THE MAGAZINE FOR BANK, ALUMNI AND CHAMBER TRAVEL PLANNERS
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MARYLAND’S CHESAPEAKE CHARM
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PORTUGAL glimmers
like an evening on the sea JULY/AUGUST 2019
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THE MAGAZINE FOR BANK, ALUMNI AND CHAMBER TRAVEL PLANNERS
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VOL.27 NO.4
JULY/AUGUST 2019
DISCOVER PORTUGAL’S PIZZAZZ
contents checking in:
AMANDA LAYCOCK
toolbox: known for: marketing:
YOUNGER MEMBERS
THEATER PROMOTION
Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, courtesy Algarve Tourism Bureau
ON THE COVER: Portugal boasts miles of dramatic coastline, including Azenhas do Mar, a seaside town in the municipality of Sintra. Photo by Nave Orgad.
career:
LEGACY BUILDING
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MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY BRIAN JEWELL ELIZA MYERS HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS ASHLEY RICKS CHRISTINE CLOUGH KELLY TYNER DANIEL JEAN-LOUIS KYLE ANDERSON
DANIEL JEAN-LOUIS
888.253.0455
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DANIEL@ GROUP TR AVELLE ADER.COM
Founder and Publisher Partner Executive Editor Associate Editor Senior Writer Creative Director Graphic Designer/Circulation Manager Copy Editor Director of Sales & Marketing Advertising Account Manager Advertising Account Manager
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Select Traveler, the Magazine for Bank, Alumni and Chamber Travel Planners, is published bimonthly by The Group Travel Leader, Inc., 301 East High Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507 and is distributed free of charge to qualified travel program directors throughout the United States. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants and other travel-related companies, may subscribe to Select Traveler by sending a check for $49 for one year to: Select Traveler, Circulation Department, 301 East High Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507. 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. NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES: If your copy of Select Traveler should be mailed to another manager in your organization, or if you personally know another travel director who is not receiving Select Traveler, please send your correction to: Select Traveler, 301 East High St., Lexington, Kentucky 40507, or call (859) 253-0455.
perspective P U B L I S H E R ’ S
K
yle Anderson, a young man who joined our sales and marketing staff last year, has done a great job of profiling the readers of our various magazines using Survey Monkey. He has completed two surveys for the readers of Select Traveler, who represent the most upscale group planners in our publishing universe. To those of you who have taken the time to respond to these online surveys, we extend our thanks. Here are just a few results thus far that you may find interesting regarding your peers who plan trips for banks, chambers, alumni programs, museums and other similarly professional institutions: • About 72% of respondents offer trips costing $3,000 or more. This explains why your programs are so sought after by professional tour companies. • For North American trips, including Mexico and Canada, the most popular five regions for respondents are, in order, the Northeast, Canada, the South, the Midwest and the Northwest. • More than 84% of respondents are now taking international trips outside North America, with Europe being by far the most popular continent, followed by South America, then Asia. • As you might expect, trips of six to 10 days are the most widely offered by this group. • As evidence of the effectiveness of industry education offered by this magazine and the Select Traveler Conference, more than 76% of respondents now use convention and visitors bureaus, and destination marketing organizations to help them research destinations for their groups. This information supplements what they receive from professional tour companies. • And to our considerable satisfaction, Select Traveler respondents list travel magazines and tourism conferences as their top two sources for new travel ideas, followed by online searches and word of mouth.
Email me anytime with your thoughts at maclacy@grouptravelleader.com.
Mac Lacy 6
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P L A N N E R S
T A L K
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FAIRMONT, MINNESOTA “By far, our favorite cruise is sailing on the Island Spirit with Jeff Behrens and Fantasy Cruises. Big ships just can’t compare to the intimate atmosphere on a small ship with only 32 passengers. We’ve been to Alaska three times and once to the San Juan Islands with Captain Jeff. Jeff has sonar, so the whole cruise is a whale-watching cruise. He has the flexibility to change course and go find whales. The schedule is relaxed, and you stop at small towns instead of the usual commercial stops. Anyone who has gone with me on one of these cruises still raves about it.”
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SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND “We’ve done three cruises with our alumni: Alaska, the Norwegian Fjords and the Baltic from Amsterdam to St. Petersburg. Each were great experiences. The best attended was the Baltic because the itinerary appealed to a broad audience. I think each of these would be worth repeating but perhaps on a smaller ship next time to change things up.”
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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MADISON, WISCONSIN “I absolutely love river cruises. To date, my favorite experience was cruising the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Not only was the scenery breathtaking, but we enjoyed the leisurely pace of the trip and the opportunity to explore the towns and villages on our own. I am looking forward to hosting a bucket list cruise this fall on the Danube River, accompanied by our legendary marching band director.”
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checking in AMANDA LAYCOCK
W I T H
A M A N D A
L A Y C O C K
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TO AFFINITY PROGRAMS
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
A group of young alumni from the University of Alabama on this year’s Classic Europe Grad Trip
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA The University of Alabama enrolls 38,000 students. For 35 years, the travel program has taken alumni and friends around the world. The university’s alumni association has about 33,000 members. Born: Tuscaloosa, Alabama Education: B.A. in art from the University of Alabama Employment: Laycock worked in member services for the New York City Council after graduation. She returned to Tuscaloosa to work in the family retail plant store. After the family decided to close the business, she took a job with the University of Alabama’s alumni association as the chapter representative before accepting her current position. Family: Laycock recently became engaged. She has a dog named Gunner. Hobbies: Laycock enjoys gardening, being outdoors and cooking.
BY ELIZA MYERS
W
hen Amanda Laycock spent two magical weeks in Paris right after college, it was the first time she’d ever immersed herself in another culture. She left wanting more. “I got the travel bug after that,” said Laycock, assistant director to affinity programs for the University of Alabama. “I hadn’t been able to travel again until the travel program position became available in the alumni department. It was such an amazing opportunity. Just to talk about all the trips and get to see some of the incredible places was really exciting.” Though Laycock had no background in travel, she plunged headfirst into travel planning for the 33,000 alumni members. Her passion for the project and strong support network helped her navigate her first tours with aplomb. The university’s 35-year-old alumni travel program continues to thrive under her guidance.
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A LA B A MA R OOT S
Laycock stays busy planning 30 trips a year and other alumni events. But from her first trip with the alumni program, she knew she was in the right place. “My first trip with the group was a Mediterranean cruise,” said Laycock. “We visited Italy, France, Monaco and Spain. It was lovely. I thought, ‘This is the life I should be living.’ The boat, the excursions and everything was handled perfectly.” One snag early in the trip illustrated how even the best trips come with unexpected stresses. One member’s luggage got lost from the airport to the ship. “At the time, it seemed a bad way to start the trip,” said Laycock. “Panic had set in.” Laycock worked with the cruise line to find the luggage and reassured the traveler. “We finally started laughing when I told her, ‘At least you have J U LY / A U G U S T
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your makeup in your carry-on,’” said Laycock. “She told me, ‘I know, I would be so much more upset if my makeup had been lost instead of my clothes.’” The luggage appeared soon after. Laycock had successfully passed her first travel test.
F RI EN D LY H E L P
With no group travel experience, Laycock relied on colleagues at other colleges when she had questions about her travel program. Several alumni travel conferences also allowed her to connect with more group travel planners in the area on whom she could rely. With Laycock’s full workload, she can usually attend only one group trip a year. Alumni staff take turns leading trips. Before each trip, Laycock meets with the chosen staff member to discuss trip expectations and how to handle various crises that might occur. To select the destinations, Laycock follows travel trends and re-creates trips that are consistently popular with the group. “We always know we’re going to have a Mediterranean cruise,” said Laycock. “Several people always come back after each cruise and tell me they want to go again. This year, I’m going to Africa with a group in July. That trip sold out so quickly we’ve already started a waitlist for next year.” Most of the association’s trips are to international destinations, but they always include at least three domestic tours a year. Although the clients are typically retired, Laycock plans to increase the awareness and participation of younger alumni by leveraging social media and the university’s young-alumni chapters. “We host Welcome to the City events in large cities for alumni members living there,” said Laycock. “It’s like a meet-and-greet to see who’s in town. They have been very popular. We hope these events will connect younger alumni back to the university quicker. Then, while they are there, we also plug the travel program.” Laycock develops three or four yearly trips catering to the young-alumni market. Each trip features a shorter duration, an affordable price point and primarily weekend dates to accommodate work schedules.
Hands-On Fun
Get Your Craft On!
WI NE AN D WA N D E R L U S T
Once a year, alumni members meet to sip wine, discuss travel and sign up for the upcoming year’s trips at an event called the Travel Preview Reception. Laycock invites tour operators to attend the meeting to answer any questions members may ask about the upcoming trips. “It’s a great meeting place for people who have been on a trip and want to see others they have traveled with,” said Laycock. “It gets people really excited about next year’s trips. We’ve also recently started compiling a travel book with a description of the trips being offered that we can hand out and distribute on campus. It is also included in the summer edition of our alumni magazine.” The relationships and bonds the program creates give Laycock satisfaction in spite of her busy schedule. She especially enjoys traveling with the group, since she can relive the travel high she experienced in Paris and foster new friendships. “Once everyone gets together, they start telling stories,” said Laycock. “It’s fun to compare my stories to stories from their generation and to what’s going on now. It’s a wonderful experience.”
T R A V E L
tips
• Enjoy the trip. You can get wrapped up in the work aspect of it and not take a moment to enjoy what is around. • Things will always come up that you weren’t expecting. It is the way you handle it that people remember. • Make sure everyone is having the best trip possible. You would hate to hear after the fact that someone was not happy with the trip. J U LY / A U G U S T
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“All the different hands-on activities are a blast, no talent required! You are treated like their guest and everything is planned out for you. We loved it!” – Triumph Community Bank Travel Club, East Moline, IL
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T R A V E L
T O O L B O X
how to play to a younger crowd
BY BRIA N JE W E LL
I
f you want your affinity travel program to survive in the long term, you’re going to have to bring in some new blood. Banks, universities and other community organizations have long used travel clubs as important loyalty-building tools among their membership. And by necessity, many of the programs and trips offered tend to target older members who have the time and the means to travel. But as these organizations seek to expand their membership base, many affinity planners are finding it necessary to attract younger travelers to join their programs. Attracting younger travelers can inject a lot of vitality into a travel organization. But it doesn’t always come easily, especially for planners who have been doing business the same way for a long time. Here are five tips to help you craft products and messages that will appeal to more youthful members of your community.
