Select Traveler Spring 2021

THE MAGAZINE FOR BANK, ALUMNI AND CHAMBER TRAVEL PLANNERS

select T R A V E L E R

SOUTH DAKOTA ROAD TRIPS | MIDWESTERN MAINSTAYS | DELEGATES CHILLED IN PANAMA CITY BEACH

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THE MAGAZINE FOR BANK, ALUMNI AND CHAMBER TRAVEL PLANNERS

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VOL.29 NO.2

SPRING 2021

CELESTIAL VIBES IN COLORADO SPRINGS Courtesy Visit Colorado Springs

contents planners checking in:

TALK BACK

7

4

MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY BRIAN JEWELL ELIZA MYERS HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS ASHLEY RICKS CHRISTINE CLOUGH RENA BAER KELLY TYNER KYLE ANDERSON SARAH SECHRIST

JERRY THORNE

ON THE COVER: The Garden of the Gods Park glows with color at sunrise in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo by Sean Pavone.

toolbox: conference marketing: SILVER WAVE

COVERAGE

OUTDOOR TRAVEL

8 10 12 40 KYLE ANDERSON

888.253.0455

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING SALES

K YLE@ GROUPTR AVELLE ADER.COM

Founder and Publisher Partner VP & Executive Editor Associate Editor Senior Writer Creative Director Graphic Designer/Circulation Manager Copy Editor Proofreader VP, Sales and Marketing Director of Advertising Sales Controller

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20 favorites midwest 26

S O U T H D A K O TA

T R AV E L G U I D E

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southern

T R AV E L G U I D E

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.

SP I R I T

TRAVEL

PLANNER

SELECT TRAVELER WILL FEATURE A SPIRIT OF AMERICA TRAVEL PLANNER IN THE JULY/AUGUST ISSUE! We’re devoting the entire issue to American destinations, celebrations, landmarks and icons. Older Americans, who were among the first to be vaccinated, are expected to travel in force this summer and fall,

bringing a Silver Wave of customers back to U.S. destinations. Make

sure your organization captures some of this rebound by riding the Silver Wave and advertising in this issue!

!

O OG

B

B U Y A 1 / 2 O R F U L L PAG E A D , A N D R E C E I V E A F R E E M ATC H I N G A D S PAC E TO R U N YO U R I T I N E R A RY O R P R O F I L E S H E E T !

Full Page

$2,200 Net

Half Page

$1,700 Net

ADDITIONAL AD SIZES ( no matching ad )

1/6 Page

$800 Net

1/3 Page

$1,200 Net

GROUP THE

TRAVEL LEADER

DEADLINES

CIRCULATION

Space: June 1, 2021

PRINT: 5,800

Materials: June 7, 2021

DIGITAL: 10,935

TOTAL CIRCULATION: 16,735

If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Tyner at:

888-253-0455 KELLY@GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

perspective P U B L I S H E R ’ S

“R

ide the silver wave.”

That’s the campaign we’ve launched this year to promote the positivity that is so prevalent among older Americans after this pandemic.

Marketers of all types are targeting these consumers in the years ahead for very good reasons. Since many of your travelers are 50-plus, it’s a sentiment you can put to use in your own loyalty programs. Given thought, “Ride the silver wave” applies more to travel than any other personal interest these eager Americans share.

We all know that these are the people who have the time and discretionary income to travel, and now they have also been prioritized for vaccines. As I write: • More than 60% of Americans 65 and older are fully vaccinated, and by the time you read this, 80% will be.

• Nearly 30% of Americans 50-64 are fully vaccinated, and by the time you read this, about 60% will be.

In our own research with readers of Select Traveler, we find the same unmistakable positivity, since these older members are your most ardent travelers. For instance: • Readers say 26% of their travelers are ready to go now, and 84% will be ready when they’ve been fully vaccinated.

• 57% of our readers say their organizations are onboard now with restarting their travel programs, and 84% will be ready when more global destinations are open.

• Half of our readers describe their members as “silver wave” travelers who are ready to go, and 46% more say their memberships include silver wave travelers.

It’s time to celebrate! The skies are clearing, flights are returning, destinations are opening, and the highly qualified travelers you represent can dust off their luggage and get ready to go!

Mac Lacy

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P L A N N E R S

T A L K

B A C K

How did you get creative during the pandemic?

RONNI HANNAMAN

CARSON CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CARSON CITY, NEVADA “We kept in contact with our 500-plus travel club membership through e-blasts and on a dedicated Facebook travel club page. Many of our travelers rebooked for 2021 and beyond. We are there when our travelers have questions and have not had to curtail our travel program other than the initial cancellations. We had two travel club meetings recently following social distance protocols. We made them joyous occasions.”

MARLENE SHIRLEY

SHAWNEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SHAWNEE, KANSAS “Our utmost concern when planning travel is always the safety of our travelers. I looked for companies following the necessary guidelines to keep everyone safe and adjusted their cancellation policies. I will do whatever possible to alleviate travelers’ concerns.”

CHRIS HARRIS

CENTRAL BANK CLASSIC JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI “We had to get really creative to find solutions. One example was our trip to the Sight and Sound Theatre to see ‘Noah’ that got canceled last year. Our customers wanted to see the show, so our staff put together a plan to show the DVD of the performance from the theater. We sent out invitations and spread it over a few days with different times so they could sign up to watch in a socially distant environment. It was a big hit. I think it really has stressed the importance of our relationships with our valued bank customers.”

DESIREE OZBURN FIRST STATE BANK

SHANNON, ILLINOIS “We kept constant watch on the ever-changing guidelines and kept communication open with our travelers. We rescheduled our 2020 trips for 2021.”

ROSIE MOSTELLER

DALTON WHITFIELD SENIOR CENTER DALTON, GEORGIA “I was fortunately able to move all the trips to 2021. Everyone has been looking forward to traveling again. I am looking at 2022 trips now. Most of my trips have large numbers, and I think in the future we may have to look at smaller groups. The new normal will be different, but we should be able to adjust.”

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checking in JERRY THORNE

W I T H

J E R R Y

T H O R N E

P R E S I D E N T

PARTY ANIMAL TRAVEL AND TOURS

A Party Animal Travel and Tours group poses on a tour in Africa.

WESTLAND, MICHIGAN Party Animal Travel started in 1986 as a small venture. In 2001, Thorne and his wife purchased a local travel agency and opened what became today’s Party Animal Travel and Tours.

The company plans 250 tours per year for groups consisting of travelers of a wide age range. The company also operates as a full-scale travel agency.

Born: Garden City, Michigan Education: The Travel Academy in Southfield, Michigan Employment: Thorne served as a registered nurse for 27 years. He and his wife opened Party Animals Travel and Tours while he was still working as a nurse; he continued to work both jobs until he retired from nursing in 2019.

Family: Thorne has been married to his wife, Skee, for 35 years.

Hobbies: Besides travel, Thorne enjoys time at home with his 15-year-old cat.

BY ELIZA MYERS

W

hen Jerry Thorne was 16, he showed up at a travel agency with a wad of money he had scraped together from part-time jobs and asked for a cruise ticket.

“She never checked my age,” said Thorne, president of Party Animal Travel and Tours. “She looked at my handful of money and booked me on a Carnival Cruise. I went home and asked my parents if someone could take me to the airport tomorrow because I booked a cruise.”

Thorne’s initiative to see the world beyond Michigan’s upper peninsula continued into adulthood. He eventually created Party Animal Travel and Tours with his wife; the company is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

The company’s enduring popularity shows that a lot of unforgettable fun can come from dedicated hard work.

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B A I LI NG ON HAY

Every summer break growing up found Thorne baling hay at his grandparents’ farm in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

“My friends would tell me they went to Disney World or some other great place,” said Thorne. “I knew there was something better out there.”

Thorne carried with him this desire to travel until he booked a cruise with his own money.

“I went and had the time of my life,” said Thorne. “That was the last year I baled hay.”

Thorne also enjoyed medicine, so he became an emergency medical technician and later a registered nurse. Since his love of travel had not lessened over time, he used his funds from nursing to invest in a travel agency with his wife, Skee, as vice president. The couple initially started the company out of their home. Thorne kept his job as a nurse while he poured his free time into the fledgling travel agency.

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“I would work at the agency from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” said Thorne.

“Then I would leave the agency and change into my scrubs. I would work as a nurse until midnight. I had the best of both worlds.”

Party Animal Travel and Tours faced an immediate crisis right after its start. A month after its purchase, September 11, 2001, brought the travel world to a halt. Though the company had a rough start, over the years, the business grew by selling both individual travel and motorcoach trips.

Thorne beside a termite hill in Africa

R OAD TO S U C C E S S

Thorne tried out his first group tour on a whitewater rafting trip at the New River in West Virginia. Word of the trip’s popularity began to spread.

“It started small,” said Thorne. “Then people would walk into our office saying that they had heard about our latest tour and wanted to get involved. People let me know trips they had always wanted to take. Eventually, we were doing 20 tours per month. It was a huge explosion.”

Thorne also quickly learned what type of tour he didn’t want to sell on his first motorcoach tour to Europe.

“It was horrific,” said Thorne. “We were always hurried from one place to another. It was 14 hours on a bus in a day. When we came back, I said we have to do something different than this. We started having fun on the bus. We started playing games doing more hands-on experiences.”

Motorcoach rides turned into part of the tour by incorporating unusual entertainment like an onboard magician. Experiential travel also became part of the norm, with hands-on activities that went beyond the typical tour. Additional activities added some adrenaline to the experience, with adventures like skydiving and bungee jumping.

The company’s lighthearted fun is even built into its motto: “Spending our children’s inheritance one trip at a time.” Groups know to expect a good time emptying their bucket list with Party Animal Travel and Tours.

