dinner or a concert venue. Let us help build your SoIN tour with engaging attractions and affordable accommodations.

KENTUCKY

meetNKY | Northern Kentucky CVB

50 East RiverCenter Blvd, Suite 200 Covington, KY 41011 859-261-4677 Erin Hoebbel ehoebbel@meetnky.com www.meetNKY.com At the top of the South, is a destination beyond compare for all group tour experiences. Get ready to marvel at the new Ark Encounter, pet Stingrays at the Newport Aquarium and explore the start of Bourbon Country. Northern Kentucky - the start of any great Kentucky adventure.

KENTUCKY

ShelbyKY Tourism & Visitors Bureau

1011 Main Street Shelbyville, KY 40065 502-633-6388 Katie Fussenegger katief@visitshelbyky.com www.VisitShelbyKY.com Here in the “American Saddlebred Capital of the World” you’ll find authentic Kentucky: a pioneering spirit, rural character and a home-town feel. It’s small-town charm with grand scale shopping, rolling pastureland with plenty to do. There’s a little slice of Kentucky for everyone in Shelbyville and Simpsonville, Kentucky. GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

KENTUCKY

Visit Bardstown

1 Court Square Bardstown, KY 40004 800-638-4877 info@bardstowntourism.com www.visitbardstown.com History surrounds you in the Bourbon Capital of the World®. Dine on a dinner train, spend the night in an old jailhouse, or peruse the scenic downtown shops. From Civil War museums to world renowned distilleries, see it all in Bardstown, KY – the small town with big escapes.

KENTUCKY

Visit Owensboro

215 E 2nd Street Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-1100 info@visitowensboro.com www.visitowensboro.com From barbecued mutton and burgoo to the roots of bluegrass music, Owensboro is the culinary and cultural hub of western Kentucky and home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, O.Z. Tyler Distillery, Moonlite Bar-B-Q and the award winning Smothers Park, the centerpiece of a vibrant downtown.

LOUISIANA

Bourbon Orleans Hotel of the New Orleans Hotel Collection

1380 Port of New Orleans Place New Orleans, LA 70130 504-527-0407 info@bourbonorleans.com www.neworleanshotelcollection.com Delightfully authentic hotels in America’s Favorite city, offering sightseeing overnight packages, competitive group rates, unbeatable historic locations, free welcome cocktails, breakfasts and bottled artesian waters to guests and group leaders.

LOUISIANA

Louisiana’s Northshore/St. Tammany Parish Tourist & Convention Commission

68099 Hwy. 59 Mandeville, LA 70471 985-892-0520, 800-634-9443 Tanya Leader tanya@louisiananorthshore.com www.LouisianaNorthshore.com/groups/ Louisiana’s Northshore, aka St. Tammany Parish, is one hour from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Casinos. Explore Honey Island Swamp, hold baby alligators at Insta-Gator, kayak Cane Bayou, feed giraffes at Global Wildlife Center, or have a tour and tasting at Abita Brewery.

MARYLAND

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau

4001 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 410-289-2800; 800- 626-2326 Norma Dobrowolski ndobrowolski@ococean.com www.ococean.com Ocean City is Maryland’s beach resort! OC offers 10 miles of award- winning clean beach, 3 miles of exciting boardwalk and festivals year-round. The surrounding area includes wildlife refuges, the famous Assateague ponies and the new, nearby Harriet Tubman Visitor Center, providing excellent experiences in cultural and historical heritage.

MARYLAND

Visit Hagerstown

16 Public Square Hagerstown, MD 21740 301-791-3246, ext 13 Audrey Vagason, Director of Sales Audrey@VisitHagerstown.com www.visithagerstown.com Hagerstown, MD is well known for Antietam National Battlefield and its Civil War history. Visit our Museum of Fine Arts, and seeing exciting performances in our Arts & Entertainment District – tethered together by our new Cultural Trail. Sip award-winning wines, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. Lots of fun-filled itineraries!

MARYLAND

Visit Montgomery

1801 Rockville Pike, Suite 320 Rockville, MD 20852 240-641-6750 Lee Callicutt lcallicutt@visitmontgomery.com www.visitmontgomery.com The nation’s capital northwestern destination. Base your stay in Montgomery County, Maryland for your next visit to see the D.C. monuments and memorials. Combine this with an exciting rural countryside tour in the 90,000 acre Agricultural Reserve and end the day in one of our bustling urban districts, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Rockville or Gaithersburg.