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TA K E SHORTER TRIP S . The most important action you can take to make your travel program more attractive to younger travelers is to plan shorter trips. Younger travelers, especially those who are still working, have limited vacation time and are most interested in trips that take a week or less. To help them, consider beginning and ending your trips on weekends so they only have to take five vacation days. And try a different mode of transportation: Younger people are often much more comfortable flying than previous generations are, so you can save time on a trip by flying to the destination instead of busing from your hometown.
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VISIT HIP DE STINATIONS . Travelers of different ages are interested in visiting different kinds of places. You may have some tried-and-true destinations that always do well with people in their 60s and 70s, but many of those places won’t appeal in the same way to people in their 40s and 50s. In general, younger travelers will be more attracted to international destinations and big cities, places that older travelers may not feel comfortable visiting. And they’ll be looking for more exciting activities, with less emphasis on homespun nostalgia and passive entertainment.
P L AN A ROUND E VE NT S. If you find it difficult to attract younger travelers to run-of-the-mill tours, try planning your trips around events and occasions of interest to them. This could be a major sporting event, like the Super Bowl or the Kentucky Derby, or one of your favorite college team’s away games. Alternatively, you could build a tour around a major music festival, a film festival or some other high-profile event. You’ll likely end up paying more for hotels and other services during these peak-demand times, but if you’re offering access to a bucket-list experience, your travelers won’t mind paying extra.
INCREA S E FREE TIME. For many traditional senior travelers, the best tours are those that include the most planned activities. But younger travelers don’t think that way. They want the convenience of packaged travel without the limitations of a rigid itinerary. So work with your tour operators and host cities to put together itineraries that include lots of free time. You can still have one or two activities together each day, including some memorable group meals, but younger travelers
T W E AK YOUR IMA G E . It is said that perception is reality, and if the younger people in your organization perceive the travel program as targeting older folks, they
will appreciate having a variety of activity options, as well as the freedom to explore a destination on their own.
won’t likely want to join. To make your group more inclusive, start by looking at your club name and making sure it doesn’t communicate old age. Next, look at the marketing materials you send out. Try to include pictures of younger people and more exciting activities in your brochures, flyers and emails. And make sure you’re reaching out to younger people with a clean website and active social media accounts.
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PORTUGAL
d n a s t r o p f O y r t e o p
Statues of Portuguese explorers on the PadrĂŁo dos Descobrimentos monument Courtesy Turismo de Lisboa
BYRON WAS NOT THE LAST TO SING PORTUGAL’S PRAISES
P
BY JILL GLEESON
ortugal always was a place for travelers, I considered, as I stood staring slackjawed in the white-bright sun at Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the massive monument rising toward the sky before me. The westernmost nation on the mainland of the European continent, Portugal is tucked away on the Iberian Peninsula, its back to big brother Spain, which it borders to the north and east. In the other directions, Portugal faces the sea with what I imagine has always been not only resolution, but also eager, energetic curiosity. After all, as I was informed by Joao, the Heritage Tours guide on my group’s day excursion through Lisbon, in the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal produced some of the greatest explorers the world would ever see. This little country, just a bit bigger than the state of Maine, was responsible for discovering Brazil, mapping the coasts of Africa and developing trade routes across India and Japan. And many of the men who did those things are on the Monument of Discoveries, which sits in the district of Belem along the Tagus River, one of the waterways from which they once set sail. “It was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500-year anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator,” Joao said, shading his eyes as he pointed to the memorial. “He was the one who started Portuguese maritime exploration. That’s him at the front of the sculpture, standing at the ship’s prow. There are 16 figures along each side — like Magellan, who led the first expedition around the world.”
Chef Jose Avillez poses in his acclaimed Lisbon restaurant, Bairro do Avillez. By Paulo Barata
Lisbon
Padrão dos Descobrimentos Courtesy Turismo de Lisboa
One of Lisbon’s biggest attractions, Padrão dos Descobrimentos was the perfect way to end my tour of the city — I’m a bit of a nomad myself, and I can’t help but admire the gumption it must have taken those sailors to head off into the great unknown. But I loved almost everything about Portugal’s capital nearly from the moment I set foot on its cobblestone streets. Lisbon sparkles with a distinctly warm, hospitable spirit that is somehow both relaxed and vital. Groups of travelers, like everyone else it seems, are heartily welcomed.
CULTURAL LISBON
For better or worse, word is getting out about Portugal’s charms. “In the last five years, a lot of Europeans have been moving to Portugal because it’s stable,” Joao said. “It’s very safe. Of course, downtown is getting more expensive now. It’s gotten very touristy there, with notso-good restaurants and overpriced shops, but Lisbon has traditionally been fairly cheap compared to other places in Europe.” Culturally, the city is rich, a result of the glorious hodgepodge of civilizations that have called Portugal — the oldest nation-state in Europe — home through the millennia. Phoenicians, Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Moors and more all lived in Lisbon at one time or another, leaving their
Courtesy Turismo de Lisboa
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Courtesy Turismo de Lisboa
By Jill Gleeson
marks upon it. For example, the city’s famed Portuguese pavement, or “calçada portuguesa,” black and white stones hand-laid in mosaic patterns, is believed to have evolved from the Roman days. And “azulejos,” the glorious ceramic tilework that graces so many of Lisbon’s buildings, dates back at least to the 13th century, when the Moors ruled the land. Visiting groups shouldn’t miss out on one of the most exquisite pleasures all this beauty brings: simply wandering and looking at it all. I recommend doing so for a few hours, at least, in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, and one of the few to survive the devastating 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of the city. A place of steep, narrow alleys and streets lined with buildings whitewashed or brilliantly hued and crisscrossed with laundry lines hanging haphazardly from wrought-iron balconies, Alfama’s genteel, funky shabbiness is utterly captivating. It’s also where you can find Castelo de São Jorge, a former Moorish citadel that boasts panoramic views of the city, and many of Lisbon’s informal fado establishments. Fado, popular since the middle of the 19th century, is Portugal’s mostly melancholic traditional music, sung to the accompaniment of a stringed instrument or two, often about lost love. Along with Alfama, there are authentic fado spots in Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s festive nightlife district. My group visited O Faia there, and it was one of my favorite
Mosaic pavement
Decorative Lisbon tiles
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Custard tarts
Courtesy Turismo de Lisboa
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Castelo de São Jorge
A concert at O Faia
Courtesy O Faia Courtesy Turismo de Lisboa
experiences of the trip. Opened in 1947, O Faia is renowned as one of the best places in the city to hear fado and offers a seafoodcentric menu of classic Portuguese cuisine to boot, like the whole, baked octopus I was served that was nearly as big as my head. But the real draw is the fado music, and from the moment the singer, an older woman clad entirely in black, opened her mouth, I was transfixed. Almost unbearably regal, she sang with a strength and dignity I found powerfully moving. I didn’t need to understand the lyrics. Carmo, the representative from Visit Lisboa who was accompanying us, whispered to me, “Her name is Anita. She was a famous fado singer in the 1960s … She even toured the United States. Isn’t she wonderful?” She was, but there were so many other group-friendly spots in Lisbon not to be missed. I cut my evening slightly short at O Faia so I could venture out with a few others to Cais do Sodré. Close to the old port, it was once the area where sailors came to meet shady ladies, but now it’s home to Rua Nova do Carvalho, a pink-as-Pepto Bismol street lined with tiny, trendy bars.
CULINARY CROSSROADS
I stayed out late enough that I was glad our tour the next day stopped at Time Out Market, which opened in 2016 inside the Mercado da Ribeira, a structure that dates to the 13th century. The food hall has been an unqualified hit with visitors and residents alike, drawing millions annually, thanks to its delicious, inexpensive fare. It’s also a great choice for groups because there are so many menu options. But still groggy from little sleep the night before, I was grateful simply to fuel up with strong coffee and creamy custard tarts, a Portuguese passion. Time Out Market is one of the places that is helping to cement Lisbon’s international reputation as a city foodies will adore. But the man probably responsible more than any other for its blooming culinary scene is José Avillez, the country’s first Portuguese chef to shepherd a restaurant to two Michelin stars. And as he would tell me after my group visited Bairro do Avillez, his inventive four-in-one restaurant in the Chiado district, Portuguese food’s flair hearkens back to those explorers of old. “The differentiating aspect of our cuisine has to do with the cultural exchanges that happened in our Age of Discoveries,” Avillez said. “Those ingredients and techniques from other continents influenced and enriched our cuisine. In addition to that, Portugal has a wide variety of landforms, climates and soil types. Moreover, we have a long coastline, we have highlands in the north of Portugal, and the
A Portuguese guitar Courtesy Turismo de Lisboa
Seafood at Bairro do Avillez By Paulo Barata
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Cabo de São Vicente
Courtesy Algarve Tourism Bureau
mid-coastal region consists of dunes and pine tree forests. In southern Portugal, more specifically Alentejo, we find plains. Each region has different yet amazing products: wines, cheese varieties, bread types, olive oils, produce, spices, herbs, meat, fish and shellfish. I really believe we have the best fish and shellfish in the world. That is why Portuguese cuisine is incredibly rich and varied.” Bairro do Avillez, which serves wonders like exploding olives that burst with fermented olive juice when bitten, accepts even the largest groups. Dinner there makes a fine farewell to lovely Lisbon.
SINGULAR SINTRA
The next day, we traveled to Sintra. This day trip destination is just a 30-minute drive from the city, but it is so extraordinary that, as our guide noted, UNESCO designated a new type of heritage site, Cultural Landscape, for its palaces and gardens. A longtime playground for royals, Sintra was described by the writer Lord Byron, who spent a portion of his youth there, as “maybe the most beautiful village in the world.” It’s distinguished by more castles, palaces, gardens and parks than any 10 Disney movies combined, and it would no doubt take at least that many days to fully explore all of them. My group opted for concentrating on perhaps the most fantastical site in of all Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira. Acquired in 1893 by Carvalho Monteiro, this estate is as mysterious as it is massive. Rambling grounds contain tunnels, a subterranean tower that descends via a spiral staircase nearly 90 feet into the earth, plus a series of grottos, fountains and an avenue lined with statues of Greek gods and heroes. Everywhere are symbols that are said to relate to alchemy, the Templar Order, the Masons and other mystical matters. Designed by Luigi Manini, an Italian painter and architect who has also created sets for theaters and opera houses such as Milan’s La Scala, Quinta da Regaleira is a dramatic blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Roman and Manueline styles. I found it all incredibly beautiful, a little overwhelming and a great group outing, since we could choose to tour it with a guide or alone, at our own pace.