In a typical year, the company’s 2,800 customers go on 112 tours, with about 70% domestic and 30% international. Thorne usually accompanies about 50% of the tours himself and sends other employees on trips he can’t attend.

Thorne attributes a lot of the company’s growth to his wife and other staff.

“The company would not be a success without Skee’s support and daily insight,” said Thorne. “I come up with the ideas, and she makes it all happen. The backroom is the hard job, with nonstop changes and stress from cancellations. We have a wonderful team of staff that work around the clock to make all these tours happen.”

DR IVE-TH RO U G H T R AV E L

Thorne’s medical background has often proved an asset on tours with primarily senior travelers.

“When a customer becomes ill, they like it when someone has medical knowledge,” said Thorne. “Those skills haven’t left me. I am still licensed. Once, one of our customers fell and fractured his skull.

I was able to ensure he got the best medical care.”

Though his medical skills were useful in past tours, they became a critical piece of the company’s tours once the pandemic hit in 2020.

Thorne used his nursing background to develop COVID-19 assessment procedures to determine who could safely travel with the group. Party Animal Travel and Tours’ office building’s drive-through window from its days as a restaurant started becoming part of the procedure. Thorne used the drive-through window to pass out travel documents and conduct COVID-19 assessments for customers.

Other typical pandemic procedures — mandatory masks, bus sanita-

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tion and spaced-out seating — helped build back customer confidence in the company. The company started with half-day tours in June.

“We would ask the passengers — that if they felt comfortable with the tour — to do us a favor and tell someone else,” said Thorne. “It was the reassurance of the peers that started building the travel back up again.”

Thorne is now focused on assisting his travelers in getting their vaccines. He plans to offer some tours where everyone is vaccinated to further assure his passengers of their safety.

Party Animal Travel and Tours is on the rebound with 112 motorcoach tours now scheduled and more to be announced.

“People have the urge to travel,” said Thorne. “People are calling us saying they need to go somewhere. We had a husband and wife come in yesterday with cash saying they need a vacation.”

Thorne can understand the feeling. Now he gets to be the one to turn a handful of cash into a dream come true.

D E S T I N AT I O N

faves

• Animal attractions: “I took the customers to a sloth sanctuary, a kangaroo orphanage and a monkey rescue facility.”

• Tuscany: “My Party Animals love hands-on experiences. They’ve had dinner at the top of a mountain in Tuscany. The surprise there was that each member of the tour had to take a position in the kitchen to make dinner for each other.”

• Places with a “Wow” experience: “We have hopped on camels in Egypt, soared over the outback in balloons over Australia, rafted the rivers in West Virginia and had many other incredible adventures.”

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T R A V E L

T O O L B O X

Group travel rides the silver wave

A

BY BRIA N JE W E LL

re you ready to ride the “silver wave”?

Experts are forecasting a movement of older Americans who, now that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, are set to begin traveling in droves this summer and fall. Since they were among the first to be vaccinated, they have also been among the first to begin booking travel again. And this means a wave of opportunity is about to wash over the group travel community.

The silver wave promises a return to business and even profitability for many travel organizations. Here are five essential steps to take in order to ride the wave back to prosperity in 2021.

RE S E T RESET

YOUR

THINKING

A year is a long time, long enough to create new routines, habits and thought patterns. And in the year-plus that the travel industry has been dealing with pandemic conditions, many of the protocols and processes we first thought of as temporary have firmly entrenched themselves in our minds. While that’s understandable, it’s also dangerous because a tentative, wait-and-see attitude will hold you back from riding the wave of travel’s return.

While the pandemic dominated our collective minds in 2020, it’s time now to reset your thinking to a mindset of post-pandemic prosperity. Stop dwelling on risks and start pursuing rewards.

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REFINE

YOUR

MESSAGING

Recent studies have consistently shown a huge demand for travel, especially among consumers who have been vaccinated. But many people are tentative to book the trips they want to take because they’re unsure about what the travel experience will be like. To ride the recovery wave this year, you need to cut through

R E FI N E

the confusion with strong, clear messaging: We are traveling. Don’t emphasize restrictions and safety measures in your communications because everyone already knows about masks and hand washing. Instead, highlight the great experiences your trips will offer.

RESUME

YOUR

MARKETING

Most people like to research and book major makes it critical to get your ads and messages into

RESTART YO UR SALES

the marketplace right now in order to inspire people

When the pandemic hit, many

who are looking for fall travel opportunities. If you

organizational leaders pressed pause

wait until public health authorities officially declare

on their sales efforts, especially travel

the pandemic over, you will have waited too long and

sales. And though that decision was

missed the window of opportunity. If your newslet-

understandable a year ago, today

ter or email campaigns have fallen dormant, restart

is different. To ride the silver wave in

them now with an offer for a specific trip that your

2021, you need to start actively sell-

potential customers will be eager to take.

ing. Start a person-by-person cam-

trips at least a few months before departure. That

RES U M E

RE STA RT

paign to reach out to existing customers, especially the ones who are eager to travel. If you have a sales staff, get them busy making these calls. If you don’t have a sales staff, start making

REBUILD

YO U R

ITINERARIES

If your go-to trip itineraries were created more than two years ago, they’re probably out of date and inaccurate. So

RE B U I L D

sales calls yourself. Many of your potential customers are simply waiting for you to invite them to book a trip.

it’s time to create new itineraries that put a spotlight on great travel experiences that are now available. Check in with your destinations and suppliers to make sure the information you’re publicizing is accurate. If this will be your first tour since the pandemic began, consider a shorter trip to a destination close to home to help your customers ease back into travel.

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C O N F E R E N C E

connection

SELECT TRAVELER CONFERENCE

CHILLS OUT IN PANAMA CITY BEACH

BY DAN DICKSON

A

merica’s travel industry is emerging from the pandemic and starting to meet the pent-up demand for travel of all types. The recent Select Traveler Conference, held at the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf and Spa Resort in sunny Panama City Beach, Florida, was proof that group travel leaders are eager to hook up with those selling travel destination opportunities.

“You have to love being in Panama City Beach in late February,” said Charlie Presley of The Group Travel Family, the conference organizer. “The weather is beautiful. But what is most important is that you have got an attitude here that says ‘Open for Tourism.’ We did not choose Panama City Beach; it chose us. Local leaders said they wanted Panama City Beach to be better known among travel clubs for banks, chambers of commerce, alumni members and other preferred travel groups, so they asked us to come. And here we are.”

Presley emphasized the importance of travel planners attending the Select Traveler Conference. First there are the

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Let’s restart travel!

networking opportunities. “You are included in every seminar to ensure great networking and exposure for your company,” said Presley. Next is the marketplace, where travel buyers have appointments with travel sellers. This is their all-important face-to-face time that is used to build business relationships that last. Meal functions are another way to strengthen those relationships and to load up on new travel information.

And then there are the fun times, such as sightseeing tours, which are a wonderful way to add camaraderie to the mix.

BUYING BONANZA

A total of 52 elite travel planners representing banks; chambers of commerce; and college, university and military alumni groups came to Panama City Beach for the Select Traveler Conference. They worked hard to re-establish their talent for finding new destinations for their travel groups, skills that

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Our Panama City Beach hosts

Pardon my mask

were greatly stunted during the yearlong pandemic.

Tricia Turner of Expeditions by Tricia out of Mountain Home, Arkansas, saw this conference as an opportunity to help change momentum for the tourism business.

“My goal is to help with the restoration of the travel industry,” she said. “I love to travel, and I share that love with many others. Group travel is important for people, but the pandemic has given us challenges. I want to show that there are safe and responsible ways to do it. I want to end travel shaming.”

Jackie Crutchfield of Jackie’s Travel and Tours from Lenoir, North Carolina, was intrigued by the host city.

“I know nothing about Panama City Beach, so I want to learn more because I am always looking for new venues to bring people to,” she said. “I just want to get heads in buses and get traveling again. It’s been a bad year.”

Nancy Harkey of Sunshine Vacations in Huntsville, Alabama, was flexible.

“I want to achieve more travel and great destinations for my

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Photos by Dan Dickson

“MY GOAL IS TO HELP WITH THE RESTORATION OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY. I LOVE TO TRAVEL, AND I SHARE THAT LOVE WITH MANY OTHERS. GROUP TRAVEL IS IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE, BUT THE PANDEMIC HAS GIVEN US CHALLENGES. I WANT TO SHOW THAT THERE ARE SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE WAYS TO DO IT. — TRICIA TURNER, EXPEDITIONS BY TRICIA

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C O N F E R E N C E

connection The lowdown on the breakouts

clients,” she said. “I lost a lot last year. I will take people anywhere, domestic or foreign travel, including weddings, honeymoons, cruises. I do it all.”

Laura Barker of Citizens Tri-County Bank in Dunlap, Tennessee, wanted guidance.

“I want to brainstorm with other people and see how they’re adapting to the challenges that COVID-19 has presented and how-to restart safely,” she said. “Personally, I need enthusiasm and to get excited again about travel because I’ve missed it.”

Karen Noble of Good News Travels from Sullivan, Indiana, was an eager shopper.

“It’s so nice to be around people who are supportive of travel and to get tips, ideas and advantages from destination providers, places I had never considered before,” she said.

During the conference, group travel buyers attended a breakout session at which they discussed a handful of pressing travel industry issues. One discussion question was, “Do you see your role as a travel planner differently than you did prior to the pandemic?” Connie Wells of Preferred Travel in Ellijay, Georgia, responded in the group discussion.