MISSISSIPPI

Visit Natchez

640 South Canal Street Natchez, MS 39120 800-647-6724 ext. 18 Lynsey Smith lynsey@visitnatchez.org www.visitnatchez.org The jewel of the Mississippi River welcomes all travelers in search of a truly distinctive Southern story. The Natchez you’ll experience is one of warmth and enchantment, with a seamless blend of old and new. Wherever you hail from, a visit to Natchez will feel like coming home.

MISSISSIPPI

Visit Vicksburg

1619 Walnut Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180 800-221-3536 / 601-883-9939 Ashley Gatian ashley@visitvicksburg.com www.visitvicksburg.com Groups can relive history by visiting Vicksburg’s historic homes, churches, museums and the Vicksburg National Military Park. From four world-class casinos to some of the most fascinating historic sites, Vicksburg offers an authentic Southern experience you don’t want to miss. Be sure to leave some time to check out our live music scene, eat at one of our signature restaurants and browse our boutiques and antique shops.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY DIRECTORY MISSOURI

Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau

NEW JERSEY

Atlantic City/Meet AC

300 S. Providence Road Columbia, MO 65203 573-441-5577 Beth Mead Beth.Mead@CoMo.gov www.VisitColumbiaMO.com Columbia is one of Missouri’s best restaurant towns with many local, chef-owned eateries featuring local ingredients. Columbia’s downtown District is home to fantastic art galleries and eclectic specialty shops. With nearly 4000 rooms, Columbia’s hospitality community is eager to provide your group with an excellent experience.

2314 Pacific Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-449-7151 Heather Colache hcolache@meetic.com www.touratlanticcity.com One of the most unique resort destinations in the world, Atlantic City offers the best in gaming along with stellar attractions, world class tax-free shopping, nightlife, entertainment and delicious dining all steps away from white sandy beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. Stroll the world-famous Boardwalk, visit the eclectic shops, amusement piers and pick-up some original salt water taffy. Experience everything Atlantic City has to offer!

MISSOURI

NEW YORK

Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau

230 South Main Street Saint Charles, MO 63301 800-366-2427 Greg Maxon gmaxon@historicstcharles.com www.discoverstcharles.com Historic Saint Charles is an excellent choice for your group tour, let our costumed guides step on to your coach or get a closer look by taking a walking tour to make the history come alive! Contact us to help plan your itinerary, let us illustrate the hospitality of Saint Charles, as it continues ever flowing as the river itself.

NEBRASKA

Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau

1128 Lincoln Mall, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-434-5335 Kelsey Meyer kmeyer@lincoln.org www.lincoln.org/visit/tour Lincoln, Nebraska offers the excitement of big city and the serenity of the countryside all in one place. Whether your stay is one day, one week or longer, the tours the Lincoln CVB will put together for you will keep you entertained. History, Food, Adventure, Agritourism… Lincoln has it all!

Blue Man Group

599 Broadway New York, NY 10012 800-BLUEMAN Joe Tropia jtropia@blueman.com www.blueman.com Blue Man Group is the spectacular collision of comedy, theater, rock concert and dance party all rolled into one. Experience the phenomenon in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston, and Chicago that has captivated over 35 million people in 20 countries worldwide. DARE TO LIVE IN FULL COLOR.

NEW YORK

Disney on Broadway Group Sales

214 W 42nd Street New York, NY 10036 212-703-1040 Suzanne Gregory DTG.Group.Sales@Disney.com www.DisneyGroupSales.com Discover ALADDIN, THE LION KING and FROZEN on Broadway. From 20 to 1,700 people, Disney Group Sales will customize a program designed to satisfy your group’s unique needs while in New York City.

NEW YORK

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes® presented by Chase

OHIO

Experience Columbus

Radio City Music Hall® 1260 6th Avenue New York, NY 10020 212-465-6080 Group Sales Group.Sales@msg.com www.ChristmasSpectacularGroups.com Make time for joy at the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes®, presented by Chase.Together with your group, discover the historic splendor of Radio City Music Hall®, and awe at the precision and grace of the world’s most iconic dance company, the Rockettes®.

277 W. Nationwide Blvd., Ste. 125 Columbus, OH 43215 614-222-6136 Roger Dudley rdudley@experiencecolumbus.com www.experiencecolumbus.com WHAT’S NEW IN COLUMBUS COSI, in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History, brings a dinosaur gallery, including a life-sized Tyrannosaurus rex model, to Columbus in fall 2017. Coming in summer 2018, the National Veteran’s Memorial & Museum, will be the only place in the nation to honor veterans from all branches of service and eras of conflict.