Quinta da Regaleira By Jill Gleeson
Algarve Cycling Holidays
SIMPLE SAGRES
Sagres, the last stop on our trip, was as uncomplicated as Quinta da Regaleira was intense, a land of open vistas sweeping out to the sea and wide, windy beaches beset by white-capped waves. Located on Courtesy Musette
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the western stretch of the Algarve, the seaside southernmost region in Portugal, Sagres is a little village about a three-hour drive from Lisbon. The area around it is largely undeveloped thanks to Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a nationally protected slice of coastline covering more than 60 miles that ends at its doorstep. My group explored on bikes we rented from Algarve Cycling Holidays, a company that also offers electric bicycles for those looking for a less challenging ride. In addition to Sagres, we visited the historic Cabo de São Vicente and Fortaleza de Sagres. According to Algarve Tourism Bureau acting executive director Hugo Nascimento, they played a vital role in the Portuguese Age of Discoveries. “The area of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent has been known for centuries as Sacrum Promontorium [Holy Promontory] because it was the most western point of the known world,” he said. “And it remained so until Prince Henry the Navigator started sending his sailors from there to explore the African coast and find new trading routes. You can get a glimpse of the past by visiting the fortress of Sagres, which might have been the school for Henry the Navigator’s sailors, and at Cape St. Vincent, where some people still say [that] at sunset, you can observe the sea ‘boiling when the sun touches it.’” As I boarded my flight the next day, I was still thinking about those ancient explorers and the way such a little country could have so lasting an effect on the world. And how, too, it just might have so a lasting an effect on me. VISITPORTUGAL.COM
The Meeting for Bank, Alumni, & Chamber Travel Directors
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Call to Register Today:
Park in Sintra Courtesy Turismo de Lisboa
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S T A T E
o f
M I N D
chesapeake charm MARYLAND CALLS TO MARINERS AND LANDLUBBERS ALIKE
S
omeone once told me there are two kinds of people: those who love the mountains and those who seek the sea. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I grew up in the gently rolling, green expanses of the Pennsylvania Appalachians, and I’ve always felt most centered and happiest on hills. That is, until I took a leisurely week and ambled down a slice of Maryland’s Great Chesapeake Bay Loop. Within days I was imagining a waterside relocation. Stretching from the town of North East, which sits at the tip of the great estuary, down to Crisfield, on the southeastern shore, the Loop “is a way to encourage travelers to navigate around the Chesapeake Bay, by land and water, for the quintessential and must-do bay experiences,” said Maryland Office of Tourism public relations specialist Matthew Scales. “Each bay town offers travelers a different experience and bay culture.” Travel planners can choose the itinerary that best suits their group, but I couldn’t imagine a more magical trip than beginning in the bright lights of bustling Baltimore and ending in the sweet, serene town of Cambridge.
BY JILL GLEESON
The National Aquarium’s Shark Alley allows visitors to stand close to giant underwater predators.
BALTIMORE
With a rich and diverse assortment of activities, Edgar Allen Poe’s old stomping grounds is the perfect place to start your group’s Bay Loop adventure. I kicked things off at one of my favorite museums in the country, the endlessly fun and funky American Visionary Art Museum, stuffed stem to stern with surprising, delightful work from self-taught creatives. It’s hard not to grin when eyeballing sights like the giant Fifi Le Pink Poodle, a staple of the museum’s Kinetic Sculpture Race, held every May for more than two decades.
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BALTIMOR E
a study of the past will want to spend some time there, as well as at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The fort, which stood strong against British bombardment during the War of 1812, was the inspiration behind Francis Scott Key’s poem that would become eventually become the national anthem. As such, it’s profoundly moving ground.
ANNA POL IS
S T. MICHAELS
CAM B R I DGE
ANNAPOLIS
Courtesy Visit Baltimore
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The iconic Inner Harbor is also always worth a visit, even if you don’t stop by the National Aquarium, with fascinating exhibits like Shark Alley. The institution isn’t far from Miss Shirley’s Cafe, which serves breakfast fare so incredible it made me groan. There are two other Miss Shirley’s in Maryland, including an Annapolis location where I also dined during my trip — yes, it’s that good. I can’t imagine having a preference on the menu, but I heard that when Guy Fieri filmed an episode of his Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” at the Roland Park restaurant, he raved about the coconut-cream-stuffed toast. I did, too. The neighborhood I liked most in Baltimore was quirky Hampden, but Fells Point was a close second. More than 160 of its structures, many daubed in brilliant colors, grace the National Historic Register, so walking through Fells Point almost felt like sitting in on a history class, just a lot more rousing. Before departing the city, group travelers who make
Maryland’s capital, Annapolis is a lively charmer that boasts a brick-paved historic district lined with beautifully kept buildings, plenty of fabulous cuisine and the U.S. Naval Academy’s storied, gorgeous grounds. The city also offers a chance for groups to set sail on the Bay’s windswept waters as well as a host of other activities. When I arrived in Annapolis, downtown was abuzz with artist tents, food vendors and musicians playing live, part of the First Sunday Arts Festival, which takes place May through September. Other city events include October’s U.S. Sailboat Show, the largest in the world, and Commissioning Week in mid-May, a huge draw for visitors thanks to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ airshow, which celebrates the Naval Academy’s graduating class. Anytime is a good time to visit, according to Chip Seymour, a retired Navy captain who served as guide during my tour of the academy. “Tours generally end in the chapel at the crypt of John Paul Jones, which is magnificent,” Seymour said. “But people should also be sure to stop by our museum. They have the original ‘Don’t give up the ship’ flag from the Battle of Lake Erie
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in the War of 1812, and the finest model ship gallery in the world is on the second floor. The wooden models go back to 1650.” Annapolis is also home to the Woodwind, a gorgeous 74foot wooden schooner that can be chartered for private sails. Captain Jennifer Kaye will regale your group with tales about when the hit movie “The Wedding Crashers” was filmed aboard her vessel, and she’ll let guests take turns at the wheel of it, too. Afterward, you might want to do what I did and head to local favorite Boatyard Bar and Grill for the Bay’s best softshell-crab sandwiches before taking off for the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, across the Bay Bridge on the Eastern Shore. Groups can tour the birds-of-prey exhibit, learn about the fight to restore health to the Chesapeake and wander the walking trails crossing the 510-acre preserve.
American Visionary Art Museum Courtesy Visit Baltimore
Fort McHenry
Miss Shirley’s Cafe Photo by Matthew Stullken
Courtesy Visit Maryland
ST. MICHAELS
Speaking of “The Wedding Crashers,” the Vince VaughnOwen Wilson comedy was shot on the grounds of the magnificent Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels. Treat your group to a meal there — the resort plays host to sublime private events in addition to Hollywood moviemaking — and be sure to give them time to wander the spectacular waterside grounds, as well-heeled and gracious as the rest of the town. A sparkling little Colonial jewel that sits pretty on the Miles River, St. Michaels is slow-paced and friendly, but neither stuffy nor boring. There are more than enough little shops on its neat streets to keep things interesting, among them Lyon Distilling Company, St. Michaels Winery and Eastern Shore Brewing, all within steps of one another. Groups can take a tour of Lyon Distilling with its appeal-
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U.S. Naval Academy Courtesy U.S. Naval Academy
Schooner Woodwind
An Annapolis dock Courtesy Visit Annapolis
Photo by Matthew Stulken
ing owner, Jaime Windon, a former photographer who is happy to let you sample her product. I also enjoyed rubbing elbows with the locals at Eastern Shore Brewery’s ultrarelaxed taproom. It’s clearly a gathering spot for the community, the kind of laid-back joint where the bartender brings her dogs to work with her. In a town of treasures, the dearest might be the 18-acre, 12-exhibition-building Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. I spent the day there, breaking only for a seafood feast next door at the Crab Claw that was the trip’s best. The museum features exhibits that detail what life is like on the Bay for everyone and everything from oystermen to waterfowl. It also offers a “floating fleet” of historic vessels, specialized tours and the chance for groups to get hands-on in a working shipyard, learning skills like blacksmithing and steam-bending mast hoops. “We want you to smell the wood, to feel the metal,” Tracey Johns, the museum’s vice president of communications said. “You’ll never find anyone in a costume here — ever — because that’s not authentic. I think when most people come in, they think, ‘Where’s the museum?’ I’ve been here nine years, and every single day I see something new and different.”
CAMBRIDGE
About 45 minutes south of St. Michaels, past expansive agricultural fields, is sleepy Cambridge, a historic community not far from where Harriet Tubman came of age before escaping those who enslaved her. The town made national news in May with the debut of the striking downtown mural that depicts the liberator reaching her hand forward, seemingly toward the viewer. Groups should stop for a peek before heading to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center
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in nearby Church Creek. Opened in early 2017, the center sits within a 17-acre state and national park that abuts the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. With marvelously realized exhibits that explore Tubman’s extraordinary life, the space taught me much I’m sad to confess I didn’t know about her, including her service as a spy during the Civil War and her advocacy of equal rights for women. For an immersive look at the land where Tubman toiled, groups can split up and tour the Wildlife Refuge by bike and kayak with rentals from Blackwater Adventures Chesapeake Bay. Pedaling through the bucolic landscape was a joy, but so was meeting the company’s proprietor, Matt Meredith, who whisked me away on an off-the-cuff visit to the tiny Bucktown General Store, which his family also owns. Nearly unchanged for more than a century, the store is where Tubman was hit in the head with a counter weight as a young girl, almost killing her. Meredith’s mother provides group tours of the store and the surrounding area, but I recommend asking for a special escort by her ebullient, engaging son. He’s an example of what truly makes the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop worth the trip. It’s not merely the stunning landscapes and waterscapes, the history and the world-class seafood. It’s also the warm, welcoming people who call it home. visitmaryland.org
Bucktown General Store Photo by Matthew Stullken
Blackwater Salisbury coast Wildlife Refuge
Cambridge’s Harriet Tubman mural Photo by Matthew Stullken
Photo by Matthew Stullken
Lyon Distilling
Photo by Matthew Stullken
®
OCEANFRONT PLAZA HOTEL Boardwalk at 12th Street
OCEANFRONT Boardwalk at 23rd Street
OCEANFRONT INN
Boardwalk at 24th Street
2018
The Crab Claw Photo by Matthew Stullken
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Contact Group Sales Today! Pat Ambler-Perry, CTIS Director of Sales Courtesy Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
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888-465-3451 groupsales@boardwalkhotels.com www.boardwalkhotels.com
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ALL STAR VENUES
The Missouri History Museum connects the state’s history to important events from the country’s past with engaging exhibits.