“Absolutely,” she said, “like what I can expect from my travelers and what they are able to do or not do from now on, or what the coach companies will require of us or even the cruise lines. I never faced these kinds of issues in 2019.”

Selling Cheyenne

Getting to work

Ready to go

Buyer breakouts

We have a winner!

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C O N F E R E N C E

connection TRAVEL SELLERS PITCH Travel industry representatives came to the conference to pitch ideas to group travel leaders. Tiffany Gerber of Ohio Amish Country in Millersburg, Ohio, offered travelers an assurance of safety.

“We want to remind people that when you get into rural Amish Country, you will have safe and healthy environments for your group experiences,” she said. “We are educating group tour leaders on that.”

Shelley Gutta of Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, West Virginia, extended a welcome. “I want to promote to and connect with travel buyers about our resort and all of the things there are to do in northwest West Virginia,” she said.

Maria Miller of Medora, North Dakota, Convention and Visitors Bureau offered assurance.

“I want buyers to know that Medora and all of North Dakota is a safe place and has actually stayed open for tourism over the past year,” she said. “We are nestled in the Badlands and were named one of the Top Ten Towns Where History Lives.”

Wendy Dobrzynski of Circle Wisconsin, based in Milwaukee, made an offer.

“I represent the entire state of Wisconsin and am telling tour operators that Wisconsin is open and ready to welcome

Smiles beneath those masks

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them back,” she said. “So, get your people on buses and come to Wisconsin.”

Gloria Jasper of Rentyl Resorts in Reunion, Florida, offered ideas.

“Our resort is just 4 years old, and it’s a different way to visit the Kissimmee area,” she said. “A family can travel to the resort and be safe in a home with a pool and can also easily visit all of the attractions in central Florida.”

“IT’S SO NICE TO BE AROUND PEOPLE WHO ARE SUPPORTIVE OF TRAVEL AND TO GET TIPS, IDEAS AND ADVANTAGES FROM DESTINATION PROVIDERS, PLACES I HAD NEVER CONSIDERED BEFORE.” — KAREN NOBLE, GOOD NEWS TRAVELS

Auction action

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E D U C A T I O N

POSITIVITY F R O M

T H E

Johnny Campbell

P O D I U M

BY DAN DICKSON

M

otivational speaker Johnny Campbell, known as the Transition Man, urged audience members to transition into new ways of doing things in order to increase their share of the tourism market.

He admitted that it was hard but necessary for their customers.

“In the end it is about memories, the places they go, the things they see with friends and family,” he told delegates. “That is what we call a wealthy life. You can offer your people this: joy. You can make a difference in their lives.”

Jim Edwards of travel giant Collette sponsored the opening day’s lunch and offered his services.

“We are the most experienced travel company in the world, 103 years old,” he said. “In uncertain times like these, you probably want to work with someone with that much experience. We have thousands of travel professionals who sell our products in four countries. We like to say to people, ‘We travel not to escape life but so life doesn’t escape us.’”

Michael Lundquist of Mayflower Cruises and Tours hosted a breakfast and addressed the delegates.

“We have not operated a thing since COVID-19 hit,” he said. “Most of you have told us that domestic tours are going to be the first kind of trips to take off for you, followed by international programs. We want to be the partner that helps you do either kind of trip.”

Bob Buesing of the American Queen Steamboat Company sponsored another breakfast and touted one of his outstanding ships.

“On March 15, the American Duchess became the first cruise ship to sail in America, and it sailed with only 80 people, Fifty percent below capacity,” he said. “Everyone will be health tested before they get on the boat. We are making sure your travelers are safe.”

Tish Knudsen, with U.S. Tours, greeted delegates as their first breakfast sponsor.

“U.S. Tours has a long and successful relationship with many of you,” she told them.

“Banks and other upscale travel programs represented here are some of our very best clients. I’m so glad to see so many of you in person here this week.”

Eddie Lutz with the Ark Encounter in Kentucky also brought a personal invitation to the delegates to bring their groups to his colossal venue. “We’re a family-themed site that is adding major new facilities every year,” he said. “This summer, we’ll host the world’s largest Christian music festival when we offer 40 days and nights of gospel music starting August 2.”

Zach Sayles, a longtime presenter to this group with Go Next, reminded delegates of his company’s long track record with alumni organizations and other affinity groups. “We’re ready when you are, whether it’s by land, sea or air. We work with the very best travel partners, and when it comes to your clients’ health, we make no compromises,” he said.

Jim Walter of Visit Cheyenne sponsored the closing lunch, and his city will be the host for the next Select Traveler Conference, scheduled for March 28-30, 2022.

“It’s an exciting time to be in Cheyenne, Wyoming,” he said. “We want to bring travel industry delegates in to show off the cool things that are happening in our city. We are all going to be at the famous Little America Hotel and Resort, which is an absolute oasis on the plains. We also plan to treat delegates to a real rodeo.”

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Tish Knudsen, U.S. Tours

Eddie Lutz, Ark Encounter

Michael Lundquist, Mayflower Cruises & Tours

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Jim Edwards, Collette

Jim Walter, Visit Cheyenne

Renee Wuerdeman, Visit Panama City Beach

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EN T ERTAIN M E NT

RELAX UNWIND A N D

Glad to be here!

D

BY DAN DICKSON

elegates had a delightful time on the opening night of the conference with a buffet-style meal served on the Sheraton Resort’s rear patio overlooking beautiful St. Andrews Bay. It featured seafood caught right off the nearby Gulf Coast. A lively musical trio and an open bar relaxed the crowd, and many delegates danced the night away.

The second afternoon was devoted to a trip to popular Pier Park, Panama City Beach’s premier shopping, entertainment and restaurant destination. Travel planners got to visit the area and envision their own future tour groups wandering the streets and having fun. The complex boasts 125 stores, dozens of eateries of every kind and an Imax movie theater, laser tag and other interesting amusements. There are numerous indoor and outdoor live music venues. Perhaps most impressive of all is the enormous SkyWheel, which gives riders an unparalleled view of the city, the coastline and the gulf.

After visiting Pier Park for their dine-around, travel planners returned to the Sheraton to enjoy old-fashioned s’mores and drinks before calling it a night.

Zack Sayles is on the bus.

I’ll have one.

Let’s eat.

Smiles and umbrellas

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Panama City Beach evening meal

For my next number...

Yummm!

Collette has talent.

Blowing the horn

S’mores!

Have some!

Enjoying the evening

Chilling at the beach

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S T A T E

o f

M I N D

Road trip ready

SOUTH DAKOTA AWAKENS THE WANDERLUST IN US ALL

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hen you look at mountains, they typically don’t look back at you. But South Dakota was never typical.

The eyes of presidents and a Native American leader gaze out of giant mountains at the iconic Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. These two bucket-list attractions alone are enough to draw a crowd.

But South Dakota’s unexpected treasures continue from there. Groups can enter classic fairy tales in Aberdeen and a corn palace in Mitchell. They can walk up to life-size presidents in Rapid City and gaze up at giant art sculptures in Sioux Falls.

And in between the picture-worthy attractions, groups can enjoy the small-town charm and welcoming spirit found throughout the Mount Rushmore State.

BY ELIZA MYERS

Mitchell’s Corn Palace is an impressive architectural feat decorated with corn and other grains.

SIOUX FALLS

The roaring of a three-tiered waterfall greets guests to Sioux Falls, the most populous city in the state. The sprawling cascades gave the city its name and are the focal point of the 123-acre Falls Park.

“We are the gateway to the rest of the state of South Dakota,” said Jackie Wentworth, sales manager for Experience Sioux Falls.

“We serve as the urban center of our state, but we have not lost our rural roots. We bring our rural connections to the visitor experience along with the arts, culture and entertainment.”

Groups can experience some of Sioux Falls’ agricultural heritage at the Stockyards Ag Experience in Falls Park. The interactive museum explains the impact of agriculture in the region with historical images, high-tech interactive displays and oral interviews.

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AB ER DEEN RA PID CITY M I TCHELL

BLACK HIL L S S I O UX FALLS

Visitors can find Sioux Falls memorabilia at the Falls Park Visitor Information Center. The center is adjacent to a fivestory tower that offers panoramic views of the park and city.

Downtown, guests can peruse the yearly SculptureWalk exhibit of more than 55 sculptures. Brochures help groups locate each sculpture and learn more about the artists who created them. Visitors can then participate in the voting for the People’s Choice Award winner, which will remain in the city’s permanent collection.

The cornerstone artwork for the city is the Arc of Dreams. The stainless steel arc spans the width of a football field over the Big Sioux River; a 15-foot gap above the river represents the leap of faith that dreamers take.

Groups can also plan stops at the Washington Pavilion for performing and visual arts opportunities, the Old Courthouse Museum for historic exhibits on the area, and the Pettigrew Home and Museum for a tour of a beautifully restored 1889 Queen Anne home. experiencesiouxfalls.com

Sioux Falls’ CH Patisserie

Courtesy Mitchell Area COC

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Courtesy Experience Sioux Falls

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ABERDEEN

The people of Aberdeen embrace their whimsical side at the town’s trademark attraction: Storybook Land. Kids and adults alike enjoy marveling at the life-size characters and interactive scenes that bring nursery rhymes and other childhood stories to life.

Groups enjoy taking photos with Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, and characters from childhood stories.

L. Frank Baum, author of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” lived in Aberdeen, so Storybook Land features the Land of Oz, an area that follows Dorothy’s path from Kansas to the Yellow Brick Road until it reaches the wizard’s balloon.

Aberdeen’s Visitor Center lies at the entrance of Storybook Land for information on the town’s attractions.

“We are either a big town or a small city,” said Katherine Grandstrand, event planning and marketing coordinator for the Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “There are a lot of new people moving here. They come for our two colleges, and then they stay. You definitely feel our small-town vibes when you go into the local coffee shops and everybody knows everybody.”