NORTH CAROLINA

OKLAHOMA

Outer Banks Visitors Bureau

One Visitors Center Manteo, NC 27954 877-629-4386 Lorrie Love love@outerbanks.org www.outerbanks.org/planners The Outer Banks is a perfect setting for group tours, corporate meetings, school groups, church groups or family reunions. A place of discovery and adventure; a land where we balance our rich natural setting with a vibrant vacation destination, adventurers and thrill seekers still venture in search of their dreams.

NORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota Tourism

600 East Century Ave, Ste 2 Bismarck, ND 58503 800-435-5663 / 701-328-2502 Deanne Cunningham, CTIS decunningham@nd.gov www.NDTourism.com Indulge in Legendary North Dakota hospitality as your tour group takes on this vast playground. It extends from picturesque Red River Valley farmland through quaint townships and hip cities to the Grand Canyon-like Badlands. Experience the good life, satisfy your hunger and hang out with the locals in North Dakota!

Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism

777 W. Cherokee Street Catoosa, OK 74015 877-779-6977 Cynthia Vandenameele cherokee.tourism@cnent www.VisitCherokeeNation.com A visit to Cherokee Nation is one “Oh, wow” after another! Immerse yourself in museums, rich with hands-on experiences and Cherokee culture. Explore shops filled with authentic Cherokee art. Discover more than a century of history through a custom group tour. Go to VisitCherokeeNation. com and plan your trip today.

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma City CVB

123 Park Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73102 405-297-8913 Sandy Price sprice@visitokc.com www.VisitOKC.com Oklahoma City’s rugged Western past and recent urban renaissance have created a modern metropolis that’s still rich in cowboy culture. For groups coming to Oklahoma City, there are renowned festivals, national sporting events, treasure-filled museums and a variety of districts highlighting arts and entertainment. SEPTEMBER 2016

TRAVEL INDUSTRY DIRECTORY OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department

PO Box 52002 Oklahoma City, OK 73152 405-990-1087 Todd Stallbaumer Todd@TravelOK.com www.TravelOK.com/Group For one-of-a-kind adventures guaranteed to entice and captivate travelers, visit TravelOK.com/Group.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association

1851 Discovery Circle Rapid City, SD 57701 605-355-3600 Michelle Thomson Michelle@BlackHillsBadlands.com www.SeeTheBlackHills.com The Black Hills of South Dakota are home to five National Parks and Monuments, including, Mount Rushmore, the Shrine of Democracy. A region of infinite variety, there are also, scenic byways, historic old-west towns, Native American culture, gaming and a wealth of attractions offering an area abundant with activity.

TENNESSEE

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

222 Fifth Ave S Nashville, TN 37203 615-416-2001 www.countrymusichalloffame.org/visit/group-tours Located in the heart of Nashville’s arts district, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum® offers a definitive Music City experience. Fans from around the world tour the house that holds the music, enjoying one-of-a-kind recordings, films, instruments, stage wear, and more, in a growing collection of over 2.5 million artifacts that represent the Museum’s mission to preserve and interpret country music and its southern roots. GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

TENNESSEE

Elvis Presley’s Graceland

3717 Elvis Presley Boulevard Memphis TN 38116 800-238-2010 Carolyn Mears cmears@graceland.com www.graceland.com Fully immerse yourself in Elvis’ life and career like never before as you discover his roots, his influence and his artistry. Explore Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland Mansion, PLUS 14 NEW exhibits and attractions at the new Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex. Then, stay in luxury at our new resort hotel, The Guest House at Graceland.

TENNESSEE

Grand Ole Opry Entertainment Group

One Gaylord Drive Nashville, TN 37214 615-882-5435 Wayne A. Chandler, CTP WChandler@rymanhp.com www.opry.com/groups Enjoy the best entertainment options in Music City! Your groups will enjoy the world famous Grand Ole Opry, historic Ryman Auditorium and the grandest showboat afloat the General Jackson Showboat. Ask about our NEW group packages for 2018.

TENNESSEE

Visit Clarksville TN

25 Jefferson Street, Suite 300 Clarksville, TN 37040 800-530-2487 Frances Manzitto frances@visitclarksvilletn.com www.visitclarksvilletn.com Clarksville, Tennessee is a historic river city with old-town charm and big-city amenities. Groups enjoy the blended experience of stepping back in time at several heritage attractions and events, then touring and tasting local award-winning wines. Let us help plan your visit to Clarksville -- where history is all around you!

TEXAS

Ford Park

5115 I-10 South Beaumont, TX 77705 409-951-5400 Chesney Betchtel fordpark@comcastspectacor.com www.fordpark.com Ford Park is the premiere convention, sports, and entertainment destination of Southeast Texas! Conveniently located in Beaumont, Texas on Interstate Highway 10 between Houston, TX and Lake Charles, LA, our versatile event center features five world-class facilities including Ford Arena, Ford Exhibit Hall, Ford Fields, Ford Midway, and Ford Pavilion.

TEXAS

Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau

2108 Sidney Baker Street Kerrville, TX 78028 830-795-3535 Kelli Dunbar cvbsales@ktc.com www.kerrvilletexascvb.com Kerrville, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and an hour west of San Antonio, is an ideal destination for meeting success. The experienced Kerrville CVB staff will work with you through each step of your planning and meeting experience.

TEXAS

Visit Tyler

315 N. Broadway Tyler, TX 75702 903-592-6978 Susan Travis, tdm, cte stravis@tylertexas.com www.visittyler.com Visit Tyler, Texas where you’ll have a bloomin’ good time! Stroll the brick streets of the Historic Districts and Downtown; dine at some great local restaurants, shop unique boutique stores, and experience the largest Rose Garden in the U.S.! Annual events include: Texas Rose Festival, Rose City Christmas, Azalea & Spring Flower Trail and more!

VIRGINIA

Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

PO Box 1607 Williamsburg, VA 23187 888-868-7593 Group Reservations group.reservations@jyf.virginia.gov www.historyisfun.org The story of America’s beginnings - from the first permanent English settlement in 1607 to the decisive Revolutionary War victory in 1781 - is brought to life at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown through timeline, films, exhibits and outdoor living history.

WEST VIRGINIA

Tamarack, The Best of West Virginia

One Tamarack Park Beckley, WV 25820 304-256-643 Norma Acord services@tamarackwv.com www.tamarackwv.com Tamarack with its unique retail artisan products and extraordinary food fare started out as a simple vision to promote the Mountain State’s wonderful image. Wildly popular after over 20 years, Tamarack greets hundreds of thousands of guests annually with a memorable experience.

WISCONSIN

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

1721 West Canal Street Milwaukee, WI 53233 800-PAYSBIG x7982 Lisa Pederson lpederson@paysbig.com www.PAYSBIG.COM Gather your group and plan a trip to the Midwest’s #1 entertainment destination. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino offers luxury service and amenities, high-energy gaming, award-winning dining and world-class entertainment. Just blocks from the heart of downtown Milwaukee and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, we’re the perfect stop for your private group or bus tour.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY DIRECTORY WISCONSIN

WISCONSIN TH

Y BU The Fireside Dinner Theatre

1131 Janesville Avenue Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 800-477-9505 Jean Flynn jean@firesidetheatre.com www.firesidetheatre.com Exciting professional musicals, memorable dining, spectacular gift shops, Klopcic Family hospitality and fabulous service make The Fireside a complete destination in itself or the perfect complement to any Wisconsin tour. Caring for groups for over 53 years, a visit to Wisconsin’s #1 motorcoach attraction is more than you’d ever expect!

ER’

VISIT Milwaukee

648 N. Plankinton Ave., Suite 220 Milwaukee, WI 53203 414-287-4249 Jill Hauck JHauck@milwaukee.org www.visitmilwaukee.org/tour-operators Set on the coast of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is a city loaded with old world style, modern attractions, and Midwestern charm. Come celebrate during our summer filled with festivals, or enjoy the year-round fun of brewery tours, worldrenowned museums (including the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum), a first-class casino, and more.

IDE

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SEPTEMBER 2016

My Bucket List

1. STAR IN A WINNING STORY

Put Atlantic City At The Top Of Your List! Imagine all of the things you could check off your Bucket List when you visit Atlantic City. From our world-famous beach and Boardwalk to brand name tax-free shopping, award-winning dining and non-stop entertainment, Atlantic City provides the perfect setting for a memory filled getaway. Heather Colache is available at 609-449-7151 or hcolache@meetac.com to help you discover everything there is to experience in Atlantic City.

TourAtlanticCity.com