Photos courtesy Explore St. Louis
ST. LOUIS OFFERS GROUPS MORE THAN CHAMPIONSHIP SPORTS
S
BY ELIZA MYERS
t. Louis attracts the curious. From a replica of Charles Lindbergh’s trans-Atlantic plane to a flight simulator that illustrates the science behind aerial experiences, the Gateway to the West keeps educates and fascinates visitors at museums, art galleries and gardens. Groups can explore top-rated attractions on a budget, since the Missouri city boasts more free attractions than anyplace outside of Washington, D.C. The city’s educational opportunities are seemingly endless with the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum and the Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery among some of the favorites.
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Adult groups rave about the fascinating history, science, art and biology experiences at these four St. Louis attractions.
HISTORY: MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM
A slight plane that barely fits one passenger hangs above the entrance of the Missouri History Museum. Though it may seem insignificant, the Spirit of St. Louis replicates the unlikely aircraft that Charles Lindbergh flew on the first solo, nonstop trans-Atlantic flight. Groups can discover the city’s connection with the plane as well as its broader history from its founding in 1764 to the present day. Exhibits on the city’s baseball history follow the Browns and the Cardinals through the years. Other exhibits give insight into life on the Mississippi River, the Lewis and Clark expedition and the civil rights movement. Opened in 1913, the museum originally served as the first national monument to Thomas Jefferson. The building sits on the site of the
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main entrance to the 1904 World’s Fair, a significant event covered in depth in the museum. The museum offers free admission and rotates several traveling exhibits a year. Groups can also book step-on guides or city walking tours through the museum. “They offer a gallery talk where they have people come in and portray characters from St. Louis’ history,” said Renee Eichelberger, director of leisure travel sales for Explore St. Louis. “That is something you can do at any age that enhances the experience. The museum will tailor tours to each group. They have curators that can talk about various topics, such as the Civil War or Route 66.” Cafe St. Louis, on the second floor of the museum, serves dishes tied to the city’s history.
SCIENCE: ST. LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER
See the stars, solve a crime or uncover dinosaur bones at the St. Louis Science Center. The museum enthralls student and adult groups with more than 700 interactive exhibits that explore atoms, oceans, stardust, dinosaurs and dark matter. Groups can try to solve a fake crime at the Life Science Lab before riding on the Segway Human Transporter. New simulators provide a five-minute flight with 3D technology that creates a sensory experience. The Take the Controls Simulator allows participants to take off full throttle toward downtown St. Louis and attempt to fly through the Gateway Arch. The newest exhibit, the Energy Stage, will host live, interactive science shows. For an immersive experience, guests can buy tickets to a film at the museum’s four-story Omnimax Theater. “‘Pompeii: The Exhibition’ is their special exhibit going on right now,” said Eichelberger. “You can learn about the city before the destruction and how they excavated it. Pompeii has a limited run, but
St. Louis Science Center
Third-Degree Glass Factory
Missouri Botanical Garden
there are also many incredible permanent exhibits.” The James S. McDonnell Planetarium opened in 1963 and continues to host groups with night-sky presentations.
ART: THIRD-DEGREE GLASS FACTORY
Molten glass fascinates groups of all ages and interests during glassblowing demonstrations at the Third-Degree Glass Factory. The narrated experience explains glassblowing step by step while visitors see a work of art created before their eyes. The art gallery offers dramatic flameworking demonstrations in which artists shape miniature sculptures using a torch. For groups seeking to learn glassmaking skills, artists from the venue will help participants create their own pieces of glass art. Glass crafts include paperweights, ornaments, jewelry and several other projects. Groups can also book tours of the site and browse two art galleries with local art of various media. The Hotshop Gallery showcases glass artwork from over 35 different glassblowing, flameworking and fused-glass artists made on-site. The Third-Degree Glass Factory hosts private catered events at its 7,000-square-foot rental space. The factory plans to open an expansion to the site in July. Jim McKelvey and Doug Auer opened the factory as the only publicly accessible glass-art studio and education center in St. Louis. They transformed a dilapidated 1930s car dealership into the stateof-the-art glass facility. “It is close to the Delmar neighborhood, which was voted one of the top streets in the nation,” said Eichelberger. “It is full of little shops and restaurants. It is great for groups when people want a dinner on their own. There is a trolley that runs from one end of the loop and back. It also runs to Forest Park.”
HORTICULTURE: MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN
Groups can craft a mosaic steppingstone, a floral embroidery or a whimsical garden sculpture at a hands-on class at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The garden offers workshops and guided tours, both walking and accessible. “It is a perfect place for groups,” said Eichelberger. “They have a narrated tram you can reserve for groups to tour the gardens. Because it is 79 acres, a tram is a great option for tours.” Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the country’s oldest botanical gardens in continuous operation. Display gardens with sculptures woven in fit various themes, among them the Chinese Garden, the English Woodland Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Victorian District. The newly opened Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum features traveling displays in an 1859 building. Other displays contain musical instruments, baskets and natural kitchen tools to illustrate various ways people use plants. Standing above the garden is the Climatron, the first geodesic dome used as a conservatory. The dome holds more than 2,800 plants in a simulated rain-forest atmosphere filled with waterfalls. In 2006, the garden featured numerous Dale Chihuly sculptures displayed throughout its grounds. The exhibition proved so popular that the garden purchased four of the pieces to keep. Groups can see the sculptures among the water lilies in front of the Climatron.
explorestlouis.com
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Vikings Museum
T H R E E
O F
A
KIND
EAGAN IS SURGING NEXT TO MINNESOTA’S TWIN CITIES BY ELIZA MYERS
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
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Bald Man Brewing
Caponi Art Park
J U LY / A U G U S T Eagan 2 0CVB1 9 Photos courtesy
I
f you’re not a fan of the Minnesota Vikings when you walk in the Vikings Museum, you might change your mind after a hightech tour of the team’s past. With a 360-degree video, memorabilia and interactive displays everywhere you turn, the 2018 museum proves that Eagan, Minnesota, is more entertaining than your typical suburb. Between St. Paul and Minneapolis, Eagan sits no more than 10 minutes away from the Mall of America, the Minnesota Zoo and other major Twin Cities attractions. Groups can shop inside the city limits at the state’s largest outlet mall: the Twin Cities Premium Outlets. Stocked full of big-city amenities, Eagan also taps into Minnesota’s natural beauty with mature trees, lakes and over 50 stunning parks, including the 1,869-acre Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
VIKINGS MUSEUM
Groups can re-create the famous “Gatorade bath” from a football championship in a photo op at the Vikings Museum. The 2018 museum opened as part of the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, which serves as the training camp for the Minnesota Vikings, an NFL team. “It’s a really fun guided tour they can do for groups,” said Denise Olsen, senior sales director for the Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau. “There are a lot of unique exhibits that people can touch. Their 3D movie uses surround screens. You can record your memories of the Vikings and have that video clip incorporated into the theater’s movie as you are watching.” Videos, photo ops and a digital storybook that tells the story of dozens of former players keeps the museum interactive. For inspiration, guests can don headphones to listen to quotes from every head coach in Vikings history. Shrines to each Vikings member inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame greet visitors at the museum’s entrance. The rest of the 14,000-square-foot facility charts the evolution of the team’s uniforms, accomplishments and players over the years.
LEBANON HILLS REGIONAL PARK
What started as 80 acres in 1967 eventually grew to almost 2,000 acres after 40 additional land acquisitions. The Lebanon Hills Regional Park is treasured by both residents and visitors to Eagan. The park comprises 13 lakes and ponds set amidst forests, grasslands, marshes and wetlands. Dakota County Parks is now restoring more than 1,100 acres of prairie and forest within the park to create an accessible wilderness landscape. The Visitors Center models sustainability with several green building features, such as a vegetative roof, a rain garden and day lighting. Groups can stop by for park information, interactive nature displays and naturalist programs. “It is beautiful,” said Olsen. “It would be a great pace to have an afternoon lunch stop or a naturalist program before a hike. The visitors center can tailor naturalist programs to fit what the group wants.” Rentals also take place in the visitors center. In the winter, the center offers cross-country skis, snowshoes and kick sleds. Summer rentals include canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Groups can stop by Schulze Lake Beach for a relaxing sandy beach and clear water. For active groups, the West Trailhead features over 12 miles of popular mountain-biking trails.
BALD MAN BREWING
After three years of brewing beer in apartments in 1995, Tristan Kusnierek thought he was done — home brewing was just too much hassle. But he picked up the hobby again to create a beer to serve at his wedding. After guests raved about the beer, he purchased a professional brewing system, which eventually led to the start of Bald Man Brewing. Today, Bald Man Brewing beer appears in local bars and restaurants throughout the Twin Cities. The Eagan brewery and taproom serves artisan beer using the highest-quality American and European malted barley. “It has been open in Eagan now for three years,” said Olsen. “It is a large brewery. They have lots of weekly events, including live music.” The 15,000-square-foot brewery offers two private rooms for groups: one with a capacity of 45 people and the other for 65 people. Groups can customize the experience with drink tickets, an open bar and brewery tours to learn the intricate brewing process.
TWIN CITIES PREMIUM OUTLETS
Savings of 25% to 65% on high-end products can get any shopper’s attention. The Twin Cities Premium Outlets offers more than 100 outlet stores tax free. Nike, Coach, Vera Bradley, Polo Ralph Lauren and more upscale shops deliver deals daily. The outlet mall houses the largest Under Armour store in the Midwest and is the only outlet mall in the seven-county metro area. A short drive from the Mall of America, the outlet mall offers more affordable versions of apparel, shoes and home goods than the larger shopping complex. “When groups come that have contacted the CVB, we can send them to the outlet mall with a bag full of coupons for the outlet and the Mall of America, as well as other goodies,” said Olsen. “The outlet offers excellent shopping and amazing outlet pricing. They always have great specials happening there.” A dining pavilion in the center of the mall has indoor and outdoor seating. The 409,000-square-foot center uses covered walkways to connect the shops.