Wylie Park is one of the region’s most popular parks, with 200 acres of well-kept grounds, a stunning lake and miles of trails. Groups can rent paddleboats or canoes to explore Lake Minne-eho or zoom on a go-kart at Thunder Road. The park also contains Wylie Zoo, which offers up-close glimpses of buffalo, elk, prairie dogs and sika deer.

“You can rent a surrey, which is kind of like the cars they drove in ‘The Flintstones,’ but instead, you pedal,” said Grandstrand. “It is a really cool way to see the park.”

Aberdeen also offers seasonal community theater and access to nearby state parks, such as the Richmond Lake State Recreation Area, the Mina Lake State Recreation Area and Fort Sisseton Historic State Park. visitaberdeensd.com

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MITCHELL

Rapid City’s City of Presidents art exhibit

Courtesy Visit Rapid City

Twist Cone Ice Cream in Aberdeen

Courtesy Aberdeen Area CVB

The Journey Museum in Rapid City

Falls Park in Sioux Falls Courtesy Experience Sioux Falls

Courtesy Visit Rapid City

An ingredient in many modern products as well as a tasty side dish, corn is one of the most versatile vegetables. In Mitchell, it’s also a work of art.

Mitchell’s Corn Palace is a Moorish Revival building decorated with murals and designs constructed from corn and other grains. Dakota Wesleyan University students create a new design each year using approximately 1.5 million nails and 325,000 ears of corn.

Town residents built Mitchell’s first corn palace in 1892.

The current Corn Palace dates to 1921, making the structure 100 years old this year. The Corn Palace hosts summer concerts and other events. Groups can see the murals, wander through the indoor art gallery and shop for souvenirs at the gift shop.

“Mitchell is one of the largest cities between Sioux Falls and Rapid City,” said Jen Johnston, director of tourism and marketing for the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are a roadside destination town.

Visitors could spend a day or overnight here on their travels out west. We are known for the Corn Palace, our corny puns and our welcoming atmosphere.”

Groups can also step back 1,000 years in history at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village. The National Historic Landmark is the only active archeological site in South Dakota that is open to the public. The Village’s Boehnen Memorial Museum and Thomsen Center Archeodome give insight into the ancient people who lived here.

Tours reveal a reconstructed lodge, innovative hunting tools and the agricultural techniques used by these resourceful people.

The site overlooks Lake Mitchell, a man-made reservoir used for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, golf and boating. Nearby, the Dakota Discovery Museum features artifacts and exhibits on Mitchell’s early pioneers. visitmitchell.com

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RAPID CITY

“We have often been described as a bucket-list destination,” said Michelle Thomson, president and CEO of the Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association.

“You won’t find anything like this place anywhere else. We have six major parks within our region. There is a huge variety of things to see and do here, from chuck-wagon dinners to Native American cultural experiences.

The memories people make here Courtesy Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association stay with them forever.”

The 71,000-acre Custer State Park is a group favorite for its sprawling landscapes of bison herds grazing on mixed-grass prairies. The Badlands National Park is another must-see for 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires.

The Crazy Horse Memorial also draws crowds for its massive scale.

Though still in progress, the mountain statue of the Lakota Warrior is already an impressive feat. Groups can glimpse a rarely seen view of the memorial by taking a bus to the base of the mountain to look straight up.

The area’s Wild West history lives on at Deadwood, where guests can choose from nearly 80 gaming establishments, 41 restaurants and live shows like the re-created shootouts on the town’s Main Street. blackhillsbadlands.com

When Rapid City started, it Badlands National Park served as a great place for tourists to unpack their bags before exploring the Black Hills’ many monuments and parks. However, in the past 10 years, Rapid City itself has grown into a destination.

“We used to not think of ourselves as a destination,” said Julie Schmitz Jensen, president and CEO of Visit Rapid City.

“Now we have so many things to see and do. Our Main Street Square is like Rapid City’s living room. There are shops right next to it. The whole downtown has an incredible vibe with wineries, breweries, gift shops and art galleries. There is a lot to do here. The list goes on and on.”

Rapid City has attracted national attention for its life-size bronze statues of each of the nation’s past presidents. Called the City of Presidents, the downtown attraction allows participants to visit one president after another using a guidebook. The presidents are easy to see, with one on every corner.

Another favorite awaits at the Prairie Edge Trading Company and Galleries, which offers an extensive collection of Plains Indian art, jewelry, sculptures, books, music and crafts. A fine-art gallery of museum quality showcases traditional and contemporary Native American art. Other traditional crafts like headdresses, drums, pipes and robes illustrate ceremonial life for Native peoples.

To discover the recent and ancient history of the Black Hills region, groups can stop at the Journey Museum and Learning Center. The seven-acre museum takes guests through geologic history with exhibits on paleontology, archaeology, Native American habitats and early pioneers.

The museum features interactive elements, such as a model of a Tyrannosaurus rex that roars, a holographic Native American and storyboards with famous locals like General Custer, Medora Convention & Visitors Bureau | MedoraND.com | 701.623.4830 Wild Bill Hickok and Crazy Horse.

330 Pacific Ave. Medora, ND 58645 visitrapidcity.com @VisitMedora

BLACK HILLS AND BADLANDS

What started as a seemingly impossible idea became a world-famous attraction at Mount Rushmore National Monument. The gigantic mountain structure honoring four U.S. presidents draws approximately 3 million tourists a year to gaze up at the iconic faces perched 5,725 feet above sea level.

One of the most popular stops in the Black Hills and Badlands region, the national monument also has a visitor center, the Sculptor’s Studio, the Carvers Café and the Memorial Ice Cream Shop. In the evenings, the mountain faces light up for a patriotic and inspirational light show.

However, the appeal of the Black Hills region goes far beyond Mount Rushmore.

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN

WINNER The Pikes Peak Cog Railway will reopen in 2021 after extensive renovations.

Photos courtesy Visit Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS EARNS GOLD WITH GROUPS

BY ELIZA MYERS

Y

ou might just discover some untapped Olympic potential in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

This city is home to not only the U.S. Olympic Training center but also extraordinary attractions like the recently opened U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum.

The museum allows groups to digitally race previous Olympian athletes to compare their own speed.

The mountain town features other new experiences, too, including the current renovations of the Garden of the Gods Park and the Pikes Peak Summit Complex.

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U.S. OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC MUSEUM

Opened in July 2020, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum has a 30-meter racetrack for an interactive virtual race. The digital Olympic athletes usually fly by participants to illustrate the true speed of these events.

“The whole premise of the museum is to celebrate the legacy of Team USA’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes,” said Alexea Veneracion, communications manager for Visit Colorado Springs. “There are a lot of interactive things you can do. You don’t just read about exhibits; you get to try things out. You can hold the equipment of an event, and it feels like you are really doing the sport.”

Participants can try digital forms of alpine skiing, archery, goalball, skeleton and sled hockey. To feel like a true Olympian, the museum also simulates a 360-degree, shoulder-to-shoulder walk with Team USA members during an opening ceremonies event.

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Garden of the Gods Park

A theater at the entrance of the museum introduces guests to the Olympic Movement. The $91 million museum remains accessible throughout the experience so people of all abilities can fully participate.

A complete set of Olympic torches from 1936 to the present shows off the tradition’s long history. Stories from past athletes make the experience more personal with artifacts, media and technology.

GARDEN OF THE GODS

Construction is underway to make the visitor experience at Garden of the Gods Park even more enjoyable. Once the construction is complete, the National Natural Landmark will have a revamped entrance, a new bathroom facility and other updates.

The Garden of the Gods Park will never need to improve on the essentials: dramatic 300-foot sandstone rocks set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The most-visited attraction in the region has attracted attention since surveyors explored the site in 1859.

One of the surveyors suggested the site was fit for the gods, which is how the park first got its name.

To discover how the towering red, pink and white rocks originated, visitors can travel back millennia in less than 15 minutes at the GeoTrekker Theater. The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center also offers other educational exhibits on the park’s natural history and Native American connections. Two new exhibit halls were added in 2015 to make the experience more interactive.

Groups can choose how to see the ancient rocks. The 1.5-mile Perkins Central Garden Trail is a paved and accessible trail through some of the most impressive formations. Guided tours, such as an electric bike tour, a horseback riding tour, a Segway tour or a jeep tour, can add to the experience. Step-on guides are also available for motorcoaches.

“A lot of groups like to stop at Balance Rock,” said Veneracion.

“It’s a great photo op for groups. We also see a lot of groups stop at the gift shop and cafe for some local art and great food.”

FLYING W RANCH

In 2012, a fire destroyed most of the Flying W Ranch, a chuck-wagon dinner attraction. After eight years, the ranch reopened in 2020 to re-create the legacy of the original Flying W Ranch with the same home-cooked barbecue, baked beans, biscuits and cowboy singalongs.

“Groups can eat, explore a beautiful property and listen to some good Western music,” said Veneracion. “They have built an incredible indoor space for groups. They can host private parties or other events there.”

Originally a mountain cattle ranch built in 1947, the ranch became a tourist attraction in 1953. The rebuilt ranch remains true to its Old West past with historic demonstrations in Navajo rug weaving, silversmithing, horseshoeing and hat-making.

The ranch’s Flying W Wranglers are the second-oldest Western singing band in the world. Their harmonies, instrumentation and loud yodels have returned to the ranch for engaging performances. The traveling group has performed for over 7 million people since 1953.

Depending on when groups visit, they can watch Native American traditional dances and other special events. The ranch’s season runs from May to October. The site will soon open a donkey barn, animal activities and garden areas as part of the experience.

