connection Select Traveler Conference Celebrates Travel’s Return

Buyers See Growth Ahead For Their Travel Programs

BY MAC LACY

The 2023 Select Traveler Conference drew 258 upscale travel planners, industry members and vendors to Branson, Missouri, March 27–29, where both the host city and attendees confirmed the robust return of travel across the globe. In a city almost unrivaled for tourism vitality, buyers and sellers alike spoke of 2023 as a record year in the making.

Branson is one of America’s greatest tourism success stories of the past 50 years and draws more than 10 million visitors annually to southwest Missouri. Home to more than 100 live musical, comedy and faith-based shows, Branson also features a thriving outdoor scene that draws fishermen, golfers, hiking enthusiasts and others to its Ozark Mountain foothills.

“Branson wowed our delegates for three days and showcased many venues and activities for Select Traveler

“Branson wowed our delegates for three days and showcased many venues and activities for Select Traveler groups to enjoy.”

— CHARLIE PRESLEY, GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY

groups to enjoy,” said conference partner Charlie Presley of the Group Travel Family. “Chateau on the Lake Resort was a superb host, and our four sightseeing options arranged by Explore Branson were entirely filled. What a beautiful afternoon we got for showcasing the area’s vast entertainment scene and heralded outdoors.”

Delegates dined one evening at a local favorite, McFarlains, with live traditional music; enjoyed an offbeat performance by Buckets ‘n Boards Comedy Percussion Show; were treated to a personal audience with the Haygoods entertainment family following their show at Clay Cooper Theatre; and relaxed at the chateau overlooking Table Rock Lake.

Bud Geissler of GroupCollect delivered a keynote address on new technology for tour management, and two marketplace sessions offered travel destinations and tour operators appointments with tour planners who are trav- eling again throughout America and the world.

Major meal sponsors included Collette, which offered a program around its worldwide travel destinations and held a drawing for a trip to Northern Italy, won by Margie Zieber of Farmers State Bank in Cameron, Missouri. U.S. Tours hosted a breakfast to introduce new European itineraries and their well-established domestic programs for groups. 2024 Select Traveler Conference host Visit Buffalo/Niagara sponsored an interactive event at its breakfast hosted by step-on guide service Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tours.

“Excitement for going to Buffalo/Niagara next year is really high,” said Presley. “Our day of arrival is St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, and the city has a nationally known parade and celebration for that international Irish event. It should be an exciting Select Traveler Conference in that great city.”