CAPONI ART PARK
Anthony Caponi devoted much of his life to organically integrating art, life and nature. The 60-acre sculpture park, the Caponi Art Park, opened to the public in 1987. His wife, Cheryl Caponi, still gives tours of the sculptures to talk about the incredible works her husband created in his lifetime. Active groups can browse the outdoor art gallery on foot; those with mobility issues can book an accessible guided tour with golf carts. The 60-acre forested park offers several natural trails alongside the sculpture garden. The park’s Theater in the Woods amphitheater is one of the largest in the region. The Summer Performance Series and other special events occur on the outdoor stage. “The park hosts everything from orchestra concerts to Shakespearean plays to blues music,” said Olsen. “Groups can walk through the park to look at the artwork interspersed throughout the park or take in one of the many performances that take place all summer long.” Groups can also book an art workshop that caters to all ages and abilities. The park works with group leaders to select a project that fits their groups’ needs.
eaganmn.com
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known
F O R
THEATER
“HADESTOWN”
“MISS SAIGON”
NEW YORK
ATLANTA By Matthew Murphy
ONE BIG REASON THIS CITY NEVER SLEEPS has got to be its endlessly energetic, forever-legendary theatrical performances. From the 41 Great White Way professional playhouses to artsy downtown companies, New York boasts a theater scene that’s the envy of the world. According to the Broadway League, in the 2018-2019 season alone, 38 new productions opened in the Theatre District; they were attended by 14.77 million people. “While terrific theater can be found in cities across America, there is something palpable about seeing a show in New York,” said The Broadway Blog’s editor and chief critic Matthew Wexler. “Maybe it’s the original casts or the historic theaters. Or the convergence of legendary talent, such as André De Shields in ‘Hadestown’ and breakout performances like Ali Stroker in the reimagined ‘Oklahoma!’ I’d also encourage visitors to venture beyond Broadway to discover the breadth of talent that reaches far beyond Times Square, such as the utterly captivating devised works of the musical, ‘The Mad Ones’ or the neo-burlesque Company XIV in Bushwick, Brooklyn.” There is a spate of hotly anticipated shows debuting in New York in 2020 that should appeal to the tastes of group travelers, like revivals of Edward Albee’s acid-tongued “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and the beloved musical “The Music Man.” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” is set to open April 9; “The Music Man” will launch October 22. NYCGO.COM
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By Matthew Murphy
A CREATIVELY JUICY CITY with permanent, professional companies in every major field of the performing arts, Atlanta has a theater scene hot enough to rival its steamy summer weather. The stunning Fox Theatre, an ornate stunner built in 1929, often hosts touring Broadway shows like “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” which features more than 20 of the disco diva’s songs, opening June 23, 2020. Established in 1968, with an audience that tops 165,000 each year, the Alliance Theatre routinely debuts shows that end up on Broadway, like 2016’s “The Prom.” In 2020, it will continue its history of presenting topical, insightful and engaging fare with the March 28 world premiere of “53% Of,” a drama about Americans contending with the fractious, emotionally charged political landscape. Dedicated to work that fosters honest communication about diversity and inclusivity, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company is producing only works with black directors and allblack women casts next year. That includes “Marie and Rosetta,” set to open June 16, 2020. Other heralded Atlanta theaters that groups travelers will want to experience include the Horizon Theatre Company, devoted to producing contemporary works, and Actor’s Express, a fearless little theater tucked away in West Midtown at the King Plow Arts Center that will revive Eugene O’Neill’s brilliant “Desire Under the Elms” beginning May 16, 2020. ATLANTA.NET
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BY JILL GLEESON
“ T H E W O LV E S ”
“ J E S U S C H R I S T S U P E R S TA R ”
CHICAGO
CLEVELAND By Liz Lauren
CHICAGO IS HOME TO WORLD-RENOWNED THEATER companies like Steppenwolf, whose members have included John Malkovich and William Peterson. And it’s difficult to find another metropolis that provides such a rigorous assortment of cuttingedge live performance groups. They include many more than just Second City, the fabled improvisational comedy troupe that spawned the likes of Bill Murray, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert. “In Chicago, you can make whatever kind of theater you want,” said William Bullion, who is an ensemble member of Chicago’s The Factory Theater. “Theater rent is doable, and there’s always an audience, not to mention a gigantic pool of talented collaborators pouring into the city from the many excellent university theater programs in the Midwest. At any given time, there might be over 200 legit, active theater companies in the area. You can do whatever you want. And I choose to do high-energy stylized punk rock neocommedia satire with my own company, the Conspirators.” The city of Chicago and the League of Chicago Theatres have designated 2019 the Year of Chicago Theatre, but 2020 promises to be just as big. Highlights include the revival of “Molly Sweeney,” about a woman who undergoes surgery to regain her vision. Also on tap next year: Steppenwolf’s “King James,” a new play written by ensemble member Rajiv Joseph and set against the backdrop of LeBron James’ basketball reign in Cleveland, which will open May 7. “Dear Evan Hansen” debuted July 7 at the CIBC Theatre. CHOOSECHICAGO.COM
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By Evan Zimmerman
GREAT MIDWESTERN THEATER isn’t found solely in Chicago. Since 1819, when the city’s inaugural community theater company stepped onstage, Cleveland has made history with groundbreaking theatrical firsts. “Theater is a significant part of Cleveland’s rich arts and culture scene,” said Kristen Jantonio, communications specialist at Destination Cleveland. “The city has deep roots in performing arts history as the home of one of the first professional regional theaters in the county, the Cleveland Play House. “Playhouse Square, located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, is the second-largest performing arts center in the country and is the home of the largest theater restoration project in the world.” Now boasting 10 theatrical spaces that have blossomed from the original five built in the 1920s, Playhouse Square is surpassed only by Lincoln Center as the nation’s largest complex for the performing arts. Among the shows arriving there next year as part of the KeyBank Broadway Series are Lerner and Loewe’s classic “My Fair Lady,” a Lincoln Center Theater Production that will open April 28, and Disney’s feel-good musical “Frozen,” hitting town July 15. Starting April 25, 2019, Playhouse Square will offer the audacious, witty “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” which follows Nora Helmer 15 years after the events of Ibsen’s drama. The smart, sparkling comedy “Sassy Mamas” will debut at Karamu January 30. Shakespeare fans will want to catch Great Lakes Theatre’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing,” beginning March 27 at Playhouse Square. THISISCLEVELAND.COM
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marketing Y O U R
P R O G R A M
PROMOTIONAL STRATEGIES
ARE KEY TO MAKING A TRIP GO BY ELIZA MYERS
S
ome veteran group travel planners can rely on word-of-mouth to fill their trips. But if you just wait for the phone to ring instead of actively promoting your trips, you’re not likely to see the results you’re hoping for. Creating a great trip and then letting club members sell it for you usually only works for wellestablished loyalty programs. Most group travel planners, especially those new to the game, should expect to exert much more effort convincing members to spend hard-earned cash on group travel. Crafting the perfect tour goes a long way in gaining both new and repeat customers. But you should think creatively when developing a marketing strategy that will last, as travel trends come and go. Reflecting on how your group travel program uses the Seven P’s of Marketing will help this goal. Already this year, we’ve explored product, place and price marketing strategies. Promotion is another one of the Seven P’s of Marketing. This strategy will allow your travel program to actively ensure success now and in the future.
MARKETING STRATEGY
Instead of thinking generally about tour publicity, the Seven P’s of Marketing’s promotion technique encourages everyone to develop a marketing strategy. This will enable you to think more scientifically about promoting your tour rather than trying various methods randomly. Before you begin a marketing strategy, fine-tune what type of tour you want to sell. For example, if you know your clients will be high-end buyers, the copy you use to promote your tours should focus on the upscale parts of the tour. If you find that your clients seek value tours, write promotional copy that emphasizes the savings possible with your tour.
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With your ideal tour type and customer in mind, write a document that outlines the marketing goals you would like to achieve in the next few years. Then come up with some tactics you believe will further these goals in the coming year. Your travel program’s marketing goals might entail simply increasing awareness of your tours to more potential members. Or they might include reaching a new customer segment. Important criteria for a marketing plan include stating clearly what you want to achieve, setting a tangible way to measure your results and setting objectives within your capacity. Many group leaders hope to attract younger travelers. Some attempt this goal with increased social media use and discounts for younger members. After a year trying these two approaches, a group leader should keep track of how many younger members signed up for tours to decide whether to continue this approach or try something new. No matter what success comes after the first year of a marketing strategy, you should always continue to test different marketing techniques. A rule of thumb in marketing is that whatever works today eventually will no longer work.
DIRECT MARKETING
A marketing strategy is only as good as the ideas behind it. Familiarize yourself with the promotional techniques used by other group leaders, especially those who successfully sell similar tours. Loyalty program leaders use a wide range of direct marketing tactics, including newspaper ads, radio ads and online ads. This type of advertising encourages a reader to pick up the phone and book a tour after seeing or hearing them. Other marketing techniques that can facilitate more sales, but sometimes at the cost of discounted travel, include coupons and trip contests. Running a 10% off coupon on social media for a week might
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lead to a rush of sales, but each sale will be less than the sticker price. Chart trips with and without discounts to see which ends with more travelers. Mailed brochures and online newsletters are still the most common type of promotion for group leaders. But these materials are only as good as your mailing list, so be sure to keep your database current. If you know you need new members, you probably need to do a new kind of advertising. A tour operator can often lighten the marketing burden. Tour operators frequently send out free brochures to mail or email. They can also print posters, provide highresolution photos and even write copy designed for your individual tour. These companies will even sometimes share the expenses of a newspaper or online ad to help bolster trip sales.
PUBLICITY PLAN
An ad in a newspaper promoting a tour calls for an immediate action, but public relations messages focus more on planting a seed. Public relations should factor into your marketing strategy even though it might not directly sell a particular tour because it builds up the travel program’s branding. These promotional tactics spread the word about your program and the type of tours you offer. For example, social media posts take time but can engage more people in your program eventually. Think creatively when coming up with public relations ideas. Some group travel planners post to a blog not just about the latest tour but also with unrelated useful information that might attract a loyal following. Bank travel programs can share moneysaving ideas, and alumni programs feature news from the college. Those who might travel with the group will be interested in this information. The tour might not be at the forefront of the message, but anything that keeps members interacting in the company can boost their loyalty. Networking opportunities, press releases and conferences can also increase awareness of your program. Though time intensive, these tactics should not be overlooked. If you want to build a brand loyalty strong enough to bring you word-of-mouth sales, you have to put in the hard work at the outset.
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C A R E E R
C O R N E R
STRATEGY & LEADERSHIP
It pays to have someone waiting in the wings BY BRIAN JEWELL
I
f you work hard, lead well and plan strategically, the success of your affinity travel program should outlast you. Your travel program isn’t just a group of friends who enjoy taking trips together. The work you do at your bank, university, chamber of commerce or other community group is important to the institution and to the people you serve. If you run a thriving loyalty travel program, you’re playing a part in building community and furthering your organization’s mission. And that work should go on even after you’re not able to continue. Unfortunately, too many good travel programs fizzle out when the principal leader decides to take a step back. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If life responsibilities, health or other factors curtail your personal travel, your legacy can continue with a great new leader. Here are 10 tips to help you create a succession plan that will keep your travel club thriving.
1) START YEARS IN ADVANCE.
In any organization, leadership transitions work best when succession planning begins well in advance. Finding the right candidate to take over your travel program could require significant time and training them will take even more. So when possible, you should start planning your exit two to three years ahead of when you would like it to happen. And even if you don’t plan to quit soon, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case life requires you to step back unexpectedly.
Top: Enjoying Manhattan’s nightlife Bottom: The view from the London Eye
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2) GET INPUT FROM KEY STAKEHOLDERS.
Chances are you have group members who travel with you frequently or colleagues who are heavily involved in your loyalty club. These people are the most likely to be unsettled by a quick leadership change or an unexpected closing of your program. So when you begin thinking about succession planning, have some discreet conversations with these key stakeholders. Get their input on the future of the program, and ask if they have any candidates in mind who could take the reins once you step down.
3) LOOK FOR YOUTH.
One of the keys to a thriving travel program is consistency: having an established leader at the helm for years at a time. To this end, it’s optimal to look for a new leader who can lead the program for the next five to 10 years. If your group consists mostly of seniors, look for someone who has recently retired to take over. In addition to having a lot of energy, these younger leaders will also prove attractive to new travelers from your community.
4) RECRUIT FOR CULTURE.
The most important element in maintaining a healthy group dynamic isn’t talent, authority or experience; it’s culture. And leadership changes can have a dramatic impact on an organization’s culture. So when you’re recruiting a new leader, you should look for culture first: Do they get along well with your travelers? Are they fun to be with? Do they embody the mission of your travel club? If the candidates are a cultural fit, you can teach them what they need to know about travel. If they don’t fit the culture, though, they likely won’t last.
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5) GET THE CANDIDATES ON THE ROAD.
While culture is important, travel experience is also vital in leading a travel program. There’s a chance that the best candidate for a leadership role is already among your group’s regular travelers. If not, though, you’ll need to bring some outside candidates into the fold and get them some travel experience. Arrange for them to come on several trips over the course of a year to familiarize themselves with group travel and to get to know your members. You’ll find out quickly whether or not they’re a poor fit.
6) SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE.
Tour
SOUTHEAST INDIANA
GIRLFRIEND
Getaways
Once you have found the right person to take your place as a group leader, it’s time to start teaching the new leader how to do your job. This will involve a lot of nuts-and-bolts conversations about how to identify destinations, work with tour operators and keep things organized. But you should also share your best sources of information and inspiration. Pass on copies of this magazine, and encourage the future leader to subscribe. And if you attend travel conferences or other tourism events, bring the new leader along to a few.
7) LET THE LEADER-IN-TRAINING RUN SOME TRIPS.
After learning the basics of tourism, the leader-in-training should get some handson experience by planning and leading some trips. You should supervise the work, offering advice and input where you can. And be sure to go on the trips yourself to give additional feedback or solve complicated problems when necessary. In addition to giving the new leader valuable experience, this will help your travelers get used to the idea of traveling with the new person.
8) COMMUNICATE CLEARLY TO YOUR GROUP.
If you have found a successor, trained the new leader and given that person responsibility in your program, it’s time to start telling your travelers exactly what’s going on. Some members may feel nervous or uneasy about the idea of traveling with anyone besides you. You can allay their fears by outlining the succession clearly and assuring them that the new leader will be a great fit. If possible, make this announcement several months or a year before you step down. And make yourself available to anyone who has questions or concerns.
9) CONNECT WITH YOUR LEADERS.
Since your travel program serves the mission of a larger organization, it’s a good idea to make sure the organization’s leaders are aware of your transition plan. If they haven’t met before, introduce your new travel coordinator to the executive who oversees your area of responsibility. Make sure your replacement understands that the leaders are a support and a resource. And see to it that your supervisors know when you’re stepping away so they don’t continue to come to you with questions or ideas.
10) STAY INVOLVED AND AVAILABLE.
No matter how well you have planned your transition, your replacement will probably encounter some unforeseen challenges and have some unexpected questions. So support the program you love by staying involved and make yourself available to your successor as much as possible. Even if you can’t go on trips anymore, you can provide a lot of wisdom and encouragement to the person who takes the baton from you. And you might enjoy participating in the group’s activities and shorter trips without the responsibility of planning them.
Aurora and Lawrenceburg OHIO Indianapolis
INDIANA
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Cincinnati
KENTUCKY
Louisville
Lexington
South of I-74 & west of I-275, 20 minutes west of Cincinnati
www.TOURSoutheastIndiana.com 800-322-8198
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MARQUEE 2019/2020
TRAVEL SHOWCASE
Select Traveler magazine asked these great companies and destinations to share their Marquee travel ideas for the coming year with our readers. Find the right one for your group today!
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ECEA S E U RLQS H O W A MT R AV E
M A R Q U E E T O U R A N D C R U I S E C O M PA N I E S
COLLETTE
THE WORLD AWAITS WITH TOURS TO ALL SEVEN CONTINENTS Our experience and industry relationships help us provide you with the best journey for the best value. Wisdom is acquired through experience and Collette has 100 years of it, being founded in 1918! SPOTLIGHT ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA
Uncover the chic resorts, sun-soaked beaches and elegant allure that attracts the rich and famous to the exquisite French Riviera. It’s time you lived a little bit of the good life.
SPOTLIGHT ON SANTA FE
Discover why Santa Fe embraces “The City Different” moniker on this Southwestern getaway. Santa Fe’s flourishing art scene, Native American roots and welcoming atmosphere await.
IMPERIAL RUSSIA
Get a glimpse into the world’s largest country and experience the distinctive allure of Russia, a land abundant with intrigue and history. Full of energy, surprises, and grandeur – Russia awaits.
BLUEGRASS COUNTRY & THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Take a delightful trip through the heart of Appalachia, discovering the equestrian culture of Kentucky, the pioneer spirit of Tennessee and the mountainous beauty of North Carolina.
THE AZORES JEWELS OF PORTUGAL
Enter an untouched paradise on an adventure through the Azores. From thermal pools and lush craters to local farms and volcanic cuisine, delve into the culture of Portuguese island life. COLLETTE 844-445-5663 • gocollette.com Contact: Business Development Representatives • inquiries@collette.com
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EMERALD WATERWAYS
THE DELUXE RIVER CRUISE COMPANY Recognized for contemporary design and overall value for money, our ‘Star-Ships’ on Europe’s rivers offer sleek design, superior comfort, exceptional dining and service, all included in the price. SENSATIONS OF LYON & PROVENCE
Romance, spectacular historic landmarks and Roman influence; celebrate France’s past & present on a sensory journey through renowned vineyards and world-class cuisine along the Saône & Rhône rivers.
DANUBE DELIGHTS
An unforgettable cruise down the iconic Danube through the heart of Europe. Walking tours, invitations into locals’ homes and sightseeing excursions showcase the magnificence of yesteryear.
JEWELS OF THE RHINE
A journey on this majestic passageway provides a gateway to some of the most esteemed destinations and beauty spots, from Amsterdam, Cologne and Strasbourg to the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley.
SECRETS OF THE DOURO
Your journey on this rousing waterway begins and ends in Porto, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, and sees you travel upstream through the twists and turns of the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. EMERALD WATERWAYS 833-571-9845 • emeraldwaterways.com Contact: David Lubchansky • david.lubchansky@emeraldwaterways.com
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TRAVEL — THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED — DELIGHTFULLY EXECUTED Looking for something special? Look no further than TRIPS! From domestic tours and cruises to Europe and beyond, TRIPS always puts that special spin on each and every departure. It’s the TRIPS way!
TRIPS
QUINTESSENTIAL CAPE COD!
You haven’t done Cape Cod until you’ve done it the TRIPS way! Find out why it’s the all-time favorite tour of group leaders. Lobster clambake on the dunes, Nantucket, wine tasting & Martha’s Vineyard!
ULTIMATE BRITISH ISLES CRUISE/TOUR TRIPS 888-55-TRIPS gotripsinc.com • mikki@gotripsinc.com Mikki Walker
From London and Buckingham Palace to well-known and lesser known ports of call, this 14-day / 12-night cruise tour is a hit! England, Scotland and Ireland!
TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE
Enjoy the most beautiful parade in America and an insiders peek into Hollywood! Of course, we also throw a fun-filled New Year’s Eve party to round out your perfect trip to Southern California.
SOME PEOPLE SEE A PILE OF TOOLS. WE SEE A WAY TO HELP IMPROVE A DESTINATION IN NEED.
Tourism Cares can help you see the world differently. By participating in our outreach, education and volunteering programs you’ll be able to more successfully connect needs to opportunities. And, you’ll gain the direction, networking, tools and skills required to shape a more resilient and sustainable future for the destinations and communities we all sell and rely upon. Join us and unite with your industry colleagues to harness the transformative power of travel.
Visit TourismCares.org. See the possibilities. Join these companies in seeing the possibilities.
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VOYAGES BY
U.S. TOURS
THE MOST INNOVATIVE GROUP TOUR PLANNER IN AMERICA NOW BRINGS YOU VOYAGES, A CRUISE WEBSITE BY U.S. TOURS
Created specifically for the Select Traveler market, Voyages can handle your entire cruise package. One call for all your cruise needs. AMERICAN QUEEN STEAMBOAT CO.
Journey through the Heartland on the iconic American Queen, The Duchess or the New Countess. Explore the lush Pacific Northwest on the American Empress, and you will see America from a new perspective.
VICTORY CRUISE LINES
Itineraries featuring The Great Lakes or French Canada on ships reminiscent of 1900s Coastal Steamers, operated with impeccable service by The American Queen Steamboat Company.
AMA WATERWAYS
Sail the most romantic rivers in the World. Cruise past castles and towns romanticized in both literature and art. There are many choices in European River Cruises, AMAWaterways is the best.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES
The pioneer in freestyle dining features great Broadway-style show, more open-air dining than anyone else and very unique itineraries in Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean.
ALL MAJOR CRUISE LINES
Voyages offers great group prices, customized Comp Ratios, free travel insurance for groups leaders and marketing support. We simplify the group cruise process and help you sell your cruise. U.S. TOURS 304-485-8687 • ustoursvoyages.com Contact: Kim Walters • kim@ustours.biz M A R Q U E E
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ATLANTIC CITY, N E W
J E R S E Y
EXPERIENCE ATLANTIC CITY Start all your adventures at Tour Atlantic City! We offer complete Atlantic City information and knowledgeable staff to assist you. FALL INTO SAVINGS
It’s time for a new wardrobe and we know just the place for a shopaholics paradise. Fall into savings at the hottest shopping in Atlantic City, Tanger Outlets The Walk.