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U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum

An interactive exhibit at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum

PIKES PEAK

A timeless view will meet with modern and updated facilities at the Pikes Peak Summit Complex. The facilities will reopen later this year with the same expansive landscapes from the iconic 14,000-foottall mountain.

This year will also bring the reopening of the Broadmoor Manitou and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which has added new trains, a depot and a track.

The attraction originated when Zalmon G. Simmons had an epiphany at the top of Pikes Peak. The mattress company millionaire reached the summit after an arduous ride on the back of a mule in the 1880s. After declaring the beauty marvelous but the journey terrible, he began making the mountain accessible by rail. Constructing a railway in such high elevation proved challenging, but the railway was completed in 1890.

Guides reveal the history of the railway while passengers are on board. The ride climbs up the steep mountain past canyons, cascading streams and gigantic boulders. The eight-mile-per-hour ride provides plenty of time to take in the magnificent panoramas.

Once at the summit, visitors will walk into a new Summit Visitor Center with permanent indoor and outdoor exhibits on the mountain’s history, geography and conservation.

“It was such an old attraction that it was time for a refresh,” said Veneracion. “It is a place the community has loved and enjoyed for so many years.”

A new cafe with several food options will also satisfy hungry travelers. The popular Summit Donuts will return for a high-elevation treat.

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PLANT THESE

IDEAS

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

GROUPS ARE GETTING BACK TO THE LAND IN AMERICA’S MIDWEST

Lilies at the Freshwater Farms of Ohio Courtesy Freshwater Farms of Ohio

C

all it a growing phenomenon: Agritourism is emerging as a popular group travel activity, especially in the heartland states.

The Midwest is full of wonderful agritourism opportunities, from ranches and dairies to fish farms, cranberry marshes and museums. Here are a few agritourism options in the Midwest that cater to group travelers who want to learn more about how their food is produced.

Plumlee Buffalo Ranch

PLUMLEE BUFFALO RANCH

Courtesy Plumlee Buffalo Ranch

A fish hatchery at Freshwater Farms of Ohio

Courtesy Freshwater Farms of Ohio

ALMA, KANSAS Shirley and Larry Plumlee raise a herd of bison on 400 acres in Kansas’ Flint Hills. The property is populated by nutritious native grasses that are perfect for feeding bison. The Plumlees decided to raise buffalo 18 years ago because they are so much easier to take care of than beef cattle.

“We don’t have to give them shots,” said Shirley Plumlee. “They never get sick, so we have zero vet bills.”

Bison never have calving problems, and they have babies only in May and June, so the couple doesn’t have to worry about their calves surviving in winter’s arctic temperatures.

Groups of up to 40 people can tour the ranch in the back of a large wagon pulled by a truck. It allows them to get close to these large creatures in a safe manner. Shirley is usually the tour guide, telling guests about American bison and how they differ from beef cattle.

Many visitors are more interested in the ranch’s wildflowers than the buffalo. The Plumlees are happy to tell them about the many native wildflowers that pop up on the property every year. Groups can feed the catfish in a local pond and visit the remains of a homestead on the property that dates back to the 1800s. They also are invited into the Plumlees’ home, where they can see a mounted buffalo head.

PLUMLEERANCH.COM

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GREEN DIRT FARM

WESTON, MISSOURI Green Dirt Farm is a sheep dairy in the bluffs of the Missouri River Valley. It is one of about 100 sheep dairies in the U.S. and is known for its award-winning artisan cheeses made from the milk of grass-fed sheep.

The farm, which began producing cheese commercially in 2008, is outside Weston, a historic frontier river port town that is preserved from its heyday in the 1840s and 1850s. Groups that want to tour the farm start at the Green Dirt Farm Creamery Café in town before driving out to the farm. They tour the dairy to see how the sheep are milked and then go to the cheese kitchen to see how the cheese is made. When the tour is over, they return to the cafe for a cheese tasting. Groups can also schedule cheese tastings or farm-to-table dinners in the events barn, which was the farm’s original milking parlor and cheese kitchen.

The farm has about 150 sheep, but it also purchases sheep’s milk from the local Amish community.

“We can’t produce enough milk on the farm for all of our sales needs,” said Sarah Hoffmann, managing director and owner/operator of Green Dirt Farm. She has also partnered with local cow dairy farmers to bring in cow’s milk to blend with the sheep’s milk.

Green Dirt Farm produces a variety of cheeses, primarily soft ripened and French-style cheeses.

GREENDIRTFARM.COM

LEGACY OF THE PLAINS MUSEUM

GERING, NEBRASKA The Legacy of the Plains Museum, which sits on a 100-acre campus in Gering, Nebraska, tells the stories of the communities and people who have farmed the area since the 1880s. About 85 acres of the property is still farmland and pasture, and the museum keeps a small herd of longhorns that are popular with visitors.

The museum grows potatoes and dry edible beans using older equipment and farming practices. Groups that visit can take a tour of the property and outbuildings with a knowledgeable guide or take a tractor and wagon ride around the property to learn about the different equipment and farming techniques that were used on the plains from the late 1880s.

The museum has five outbuildings to explore, among them a large metal building that houses old tractors, trucks, farm equipment and implements; a blacksmith shop; and the Wiedeman Farmstead Home, a former farmhouse that got moved to the property. The upstairs is decorated in 1950s styles, and the first floor is set in the 1930s. The Japanese Hall was a community center built by the Japanese American community in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, in 1928. It was moved to the museum property and will be a mini museum of Japanese American artifacts from the area.

The farm is at the base of Scotts Bluff National Monument.

LEGACYOFTHEPLAINS.ORG

FRESHWATER FARMS OF OHIO

URBANA, OHIO Freshwater Farms of Ohio is an indoor fish hatchery that produces rainbow trout in its solar-heated greenhouses. The year-round facility is the largest indoor fish farm in Ohio. Dave Smith started the operation 35 years ago on an abandoned 24-acre chicken farm.

Since the farm’s inception, Smith has found many ways to enhance the operation and make it more interesting for the groups and visitors who want to stop by, including hosting numerous festivals and events on the property. Visitors love to pet the six-foot-long sturgeon in the sturgeon petting zoo; handle aquatic critters like crawfish, turtles and salamanders; or feed the trout in the farm’s 35-foot-deep outside tanks.

Goat cheese from Green Dirt Farm

Courtesy Green Dirt Farm

Green Dirt Farm

Legacy of the Plains Museum

Courtesy Green Dirt Farm

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Courtesy Legacy of the Plains Museum

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Besides trout, the farm produces 27 other types of fish, including pond-stocking varieties like perch, bluegill, catfish, minnows, snails, goldfish and koi. It also grows water plants like lilies, lotus and water iris. Those plants help purify the water that is a byproduct of fish farming. The farm also has about nine acres of demonstration gardens for wildflowers to encourage the natural diversity of insects and pollinators on the farm.

“I understand how diversity is a real strength in an ecosystem,” Smith said. “In the last three years of doing this, we have had zero need for spray. When you keep the native populations of many species of insects and spiders, the trouble insects can’t get a foothold.”

Groups can tour the fish hatchery, the gardens and the ponds, learning more about their symbiotic relationships.

FWFARMS.COM

CRANBERRY HIGHWAY

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WISCONSIN Farmers have been harvesting cranberries in Wisconsin for generations, several of them since the mid-1800s. Groups wanting to sample everything cranberry should take a trip along the Cranberry Highway, a 50-mile stretch that takes visitors past cranberry beds. Groups can start in either Wisconsin Rapids or Warrens, visit the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center and schedule a guided tour of a local cranberry operation.

Native cranberries love the area’s sandy, acidic soil. Visitors can learn more about how the tart red fruit is grown and harvested by visiting the Discovery Center. A video there shows how cranberries are planted, nurtured and grown and then harvested during the first three weeks of October. After visiting the museum, visitors can drive around a smaller cranberry loop in Warrens past cranberry marshes and a farm that grows aronia, a superfruit like cranberries that is high in antioxidants and grows on bushes about the same size as blueberry bushes. The Warrens Cranberry Festival, which draws 130,000 people over three days each September, is another great time for groups to visit.

Groups that want to see a marsh can set up a tour of Wetherby Cranberry Company, a third-generation family farm. Nodji VanWychen, who owns the farm with her husband, Jim, will step on a tour bus and give a 90-minute guided tour showing visitors the harvest, giving them the chance to walk down into a dry cranberry bed to see how the vines grow and then showing them through the packing and receiving facility.

VISITWISRAPIDS.COM/CRANBERRY-HIGHWAY

Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center

Wisconsin Rapids’ Cranberry Highway Photos courtesy Wisconsin Rapids Area CVB

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MOXIE

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

THERE ARE ALWAYS NEW REASONS TO HEAD TO THE HEARTLAND

Cuisine from Hotel Millwright’s Indigo Room Photos courtesy Hotel Millwright

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uilding is booming in America’s Midwest.

Even during the recent slowdown, Midwestern destinations have been hard at work adding new parks, hotels, visitor centers, retail and restaurant projects, and attractions. Here are just a handful of must-see projects across the Midwest that will cater to group travelers.

HOTEL MILLWRIGHT

A historic postcard of Hotel Millwright

A room inside the Hotel Millwright

Hotel Millwright’s Merino Loft

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AMANA, IOWA Hotel Millwright was built in an old woolens mill in the middle of Iowa’s Amana colonies, a series of seven small villages that were built as a utopian self-sustaining community in 1855. The hotel, which opened in September 2020, pays tribute to the area’s milling past by reusing historic looms and equipment as furniture or objets d’art.

As a National Historic Landmark, the hotel was unable to change certain things about the building, so guests may find a wool carding machine or fire doors in their guest rooms or notice giant gears hanging from the ceilings. Everything in the building has a story and a purpose. And although there aren’t as many sheep in Amana as there once were, the woolen mill property still processes wool and weaves it into blankets today.

The hotel has 65 rooms, two of which are premier suites. The Indigo Room offers a full-service dining experience curated by executive chef Jim Vido, and the Electric Thread Social Club is a whiskey and bourbon bar on campus. The Merino Loft is a 7,000-square-foot event space on the second floor of the historic weaving building that can host groups of 225 people. Groups that stay at the hotel are within walking distance of the town’s major attractions, shops, wineries and restaurants.

HOTELMILLWRIGHT.COM

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FORT WAYNE PROMENADE PARK

Fort Wayne Promenade Park

Courtesy Visit Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne Promenade Park at night

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA The $20 million Fort Wayne Promenade Park in Indiana opened in 2019 and features a playground; the Parkview Tree Canopy Trail; the Auer Lawn and Sweetwater Band Shell, an amphitheater; and canal boat tours. When the city was first built, the river was not included in its development. Over the past five years, the city has worked to rectify that mistake by finding ways to connect the city to the three rivers that flow through town.

Fort Wayne Outfitters and Bike Depot offers 45-minute or 90-minute tours on the Sweet Breeze canal boat, introducing visitors to the St. Marys, St. Joseph and Maumee rivers and highlighting points of interest along the way. Groups can rent the Sweet Breeze for a private tour with cocktails or a sit-down dinner or book guided tours along the rivers via canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Smaller groups can take a tour on Captain Black’s pontoon boat, which also takes them along the scenic St. Marys and St. Joseph rivers.

The Tree Canopy Trail is a boardwalk through the treetops along the St. Marys River that gives visitors a view of Fort Wayne and the river from 20 feet up. Promenade Park also features large porch swings, a splash canal for kids and Trubble Brewing, a riverfront cafe and beer garden that serves events at the park’s band shell.

The park is a block away from the Landing, another historical area with locally owned restaurants and a new boutique hotel, the Bradley, which will open this summer.

VISITFORTWAYNE.COM

Courtesy Visit Fort Wayne

Grafton SkyTour at Aerie’s Resort

Courtesy Aerie’s Resort

An ariel view of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

GRAFTON SKYTOUR AT AERIE’S RESORT

GRAFTON, ILLINOIS The owners of Aerie’s Resort in the small river town of Grafton, Illinois, decided a couple of years ago to build a chondola — half chairlift, half gondola — to bring guests up to their resort property on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The Grafton SkyTour is only the second attraction of its kind in the country and features 60 open ski-lift-style chairs mixed with 12 enclosed gondolas that can seat up to four people. The SkyTour takes visitors from Main Street in downtown Grafton up to the resort and winery for stunning views of the rivers.

Travelers who want to visit the winery or restaurant at the top of the hill can purchase a $10 round-trip ticket to spend the whole day at the resort. It takes about 15 minutes to ride to the top.

The resort has a winery and wine club; a lodge; and Aerie’s Terrace, a multilevel lodge with a brand-new Tree Bar, which can host 900 people for drinks, lunch or dinner. The venue will host live music once pandemic restrictions are a thing of the past.

The resort also has seven zip-line courses that take about 2.5 hours to complete. The resort is popular because of its proximity to Pere Marquette State Park, the largest state park in Illinois, and its location at the northwest end of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, also known as the Great River Road.

AERIESVIEW.COM/SKYTOUR

Courtesy Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

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EDSEL AND ELEANOR FORD HOUSE

GROSSE POINTE SHORES, MICHIGAN The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, is getting a new state-of-the-art visitor center and administration building to help the historic site better engage visitors. The home of Henry Ford’s son Edsel, the house and gardens are situated on 88 acres. The home itself was preserved as it was when the Ford family lived there, complete with furnishings, antiques and art. What was missing from the site was a modern way to tell the family’s story. The 48,000-square-foot visitor center will host a permanent exhibit that tells the story of the Edsel Ford family and the art and architecture of their home using home videos, letters and technology.

A changing exhibition gallery will allow the historic site to bring in national and local exhibitions that relate to the Ford family, as well as display objects in the collection that have not been exhibited before, like the prototype of the Lincoln Continental and a 1934 Model 40 Speedster.

The lobby will have an admissions and information desk, a retail shop and a destination restaurant, the Continental. Groups can sit down for a more formal dining experience or grab a premade meal and take it outside to enjoy on the estate. There is a beautiful event space above the restaurant with a balcony that overlooks Ford Cove. It can seat 200 people. The site is also getting a new 17,000-square-foot administration building to help it meet the needs of modern visitors.

Edsel and Eleanor Ford House Courtesy Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

Dayton’s Project

FORDHOUSE.ORG

Courtesy Dayton’s Project

DAYTON’S PROJECT

MINNEAPOLIS The Dayton’s Project is a redevelopment of Minneapolis’ historic Dayton’s department store, which operated in the city from 1901 to 2001.

The historic Art Deco building features high ceilings, huge windows and beautiful architectural elements. The developers of the mixed-use office, retail and restaurant concept wanted to keep as many of the building’s original elements as possible. They also added new entrances and a threestory grand staircase between floors with a beautiful Art Deco-style ironwork railing.

The first and second floors will feature retail shops that connect to the city’s enclosed Skyway, and the basement level will house a well-curated food hall featuring 50 local restaurateurs. The upper floors will have top-of-the-line office spaces, and the seventh floor will host a whole set of tenant amenities, like a rooftop deck, a lounge and a 10,000-square-foot fitness center.

The 45,000-square-foot food hall will be the first project of its kind in the city. It is being curated by celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. The project is open concept, meaning that the food vendors will share the kitchen space, equipment and supplies, which will cut down on their overhead costs. The food hall will have none of the restaurants people associate with mall food courts.

THEDAYTONSPROJECT.COM

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ICONIC

STOPS

BY JILL GLEESON

THESE SOUTHERN SITES NEED NO INTRODUCTION

Central High School National Historic Site played an important role in U.S. history.

Courtesy Little Rock CVB

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hey are some of the most celebrated spots in the South, blessed with natural splendor, historical import or simple, outsized beauty. Whatever the reason for their renowned status as must-see attractions, the following places also offer group visitors the chance to explore their riches in unique and diverse ways. As such, they make great stops on any motorcoach tour exploring the land below the Mason-Dixon line.

NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE

GLEN JEAN, WEST VIRGINIA The New River Gorge may be the site of America’s most recent national park, a 70,000-acre gem officially crowned in December 2020. But the waterway itself is ancient, the second-oldest river on earth. And that isn’t even all that distinguishes the area. In Fayetteville, the legendary New River Gorge Bridge crosses over the channel. At 876 feet high, it’s one of the tallest bridges in the country, as well as the longest single-span arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.

Groups looking for serious adventure can arrange to cross the structure’s catwalk with Bridge Walk, located next door to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, just north of Fayetteville. The center itself is also a great group stop, offering a film, exhibits relating to the river’s history and stunning overlooks.

“There’s just about every outdoor recreational opportunity you can think of available here, too,” said Becky Sullivan, executive director of the New River Gorge Convention and Visitors Bureau. “From whitewater rafting to rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, just about anything groups can think of to do outdoors they can do here.”

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Courtesy NPS

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LITTLE ROCK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

A tour at Central High School National Historic Site Courtesy Little Rock CVB

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS In 1957, Little Rock Central High School became ground zero in the struggle for civil rights when nine Black teenagers attempted to attend the all-white learning institution. The move followed a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court that found public school segregation unconstitutional and led to the Arkansas governor’s mobilizing the state’s national guard to prevent the youth from entering the school. As the world watched, President Dwight Eisenhower was forced to call in federal troops to escort the Little Rock Nine safely to class, desegregating Central High at long last.

Today, the National Historic Site offers free group tours, which include a stop at the visitor center.

“It has interactive exhibits, and you can hear the Little Rock Nine’s story in their voices,” said Libby Lloyd, communications manager for the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. “And then when you take that physical tour with the national park ranger, you walk in the footsteps of the Nine. You get to go into the school. They take you through the halls, the auditorium, the lunchroom, the cafeteria, and they tell you stories of what the Little Rock Nine endured. It’s a moving, profound experience.”

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U.S. SPACE AND ROCKET CENTER

U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Planetarium

Courtesy U.S. Space and Rocket Center

Rafting on the New River

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA With a history that dates back to 1970, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center tells the fascinating tale of how Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center contributed to cosmic exploration.

“It’s the birthplace of NASA,” said Patricia Ammons, the center’s senior director of communications. “The Marshall Space Flight Center is where the team who developed the Saturn V rocket that took America to the moon worked. They also developed and launched the first American satellite. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center was founded to recognize Alabama’s role in space exploration.”

Apollo 16 capsule

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the perfect jumping-off point for a visit to Grand Tetons.

Courtesy Jackson Hole Mountain resort NPS Courtesy

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Courtesy U.S. Space and Rocket Center

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The Kentucky Derby

Among the artifacts groups can ogle at the center are the National Historic Landmark Apollo Saturn V moon rocket, a Skylab training module and a real lunar rock. And hands-on opportunities range from the new Apollo 11 Virtual Reality Experience, an interactive documentary that recreates the historic journey to the moon, to flight simulators, which give group visitors the opportunity to learn what it’s like to get behind the controls of an F-18 Super Hornet.