DINE LIKE A CELEB OR EAT WITH THE LOCALS
When you come to Atlantic City, come hungry because our culinary menu is a delightfully tasty mix of gourmet restaurants with an amazing array of internationally acclaimed chefs.
LAND ON THE ORANGE LOOP
Experience three beach blocks of unique restaurants, bars, live music, yoga and more. Tennessee Avenue, St. James Place and New York Avenue await your arrival.
STEEL PIER OBSERVATION WHEEL
The third largest Wheel in the United States lights up the ever-changing skyline of Atlantic City and offers sweeping views.
LIFE IS BETTER AT THE BEACH
Bask in the glowing sun, take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean or stroll along the white sandy beach to find the perfect seashell. TOUR AC 609-449-7151 • touratlanticcity.com Contact: Heather Colache • hcolache@meetac.com
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OUR BOARDWALK A world of entertaining and exciting experiences awaits in Atlantic City. Up and down our world-famous Boardwalk, and throughout your entire Atlantic City stay, you’ll experience the ultimate in tax-free shopping, award-winning dining for every taste, fun
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amusements and great local attractions. Atlantic City offers the perfect setting to experience an exciting getaway and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Atlantic City Expert Heather Colache is available at 609-449-7151 or hcolache@meetac.com to make sure you enjoy Atlantic City as it was meant to be experienced. Call today to book your Atlantic City Experience.
Meet AC received funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.
TourAtlanticCity.com
M A R Q U E E D E S T I N AT I O N S
CLEVELAND, O H I O
EXPLORE CLEVELAND’S 20TH CENTURY MIGHT The early 20th century was a transformative time in Cleveland’s history. Groups can experience it by perusing historic mansions, dining in bank vaults and touring architecturally rich buildings. LEARN SOMETHING: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CLEVELAND
Check out the 23-foot money tree at the Money Museum inside this national historic landmark in Downtown Cleveland. Dig deeper into the history of currency via free tours and interactive exhibits.
PERUSE: CLEVELAND HISTORY CENTER
Inside the Bingham-Hanna and Hay-McKinney mansions, the lifestyles of Cleveland’s 20th-century influencers are on display. Scope historic artifacts, vintage cars and centuries of Cleveland history.
TOUR: LAKE VIEW CEMETERY
Besides being the final resting place of President James A. Garfield and other Clevelanders, this beautiful and historic cemetery is home to Wade Memorial Chapel built by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
DINE IN THE VAULT: CROP BISTRO AND BAR
This former 1925-era bank in Ohio City, featuring giant arched windows, a coffered ceiling and a classic mural of the West Side Market, now functions as a chic eatery with a modern American menu.
WALK THE GROUNDS: STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS
This historic estate was built in the 20th century for F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Today, the 65-room mansion and 70-acres of gardens offer beautiful exploration. DESTINATION CLEVELAND 800-321-1001 • thisiscleveland.com Contact: Jane Tougouma • jtougouma@destinationcle.org
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GROUPS OFTEN HAVE THE SAME RESPONSE TO CLEVELAND. They come back.
Join in at ThisisCLEveland.com | #This isCLE Contact Cleveland’s Group Tour Team:
Jane Tougouma | Tel: 216.875.6607 | Email: jtougouma@destinationcle.org + Denise Krauss | Tel: 216.875.6648 | Email: dkrauss@destinationcle.org
M A R Q U E E D E S T I N AT I O N S
COLUMBUS, O H I O
UNIQUE COLUMBUS Columbus, one of the New York Times’ 52 Places to Visit in 2019, is continually introducing fresh experiences to pair with tried-and-true favorites sure to leave your group with unforgettable memories. NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM
Located on Columbus’ downtown riverfront, this brand-new museum is the only place where the stories of our veterans, their families and the Fallen will be told together.
GERMAN VILLAGE
Get an insider’s view of this historic district on a German Village Tour, then make your way to Schmidt’s Restaurant und Sausage Haus for the infamous cream puff.
FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
Explore the world’s largest collection of Chihuly glass artwork in a botanical garden, featuring unique and never before seen installations, and then release your own tropical butterfly.
WORTHINGTON
Hand-pour a Candle Lab candle, craft your own card on an antique press at Igloo Letterpress and wind down during dinner at La Chatelaine French Bakery and Bistro.
COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM
Go on a Wasafiri Adventure in the Heart of Africa for a VIP Giraffe feeding and a private animal encounter just for your group.
EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS 614-222-6146 • experiencecolumbus.com/tours Contact: Kaela Krise • kkrise@experiencecolumbus.com
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Columbus group tours are designed to be as fun as they are intriguing.
Choose from a variety of guided tours, hands-on tours and the grand opening
this year of the new National Veteran’s Memorial and Museum. For your group’s next memorable getaway, visit experiencecolumbus.com.
M A R Q U E E D E S T I N AT I O N S
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THE JEWEL OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS! One of the most celebrated resort cities in America, Eureka Springs has beckoned travelers for years. From breathtaking scenery to lively attractions, we truly are “Extraordinary!” HEART OF EUREKA SPRINGS
Historic downtown is an attraction in itself. A shopper’s paradise with more than 100 unique shops, eateries and galleries. No “chain stores” here! Browse and explore to your heart’s content. EUREKA SPRINGS CITY ADVERTISING & PROMOTION COMMISSION 866-782-9387 • eurekasprings.org Karen Pryor, CTIS • karen@eurekasprings.org
INTRIGUE THEATER
Sean-Paul takes his audience back to a time of intrigue and the golden age of magic. His performance as a Victorian-era illusionist is inspired by the likes of Thurston, Alexander and Houdini.
GREAT PASSION PLAY
Dozens of live animals and more than 170 Biblical costumed actors bring this thrilling epic drama to life. America’s #1 Attended Outdoor Drama.
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GEORGETOWN,
KENTUCKY’S HORSE
HEADQUARTERS
Harness the fun in Georgetown, Kentucky! Sitting in the midst of Kentucky’s Horse Country, Georgetown is hometown of numerous horse-centric attractions and historic charm. OLD FRIENDS THOROUGHBRED RETIREMENT FARM
Get up close and personal with stars of the turf, including Kentucky Derby winners at horse racing’s living history museum, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm.
TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING, KENTUCKY GEORGETOWN/SCOTT COUNTY TOURISM 502-863-2547 • georgetownky.com Bailey Gilkerson • bailey@georgetownky.com
Take a complimentary tram ride through Toyota Kentucky, America’s first and world’s largest Toyota manufacturing facility and see automobiles constructed from the ground up.
WARD HALL
Take a step back in time to circa 1857 at Ward Hall, one of the finest Greek Revival-style mansions in the United States.
K EN T U C KY
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THE SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF GEORGETOWN.
PURE SMALL TOWN CHARM.
SCOTT COUNTY
– Equine Activities –
• Minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park • Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm • Group Horseback Riding • Nearby Keeneland Race Course
– Picturesque Downtown – • Specialty Shops • Antiques
• Scott County Arts and Cultural Center • Cafes and One-of-a-kind Restaurants • Georgetown and Scott County Museum
– Other Charming Attractions –
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, KY, Inc. Tour • Golf • Country Boy Brewing • Bourbon 30 Spirits • Ward Hall • Yuko-En Japanese Friendship Garden • Nearby Wineries and Bourbon Distilleries • Close proximity to the Ark Encounter
INTERSTATE
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CORYDON, I N D I A N A
INDIANA’S HOMETOWN Discover exciting things to do in Southern Indiana, which is home to unique history, the region’s best caves, outdoor activities, wineries, shopping, and talented makers and musicians. ZIMMERMAN ART GLASS
Watch a glassmaking demonstration and browse the gift shop with unique handmade items. The Zimmermans carry on a family tradition that has continued through five generations.
INDIANA CAVERNS FAMILY ADVENTURE PARK HARRISON COUNTY CVB 888-738-2137 • thisisindiana.org Stacy Pirtle • stacyp@thisisIndiana.org
Choose a Guided Cave tour, Underground Boat ride, fascinating interpretive exhibits, pan for gemstones and fossils or try out one of the new attractions, The Bat Chaser (Arial Coaster) and an Escape Room.
CORYDON CAPITOL STATE HISTORIC SITE
Indiana’s first state capitol. Visit the federal-style limestone building that served as the state capitol from 1816 to 1825. The site is very informative and rich with history.
One Destination, Unlmited Memories in Historic Corydon & Harrison County
888-738-2137
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O C E A N C I T Y,
AWARD-WINNING BEACH RESORT Ocean City is a premier beach resort along the Atlantic Coastline. Awarded for our festivals, wide beach and many activities, it’s sure to please your group! ATLANTIC BEACH
Our clean, free, wide sandy beach draws thousands every year. Relax with your morning coffee to see the sunrise or join those in the sun under umbrellas for time beside the sea. The sea is calling...
NEARBY BERLIN BECKONS OCEAN CITY MARYLAND CVB 410-289-2800 • ococean.com Norma Dobrowolski • ndobrowolski@ococean.com
Quaint and active Berlin is just outside Ocean City and is a must-see for visitors seeking art, unique shopping, individually owned eateries and more. Afternoon tea to wine bars, Berlin has it.
ASSATEAGUE ISLAND WILD PONIES
Everyone who visits OC seeks to find the elusive wild ponies of Assateague Island. Nestled in the marshes or strolling down the beach, these equines can be found in their natural habitat.
Toronto Buffalo New York
Cleveland
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh Columbus
Baltimore
Washington, DC Richmond
RELAXING BEACH ENTERTAINING BOARDWALK HERITAGE EXPERIENCES YEAR-ROUND FESTIVALS & EVENTS
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SAINT CHARLES, M I S S O U R I
BE INSPIRED Embrace the texture, rich history and authenticity of Saint Charles. Discover the people, unique places and can’t miss experiences of a city that has been welcoming visitors for 250 years. HISTORIC MAIN STREET
Discover Main Street Saint Charles, Missouri’s oldest and largest Historic District featuring unique shopping, dining and exploring options.
FIRST MISSOURI STATE CAPITOL STATE HISTORIC SITE
Located within a stone’s throw of the Missouri River and Katy Trail State Park, the First Missouri State Capitol is the first seat of the state’s government from 1821 to 1826.
FOUNDRY ART CENTRE
A vibrant home to the arts featuring 5,200 square feet of state-of-the-art exhibition space, a mezzanine with more than 20 artists studios and a grand hall that provides performance and special event space.
HISTORIC MISSOURI WINE COUNTRY
St. Charles County is home to Historic Missouri Wine County. Visit Augusta and Defiance to discover more than a dozen wineries, fine dining, incredible views and the Historic Daniel Boone Home.
FAST LANE CLASSIC CARS
The Fast Lane Classic Cars features three huge showrooms filled with hundreds of quality, classic and collector cars. Their buildings feature automobile art and antiques curated from around the world. GREATER SAINT CHARLES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 636-946-7776 • discoverstcharles.com Greg Maxon • gmaxon@historicstcharles.com
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S T. L O U I S , M I S S O U R I
ALWAYS EXPLORING St. Louis is a great travel destination for groups, a place where history and imagination collide, and the result is a destination like no other.. THE GATEWAY ARCH
The Gateway Arch preserves St. Louis as the “Gateway to the West” during the Westward Expansion Era. Ride to the top of the tallest man-made monument in the U.S. and visit the museum.
CITY MUSEUM
With secret caves and passageways, a small circus, an architectural museum, a museum of oddities and plenty of slides, City Museum is a recycler’s paradise full of repurposed items.
SAINT LOUIS ZOO
Consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the nation and top free attraction, the Saint Louis Zoo features a world-class experience of more than 17,000 animals.
MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN
Experience 79 acres of horticulture display at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Stroll through an orchid-laden tropical rain forest, discover idyllic hideaways in an English woodland setting.
THE DELMAR LOOP
Explore The Loop, “One of the 10 Great Streets in America,” offering six blocks of one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, art galleries, live music, café culture and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. EXPLORE ST. LOUIS 314-992-0654 • explorestlouis.com Contact: Anthony Paraino • aparaino@explorestlouis.com
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BRING YOUR GROUP TOUR TO LIFE IN VIRGINIA BEACH Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Chesapeake Bay, the coastal city of Virginia Beach promises groups a unique chance to live the life year-round. MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM
Take a trip back in time and experience amazing WWI and WWII aircraft firsthand at the Military Aviation Museum located in Virginia Beach’s Pungo District.
CAPE HENRY LIGHTHOUSE
These historic beacons were authorized by George Washington and completed in 1792. Climb to the top of the earliest lighthouse and enjoy a spectacular view.
DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING TOURS
Virginia Beach offers unforgettable outdoors and eco-adventure experiences with dolphin watching, winter wildlife boat tours and excursions at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
CULINARY AND AGRICULTURE ADVENTURES
Virginia Beach celebrates the gifts of land and sea with foodie adventures ranging from oyster tastings and Chesapeake Bay Crab feasts to craft beer tours.
ECO-WILDLIFE SAFARI
Explore an undiscovered world and experience unspoiled nature firsthand in the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge on an exciting Eco-Wildlife Safari.
VIRGINIA BEACH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 757-385-6642 • visitvirginiabeach.com/group-tour Contact: Jim Coggin, CTIS, CSTP • jcoggin@VisitVirginiaBeach.com
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GOOD TIMES ARE INEVITABLE
BRING YOUR GROUP TOUR TO LIFE. Hands-on experiences and uncommon access offered exclusively for groups. Plan your group’s Live the Life Adventure at VisitVirginiaBeach.com/GroupTour.
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W ISCO N SI N
YOUR RESOURCE FOR PLANNING THAT IDEAL AND FUN TOUR TO WISCONSIN. Explore and discover beautiful scenery from rolling hills, bluffs along the waterways, small towns to city scapes, farmland and more. Culinary treats, world-class entertainment and just plain FUN. HOME OF FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT
Wisconsin, home to world-renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Explore the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail from Racine to Spring Green to experience some of his earliest buildings to his largest.
ONLY IN WISCONSIN CIRCLE WISCONSIN 414-545-1100 • circlewisconsin.com Wendy Dobrzynski • wendy@circlewisconsin.com
Wisconsin, from The House on the Rock to the Harley-Davidson Museum, a plethora of museums, attractions and experiences await groups that they can only enjoy in our state.
WATER WATER EVERYWHERE
Wisconsin, surrounded by two Great Lakes and the Mighty Mississippi and over 15,000 lakes and rivers, groups can enjoy a variety of types of cruises from paddlewheelers to the Original Duck Tours.
AFTER YOUR TRIP, IT’S TIME FOR A RIDE.
CIRCLEWISCONSIN.COM
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F R E NCH LI CK,
OUR STORIED PAST, YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Let our storied past be your next adventure. Surrounded by Hoosier National Forest and shrouded in history, French Lick West Baden is the ultimate group experience. FRENCH LICK RESORT
Two historic hotels, one luxurious experience awaits at French Lick Resort. Home to world-class spas, championship level golf, historic tours, casino, trolley, restaurants and shopping on site.
FRENCH LICK SCENIC RAILWAY VISIT FRENCH LICK WEST BADEN French Lick, Indiana • 812-936-3418 visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com Kristal Painter • kristal@visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com
All aboard for a scenic train ride or themed train excursion including adults only tasting trains, wild west hold-ups, Polar Express or newly added dinner trains where you’ll experience fine dining.
UP-CLOSE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Take a walk on the wild side and learn something along the way with up-close animal encounters in a peaceful environment. Bathe an elephant, feed the giraffes or experience grizzly bears on 1,100 acres.
812-936-3418 • vflwb.com • kristal@visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com for Itinerary Planning
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M A R Q U E E AT T R AC T I O N S
SPACE CAMP
AT THE
U.S. SPACE & ROCKET CENTER
BOOK YOUR SPACE CAMP ADVENTURE TODAY!
F
amily Space Camp is a weekend program for families with children ages 7 and up. It offers an exhilarating adventure as parents and children train like astronauts and take part in authentic simulated missions to space. The program includes simulated mission training and operations, rocket construction and learning the history and future of space exploration in one of the world’s largest spacecraft collections. Trainees experience astronaut training simulators such as the 1/6th gravity chair and the manned maneuvering unit. On-site meals and lodging are included in family camp programs. Book your family’s Space Camp adventure today!
MEET AN ASTRONAUT THIS SUMMER! SPACE CAMP AT THE U.S. SPACE & ROCKET CENTER Huntsville, Alabama • 800-637-7223 spacecamp.com Tom White • TomW@spacecamp.com
Visit Space Camp this summer and have lunch with a real astronaut! Enjoy compelling stories of passion and perseverance each Friday from noon - 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. Call 1-800-637-7223 for info.
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IO ATTRACT •
A ALABAM
•
Official NASA Visitor Center
See the world’s largest collection of space artifacts and explore the fascinating future of space travel! Celebrate the 2019 50th anniversary of the moon landing in Huntsville, Alabama - where it all started with Dr. Wernher von Braun and his rocket team!
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Huntsville, Alabama • (800) 637-7223 www.rocketcenter.com
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M A R Q U E E AT T R AC T I O N S
THE FIRESIDE
More than you’d ever expect!
MORE THAN YOU’D EVER EXPECT!
E
xperience the magic of The Fireside Dinner Theatre, Wisconsin’s #1 year-round motorcoach attraction. Celebrating 55 years and three generations of family hospitality, the Klopcics treat you to superb dining, beautiful gift shops and professional Broadway musicals in a state-of-the-art theatre-in-the-round. The Fireside is a complete destination in itself or the perfect complement to any Wisconsin tour, located near Milwaukee, Madison, Lake Geneva, and Wisconsin Dells. Shows run Wednesday through Sunday year-round. Allow 5.5 hours for the entire experience. The Fireside is fully accessible to guests with disabilities and there is plenty of safe, free parking on site.
July 18 - Sept 1
Sept 5 - Oct 27
Oct 31 - Dec 22
2020 Season On Sale Now!
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER • GUYS AND DOLLS A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR BASEMENT WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS • CINDERELLA JOSEPH &THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Irving Berlin’s HOLIDAY INN
2020 SEASON ON SALE JULY 15TH
“Saturday Night Fever,” “Guys and Dolls,” “A Mighty Fortress is our Basement,” “What Happens in Vegas,” “Cinderella,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn.” THE FIRESIDE DINNER THEATRE Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin • 800-477-9505 firesidetheatre.com Jean Flynn • jean@firesidetheatre.com
Superb Musicals | Memorable Dining Family Hospitality | Spectacular Shops 1131 Janesville Ave, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 800-477-9505 | www.firesidetheatre.com
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THE HERMITAGE
VISIT THE HOME OF THE 7TH PRESIDENT!
S
ee how America’s history was shaped in Nashville’s backyard with a visit to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. The home of the 7th president invites you to walk through the story and history of Jackson as you learn more about an era, a people and a leader who helped shaped a young nation’s future. Take in the Greek revival-style mansion where Jackson and his family lived. Stroll through the grounds and gardens fit for a First Lady. Learn more about Jackson’s early life, rising from an orphan to a budding lawyer and an elected public official to his rise as a military war hero and his path to the White House. The Visitor’s Center is home to the award-winning Andrew Jackson: Born for a Storm exhibit, a state-of-theart, $1.1 million exhibit that brings Jackson’s story to life, as well as our museum, which contains more than 100 artifacts from Jackson’s life. You won’t want to miss “Jackson,” our 17-minute introductory film that provides a framework for your visit on the property. Visitors to The Hermitage will get an in-person glimpse of the man and a property that speaks to life in the nineteenth century.
ONE OF TENNESSEE’S TOP HISTORIC SITES
Discover the story and the history of Andrew Jackson as you learn more about an era, a people and a leader who helped shape a young nation’s future. ANDREW JACKSON’S HERMITAGE Nashville, Tennessee 615-889-2941 • thehermitage.com Contact: Ann Dee Jones • info@thehermitage.com
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DISCOVER • EXPLORE • ENGAGE
MANSION TOURS ANDREW JACKSON: BORN FOR A STORM EXHIBIT SHOPPING INTRODUCTORY FILM WAGON TOURS CAFÉ
A TOP TENNESSEE HISTORIC SITE | TheHermitage.com
$500 Savings per person on
Emerald Suites
OR
FLY TO EUROPE FOR
$1,000 Savings off per person on Suites
$395
per person
2021 CRUISES FOR GROUPS AT 2020 PRICES
PLUS 1 TOUR CONDUCTOR CREDIT FOR EVERY 9 GUESTS Customize your cruise amenities with Emerald Group Value Points
Call 844.857.6021, visit emeraldwaterways.com or email usgroups@emeraldwaterways.com Terms & Conditions: Offer applies to new group bookings on select 2021 European River Cruises made by October 31, 2019. For full terms and conditions or to learn more about Group Travel with Emerald Waterways go emeraldwaterways.com/groups/group-travel