ROCKETCENTER.COM

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Courtesy Churchill Downs

Backstretch Breakfast Tour at Churchill Downs

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY You don’t have to be a horse racing devotee to get a kick out of Churchill Downs. Home to the Kentucky Derby, the oldest continually held sporting event in the nation, the track will appeal to even the most casual history fan or architectural aficionado. How could group members not be entranced by Churchill Downs, which still boasts its first buildings, among them the grandstand, the clubhouse and six stables, erected in 1875? As of this May, those initial structures will have stood through an astounding 147 consecutive Derby runnings.

There are many ways groups can experience Churchill Downs: a basic package that provides admission to the Kentucky Derby Museum, a viewing of the 360-degree film “The Greatest Race” and a guided, 30-minute tour of the track. Or planners can opt to give their groups a premium experience, like the Backstretch Breakfast Tour.

“You’ll have breakfast on the backside of the track,” said Jordan Skora, marketing communications manager for Louisville Tourism. “So you’ll be able to drink your coffee and eat your eggs while watching the Thoroughbreds warm up in the morning, which is a really cool experience.”

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BILTMORE

Courtesy Churchill Downs

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA In all the country, there is no other structure quite like the Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina. The nation’s largest private house, it “was originally the family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt, and the estate remains as magnificent today as it was when it was built more than a century ago,” said Marissa Jamison, public relations manager for Biltmore. “Today, Biltmore encompasses more than 8,000 acres and includes renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. The Vanderbilt family’s 250-room French Renaissancestyle chateau sits on the estate and is preserved and filled with original furnishings, antiques and masterpieces of art.”

Groups can explore the legendary property beginning with a house tour and continuing through more adventurous activities like mountain biking, falconry, carriage rides, river trips, an off-road driving experience, sporting clays and more. Group visitors can stop in for a complimentary tasting at the Biltmore Winery, attend a bespoke reception on the rooftop or in the champagne cellar or take a guided garden walk. At the Biltmore, there is almost no end to the special options for groups.

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Biltmore Courtesy The Biltmore Company

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NEED A QUICK GROUP GETAWAY? Biltmore’s gardens Courtesy The Biltmore Company

A costumed interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg

Courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA Both a living-history museum and a historical landmark, Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg got its start in the late 1920s when philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. committed to financially supporting the effort to return a slice of Williamsburg to its Colonial past. By 1932, the reconstructed Raleigh Tavern had opened as the first public exhibition building; nowadays, Colonial Williamsburg unspools over more than 300 acres, encompassing 600-some structures and everything from horse-drawn carriages to trade shops and costumed historical interpreters. Experiences there are deeply engaging, including opportunities to observe an active archaeological dig and take part in a live 18th-century-style auction.

Groups are welcomed on tours of the historic area, though more specialized programs are also available. They include “period-inspired evening musical and dramatic programs and tours of Haunted Williamsburg,” said Joseph Straw, senior public relations manager at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

“Groups are also invited to experience the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, which reopened in 2020 following a $42 million expansion. For the definitive Colonial Williamsburg dining experiences, guests are welcome at the newly revamped King’s Arms Tavern, which originally opened in 1772.”

Ridgeland is ready when you are with safe, accessible outdoor shopping venues, two boutique theaters, brand hotels and more than 140 restaurants. Our location just outside of Jackson, Miss., off the Natchez Trace Parkway (National Park) offers you a convenient escape.

Art, Wine & Wheels April 30 - May 2, 2021

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CULTURAL

GUMBO

BY JILL GLEESON

Crawfish is one of the most memorable ingredients in Louisiana’s creole cuisine.

DIALECTS AND DIFFERENCES HIGHLIGHT A TRIP TO THE SOUTH Photos courtesy LafayetteTravel.com

A zydeco performance

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rom the charm of its people to the sweetness of its tea, the South has long been recognized for its unique heritage. But within these larger Southern traditions rest pockets of distinctive cultures travelers will also find well worth exploring. Offering singular music, crafts, cuisine and more, they each are so specific to their Southern homes that groups may not find their precise likeness anywhere else in the world.

CREOLE CULTURE

LOUISIANA Even those well steeped in Creole culture aren’t quite sure how to define it, except perhaps by hallmarks including fabulously zippy zydeco — a mix of French accordion music and the blues — and unique fare like sweet dough pie, crawfish and turkey wings.

“I always say there are a hundred different definitions for Creole,” said Herman Fuselier, executive director of the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission. “Creole can mean anything from a first-born generation from the Old World to descendants of slaves and free people of color.”

Fuselier recommends that motorcoach tours check out the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival held the Saturday before Labor Day in his parish and Lafayette’s Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, a massive, three-day October event. Groups will also want to pay homage to Amédé Ardoin, godfather of Creole music, with a visit to his 1,500-pound, sculpted-steel statue at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center and take in Opelousas’ Le Vieux Village Historical Park and Heritage Museum, which features one of the nation’s oldest Creole homes. In Lafayette, living-history museum Vermilionville offers costumed reenactors who portray Creole life in the 19th century.

Laura’s II Next Generation in Lafayette, Louisiana

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GULLAH CULTURE

An interpreter of Gullah culture Courtesy SC Lowcountry Tourism

SOUTH CAROLINA Descendants of West Africans who were enslaved on the rice plantations of the southern Atlantic coast, the Gullah people boast a singular culture that retains much of its African heritage. That includes their arts and crafts — like the renowned sweetgrass baskets sold in Charleston’s City Market — that evolved from items needed for daily life across the sea as well as their music. Sung in a patois that includes languages heard in Africa, it is stunningly lovely. For groups that would like to hear Gullah music, Peach Morrison, executive director of SC Lowcountry Tourism, recommends planners hire Anita Singleton-Prather and the Gullah Kinfolk for a special performance.

Other ways for groups to explore Gullah heritage include a visit to McLeod Plantation on James Island, which offers interpretive tours through the only such site dedicated to sharing the historical perspective of the Gullah people, and Brookgreen Gardens, located south of Myrtle Beach, which features Gullah programming on Wednesdays.

Nearby Beaufort County offers additional opportunities for cultural discovery.

“There’s the Penn Center,” Morrison said. “It was originally a school set up before the Civil War was over to teach contraband: They weren’t slaves, but they weren’t free yet. There’s a museum there that groups can visit.”

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Sweetgrass baskets in Charleston

APPALACHIAN CULTURE

Courtesy Explore Charleston

Penn Center in Beaufort Courtesy SC Lowcountry Tourism

Museum of Appalachia

TENNESSEE Ever listen to country music? Take a sip of moonshine? Then you’re experiencing the by-products of Appalachian culture, which dates to the 18th century, when Irish settlers began immigrating to places like east Tennessee. With them came fiddle music; step dancing, a precursor to Appalachian clogging; and crafts such as pottery.

“To me, it’s the crafts that today define the culture,” said Stephanie Wells, director of tourism for Anderson County, Tennessee. “Though I use the word crafts loosely because, back then, they used what they made.

They slept under quilts; they didn’t hang them on the wall like we do.”

There are many attractions in Tennessee that pay homage to Appalachian mountain culture, from Pigeon Forge’s Dollywood, which offers demonstrations of old-time trades including blacksmithing to Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with a variety of historic Appalachian buildings. Groups will also want to visit the Museum of Appala-

Townsend Heritage Festival

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the perfect jumping-off point for a visit to Grand Tetons.

Courtesy Jackson Hole Mountain resort Courtesy Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development

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Courtesy Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development

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chia in Clinton. A living farm, it gives groups the opportunity to have an authentic mountain dinner on-site with entertainment from the Museum of Appalachia Band. Across from the museum, the Appalachian Arts Craft Center offers group classes as well as a shop filled with handmade goods.

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DELTA CULTURE

Red’s Old Timers Blues Festival in Clarksdale Photos courtesy Mississippi Development Authority

A marker on the Blues Trail

Cotton from the Mississippi Delta

MISSISSIPPI A melange of heritages and peoples, including Black, Chinese, Jewish and Hispanic, the Mississippi Delta can’t really be explained, according to Karen Matlock, domestic group tour program manager for Visit Mississippi.

“It’s the Delta mystique,” Matlock said. “That’s what we call it. It’s the land, it’s the people, it’s the entire culture, because you had such an influx of different, diverse groups living in the Delta. So it just became this place of mystery. You have to visit the Delta and absorb it to understand it.”

Groups wishing to unravel the Delta mystique might begin by submerging themselves in the blues — the American musical genre from which all others spring — at beloved juke joints in Clarksdale like Ground Zero and Red’s. Groups can also explore the area that birthed the blues at institutions such as the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Indianola’s B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, and the Gateway to the Blues Museum in Tunica. Afterward, Matlock suggests visitors head to Greenville to fuel up at Doe’s Eat Place, which serves another distinctive Delta goodie: extra spicy tamales, made with cornmeal rather than corn flour.

VISITMISSISSIPPI.ORG

IRISH CULTURE

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA Sure, big cities like Boston are recognized for having prominent populations of people that hail from the Emerald Isle. But did you know that Savannah has its own contingent of Irish Americans?

The emigration from Ireland to Savannah, which started as a trickle in the 1700s, became a flood in the mid-19th century, according to Jeff Hewitt, senior vice president of Visit Savannah.

“One of the primary reasons people came over was the famine,” Hewitt said. “And they ended up here because of our temperate climate.”

The Irish brought with them a culture steeped in the love of music, a great pint and “craic,” an Irish word loosely meaning “lively conversation and a fun time.” That’s exactly what groups get when they visit Savannah for the city’s legendary St. Patrick’s Day celebration, which begins with a blessing at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and continues with a four-hour parade. For those who don’t want to join the revelers, the city offers plenty of other Irish-related activities year-round, from taking Savannah Tours and Tales’ Irish Walking Tour to visiting Emmet Park’s Celtic Cross and shopping at Saints and Shamrocks.

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SPANISH CULTURE

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA The nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida, was settled by the Spanish in 1565 and still bears evidence of this history in its architecture, food and museums. Attractions that give visitors a chance to explore the city’s roots include Aviles Street, which dates back to the 16th century and is now home to the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the GonzálezAlvarez House, the oldest Spanish colonial home in the city.

Groups also won’t want to miss the Colonial Quarter, a twoacre living-history museum offering the Spanish eatery Taberna de Caballo.

St. Augustine’s oldest structure, the fort Castillo de San Marcos, dates to 1695 and makes a particularly great stop for groups, said Barbara Golden, communications manager at the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches Visitor and Convention Bureau.

“Group can take a guided tour, and they have interpretive programs,” she said. “There’s so much to learn about Spanish colonial life, the Spanish military, the city of St. Augustine and Spain in the New World, so they do a fantastic job of interpreting that for visitors.”

FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM

A Guinness beer in Savannah

Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day parade

Courtesy Visit Savannah

Courtesy Visit Savannah

St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos

SHOOT FOR THE MOON. DISCOVER HUNTSVILLE. Our Mission Is Living Life to the Fullest.

Home to the world’s largest space museum and U.S. Space Camp, “Rocket City” reignites America’s ingenuity and lively spirit. Featuring a vibrant arts and entertainment district, plus a vast number of natural attractions and cuisine offerings, Huntsville, Alabama, is the perfect destination for those who want to see and do it all.

(800) 843-0468 | HUNTSVILLE.ORG

Courtesy St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches VCB

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marketing Y O U R

P R O G R A M

FRESH AIR NEVER LOOKED

BY ELIZA MYERS

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ravelers looking for a remedy for the problems of modern life are increasingly seeking the peace of the outdoors. The summer of 2020 saw significant increases in the amount of outdoor recreation, according to sources like Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. These trends are expected to continue as travelers flock outdoors in 2021.

Though some group leaders shy away from planning outdoor trips because they believe that their groups are not active enough, outdoor travel can work for all ages and physical abilities. Not all outdoor trips involve long hikes up mountains or interminable scenic drives on a bus.

To successfully sell outdoor group travel, think about which type of nature-themed trip will prove the most irresistible to your loyalty travel program.

RETHINKING OUTDOOR TRAVEL

To incorporate more outdoor activities into your tours, first determine the types of tours that would work best.

Send out a survey asking what types of outdoor tours your customers might be interested in. Include questions about activity level, accommodation preferences, desire to see wildlife and interest in various outdoor activities like kayaking or whitewater rafting.

After you have a starting place, begin looking at more specific destinations. Not all parks are created equal, so you should first determine if a park is right for your group. First, gauge how close a park is to other attractions. At some parks, like the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee, it’s easy to weave in supplemental activities. Others, like the Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas, require driving to more remote areas of the country.

Trails are another consideration. Instead of focusing on the total number of trails, research how many accessible, easier trails there are compared with the more arduous trails. A mixture of both types can appeal to groups with differing levels of mobility. If your group is hiking together, choose the easier treks.

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You don’t want to offer only hiking for a group trip, so find out what other group activities would work. For example, at the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, groups can explore the Grand Canyon Village, take a trip on the Grand Canyon Railway, rent bicycles, raft the rapids or ride mules. These experiences will make the group tour more tempting to travelers, since it incorporates a lot of activities that would be difficult to organize on their own.

Finally, determine the state of the park facilities. Lesser-known parks may boast the most wildlife, but if they don’t have the facilities to welcome a group, they might not be the best park to start with. Larger groups will especially value updated and accessible restrooms, restaurants and nearby accommodations.

COUNTRYSIDE COMFORT

Once you gather a few potential outdoor destinations, think how you can appeal to your loyalty group travel program. If some of your travelers have limited physical capabilities, consider outdoor excursions that require less walking. Trains, horseback rides, jeep excursions or cruises can enhance the experience with little walking involved. These experiences are accessible to most ability levels but retain the spirit of adventure.

Older clients that might still find these types of outings too rugged can enjoy other types of outdoor trips, such as tours themed around gardens, agritourism or the beach. Each of these experiences gets guests outside while also keeping close to modern conveniences.

Intergenerational trips often pair well with outdoor tours because of the wide variety of activities. A trip to Glacier National Park in Montana can attract the young and the old for its breathtaking views. Some travelers can experience these panora-

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BETTER TO TRAVELERS mas sitting on a deck, while others will want to hike five miles.

Staying at a lodge or a resort allows you to build in plenty of free time where travelers can decide how they would like to interact with nature. The Many Glacier Hotel at Glacier National Park offers extraordinary photos ops right out the window. It also runs water shuttles across its pristine lakes. For those looking for some adventure, several trails branch off from the lodge.

Resorts like Paws Up in Montana combine the proximity with nature that comes from camping with the comfort of its luxury campsites.

SELLING FRESH AIR

TO SUCCESSFULLY SELL OUTDOOR GROUP TRAVEL, THINK ABOUT WHICH TYPE OF NATURE-THEMED TRIP WILL PROVE THE MOST IRRESISTIBLE T YOUR LOYALTY TRAVEL PROGRAM.

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Once you’ve chosen the perfect outdoor-themed trip, start thinking about how to sell it. If the tour includes a lot of walking, don’t downplay it. Outdoor trips work best when passengers know what to expect. Include the required physicality of the trip, as well as the activity options, so that customers can feel confident in their trip purchase.

High-resolution photos of the trip’s beauty will also help attract previously wary travelers. A stunning mountain image can be more convincing than descriptive text. Ask tour operators for images to use or look online for royalty-free images that will entice viewers. Videos on YouTube can also provide a high-definition way to promote an outdoor destination ahead of time.

Once you’ve come up with your sales pitch, talk personally with people who may be on the fence about an outdoor tour. If they have only taken urban-themed tours previously, don’t count them out until you’ve spoken with them to hear their questions or concerns.

Whenever possible, ask a representative from a tour company to speak with your group so travelers can hear personal assurances about the trip. Even better, join a familiarization trip to the destination ahead of time so you can more effectively promote it.

With a little research and persuasion, you might find that sunshine and adventure is just what your members need most.

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W H E R E

w e ’ v e

B E E N

Citizens Progressive Bank RAYVILLE, LOUISIANA TRIP: Great Trains and Grand Canyons TOUR OPERATOR: Premier World Discovery DATE: September 2020 The Citizens Progressive Bank’s travel club took members on two train trips: the Grand Canyon Railway and the Verde Canyon Railroad. Along the way, the group explored several highlights in Arizona, such as the Grand Canyon National Park, Oak Creek Canyon, Uptown Sedona and Old Town Scottsdale.

“Our tour guide was absolutely amazing. One top attraction was the Grand Canyon. No matter how many times you go, it is still an incredible place to see. The Verde Canyon Railroad had luxury rail cars with refreshments in each car. We were entertained by music as well as narration from the conductor about the area. All of us have many fond memories from this trip.”

— PEGGY FULLER, SENIOR TRAVEL DIRECTOR

Citizens Tri-County Bank DUNLAP, TENNESSEE TRIP: Dirty Dancing Meets Filthy Rich TOUR OPERATOR: U.S. Tours DATE: October 2019 For two nights the Golden Club with Citizens Tri-County Bank explored the Lake Lure Inn and Spa in Lake Lure, North Carolina, where the film “Dirty Dancing” was filmed.

“We enjoyed a private lake cruise and tour of the film locations from ‘Dirty Dancing.’ A day trip to the Biltmore added to the fun and beauty of this trip.

The rocking chairs at the front of the hotel made a great spot to relax between activities. It was a beautiful time of year for walks along the lake shore and viewing fall foliage.”

— LAURA BARKER, DIRECTOR OF SENIOR PROGRAMS AND TRAVEL

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APPLY TODAY FOR THE FAMS YOU’D LIKE TO ATTEND!

Are you looking for new ideas in your old favorites or a new destination for your group to enjoy? Register for one of our 2021 FAMs to learn about these great destinations from the local experts. To apply for a chance to attend any of these complimentary FAMs, go to www.grouptravelleader.com/FAMs.

LOUISIANA’S RIVER PARISHES JULY 27-30

WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

GALLUP, NEW MEXICO AUGUST 2-6

Join us in Louisiana’s River Parishes just outside of New Orleans where you’ll learn about the history of Whitney, Destrehan and Oak Alley Plantations, enjoy a cooking demonstration and tasting at Spuddy’s Cajun Cooking Experience and take a thrill ride on ZipNOLA over the Manchac Greenway with views of alligators, turtles and other wildlife.

We are partnering with the City of Gallup to highlight this New Mexico hidden gem along Route 66. Gallup is THE destination for outdoor adventures, culture seekers, and art lovers. This is as real and authentic as it gets- Native American Culture, steeped in tradition, and surrounded by some of the best outdoor recreation and trails.

ALABAMA

LOUISIANA’S NO MAN’S LAND

We are working with Alabama Tourism Department to host a FAM showcasing Alabama’s Natural, Historic and Exciting Group Tour Wonders. Explore Birmingham, Huntsville, Muscle Shoals and DeSoto State Park and learn what Sweet Home Alabama has to offer your groups.

We are partnering with Louisiana Tourism to showcase the best of Louisiana’s No Man’s Land region that includes Lake Charles, Natchitoches and DeRidder. You’ll tour the Creole Nature Trail, Melrose Plantation, Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu for a King Cake Demo & Tasting, casino resorts and much more.

SEPTEMBER 13-17

GROUP THE

TRAVEL LEADER

OCTOBER 6-10

If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Tyner at:

888-253-0455 KELLY@GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM