DECEMBER 2013
A Premier Tourism Marketing publication • www.leisuregrouptravel.com
WICKED GOOD SHOPPING, DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
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he I-93, T f f o n Bosto outstanding m o r f es es minut ow provid ing dining t s u j R d it Locate at Assembly opping, exc h s s Outlet ame outlet front park. n er brand unning wat st ms and a rogra
IT P ours es and F ts, guided t p ackag u p o e e l e Gr t r t shu and g g and iscounts Meet n i n i d ing, nt d Shopp nd restaura ards space ft c er a ption e c Retail purchase gi e r g and ce Advan ent, meetin ev Private ach parking co Motor
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12 VOL. 23, NO. 6 • DECEMBER 2013
contents stuartmiles/Bigstock.com
COVER STORY 12 Buy, Sell or Hold The president of Innovative Travel Acquisitions offers tips on buying or selling a travel business
FEATURES
COLUMNS
10
Reader’s Choice Awards
6
17
The Future of Student Travel is Looking Bright
On My Mind BY JEFF GAYDUK
8
BY VANESSA DAY
22
Hotel Industry Outlook: Pleasant Dreams
26
10 Tour-ific Nebraska Museums
29
South Dakota Outdoors
37
Best of Baltimore: 12 Top Attractions
40
Perillo Tours’ Hawaiian Vacations
43
Scenic Chattanooga
46
Arizona’s Grand Canyon
48
RV Capital of the World
4 December 2013
On Tour BY MARTY SARBEY DE SOUTO
BY HARRY PECK
50 BY RANDY MINK
On Marketing BY DAVE BODLE
BY RANDY MINK
BY RANDY MINK
BY DAVE BODLE
BY SUE ARKO
BY RANDY MINK
LeisureGroupTravel.com
NUMBER CRUNCHING ON LOCATION
100
“You’re Fired!” Junior editor Liam Gayduk explores pirate lore while in Negril, Jamaica.
Approximate number of RV factories near Elkhart, Indiana
563 Million gallons of Kool-Aid consumed each year
WHAT’S ONLINE? PREPARE FOR A NEW ERA OF GROUP TRAVEL PLANNING
1814
is the season! As travelers prepare for holiday vacations and festivities, we are preparing a present of our own. Keep an eye out for an allnew LeisureGroupTravel.com, featuring an enhanced look and feel, expanded, broader content, more intuitive search and navigation abilities, and a better way to request information about any of the destinations, attractions or tours we feature. Best of all, we are wrapping this present in a box that renders equally as beautiful on your tablet, smartphone or personal computer.
T
Year that Francis Scott Key penned The Star-Spangled Banner
7,242 Height in feet of Harney Peak, highest point in South Dakota ON THE COVER:
46
The Grand Canyon Railway travels through high desert and pine forests.
Decision time: Selling or buying a travel busines (Photo by stuartmiles/Bigstock.com)
18 The widest point of the Grand Canyon in miles
8,600 Approximate number of caves in Tennessee
217 LeisureGroupTravel.com
Billion dollars spent by young travelers in 2012
on my mind ❖
On My Mind jeff gayduk
❖ jeff gayduk
Vol. 23, No. 6 December 2013 Editorial & Advertising Office
Closing the Loop
621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com
Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com
Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle dave@ptmgroups.com
BEING A PUBLISHER, I get a fair share of preview copies from publicists hawking business and self-help authors. Frankly, many of these just aren’t applicable to whatever ails us at the time. They usually get re-gifted to staff or friends so I can play amateur psychologist at who needs what type of counseling. One book that came across my desk this fall was Looptail by Bruce Poon Tip. Glancing at the jacket, I remember Bruce as the founder of G Adventures, which I like to call the biggest tour company no one has heard of. This book is a historical tale about the growth of G (formerly known as Gap Adventures), now a $200-million company, and also a guiding light for what the travel and tourism industry should be. In 1990, Bruce saw a rift in the adventure travel industry where Western tourists would come to developing countries only to travel in a swank bus with a Western tour guide, stay in Western-owned hotels and drive around to “see the country.” In his opinion, operators were doing everything in their power to create a Western environment, which defeats the entire purpose of going to another country in the first place. What resulted was the creation of what’s called “community tourism” where G built tour programs that created local benefits for local people. This extends well beyond homestays and visiting local shops. G developed its own non-profit entity to CREATE sustainable programs in developing countries where they ran tours. With strong buy-in from their customers and employees, the result is that dollars spent in the community stay in the community. Cool idea, huh? I have personally experienced the positive impact that projects like this can have on communities. On a recent trip to Jamaica, we visited a local school that is supported by the Sandals Foundation. It’s a pity on one hand to see what these kids lack compared to the U.S. In classrooms the size of our janitor closet, with no AC or screens, kids stacked like sardines all work diligently to improve their handwriting. While they don’t lack enthusiasm, they are lacking resources, and that’s where the inclusive resort operator Sandals is trying to make a difference. Along with other initiatives, the foundation features a program called TAG where travel agents can give back a percentage of their commission to these community programs. In my perspective, traveling does so much to open one’s mind that it’s a travesty many don’t care or don’t fully understand their responsibility as our role in the betterment of the communities we visit. Tourism can become the world’s #1 renewable resource, but only when we stop treating it like a landfill. Understanding that we’re part of something greater is what the Looptail is about. It’s something G started with their tours, migrated to their customers, and now envelops their employees and community. I was excited to hear that Bruce will be speaking at this year’s Travel Exchange in Los Angeles—his audience will be better for it. As we enter this holiday season of 2013 and reflect back on our highs and lows, I urge you to A) go buy the book—it will make a great holiday gift for yourself and B) understand that through your actions, you can positively impact the lives of many around the world, just like the folks at G do every day. Here’s to a great 2014!
Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski rob@ptmgroups.com
Regional Business Development Managers Northeast & Eastern Midwest/Canada – Harry Peck P 330.830.4880 • F 630.794.0652 harry@ptmgroups.com
Mid-Atlantic/New England/Wisconsin – Ellen Klesta P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 ellen@ptmgroups.com
Southeast/West Coast – Cheryl Rash P 563.613.3068 • F 815.225.5274 cheryl@ptmgroups.com
Frontier & Mountain West/ Illinois/Minnesota/Southwest – Linda Ragusin P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 linda@ptmgroups.com
Florida & Caribbean – Eric Moore P 352.753.0736 eric@ptmgroups.com The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.
Leisure Group Travel (ISSN-1531-1406) is published bi-monthly by Premier Tourism Marketing, Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations. Other travel-related suppliers may subscribe at the reduced rate of $12.00 per year. The regular subscription price for all others is $18.00 per year. Single copies are $4.95 each.
Send Address Change to: Premier Tourism Marketing, Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527
A
publication
All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
Jeff Gayduk, Publisher 6 December 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
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On Tour
❖ marty sarbey de souto, ctc
Trips with a Spanish Accent DO YOU HAVE travelers who would
town area. Touring by boat while being
and the city today not only carries the
love to go to some of Mexico’s colo-
serenaded by mariachis is a top expe-
heritage of the Spanish but of the
nial cities but are uneasy about visit-
rience for visitors. The Christmas-New
earlier Indian cultures as well.
ing that country right now? Why not
Year’s period with its Festival of Lights,
take them to one of our own country’s
plus the summer folkloric and flamenco
a mecca for artists and writers,
lovely cities that were founded by the
shows, are prime times to visit.
such as Georgia O’Keeffe and D.H.
Spanish or the Mexicans and offer just the atmosphere these folks may be looking for. Many of us think that our country
Santa Fe has become known as
Lawrence, and is now designated as ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA Another city with a Hispanic history is St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest
a UNESCO Creative City. It’s the third largest art market in the U.S. (after New York and Los Angeles).
came about due to the Pilgrims or
city. It was here in 1565 that Spanish
early explorers along the Atlantic Coast
explorer Pedro Menendez established
hotels, many built in the flat-roof,
or perhaps by people fleeing the potato
the first successful European colony
earth-toned adobe look featuring a
famine in Ireland or debtors’ prison in
in the U.S., although Ponce de Leon
cozy fireplace here and there to take
Santa Fe is a chic city with inviting
England. In actuality many of the early settlements were from Spain and Mexico, like the three cities below. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
San Antonio, St. Augustine and Santa Fe offer groups a dash of Hispanic flair
A most attractive destination with a Mexican flavor is San Antonio,
had already discovered Florida as
the chill off a cold winter night. The
named for Saint Anthony of Padua.
early as 1513. One can visit the
city is laid out according to the “Laws
Founded in 1691 when a Spanish
Archaeological Park where he came
of the Indies” established in 1573 by
expedition stopped in the area, it’s
ashore and drink from the “Fountain
the Spanish King Philip II, with the
now a thriving metro area of over two
of Youth.”
Cathedral on one side of the central
million. Its two most popular features
One of the most popular times to
are the historic Alamo and the
visit is during the Night of Lights, a
enchanting River Walk.
festive period from Nov. 23-Jan. 31.
During the 1700s the Mexican
plaza and the Palace of the Governors on the other. Visitors are particularly attracted
Millions of tiny lights appear in the
by the renowned summer opera and
mission period left its mark. Then in
windows, a custom tracing its origins
by the Spanish Market held late July
1836 Mexican General Santa Anna
to the Spanish tradition.
and again in December. The market
and his men were able to take the Alamo after a bitter 13-day Texan holdout. Today the Alamo compound
features santos, retablos, textiles, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO The full name of the nation’s
embroidery, tinwork, ironwork, basketry and precious metals.
remains the city’s major historic site
second oldest city is La Villa Real de
and the phrase “Remember The
la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis.
flavored cities you choose for your
Alamo!” still symbolizes a struggle
Slightly over a mile high in altitude,
group’s next trip, you really can’t go
against impossible odds.
Santa Fe was founded by Spanish
wrong.
The Alamo may be the city’s most
missionaries a decade before the
famous landmark but undoubtedly the
Pilgrims reached Plymouth Rock. The
River Walk has become its most popu-
area was originally occupied by a
lar spot. The river, lined with cafes and
number of Pueblo Indian villages
shops, meanders through the down-
founded during the period 1050-1150,
8 December 2013
Whichever of these Spanish-
Marty is a Certified Travel Counselor who designs and leads tours. Her travel industry consulting and educational firm is Sarbey Associates (sarbeyassociates.com).
LeisureGroupTravel.com
What do 500 butteries sound like?
What’s it like to feed a stingray? From learning Irish dance moves to face-to-face encounters with stingrays, Columbus is full of unforgettable hands-on experiences perfect for groups of all sizes. Start planning your Columbus visit today at experiencecolumbus.com/tours or call 800-354-2657.
What do they serve at 125-year-old dinner parties?
What will you experience?
SM
2013
RE ADER ’S ★ ★ ★ C H★I C E AWARDS
You voted in the 11th annual Reader’s Choice Awards…and the results are in! Congratulations to our 2013 winners, selected by readers of Leisure Group Travel. Subscribers voted by mailing in their Reader Service Card or going online at leisuregrouptravel.com ABOUT THIS YEAR’S AWARD WINNERS n the Best Domestic Destination category, New Orleans
I
Choice Award. In the Best Cruise Line category, Celebrity Cruises emerged victorious over Royal Caribbean Inter-
placed No. 1, a crowning achievement for a city whose
national and Princess Cruises. The same lines also
tourist appeal has climbed steadily since the devas-
placed in the top three last year.
tating effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Big Easy
Washington, D.C.’s multi-location Smithsonian Insti-
toppled last year’s winner, the Big Apple, with New York
tution won top honors in the Best Museum category,
City dropping to third this time around. Though cities
repeating last year’s performance. New York’s American
usually grab the top three Domestic Destination slots, this
Museum of Natural History and Chicago’s Museum of
time a whole state—Alaska—was the runner-up.
Science and Industry received Gold and Bronze (replac-
It came as no surprise that perennial favorites Italy
ing their cities’ 2012 Gold and Bronze finishers—Metropol-
and Ireland, like last year, topped the list in the Best
itan Museum of Art and The Field Museum—respectively).
International Destination sweepstakes. Coming in third
Repeating its strong showing from last year, Rocky
was Germany, which replaced the 2012 Bronze recipient,
Mountaineer switched places with VIA Rail Canada
Switzerland.
to come out No. 1 in the Best Rail Excursion category.
In voting for Best Tour Operator, Leisure Group Travel
Colorado’s Durango-Silverton Railroad earned Bronze.
readers for the seventh year in a row gave Platinum and
Our readers deemed Jersey Boys as the Best Broad-
Gold to Collette Vacations and Globus Family of Brands,
way Show, with the long-running Mamma Mia! and Book
respectively. California-based Premier World Discovery,
of Mormon (No. 1 in 2012) right behind.
recognized for the first time in our poll, captured Bronze.
Thanks to all who cast their ballots in the Reader’s
Marriott ranked as the Best Hotel Brand, repeating its
Choice Awards. If you disagree with this year’s results,
Platinum performance of 2012. It was followed by Hilton
ensure your opinion is voiced in our 2014 Awards—voting
and Drury, the latter a first-time recipient of a Reader’s
starts next August. LGT
10 December 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
BEST DOMESTIC DESTINATION
BEST CRUISE LINE
New Orleans • Platinum Alaska • Gold New York City • Bronze
Celebrity Cruises • Platinum Royal Caribbean International • Gold Princess Cruises • Bronze
BEST INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION
BEST MUSEUM
Italy • Platinum Ireland • Gold Germany • Bronze
Smithsonian Institution • Platinum American Museum of Natural History • Gold Museum of Science & Industry • Bronze
BEST TOUR OPERATOR
BEST RAIL EXCURSION
Collette Vacations • Platinum Globus Family of Brands • Gold Premier World Discovery • Bronze
Rocky Mountaineer • Platinum VIA Rail Canada • Gold Durango-Silverton Railroad • Bronze
BEST HOTEL BRAND
BEST BROADWAY SHOW
Marriott • Platinum Hilton • Gold Drury • Bronze
Jersey Boys • Platinum Mamma Mia! • Gold The Book of Mormon • Bronze
LeisureGroupTravel.com
December 2013 11
industry forecast â?–
Buy, Sell or Hold A veteran acquisitions expert offers tips for those who may be thinking of buying or selling a tour company
12 December 2013 stuartmiles/Bigstock.com
t’s the perfect storm, perhaps – an improving economy,
month and he gives me a write-up so I can tell anyone who
hot market sector and aging owners. Acquisitions in the
asks where we sit. If historically you have been just doing quar-
travel and tourism sector are the best they have been in
terly or annual reports, that’s not going to benefit anybody. So
a decade. Is now the time to cash out of the business? Ac-
you certainly need to have good books and records for the year
quire a competitor or complementary business? Or sit tight?
or two prior to the sale of the company in the form of monthly
I
We sat down with Bob Sweeney, president of Alpharetta,
financials. Take copious notes of the expenses that would be
Georgia-based Innovative Travel Acquisitions, Inc. Bob is a
non-recurring to a new owner. For example, a cleaning service,
22-year veteran of the buy, sell or hold game, having exe-
meals, entertainment, cell phones - you need to have that to
cuted hundreds of transactions involving travel and tour com-
the penny. You have to be able to come up with a solid look at
panies.
how much non-recurring expenses af-
Leisure Group Travel: Have you seen
fect the value of your business because
an uptick in transactions in the last year
that’s what the buyer wants to see and
and if so, what do you attribute it to?
you have to be able to document it. The
Bob Sweeney: Yes, there has been an
internal income statement is more im-
incremental increase. What drives most
portant than the tax return.
business sales is the age of the owner
LGT: What about databases and
who is looking to enter into the next phase
customer lists?
of their life. If we had 20 closing transac-
Sweeney: A well-maintained data-
tions during the course of the year, 10
base is important. I think that having a
were planned and 10 occurred because
clean reputation – not being involved
of life. For example, marriage, divorce,
in lawsuits and other affairs – is also
birth, death, sickness, newfound health,
important. Another thing is short con-
spousal transfer, accident or disability. You
tracts. If the tour operator has a loca-
never know, life happens.
tion lease that’s about to be renewed
LGT: Who’s your typical seller?
and they are thinking about selling,
Sweeney: They used to be 63 years old, now it’s been pushed back as people
don’t sign a five-year renewal; negotiBob Sweeney brings year of expertise in matching buyers and sellers of travel firms.
have to work longer before they retire; it’s now closer to 66. But there are still plenty of people out there
ate the shortest terms possible because that new buyer may have
different plans. The same is true for technology.
in their 80s that are running good companies and sharp as
LGT: What do typical buyers look like these days?
tacks; they are doing great. So it doesn’t mean you have to
Sweeney: We are seeing a lot of husbands and wives
stop in your 60s, but it’s the time when most people start to
who were in corporate America and maybe they got a couple
look towards the exit.
of pink slips over the past two or three years and they are
LGT: Why does there never seem to be a transition plan in small tour operator businesses? Sweeney: You’re right, too often you’re on your hamster wheel trying to run the day-to-day affairs, thinking about what you have to be doing for the next six months. Personally there’s only one blank spot in my week and it is late Sunday afternoon. But it’s important to have a transition plan, especially if you want to sell the business in the next year or two. There are certainly some things you can do to give the business more curb appeal. LGT: What would you recommend if someone was thinking about exiting the business? What can they do to give their business more curb appeal? Sweeney: First of all, the most important thing is to keep good books and records. In this office, I pay my CPA each LeisureGroupTravel.com
“It’s important to have a transition plan, especially if you want to sell the business in the next year or two. There are certainly some things you can do to give the business more curb appeal.”
Bob Sweeney —President, Innovative Travel Acquisitions December 2013 13
industry forecast ❖ tired of it and want to control their own destiny. They have
the business for 20-30 years and they sell it to the first per-
some money in their 401k’s and they want to run their own
son who approaches them. They don’t get a competing bid for
business. They are in their early 50s, so they have another 20
their business, but they do when the plumber comes out. I’ll
years in them. There’s also a strong business-to-business en-
never understand that.
vironment where there’s a regional buyer that needs a piece
And they will say to me, “Oh, well, I have known Charlie for
to their puzzle, but we’re seeing more of the disenfranchised
22 years now.” How can you sell something objectively to your
ex-warriors.
friend? Or if they say they will only sell to someone in their con-
LGT: Is there a market for these travel and tourism businesses? Sweeney: Sure, it’s sexy, kind of like owning the local bar and grill. They don’t realize that the margins are tight and it’s hard – you have to battle. It’s not hard to get someone from
sortium. That’s like me selling my house only to someone from my subdivision. It’s amazing that after 20-30 years of blood and sweat that this is what sellers do. It’s a classic mistake. LGT: Any other good reasons to work through a third party?
outside the industry; you get people who have traveled all over
Sweeney: Generic exposure. We don’t advertise who’s
the world, you could even get someone from outside the coun-
for sale. But most importantly it’s the relationships we have
try. It’s such a huge industry, touches on so many things and
developed through the years. When I started this company
there are many different types of companies. I’m amazed that we’re uncovering different types of businesses all the time. LGT: Are there any niches in the market that you see as being more or less attractive? Sweeney: From the tours and packages side, we find that single-destination companies light up our scoreboard. You get someone who is just doing Bora Bora or fly fishing – it’s tough to compete in that general tour arena. So it’s specialty tour operators definitely. It’s also digestible and portable from an acquisition standpoint. There are a lot of businesses out there where you have the owner and two or three independent contractors hooked in from their homes and they are making good money. And they are the experts in one particular type of travel. There are plenty of them and they are doing well. The ideal situation is not to do just one destination but
“The biggest mistake I see out there is that sellers work in the business for 20-30 years and they sell it to the first person who approaches them. They don’t get a competing bid for their business, but they do when the plumber comes out. I’ll never understand that.”
Bob Sweeney —President, Innovative Travel Acquisitions
maybe do another where your calendar gets balanced off. That seems to be the formula that works. Also, people that
in 1991, I said we are going out to meet the buyers so when
take their hobby or passion and turn it into their business are
I get a listing, I have a good idea of who the buyer might be.
very successful. We see that with sports tours, ski, scuba,
There’s new buyers coming in all the time, but there are time-
culinary, biking, wine – those are the people who do well.
tested companies we’ve sold 5-6 businesses to. They are like
LGT: How do people determine how much their business is worth?
pitchers in baseball – we keep giving the hot ones the ball because they know how to satisfy the sellers.
Sweeney: I get this question a lot and it’s a simple an-
Plus, it’s the quality of our database. There are 75 phone
swer. Your business is worth how much the most motivated
calls outgoing every day here and it’s been that way for 20
buyer is willing to pay you. That’s my job to find that moti-
years. We have our finger on the pulse. Your friend can
vated buyer who is capable and qualified. It’s our job to put
schmooze you out of something.
them through the sifter. When our firm represents the seller, we have an executed
LGT: Of the transactions you execute, how many former owners are still involved in the business?
confidentiality form in place where the buyer cannot talk about
Sweeney: That depends on the person’s individual situa-
the transaction; then we lift the curtain and try to bring two buy-
tion. If buyers want your business they will accommodate
ers in at a time. Not to play two off the other – we will compare
your schedule. If there’s a seller who says I love the busi-
one to the other and see if we can find a transaction that works.
ness but the day-to-day is too much, we recommend that
The biggest mistake I see out there is that sellers work in
buyers and sellers agree to a series of one-year contracts,
14 December 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
LeisureGroupTravel.com
December 2013 15
industry forecast ❖ from home – but for the first year don’t make a lot of big changes.
“The key to selling your company is timing. The risk of selling too early pales in comparison to selling too late.”
LGT: We’ve all been there. Rough day at the office and you’re pulling your hair out. How do you decipher a bad day from a trend? In other words, knowing when is or isn’t the right time to sell? Sweeney: Here’s the litmus I tell everyone. If you can picture yourself not being the owner of XYZ Tours and that brings a smile on your face, you’re ready. If it brings anything other than a smile, you’re not ready. So picture yourself not
Bob Sweeney
owning your business. How does that make you feel? Some-
—President, Innovative Travel Acquisitions
times it’s like diving off the high dive for the first time. We have to walk them up the stairs. They look over the edge of the
as opposed to a long-term employment agreement. At the
board and sometimes they need someone to have their fin-
end of each year the buyer or seller can walk away from it. If
ger in the small of their back just to say go. But they have to
it’s going good, you can roll with it, if not you part ways at the
be ready; we’re not going to push them.
end of the year. Anybody can do anything for one year, but if you don’t like the new buyer, 4½ years is a long way to go. LGT: After an acquisition, do you keep the office up and running or close it down? Sweeney: Certainly the first 12 months from the sale it stays open. After that they can reevaluate. People can work
16 December 2013
If they picture themselves sad at the closing table, don’t enter into the whole process. Because it is a win, not a defeat, when you sell your company. Always remember the key to everything in life and in selling your company is timing. The risk of selling too early pales in comparison to selling too late. LGT
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on the record ❖
The Future of Student Travel is Looking Bright Brightspark’s new president lays out the goals of this educational tour company
Brightspark President Mike Schields, pictured here in the Swiss Alps, has ambitious plans for the Deerfield, Illinois-based student tour operator.
By Vanessa Day
T
to win the hearts and minds of kids as they travel and are
ravel is a gift, passed down from generation to gen-
exposed to the joys of seeing the world,” he says. “And that
eration. It is a privilege and experience every youth
is pretty powerful from my perspective.”
should have. Mike Schields agrees with these senti-
Brightspark is a member of TUI Travel Group of Compa-
ments. Schields is the new president of Brightspark, and he
nies, one of the largest and most successful travel companies
wants to give more students and youths the opportunity to
in the world. Over 240 brands fall under the TUI umbrella in-
travel all over the world.
cluding 57 brands in the U.S like Europe Express, Gulliver’s
Schields spent the last decade with the Globus Family of
Travel, Adventure Center and iExplore.
Brands, one of the world’s leading travel companies, where he helped the firm achieve some major accomplishments. Now, he’s taken on a new challenge with Brightspark, a student-focused tour operator. It was a difficult decision, Schields says, but the new position created exciting possibilities. “There’s an opportunity here LeisureGroupTravel.com
Recently, Brightspark under-
“Every year, you’ve got a pipeline of millions of new kids that are potentially travel customers. We have kids coming through who want to travel, who want to see things.” —Mike Schields President, Brightspark
went a brand overhaul to better establish its name in the student travel industry. "Basically there were four companies that did close to the same thing and had complementary business models,” says Schields. So they decided to aggregate the four and combine them under one common brand. “The name is estabDecember 2013 17
on the record ❖ lished now, and the goal is to grow and prosper and attach top quality and service to that name." And Schields is ready to take on that mission, as well as his new role, which requires him to have an overarching view of all activity. “It’s basically looking at every aspect of the operation and optimizing it and enhancing it,” he says. “From sales to product development to operations to marketing to communications.” In each of those entities, Schields wants to become the best in the industry, and he believes having a common goal will take the company in the right direction. And that direction is to make Brightspark a bellwether in the student travel industry. He seeks to improve service levels, increase support and create some differentiation in the products Brightspark offers. Currently, the company’s primary product is the Washington, D.C. trip, as well as some additional destinations such as Boston, New York and Orlando. Brightspark also has a strong performance and events division, which is showing growth. But there is a lot more potential out there, especially since the student and youth travel industry has shown significant growth in recent years. Young people are traveling more and spending more, according to a new report from the World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation (WYSTEC). In 2012, young travelers accounted for $217 billion of the $1.088 trillion tourism “spend” around the world, the largest increase of any group of travelers. This segment now represents 20 percent of international tourism. Schields expects the growth to continue. “Every year, you’ve got a pipeline of millions of new kids that are potentially travel customers,” he says. “We have kids coming through who want to travel, who want to see things.” In order to take advantage of the growing number of student and youth travelers, Schields believes Brightspark needs to stand out from the crowd. There is room in the industry for different styles, Schields says. The LeisureGroupTravel.com
company has the opportunity to create something unique and offbeat, as opposed to offering a cookie-cutter eighth grade trip. And that differentiation could come in the form of special tours, lessons and programs that help to cultivate a student’s life. It isn’t just the amount of travel that has changed; the very nature of it has, too. WYSE Travel Confederation’s report found that the reasons for people traveling have shifted significantly, and the motivations behind it show a rise in cultural tourism. More than ever, young people want to enrich their lives and are traveling to gain work, educational and cultural experiences. Young travelers are touring the world in order to improve their resumes, according to the report. In fact, 22 percent of young travelers want to learn a language, 15 percent want to gain work experience and 15 percent travel to study. The desire to better oneself through travel is a concept with which Schields is very familiar. When asked why student travel is so important, Schields’ first response was that it breaks down barriers. “It’s the best way for kids to be exposed to different ways of life and different ways of thinking,” he says. “It educates beyond the classroom.” And this is what students and youths are seeking, an experience that is completely foreign and exotic. The WYSETC study found that the places young people are traveling to are changing and reflect this trend. They are spending less time in major gateway cities and exploring more remote destinations. The reason for this, according to Schields, is that many kids today have well-traveled parents, and, as a result, are very well traveled themselves. This means they’ve been to many of the major U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., and New York, and are now looking to visit more exotic destinations, including places
© Blue Man Productions, LLC.
in Central and South America, two of the biggest up and coming markets for travel. While this creates more opportunities for travel companies to build new itineraries, it is also a challenge, says Schields, as many companies are already in the market promoting these types of trips. Brightspark has already started working the international market, and
CREATIVITY INSPIRES Blue Man Group’s critically acclaimed show has been called “visually stunning,” “wildly inventive,” and “hysterically funny.” Although it is impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that Blue Man Group’s show is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous experience that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. NEW YORK
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on the record ❖
Student Travel Planning Made Easy he 2014 Student Travel Planning Guide, redesigned from cover to cover, is a gold mine for anyone who packages student group trips. Filled with expert advice, the fifth annual edition of this print publication features a slew of new articles written by experts in their fields. Topics range from negotiating group airfares and hotel rates to hiring extra security and choosing a volunteer program provider. Articles also spotlight fundraising ideas and the latest in tech tools. Mixing how-to information with listings of destinations, attractions and hotels eager to host student groups, the 52-page Student Travel Planning Guide is “a valuable resource full of fresh ideas for educators and anyone involved in putting together youth trips,” said Randy Mink, managing editor. The guide is published by Premier Tourism Marketing, the parent company of Leisure Group Travel.
T
Planning Syllabus… Don’t miss a step with planning tools, including an interactive copy of this guide you can share with colleagues (plagiarism encouraged)
Student group travel planners will find even more sources online at StudentTravelPlanningGuide.com. Destination-focused articles provide practical information on hundreds of student-friendly locations worldwide, while fun-to-read checklists of recommendations in various categories lay out top picks in subjects as diverse as music museums, safari parks and shopping malls. Readers also will find tips on chartering a motorcoach, chaperone selection and mapping out a trip timeline. In addition, they have full access to the digital edition of the print guide. The online profiles database contains hundreds of hotel, tour operator, attraction, dining and venue suppliers to meet your research and planning needs. Also browse the large collection of sample itineraries. All of this online content is wrapped in an easy-to-navigate website that allows you to search, review and read information
The 2014 Student Travel Planning Guide has been beefed up with new content.
pertaining only to your destination of choice–in a format that automatically adjusts to give you the best experience with whatever device you are using: PC, tablet or smartphone. Together, the print and online editions of the Student Travel Planning Guide provide a complete solution to your student travel planning needs. I
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But there is certainly more potential and Brightspark is looking to take it to the next level. “I’m super excited at the opportunity,” says Schields. “I think there’s a tremendous amount of potential. It’s a great company, a great brand. [And] we’re going to make it better.” LGT
– At a Glance Formed: 2010 with the merger of Educational Tours, National Events, New Horizons Tour and Travel and Travel Adventures. Part of the TUI Travel PLC. Specialty: Student tours to major domestic destinations, such as Washington DC, New York and Orlando, with additional performancebased events Headquarters: Deerfield, IL Contact: 888-995-5579, brightsparktravel.com
When it comes to group fun, you’ll find out Wisconsin Dells is more than just “The Waterpark Capital of the World!® ” From boat tours to dining, wineries, historic attractions and more, Wisconsin Dells is the group tour destination that keeps on giving. MeetInTheDells.com | groups@wisdells.com | (800) 223-3557
LeisureGroupTravel.com
December 2013 21
HOTEL INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
Pleasant Dreams
This guest room in Norton, Kansas reflects Sleep Inn’s Designed to Dream concept. The brand is Choice Hotels’ leader in new construction.
Citing new programs, new construction and higher occupancy, hotel executives express optimism for 2014 By Harry Peck
T
in the number of rooms in the total active pipeline compared
here’s good news for 2014 if you follow the hotel market.
with September 2012 and a 29.5 percent increase in rooms
“US Group Hotel Sales Opening 2014 with Increased
under construction.
Growth” sang the headline on Hospitalitynet.org.
With an improved economic sector and more travelers on
The story reports the North American Hospitality Review
the road, hotel companies poised for growth are in a good spot.
projects an improving 2014 outlook, with group sales over the
Leisure Group Travel went in search of examples of hotel com-
past month outpacing the same period last year by almost
panies that are properly positioned. Hotel executives are gen-
50%. The data came from the October 2013 TravelClick North
erally guarded regarding requests for information, but Leisure
American Hospitality Review (NAHR).
Group Travel was able to illustrate the emerging trend by talk-
For the ensuing 12 months, overall committed occupancy
ing with two of them. Both were upbeat about the future.
is up 7.4 percent when compared with the same time last
Gail Sayadian, Director of Leisure Sales, Global Sales,
year. Average daily rate (ADR) is up three percent based on
Choice Hotels International, said that in 2014 the company will
reservations already on the books. (To see all the statistics,
continue with “Comfort Re-imagined,” a $40-million effort for
with projected increases across markets, go to: hospitali-
the Comfort Inn brand, aimed at encouraging 1,900 domestic
tynet.org/news/4062740.html.)
Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites to quickly and efficiently per-
There’s also an enormous pipeline of new projects under-
form renovations. The goal is maintaining a consistent quality
way. In the US alone, 2,767 projects totaling 333,775 rooms
across the brand. The company has a global total of 2,500
are under development, according to the September 2013
Comfort Inns and Comfort Suites.
STR Pipeline Report. This represents a 15.6 percent increase 22 December 2013
The Choice vice president called the $40 million of brand LeisureGroupTravel.com
HOTEL INDUSTRY OUTLOOK “Our timing couldn’t be more perfect with consumers’ desire for upscale hotel design shifting from aspirational to that of a standard expectation.” —Karen Hamilton, Carlson Rezidor VP Global Sales improvement incentive money “an unprecedented turbo boost” to energize existing franchisees. All qualifying domestic Comfort brand hotels may apply to the company for financing with favorable repayment terms. Such renovations must be completed by Sept. 30, 2014. “As far as the quality of the guest experience, travelers are seeing and feeling it already,” Sayadian said. Some of the improvements include 154,000 flat-panel televisions and a quarter million pillows, with another three quarter million pillows set for delivery in 2014. Groups using the Comfort brands enjoy a free and recently enhanced Your Morning Breakfast, which includes eggs, meat and two flavors of waffles. Healthy options like oatmeal, hardboiled eggs and yogurt are also available. Sayadian noted a huge increase in breakfast scores year-over-year since the program launch. Another good group breakfast option is at the Clarion brand, also owned by Choice Hotels. Choice will complete the “Bistro C” rollout in 2014, with a cook-toorder menu and meals economical enough to serve the group
Filini is the smart Italian restaurant in Chicago’s Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel.
markets and allow the company to see a slight profit, Sayadian
tended Stay Hotel, EconoLodge and
said. This concept is part of a
Rodeway Inn brands, as well as its
broader strategic effort to make
Ascend Hotel Collection member-
Clarion the go-to option for group
ship program, serve guests world-
travel in the mid-scale lodging
wide. All hotels are independently
segment. She added that guests traveling to gather for events
owned and operated. Minnesota’s Mall of America boasts a new Radisson Blu.
The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
such as meetings, reunions and social occasions account for
will spend 2014 working towards the final quarter of its goals
70-90 million room nights per year in the mid-scale market.
laid out in the Ambition 2015 global strategy. The Radisson
The Choice Hotels flag currently ranking at the top for new
brand has been a key focal point of this strategy and by 2013’s
construction is Sleep Inns. The 100th property was built in
end, Radisson will have completed the first 75 percent of its
2013. Travelers can now find the Designed to Dream concept
Property Improvement Plans (PIPS) across its over 140 ho-
in both large and small markets.
tels. Karen Hamilton, Carlson Rezidor’s VP Global Sales, the
Choice Hotels franchises over 6,200 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, according to figures released in
Americas, said the Radisson hotels should be considered the “most refreshed” in the upscale market segment.
March, 2013. At that time, Choice listed 395 hotels represent-
“Our timing couldn’t be more perfect with consumers’ de-
ing more than 31,000 rooms as being under construction,
sire for upscale hotel design shifting from aspirational to that of
awaiting conversions or approved for development in the U.S.
a standard expectation,” she said.
Additionally, 88 hotels representing approximately 7,800 rooms
Hamilton said she expected to see moderate growth of all
were under construction in 20 other countries and territories.
brands with anticipated signings of 122 properties globally in
The company’s Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep
2014. Current portfolio for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in-
Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Ex-
cludes 1,307 hotels in operation and under development, to-
LeisureGroupTravel.com
December 2013 23
HOTEL INDUSTRY OUTLOOK “As far as the quality of the guest experience, travelers are seeing and feeling it already.” —Gail Sayadian, Director of Leisure Sales, Global Sales Choice Hotels International Radisson Re-Imagined program, the company is re-launching its Meeting Success Service Concept to better deliver on the evolving needs of guests and make Radisson Hotels the preferred choice for selecting a meetings and events venue. The An inviting lobby welcomes guests at the Comfort Suites in Fargo, N.D.
Meetings Success program has been refreshed and redesigned to assist hotels in delivering a meetings experience
taling 209,311 rooms, plus these global brands: Radisson Blu,
that will stand out to guests and meeting planners alike, and be
Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, and Country Inns
replicable as a consistent offering at all properties.
& Suites by Carlson. The company announced new programs for its meetings and events segment for Radisson Blu and Radisson. The Radisson Blu “Experience Meetings” program is set to launch globally in January. Additionally, Club Carlson for Planners is a program used at
Hamilton said Radisson has an initiative underway as part of a website upgrades program to make enhancements to the group/meeting pages. Regarding groups, and with all of this activity, Hamilton said “We are seeing a strong performance from the sports market across the portfolio.”
more than 1,000 participating hotels worldwide, Hamilton said.
We’re watching to see how well the group markets perform
Meetings and event planners who are members of Club Carl-
in the coming year. Two hotel companies waiting to seize group
son have the opportunity to earn points for meeting rooms,
travel opportunities are Choice Hotels and the Carlson Rezidor
sleep rooms and food and beverage expenses. As part of the
Hotel Group. LGT
24 December 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
LeisureGroupTravel.com
December 2013 25
on location ❖ midwest
Ten Tour-ific Nebraska Museums Whether your gang wants to connect with the Wild West, marvel at military aircraft, explore the sport of roller skating or dive into the origins of Kool-Aid, the Cornhusker State has just the place to drink it all in By Randy Mink
Omaha’s Durham Museum is housed in a former train station.
W
hat better way to absorb the pathos of the American West than by spending time at a museum where pioneer lore and Plains Indian culture spring to life. All across Nebraska you’ll find museums that spotlight our
nation’s early settlement and thirst for westward expansion. If your group’s interests lean more to science and art, there are outstanding choices for them as well. Here are 10 museums worth a spot on your next Nebraska itinerary: Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron. In the state’s western Panhandle region, visitors can trace the history of the North American fur trade, the oldest business in the New World. Exhibits spotlight the everyday lives of British, French and Spanish traders, voyageurs, mountain men, professional buffalo hunters, and Plains and Woodland Indians. On display is the entire range of goods that were traded to American Indians in exchange for their furs, including munitions, cutlery, axes,
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer is a trip into yesteryear.
firearms, textiles, paints and beads. One blanket dates back to 1775. On the museum grounds are a garden of nearly extinct crops that were grown by the Indians and a re-creation of the 1837-1876 Bordeaux Trading Place, built on the original foundation stones. (furtrade.org) Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, Grand Island. This 200-acre living history complex tells the story of Nebraska’s early days. In the 1890s Railroad Town, a village of 60 historical buildings, visitors explore shops, period homes and barns where townspeople demonstrate crafts and go about their daily lives. One home is the birthplace of actor Henry Fonda. See a multi-media presentation and exhibits about Nebraska history in the Stuhr Building, designed by noted architect Edward Durell Stone. American Indian and Old West artifacts are displayed in Fonner Rotunda. (stuhrmuseum.org)
Soar into the heavens at the Strategic Air & Space Museum.
Harold Warp’s Pioneer Village, Minden. More than 50,000 antiques, housed in 26 buildings, comprise one of the world’s largest collections of Americana. Highlights include a sod house, log cabin, Pawnee earth lodge, 1872 railway depot, original Pony Express station and a general store stocked with 19th century merchandise. Craftspeople demonstrate weaving, spinning and broom making. A collection of 350 antique cars (including the world’s oldest Buick), 20 airplanes and 100 tractors also sweeps visitors back to yesteryear, and they can see examples of seven generations of American kitchens since the 1830s. (pioneervillage.org) The Durham Museum, Omaha. Occupying a splendid 1931 Art Deco train station, the Durham offers your ticket to yesteryear. Walk through vintage train cars and learn about the importance of the Union Pacific railroad to the region. Other
Antique vehicles dazzle car buffs at the Hastings Museum. 26 December 2013
exhibits reveal the stories of the immigrants and business people who shaped LeisureGroupTravel.com
Obtain Nebraska visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
Omaha’s destiny. See rare coins and manuscripts, peek into
gas-powered pair. (rollerskatingmuseum.com)
replica storefronts and don’t forget to treat yourself at the vintage
Hastings Museum, Hastings. One must-see exhibit features
soda fountain. The Durham also has traveling exhibitions, such as
the history of Kool-Aid, which was invented in Hastings by Edwin
The 1968 Exhibit (Feb. 8-May 4, 2014). (durhammuseum.org)
Perkins in 1927. View vintage Kool-Aid commercials and see the
Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha. Nebraska’s largest art museum
original Kool-Aid Man costume worn in them. Also learn about pio-
presents a collection spanning from antiquity to the present, with an
neer settlement and Indian tribes, study wildlife in natural habitat dio-
emphasis on 19th and 20th century European and American art.
ramas, watch 3-D movies in the Lied Super Screen Theatre and see
Some of the most popular works depict the American West and
shows in J.M. McDonald Planetarium. (hastingsmuseum.org) LGT
Plains Indian cultures. Artists represented include Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood, Frederic Remington, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet and Pierre Auguste Renoir. (joslyn.org) Strategic Air & Space Museum, Ashland. This impressive repository of military aircraft, missiles and spacecraft lies just outside of Omaha, near Offutt Air Force Base, once the headquarters of the nation’s Strategic Air Command. Exhibits shed light on the Air Command’s efforts during the Cold War. Artifacts include SR-7 Blackbird reconnaissance plane, warplanes like the B-52 bomber and MiG-21 fighter jet, and an Apollo Command Space Module. Planetarium shows are available. (sasmuseum.com) Nebraska History Museum, Lincoln. Experience everything Nebraska on a journey from prehistoric days to the present. Permanent exhibits include Building the State: Nebraska, 1867-1916; The First Nebraskans (Plains Indians); and Nebraskans in World War II. (nebraskahistory.org) University of Nebraska Museums, Lincoln. Visitors are attracted to the university by more than Cornhusker football games. On both the east and city campuses are several museums that cover a wide variety of subjects. The University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History features the world’s finest collection of fossil elephants and offers shows at Mueller Planetarium. Other museums include the Great Plains Art Museum, Sheldon Museum of Art, International Quilt Study Center & Museum and Larsen Tractor Museum. (museum.unl.edu) National Museum of Roller Skating, Lincoln. Take a whirl around this offbeat museum, which features an intriguing collection of roller skating memorabilia. The only museum of its kind in the world, it examines roller skating as a sport, recreation and an industry, featuring skates, costumes, trophies, artwork and films of skating competitions. Skates date back to 1819 and include a bizarre, LeisureGroupTravel.com
December 2013 27
EXPLORE
Create unforgettable Minnesota memories. From the Mississippi River Headwaters to shimmering Lake Superior. Follow the Great River Road or 20 other Scenic byways. Festivals for music and fun. World-class dining and theater, concerts, museums, shopping and other hands-on attractions. For group travel planning, visit traveltrade.exploreminnesota.com
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE IN MINNESOTA
SM
SOUTH DAKOTA O U T D O O R S
Soft adventure activities, from fishing and boating to hiking and biking, lure active travelers to the mountains, lakes and prairies
LeisureGroupTravel.com
December 2013 29
South Dakota
I
By Randy Mink
t could be a peaceful day of canoeing on a lazy river, an exhilarating bike ride through pine forests or fishing for walleye in the secluded channel of a vast reservoir. Perhaps your idea of ad-
venture in South Dakota’s wide-open spaces is spotting birds you’ve never seen before or hiking to the highest point in the state. For a real adrenaline rush, try rock climbing. While tour planners can create a South Dakota itinerary devoted exclusively to tourist magnets that bring to life the state’s Wild West past, explore Native American culture and spotlight scenic beauty, there are alternatives to passive sightseeing. It’s easy to add a dash of soft adventure to your program and still see Mount Rushmore. For young and physically active groups, the whole trip can revolve around outdoor recreation. South Dakota abounds with state parks and recreation areas, national parks and wildlife refuges, dozens of lakes and rivers, and hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails. Overnight options in the parks range from campgrounds and air-conditioned cabins to lodges with the comforts of home. Custer State Park, one of the country’s largest state parks, is a chief draw for outdoor enthusiasts in the Black Hills region of western South Dakota. A kingdom of towering pines and massive granite outcroppings, the park is best known for its herd of nearly 1,300 free-roaming bison and 18-mile-long Wildlife Loop Road, where motorists are rewarded with sightings not only of buffalo, but prairie dogs, mule deer, mountain goats and panhandling burros as well. Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours are a must for groups. The park also can be explored on foot via one of 11 hiking trails,
all of which allow mountain biking (rentals available at the park). One trail goes to the top of 7,242-foot Harney Peak, the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains as well as highest point in the state. Those who make the 6.6-mile trek, a four- to five-hour roundtrip, relish a four-state panoramic view from a stone lookout tower. The more daring can sign up with Sylvan Rock Climbing School & Guide Service for a rock climbing adventure that tackles a few of the granite spires in the park’s Needles-Sylvan Lake district. Custer State Park’s four lakes are well-stocked with trout, crappie and perch, and all offer swimming beaches. Park accommodations include eight campgrounds, 50 camping cabins and four historic resort lodges. Ranger-guided nature walks and evening programs are available. Traversing sections of the park is the 68-mile-long Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. Be aware, however, that most motorcoaches cannot fit through the tunnels. Three trailheads in the park provide access to the Centennial Trail, popular with bicyclists. The George S. Mickelson Trail, a rails-to-trails project that attracts hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, traces an Outdoor enthusiasts find oceans of fun in South Dakota’s Great Lakes and acres of wilderness in Custer State Park, a Black Hills favorite. All Photos Courtesy of South Dakota Department of Tourism
Many ranches and state parks offer horseback riding opportunities.
abandoned Burlington Northern line through the Black Hills Na-
but there are several marked trails. The shorter ones can be
tional Forest. The 109-mile trail from Deadwood to Edgemont
completed in 20-30 minutes, while the mostly level Castle Trail
offers a high-quality surface of gravel and crushed limestone,
is a 10-mile roundtrip that takes about five hours.
with mostly gentle grades, though a few portions are consid-
Central South Dakota, known as the Great Lakes region, is
ered strenuous. There are 15 trailheads, so it’s possible to do
dominated by the Missouri River and its four dam-created reser-
bite-size segments. The trail passes through prairie, meadows,
voirs—Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis
and stands of pine and spruce. Many old railroad trestles are
& Clark Lake. Fishing, boating and birding options abound, and
still in place, and there are four rock tunnels.
there are lodges, resorts and marinas all along the lakes.
For those who like their fresh air on the fairways, the Black
Birders know the Missouri valley as the major North Amer-
Hills has 19 golf courses. Prime among them is Southern Hills
ican migratory waterfowl flyway, a vast area where many of
near Hot Springs, a course highly rated by Golfweek and Golf
South Dakota’s 400 bird species can be spotted. The Great
Digest. Set among creeks and ponderosa pines, it offers stun-
Lakes Birding Trail runs on both sides of the river. On areas
ning views from every tee. In Rapid City, The Golf Club at Red
of open prairie you might find the greater prairie chicken or bur-
Rock was rated by Golfweek as the No. 1 public course in
rowing owls in prairie dog towns. Barn owls nest and roost in
South Dakota.
burrows dug in cliff faces along the river. Novice and experi-
Badlands National Park, a stark, other-worldly realm of
enced birders flock to Fort Randall on the first weekend in May
buttes, pinnacles and gorges just east of the Black Hills, lures
for the South Dakota Birding Festival, where activities in-
hikers and backcountry explorers. All areas are open for hiking,
clude bird banding, bird identification and guided field trips.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
December 2013 31
What’s New in South Dakota Good Earth State Park at Blood Run, near Sioux Falls, is South Dakota’s newest state park and the largest Oneota cultural site in the Upper Midwest. This swath of prairie was an important gathering place for seasonal ceremonies and a trading center for many tribal peoples from 1300-1700 A.D.
South Dakota
Lakota Ways, a new Native American arts and cultural center in Wall, includes an Indian crafts boutique, fine art gallery and hands-on experiences such as beadwork, porcupine quillwork, tipi raising, traditional storytelling and warrior face painting. Other highlights are day and evening shows and the reopened Wounded Knee Museum. The Mount Rushmore Society recently opened the Mount Rushmore Memories store in Hill City. It offers regional books, art, collectibles, apparel and visitor information. The Museum of the American Bison and Great Plains Center, which opened last spring in Rapid City, tells the story of this shaggy beast from its prehistoric beginnings to its near extinction, how the bison impacted the development of the Wild West and those who helped save the remaining bison at the end of the 1800s. The Sculpture Project: Passage of Wind and Water in Rapid City, the largest privately funded public art commission in the country right now, is made up of 21 large pieces of granite arranged around two street sides of Main Street Square that will be sculpted on site over the next five years. The Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood just became a Holiday Inn Resort®. Formerly a historical mining building, the property includes six floors comprising 98 guest rooms, plus a casino, indoor pool, spa, fitness center and event center.
10 Top Events for 2014 JANUARY-FEBRUARY Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, Rapid City, Jan. 31-Feb. 9. Come for the rodeo, sheep dog trials and 90-some other agriculture-driven events.
JUNE Fort Sisseton Historical Festival, Fort Sisseton Historical State Park, near Lake City, June 6-8. Fur traders and cavalry troops converge on this 1864 fort, bringing frontier days to life in a military encampment.
The Black Hills’ George S. Mickelson Trail is a rails-to-trails project.
Missouri River anglers enjoy remote channels and bays as well as endless expanses of open water. Walleye reigns supreme on all four reservoirs but is followed closely by smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Lake Oahe, the largest lake at a whopping 232 miles long, is the only one with a big population of northern pike and the only one with salmon, a result of yearly stocking. Besides fishing, water sports include sailing and windsurfing (especially on Lewis & Clark, with its tree-covered shoreline and chalky bluffs), kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing and swimming. Hikers and bikers take to many trails located in communities, parks and public lands along the river. In northeastern South Dakota, the Glacial Lakes & Prairies region also attracts birdwatchers. Thousands of migratory birds make stopovers at the Sand Lake and Waubay national wildlife refuges, which are among 38 sites on the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Birding Trail. The Southeast tourism region of South Dakota encompasses the Missouri National Recreational River, part of the nation’s Wild & Sce-
Siouxland Renaissance Festival, June 7-8. Lords, ladies, merchants and peasants hark back to the days of Queen Elizabeth I.
nic Rivers System. Forming much of the border between South Dakota
Crazy Horse Volksmarch, Crazy Horse Memorial, near Custer, June 7-8 and Sept. 28-29. Thousands join the most popular organized hike in the United States on a 10K (6.2-mile) trek to the arm of the world’s largest mountain carving in progress.
Bluffs along some stretches provide scenic backdrops for anglers,
Wild Bill Hickok Days, Deadwood, June 13-15. Free entertainment highlights the tribute to the man who helped build the fame and fortune of this Wild West town.
is one of the state’s best streams for whitewater enthusiasts.
JULY Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, De Smet, July 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27. This outdoor theater production dramatizes stories of pioneer life as depicted in Wilder’s beloved Little House books. Days of ’76, Deadwood, July 22-26. A wild ’n’ wooly event first held in 1924, it features real-life cowboys, rodeos, Main Street parades, national entertainers and Old West chow.
AUGUST Corn Palace Festival, Mitchell, Aug. 20-24. Thousands gather for a carnival and big-name entertainers. South Dakota State Fair, Huron, Aug. 28-Sept. 1. Enjoy 4-H exhibits, a carnival midway and six stages of free entertainment.
and Nebraska, it is a meandering river with no dams or channelization. kayakers and canoers. Paddlers in the Southeast also find contentment on the Big Sioux, James, and Vermillion rivers, while Split Rock Creek Southeast playgrounds include Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, a prime camping, hiking and mountain biking destination on the banks of Lewis & Clark Lake and the Missouri River, west of Yankton. Newton Hills State Park, near Canton, has an exceptional trail for birdwatchers and an observation tower that affords breathtaking views, especially during fall color season. Palisades State Park, near Garretson and a half hour from Sioux Falls, is a geologic wonder overlooking Split Rock Creek; the prairie oasis, noted for its sheer cliff walls and red quartzite spires, ranks as one of the Midwest’s premier rock climbing sites. Sioux Falls, the state’s largest city, makes a good base of operations for touring the Southeast and offers five first-rate golf courses. Everyone knows South Dakota as the land of Great Faces and
SEPTEMBER
Great Places. Those who relish a shady campsite, a woodland trail or
Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival, Sept. 26-28. This ABA Top 100 Event for 2014 features the rounding up of buffalo on Friday morning and a weekend arts festival.
a relaxing day on the water appreciate it for something special—the
32 December 2013
great outdoors. LGT LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: northeast ❖
Best of Baltimore Top Attractions By Randy Mink
Visit Baltimore
The National Aquarium, a top draw for tour groups at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, showcases a vast array of marine life, from sharks to jellyfish.
O
ne of the East Coast’s great port cities, Baltimore
Baltimore Museum of Art
brims with reminders of America’s past. Charm City is
A wide-ranging collection includes
the birthplace of American railroading and the Na-
treasures from Africa, Asia, Oceania
tional Anthem, and through September of 2014 it’s celebrating
and the Americas, in addition to eight
the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the penning of “The
galleries of European Old Masters
Star-Spangled Banner.”
and works by Cezanne, Gaugin, Renoir, Van Gogh and Picasso. The
more, reigns supreme as the go-to place for tourists. Rich in
largest museum in Maryland, lo-
maritime lore, it abounds with shops, restaurants and attrac-
cated next to the main campus of
tions like the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center.
The Johns Hopkins University, boasts what is reputedly
Fun neighborhoods like Little Italy, Mount Vernon and Federal
the world’s largest Henri Matisse collection. The contempo-
Hill offer their own lures. Fell’s Point, Baltimore’s original sea-
rary art wing displays many Andy Warhol paintings. Also
port, still has cobblestone streets and attracts visitors with lively
view furniture, decorative arts, period rooms and a sculpture
pubs and funky little shops.
garden. The exhibition German Expressionism (Jan. 29
Visit Baltimore
The Inner Harbor, as the vibrant heart of downtown Balti-
Situated between Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia,
through October 2014) presents an overview of the revolu-
Maryland’s largest city fits well into many Eastern Seaboard
tionary art movement that flourished in Germany during the
itineraries. Here are a dozen attractions worth checking out on
first three decades of the 20th century. Admission is free.
a trip to Baltimore:
(artbma.org)
LeisureGroupTravel.com
December 2013 37
on location: northeast ❖
Obtain Maryland visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
Historic Ships of Baltimore Baltimore’s nautical heritage is on display at the Inner Harbor,
freshwater animals, from snakes,
with four ships docked at Piers 1, 3
electric eels and jellyfish to sharks,
and 5 open for touring. The triple-
dolphins and birds. The new Black-
masted USS Constellation is the
tip Reef, an Indo-Pacific ocean ex-
last all-sail war ship built by the
hibit, includes blacktip reef sharks, whiptail rays, Calypso the green
Visit Baltimore
Five levels of exhibits feature more than 17,000 marine and
Visit Baltimore
National Aquarium
U.S. Navy and the only Civil Warera vessel still afloat. Also see the
sea turtle and zebra sharks Zoe and Zeke. Upland Tropical
WWII submarine Torsk, the Lightship Chesapeake and the
Rain Forest has sloths, monkeys, parrots and poison dart
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Taney, the last ship afloat to have
frogs. Also popular are Animal Planet Australia: Wild Ex-
survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. Climb the 1856 Seven
tremes, Atlantic Coral Reef, Amazon River Forest and Mary-
Foot Knoll Lighthouse, which once stood at the entrance of
land: Mountains to Sea, with freshwater stream and tidal
Baltimore Harbor. Group tours include hands-on activities.
marsh habitats. Prominently located at the Inner Harbor, the
(historicships.org)
aquarium also offers a theater with 4-D immersion films. (aqua.org)
Spirit Cruises
Top of the World Observation Level
waterfront from the deck of a ship.
See the Inner Harbor and historic The Spirit of Baltimore offers yearround lunch, brunch and dinner
Center, the world’s tallest pentag-
cruises with buffet dining, dancing
onal building, provide 360-degree
and a DJ playing Top 40 hits. The
panoramic views of the Inner Har-
Inner Harbor Spirit does 75-minute
bor and city skyline. Information
sightseeing cruises, traveling from
panels spotlight Baltimore landmarks and historical milestones.
Visit Baltimore
Floor-to-ceiling windows on the 27th floor of the World Trade
the Inner Harbor past Fort McHenry and back; a cocktail cruise is available for groups of 20 and more. The Seadog
One exhibit honors the 68 Maryland residents who lost their
speedboat offers thrill-packed, 50-minute sightseeing rides in
lives on 9/11, and a large memorial in front of the building is
the warmer months and can be chartered for 20 and up.
made of steel beams from New York’s World Trade Center
(spiritcruisesbaltimore.com)
and limestone from the Pentagon. The building is located next to the National Aquarium. (viewbaltimore.org)
Oriole Park at Camden Yards Take in a Baltimore Orioles base-
Maryland Science Center
ball game and/or tour this classically designed ballpark, the first of the
body and the world of dinosaurs at
fan-friendly, retro-style parks that
one of the country’s top science
started a stadium design trend in the
museums. Stand inside a beating
1990s. Tours include the Orioles
heart chamber, hear digestion
dugout, press area, scoreboard con-
noises and, through groundbreak-
trol room and a luxury suite. At the
ing video technology, follow a
stadium is the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards,
cherry tomato as it travels from the mouth to the stomach. A
which salutes local college and professional sports and has
giant mechanical blue crab is the focus of an exhibit focusing
an Orioles Hall of Fame. Three blocks west is the Babe Ruth
on the Chesapeake Bay and its relationship to Maryland and
Birthplace and Museum, a shrine packed with photos,
the Mid-Atlantic. Located at the Inner Harbor, the Maryland
memorabilia and film clips that pay tribute to Baltimore
Science Center offers three levels of hands-on exhibits, plus
native George Herman “Babe” Ruth, the legendary Yankees
giant-screen IMAX films and multimedia presentations in
slugger who became America’s first sports celebrity.
Davis Planetarium. (marylandsciencecenter.org)
(orioles.com, baberuthmuseum.org)
38 December 2013
Maryland Office of Tourism
Explore outer space, the human
LeisureGroupTravel.com
The Walters Art Museum A collection spanning 5,000 years is
seum displays an eclectic, quirky collec-
housed in three buildings in the historic Mt.
tion of works created by people who lack
Vernon Cultural District. Objects range from
artistic training but feel compelled to paint,
Egyptian mummies, Greek sculpture and
draw or make things from matchsticks.
Roman sarcophagi to Renaissance suits of
Visit Baltimore
Far from a stuffy experience, this mu-
You might be enamored by the ocean liner made from 100,000 toothpicks or the
Maryland Office of Tourism
American Visionary Art Museum
armor, Faberge eggs and Old Masters paintings. Hackerman House displays over 1,000 works of Chinese,
throne constructed mostly from flattened bottle caps. Check out the
Southeast Asian and Indian art in a beautifully renovated 1850 town-
human figure carved from an apple tree trunk, a mirror adorned with
house; highlights include Japanese arms and armor, porcelains, lac-
melted candles or the family of kinetic robot sculptures crafted from
quers and metalwork. Also view Islamic art, Art Nouveau jewelry,
junkyard scraps. The front of the curvaceous building is marked by
and 19th century European and American masterpieces. General
the Giant Whirligig, a 55-foot wind-powered sculpture and beloved
admission is free. (thewalters.org)
Baltimore landmark. (avam.org)
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum Fort McHenry National Monument
This indoor-outdoor museum, in the
Situated at the entrance to Baltimore’s
birthplace of American railroading, boasts
harbor, Fort McHenry was the home of
the largest collection of 19th century loco-
the flag that inspired lawyer Francis Scott
motives in North America. Vintage engines
Key to write the lyrics to “The Star-Span-
and rolling stock are displayed on outdoor
gled Banner” in 1814. He had witnessed a
platforms and under the roundhouse dome
War of 1812 battle in which valiant Amer-
covering a wooden turntable. Besides examining trains and railroad
ican defenders thwarted a British advance
memorabilia, visitors can take a nostalgic 20-minute ride on the first
amid “the rockets’ red glare and bombs bursting in air.” The star-
commercial railroad track in America. (borail.org)
shaped brick fort offers historical displays and a short movie featuring the U.S. Naval Choir singing the National Anthem. Visitors can roam the ramparts and on summer weekends watch costumed members of the Fort McHenry Guard conduct drills and fire weapons. (nps.gov/fomc)
Lexington Market Established in 1782, this downtown Baltimore landmark claims to be the oldest continuously operating market in the country. Some 140 merchants sell preor take-away), bakery goods, produce, meats and fresh seafood from
Visit Baltimore
pared foods (for eat-in
the Chesapeake Bay. Vendors include delis, Chinese takeout places and raw oyster stands. Try the fabled crabcakes at Faidley Seafood and the cookies at Bergers Bakery in the food court. The hectic, crowded market, which underwent a renovation in 2002, provides groups with an alternative to the city’s standard tourist attractions. (lexingtonmarket.com) LeisureGroupTravel.com
December 2013 39
Hawaii
PERILLO’S
Perillo guests on “The Three Islander” package begin their adventure in paradise with a three-night hotel stay at world-famous Waikiki Beach.
I
n the minds of many travel professionals, Perillo Tours is
$3,359, double occupancy, for the land portion, the program
synonymous with escorted vacations to Italy. As America’s
includes three nights on each island.
oldest and largest travel company to Italy, the third-gener-
DAY 1
After landing in Honolulu, you’ll be met at the
ation family operation has been running tours there for 68
Hyatt Regency Waikiki with a traditional lei greeting. Dinner
years. But many Perillo travelers are greeted with a warm
is your choice—in the Hyatt’s new SWIM poolside lounge, at
“Aloha” rather than a hearty “Buongiorno,” as the company
one of its two brand new restaurants or from the comfort of
also commands a strong presence in Hawaii.
your own ocean-view balcony. A $40 per person hotel food and
Perillo, in fact, is celebrating its 25th year in the Hawaii market. The New Jersey-based tour operator (perillotours.com) of-
beverage credit is provided.
DAY 2
After breakfast, attend a short familiarization
fers not only hosted tours for the general public but also
talk on your Hawaiian adventure. The rest of the day features
customized group travel opportunities for the academic and
a tour along the Windward Coast to the Polynesian Cultural
affinity sectors, including music and science Learning Journeys
Center’s authentic South Pacific villages, with craft demon-
options. All programs blend organized sightseeing with ample
strations, an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner and Polynesian
free time to absorb the laid-back island lifestyle of our 50th state.
dance revue.
The travel industry has seen a ramped-up demand for
DAY 3
Today’s sightseeing tour of Honolulu includes
Hawaii vacations in recent months, and many travel pros cite
Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial, Punchbowl
the Islands as among their hottest-selling destinations at the
National Cemetery and the downtown area. The day ends
moment.
with dinner at the Hyatt’s Japengo restaurant followed by the
Following are day-by-day descriptions of what travelers can expect on two Perillo programs in Hawaii:
PERILLO TOURS’ “THE THREE ISLANDER” “The Three Islander,” a 10-day, 9-night vacation package, showcases the tropical splendors of Oahu, Maui and Kauai, with deluxe accommodations at Hyatt resorts. Priced from 40 December 2013
Society of Seven cocktail show.
DAY 4
After breakfast, you jet off to Maui, the “Valley
Island.” Sightseeing highlights on the way to the Hyatt Regency Maui include a visit to the Iao Valley to view the famous Iao Needle and a drive through the historic whaling town of Lahaina.
DAY 5
Enjoy a free day at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s
lush tropical grounds, the half-acre swimming pool and worldLeisureGroupTravel.com
Hawaii Tourism Authority/Joe Solem
The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is a Honolulu highlight.
Hawaii. The hotel has a four-acre swimming and snorkeling lagoon, three freshwater swimming pools and a dolphin encounter program, in addition to a beach, waterfalls, canal boats and tram rides.
PERILLO TOURS’ “HAWAII’S TRAVELING CLASSROOM 2014” Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson
This 10-day, 9-night educational immersion program is organized for student groups by Perillo’s Learning Journeys division. During four days on the Big Island, the focus is on science, with hands-on lessons in geology, astronomy, botany and marine life. The Oahu portion of the trip provides close encounters with Hawaiian history and culture.
DAY 1
After arriving at Hilo International Airport, the
group is greeted with a traditional flower lei and then taken to famous Ka’anapali Beach. Cap your day with a sunset cock-
a Hilo hotel that has inside corridors; girls and boys stay on
tail cruise on a smooth-sailing catamaran, enjoying views of
separate floors, chaperones intermingled between. During the
West Maui, Molokai and Lanai while downing hot and cold
first-night pizza party/orientation briefing, the local tour director
pupus with mai tais, beer or soda. If it’s whale season (mid-De-
goes over hotel rules, safety and area shopping.
cember through mid-April), you might spot a humpback or two.
DAY 2 With an interpretive guide the group studies the
An exploration of Maui is highlighted by a tour
formation of the Hawaiian archipelago by Madam Pele, the
of 10,023-foot Mount Haleakala, a sleeping volcano that gave
goddess of the volcano, stopping first at Punalu’u Black Sand
birth to the island. Truly majestic, her crater is a mile deep and
Beach. Students will learn how the beach was formed by hot
stretches seven miles across. Tonight is the Drums of the Pa-
lava entering the ocean, exploding and later cooling to form
cific Luau, a journey through the islands of Polynesia with the
basalt black sand. There’s time to explore the volcanic reef and
dances and music of Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Tahiti and
see endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles basking in
Hawaii.
the sun.
DAY 6
DAY 7
Fly to Kauai, the “Garden Island,” where your
Next the group enters Volcanoes National Park and heads
home for the next three nights is the Grand Hyatt Kauai, one
to the Thurston Lava Tube, a cavern located in a forest of giant
of the finest resorts in Hawaii. Spend the afternoon relaxing at
tropical hapu’u ferns. Students use their flashlights to proceed
the beach or poolside or just exploring the lush manicured
deeper into the cave, where lava flowed thousands of years
grounds.
ago. Then the group embarks on a mile-long hike through bar-
DAY 8
Hang loose and enjoy a full day at leisure. But
ren fields of cinder on the park’s Devastation Trail, where the
if it’s excitement you want, consider an optional helicopter tour.
guide describes volcanic formations like Pele’s Tears, Pele’s
Visit Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of
Hair and Pumice. A lunch break at the park’s visitors center in-
the Pacific,” and Kauai Coffee’s Koloa Estate, the largest cof-
cludes a discussion of tectonic plates, the Ring of Fire and how
fee farm in the U.S., home to four million coffee trees.
Hawaii was formed through a “hot spot” in the Pacific Plate.
DAY 9
DAY 10
The tour ends after breakfast.
The group continues on to visit steam vents where hot moist air
A shorter Hawaii option is “The Two Islander,” a 7-day/6-
warms their faces and tour the Jagger Museum, where they
night program (from $2,359, plus air) that ends on Day 7 of
can watch seismographs record earthquakes right under their
“The Three Islander.” Either trip can be extended with a 3-
feet and view the lava lake in Halemaumau Crater as it erupts.
night stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Resort on the Big Island of
At night they visit eruption sites and view the red-hot lava.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
December 2013 41
ocean next to your hotel. After lunch, it’s off to Keauhou Bay for a snorkel cruise to historic Kealakekua Bay, where Hawaii was first discovered by Captain Cook in 1777. Students will explore lava tubes and see sea turtles, spinner dolphins, maybe even a humpback whale or two. Hawaii Tourism Japan
DAY 5
A short flight from Kona Airport takes the group
to Honolulu on the island of Oahu. Soon after arrival you’ll head to Hawaii’s most famous landmark, Diamond Head, and climb to its 763-foot summit for a spectacular 360-degree view. After Students might encounter sea turtles on their snorkeling cruise.
the hike you’ll make a stop at the Waikiki Aquarium for a workshop on “What’s a Coral?” Students will learn about
DAY 3
At the Pacific Tsunami Museum, students
Hawaii’s delicate coral reef system and feed live corals found
attend a class and learn about tsunami awareness and the lat-
only in Hawaiian waters. At night the group is separated into
est forecasting tools used around the Pacific. Next is a hike
teams for a Wiki Wacky Scavenger Hunt aimed at instilling
through a tropical rain forest at Akaka Falls, one of Hawaii’s
knowledge of Waikiki’s history and culture.
highest waterfalls. After the hike, head to the lower slopes of
DAY 6
Enjoy a full-day adventure at the Polynesian
Mauna Kea for a vanilla bean farm experience. Students
Cultural Center, where you’ll tour the seven villages that rep-
learn about the orchids that produce vanilla beans and how
resent the islands of the South Pacific. Highlights include
they are cultivated, pollinated, harvested and dried. Then it’s
shows throughout the day, an IMAX movie and a Polynesian
time for a vanilla-infused lunch and the famous ice cream. The
feast that includes baked chicken, a turkey carving station,
day ends with a deli-style dinner and star-gazing atop Mauna
fried mahi mahi, Fijian curry, Samoan noodles, and salad and
Kea; after a 60-minute documentary film the group moves out-
fruit bar. The day concludes with the big show in the open-air
side to view the night sky through telescopes.
amphitheater.
DAY 4
In the morning enjoy a tidal pool walk along the
DAY 7
Hawaii’s history and culture takes center stage on an Eastern Shores island tour that starts around Diamond Head and continues to the Blowhole—where water can spout hundreds of feet into the air. At Pali Lookout the wind is so strong that you can almost fly. Lunch is on the lawn of Iolani Palace, where you’ll tour the former residence of Hawaii’s kings and queens. Enjoy traditional entertainment and foods—and even try doing the hula—at an authentic Hawaiian luau that caps the day.
DAY 8
It’s time to hang loose
Hawaiian style. Sit back and relax while enjoying your days in paradise or sign up for adventures like snorkeling, parasailing and rain forest hiking.
DAY 9
Another free day to
relax, explore or purchase adventure activities. At our farewell beach barbecue we’ll announce the winner of the Wiki Wacky Scavenger Hunt, who will receive an authentic Hawaiian trophy.
DAY 10
42 December 2013
Departure Day. LGT LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location ❖ south
Time-honored attractions tantalize tour groups in this Tennessee River city By Dave Bodle
Rock City Gardens’ swinging bridge
c i n Sce
CHATTANOOGA
T
ennessee’s fourth largest city has several unofficial nicknames,
primary beneficiaries of this forward thinking, the savvy group
including “River City” and “Gig City.” The latter reveals Chat-
travel planner is discovering the fruits of a Chattanooga tour.
tanooga’s assertion of having the fastest Internet service in the
Adjacent to the Georgia border and serviced by three in-
Western Hemisphere. However, travelers who have been to
terstate highways, Chattanooga is less than a three-hour drive
this southeastern Tennessee community probably agree that
from Atlanta, Birmingham, Huntsville, Nashville, Knoxville and
“Scenic City” is the proper nickname, and it is the official one.
Pigeon Forge. A prime location certainly makes Chattanooga
Surrounded by mountains and ridges along with lakes that
accessible. However, it’s a range of attractions, outstanding
are part of the Tennessee River, which runs through the city,
dining options, comfortable accommodations and a group-
Chattanooga is a natural photo opportunity. Over the years
friendly welcome that excites the tour and travel industry.
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
public and private partnerships have committed to maintaining
It just makes sense to begin a Chattanooga visit at the
the scenic beauty with which
Tennessee Aquarium. Remark-
Chattanooga has been blessed.
ably, this cornerstone of the Wa-
An early success was the
terfront Plan has been rated
restoration of the 1891 Walnut
“Best Aquarium in America” for
Street Bridge, the oldest surviv-
three consecutive years,” based
ing Camelback truss bridge in
on IMPACTS 2013 independ-
the southeast. More recently the
ent, nationwide guest satisfac-
21st Century Waterfront Plan
tion survey of more than 30,000
has invested $120 million in re-
visitors to U.S. attractions. The
developing the city’s waterfront
main lure is certainly the diverse
and downtown area. Although residents may have been the LeisureGroupTravel.com
collection of 10,000+ animals Visitors to Rock City are rewarded with splendid mountain views.
from butterflies and reptiles to December 2013 43
on location: south ❖
Obtain Tennessee visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
ways through the boulders. Seven States Flag Court at Lover’s Leap offers a memorable view. All of Lookout Mountain’s attractions are just six miles from downtown Chattanooga. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a rolling trip back in time. Refurbished equipment and outstanding faciliTennessee Department of Tourist Development
ties share the historical perspective of train travel. Daily rides, extended excursions on select days and annual events provide numerous opportunities to hear the conductor call those magical words, “All Aboard.” To this point we’ve been up close to Chattanooga’s natural beauty from the rails, roads, paths and even a catamaran. It’s Chattanooga’s downtown riverfront is a magnet for special events.
time now to leisurely explore the scenic Tennessee River aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat. A relaxing, narrated af-
fish and birds. Yes, the penguins are adorable and the sharks
ternoon lunch cruise introduces the passenger to the sights
are toothy. Stay as long as you like, but there’s still more to see
along the river. Music, a prime rib dinner and an evening tour
close-by.
are the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Just a block from the aquarium is the IMAX 3D Theater,
The Bluff View Art District sits above the Tennessee River
where giant-screen films take the viewer from memorable un-
and provides spectacular views. The historic district is dedi-
derwater adventures to lands far away. Rounding out the
cated to the visual, culinary and horticultural arts. Master gar-
trifecta is a riverboat cruise. Board the catamaran River Gorge
deners tend to the district’s landscaping. Treats to please every
Explorer for a scenic cruise downstream to the Tennessee
palate are featured in three remarkable restaurants.
River Gorge. An aquarium naturalist accompanies you, point-
The visual arts take center stage at The River Gallery.
ing out the plants, animals and history of “Tennessee’s Grand
Nationally known artists exhibit regularly and working artists
Canyon.” Fall Color Cruises are exceptionally popular.
often provide instruction and demonstrations. The Smithsonian
"Chattanooga Choo Choo,” the 1941 song by Harry Warren (music) and Mack Gordon (words), was originally recorded
has recognized the River Gallery Sculpture Garden in its “Archive of American Gardens.”
as a big band/swing tune by Glenn Miller and his orchestra.
Located in a stunning architectural setting that parallels its
The song was featured in the 1941 movie Sun Valley Sere-
focus on art from the colonial period to the present day, the
nade. Today, the Choo Choo Terminal Station is home to a Historic Hotel of America, two group-friendly restaurants, shops and the Model Railroad Museum. The scenic beauty of Chattanooga provides a full day of touring and memories. Your day begins at Lookout Mountain’s outstanding attractions. Guided tours at Ruby Falls take you through a variety of cave and rock formations. The highlight for many is the 145foot underground waterfall illuminated by a spectacular LED light show. Be certain to take a sweater. It’s always 59 degrees inside the caves. Referred to as “America’s Most Amazing Mile,” the Incline Railroad takes guests on an astonishing ride to the top of Lookout Mountain. Your coach will meet you at the Incline Top Station and take you to the Battles of Chattanooga Museum, part of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park System and Point Park. The latter was the site of the “Battle Above the Clouds.” Rock City Gardens provides natural splendor throughout the year. There’s always something blooming along the path44 December 2013
Ruby Falls is one of the big-time attractions on Lookout Mountain.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Hunter Museum of American Art exhibits a wide collection. From well-known artists as Andy Warhol and Winslow Homer to lesser known contributors, virtually every medium is presented. The Hunter welcomes groups, and both adult and student/youth tour planners have program options. The museum’s scavenger hunt is very popular. Another can’t-miss opportunity in the Bluff View Art District is the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts. Anna Safley-Houston is a story in herself – married and divorced nine times, shrewd businesswoman and bargainer and noted expert on all things Victorian. Her collection of glass and antique furniture was left to museum trustees for future generations. More than 15,000 pieces are on display for visitors. Still looking for just one more reason to visit Chattanooga? Well, their way of saying, “thanks for coming” is special. Since 1917 Chattanooga Bakery has been making the legendary MoonPie. Bring your adult group for an overnight in Chattanooga and let the CVB know you’re coming. A complimentary MoonPie will be waiting for every guest along with a history page and welcome. LGT
Give your next tour group more memories per gallon. Bring them to a place that makes eyes go wide and mouths grin ear to ear. A destination with more shows. More shopping. More arts and crafts. More mountain views. And more down-home cooking. A city that offers a wide range of fun for anyone at any age. Welcome to a detour from the ordinary.
PigeonForgeTours.com • 1-800-285-7557
on location ❖ west
A R I Z O N A’S
GRAND CANYON THERE’S MORE TO DO THAN MEETS THE EYE By Sue Arko
G
roups traveling to the Grand
national park and features a large
Canyon can expect to see
bookstore. Indoor exhibits include
spectacular scenery, brilliant sun-
interpretive trip planners, The
rises and sunsets, scurrying wildlife
Canyon World in the new Science
and a multitude of vegetation. Grand
On a Sphere Theater®, and ex-
Canyon National Park, a World Her-
hibit cubes displaying items from
itage Site, is one of the most impres-
the park's natural and cultural his-
sive examples of erosion to be found
tory collections. There is also a
anywhere with massive vistas pro-
20-minute film, Grand Canyon: A
viding breathtaking views.
Journey of Wonder, in the Visitor
But there is more to do than
Center theater. It’s just a short
Enjoy an entertaining ride on the Grand Canyon Railway.
meets the eye. Options include hiking, live entertainment, wildlife experiences, delicious dining,
walk to Mather Point for an unforgettable view of the canyon.
a nostalgic railroad, flights and rafting. There is truly something
Active groups may consider hiking the canyon. Hiking along
for everyone at the Grand Canyon. Most services are found
the rim is a leisurely activity enjoyed by many. The Greenway
outside the South Rim.
Trail provides visitors of all physical capabilities a scenic walk.
Consider stopping at the IMAX Theatre and National Geo-
The first phase of the trail, linking the core Canyon Village area
graphic’s Visitors Center in the town of Tusayan before enter-
with the popular Mather viewpoint, was recently completed.
ing the canyon. View The Hidden Secrets, a 34-minute film that
The Greenway Trail is a work in progress and will be extended
penetrates the innermost depths of the Grand Canyon. Open-
to provide even greater access to the rim.
ing with the beginning of man’s fragile kinship with this twisting
Hikes below the rim, however, require preparation as they
277-mile phenomenon, the film focuses on the relentless quest
are more difficult. Day hikers often choose a portion of the
to conquer it.
Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trail. No permits are required.
The Grand Canyon Visitor Center, located on the South Rim
There is no better way to view the canyon than from the air.
by Mather Point, provides visitors with information about the
Numerous helicopter and airplane tours are available. Sail over
46 December 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
be found at the El Tovar Dining Room, located inside the park on the rim. Enjoy delicious food, friendly service and a rustic atmosphere. The Big E Steakhouse offers entertainment as well as great food. Named after Elling “Big E” Halvorson, who came to the Grand Canyon in 1963 and whose leadership has been instrumental in the development of many services, the Big E has live entertainment, a giant video wall and music into the night. The Wild West Revue & Medicine Show is a highenergy, multi-media adventure that’s fun for all ages. The sassy Madame de Murska and her group of world-class performers dazzle with show-stopping songs, Bright Angel Lodge, with 40 lodge rooms, 49 cabins and a restaurant, provides easy access to popular hiking trails and visitor attractions at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
fantastic tap dancing, magic tricks and gor-
the canyon for a bird’s-eye view of the
back and relax on a smooth-water raft trip.
ever-changing
landscapes,
geous costumes. Those with a full day to spare can kick
temples,
Departing on motorized, 15- to 22-passen-
buttes and gorges, in light and in shadow.
ger river rafts at the base of the Glen
And in the depths of it all, one mile below,
Canyon Dam in Page, Ariz., the journey
is the mighty Colorado River.
covers 200 million years in a 15.5-mile river
Papillion Helicopters is one of the old-
float through the most spectacular scenery
est and largest helicopter touring compa-
of the mighty Colorado River. This placid
nies in the world, offering a variety of tours
ribbon of water leads to historic Lee’s Ferry,
from the Grand Canyon Airport. Choose
where the rafting experience ends.
from helicopter air-only flights or landing
Just one hour south of the Grand
tours, airplane tours, combo tours, all-day
Canyon along Interstate 40 sits the Route
excursions or a stunning flight to the bot-
66 town of Williams, home to the Historic
tom of the Grand Canyon at the Havasupai
1908 Grand Canyon Railway and Depot,
Village. Soar above the North Rim and see
including steam locomotive display, gift
the Dragon Corridor.
shop and a Wild West show. Groups can
Grand Canyon Airlines has been flying
board the train to the Grand Canyon and
visitors over the canyon since 1927. View
relive the romance of the Old West aboard
the South and North Rims on-air only flights
five distinct classes of service, including re-
or visit Monument Valley and Rainbow
stored 1923 Harriman coach cars.
Bridge on combination all-day excursions.
Also in Williams, Bearizona Drive-
Consider experiencing the national
Thru Wildlife Park is another group-
park and Kaibab National Forest aboard
friendly experience. From the comfort and
an open-air, four-wheel-drive vehicle while
safety of the motorcoach, drive through the
learning about the early settlers, the cow-
park for up-close-and-personal encoun-
boys, native people and wildlife. Pink Jeep
ters with many different animals, from ma-
Tours Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon
jestic bison and nimble bighorn sheep to
Jeep Tours both offer tours to the best
stealthy wolves and adorable bear cubs,
viewpoints at the South Rim, with guides
all in a natural environment.
providing facts about the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area. After the sun goes down, several dining options are available. Fine dining can LeisureGroupTravel.com
So, next time a trip to the Grand Canyon is on the horizon, consider adding an extra night to fully experience all the area has to offer. LGT December 2013 47
on location: midwest ❖
Obtain Indiana visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
’ve always been fascinated by motorhomes—those plush
I
lated industry that also has roots in the Elkhart area.) Many of
condos on wheels equipped with everything from swivel
the workers are Amish, some of whom commute to the factory
armchairs to the kitchen sink. A morning of touring an RV
by bike or buggy.
factory and visiting the only shrine to the RV—hopping into
It all started in the 1930s when Wilbur Schult’s trailer com-
vehicles old and brand new—really got me in the mood for a
pany became the largest in the industry, attracting suppliers and
comfy road trip across America.
other manufacturers. After World War II, things really began to
Tour planners know Indiana’s Elkhart County as Amish
boom and trade magazines were calling Elkhart the
Country, a peaceful land of farms, craft shops, tempting restau-
“Trailer Capital of the World.” At the indus-
rants and bakeries, and horse buggies clattering down
try’s peak in the mid-1960s, greater
country roads. On my recent trip to Amish County, in addition to
Elkhart accounted for more than
RV Capital of the World Factory tours shine the headlights on RV manufacturing, an economic mainstay of Northern Indiana’s Elkhart County By Randy Mink filling up on fried chicken and cinnamon rolls, I wanted to explore the area’s RV industry, which relies on Amish craftsmanship for its world-class products. The greater Elkhart area justifiably claims the title “RV Capital of the World,” as a majority of those pop-up campers, travel trailers and sleek motorhomes you see cruising down the highway are made within a 30-mile radius of Elkhart, a city of 53,000. Jayco, Newmar, Dutchman and Gulfstream are just
300 RV
some of the better known manufacturers. There are some 100
brands. Elkhart’s lo-
plants operated by 30-40 manufacturers representing about 100
cation on Interstate 80/90 and
brands, according to Al Hesselbart, historian at Elkhart’s RV/MH
proximity to Detroit’s automotive
Hall of Fame and Museum, a prime tourist attraction and re-
companies were prime factors in the
search facility. (MH stands for “manufactured housing,” a re-
RV industry’s growth in Northern Indiana. Two-thirds of the area’s RV manufacturers (mostly mom-and-pop) were lost during the 1970s, a time of rising fuel costs and high interest rates. The most recent recession put a damper on RVing and Elkhart’s economy, but it has bounced backed nicely since the high unemployment of a few years ago. Elkhart County last year ranked No. 1 in the nation in job growth. I got a close-up look at the manufacturing process during a tour that took our group right onto the factory floor of Nexus
Visitors can step aboard the vehicles in Nexus’ showroom.
48 December 2013
RV, a thriving Elkhart company that started up in 2010. Shown LeisureGroupTravel.com
around by perky sales associate Karen Mason, we looked over the shoulders of welders and electricians and saw stacks of boards, fiberglass panels and other building materials that go into building a steel-frame home on a Ford truck chassis. The cherry and maple cabinet doors and drawers are supplied by Middlebury Hardware, an Amish business. Nexus customizes each vehicle to suit the buyer’s taste and
Nexus RV’s spacious Viper offers every imaginable amenity.
is the only local manufacturer that sells directly to the consumer,
tors center, a renovated 1880s farmhouse located adjacent to
bypassing the middleman. People come to the plant from all
the general offices, has Jayco photos and memorabilia, Jayco
over the country, and in the huge showroom we
logo merchandise for sale and a display of new products. Also
saw some potential buyers kicking the tires
popular with tour groups is Newmar’s plant in Nappanee, where
and checking out the upholstery. The
80 percent of the workforce is Amish.
highlight for tour members was
For a journey through the history of RVing, visit the spacious
stepping onboard the finished
RV/MH Hall of Fame and follow the blacktop path lined with
Class B+ and Class C
antique vehicles, including the oldest known, non-tent trailer in existence. Attached to a Model T Ford, the 1913 travel trailer was custom-built for a Cal Tech professor. You’ll also see classic, aerodynamic Airstream trailers, a 1967 Winnebago motorhome and a Shasta 15-footer that’s typical of the early ’50s “canned ham”-style trailers. The chauffer-driven 1931 Chevrolet Housecar owned by Mae West—used as a lounge car, not a camper—transported the actress between her home and Paramount Studios. Hidden under the couch in one 1936 vehicle is a bathtub. Visitors are welcome to go inside
Travel in style in Nexus RV’s Phantom, a sleek Class C motorhome.
some of the vehicles. Accenting the displays are fake vegetation and camping gear from days gone by, while colorful banners of iconic sights like Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon and California’s coast festoon the cavernous main room. In another hall, visitors enjoy climbing aboard the most current models. The second-level Hall of Fame honors nearly 400 notables in the RV industry. For an orientation to the history of RVing, catch the seven-minute video in the
models, motorized vehicles that are smaller
theater. Also worth a look
than full-size Class A’s. From the king-size bed and
is the photo exhibit Wheel
dinette that converts into a sleeper to a kitchen complete with
People, which tells the sto-
stainless steel appliances and granite-like countertops, these
ries of those who live in
rolling palaces on wheels captured our imagination. The push-
trailers, mobile homes and
button awnings and slideouts (which extend the walls out) were
manufactured housing.
really neat, too. And priced from the high $50,000’s, these vehi-
For complete informa-
cles are not much more than many cars and SUVs, we realized.
tion on Northern Indiana
Jayco, Inc., the largest privately held RV manufacturer, offers
Amish Country, go to the
tours of its towable manufacturing facilities in Middlebury; visi-
Elkhart County CVB web-
tors watch a movie and receive headsets for the tour. The visi-
site, amishcountry.org. LGT
LeisureGroupTravel.com
December 2013 49
On Marketing
❖ dave bodle
What I’ve Learned This Year IT WOULD BE EASY to close out the
Tourism Marketing’s online director,
they will range from 58-68, closing in
year by simply recapping observations
and Jeff Gayduk, our publisher. They
on retirement and free to travel. Sure,
from 2013 columns. This December,
set me up with Pinterest, a great way to
but that’s almost a quarter of a century
though, I’m going to comment on three
connect visually with our readers, and
before we have to deal with them.
things I’ve learned this past year. I want
Skype, a must-have for any business.
Right? Here’s the realistic picture:
to challenge you to do the same.
It was easier than I envisioned. I imme-
Today the Xers are 38-48 and you’re
Ready?
diately saw how they both have a
dealing with them every day. They may
I’ve learned that social media is
positive impact on any business.
be planning the senior class trip or
here to stay. For the long-term health
The Pinterest advantage is obvious.
putting together a young adults mission-
of your business, it must be embraced.
We are a visual people. You have
ary tour. The tour & travel industry must
I did two columns this past year that
pictures of your friends and family
understand Generation X long before
addressed digital marketing. The latter
beside their cell phone number. Sharing
we can expect them on a tour.
dealt specifically with social media.
images of last year’s holiday tours
Although our company is in the fore-
with your Pinterest followers sure helps
critical part of your marketing mix.
front of online marketing, it was a tough
fill the coaches for this year’s trips.
There’s nothing I like better than listen-
subject for an old print guy to tackle.
Encourage your customers to follow
ing to tour professionals talk about
However, it just made sense to get
you on Pinterest at every opportunity
what’s working and, of course, what’s
involved. Once I learned social media
and post, post and post some more.
not. Is it a scientific path to understand-
wasn’t going anywhere, it was neces-
Skype is a great business-to-business
ing the industry? Probably not, but
sary to learn how some of it worked.
video conferencing tool. To this day I
those conversations have tremendous
I turned to Lance Harrell, Premier
am still a believer that tour & travel is
value in providing insight. Countless
more high-touch than hi-tech. Skype
times I’ve heard from a tour planner
bridges that divide. It’s like sitting
that a trip they never expected to
across the table at a marketplace, but
happen sold out and had a waiting list.
you’ve never left your office. Nothing
Many readily admit there’s just no way
beats face-to-face meetings. Both
of telling what’s going to work. The
these new media are available on
astute operator is presenting an eclectic
your desktop, laptop, iPad and cell
mix of tour options to his customers.
phone. And they’re free to download
The sharp destination is Cooking Up
and use!
Irresistible Itineraries. (Shameless plug
Looking ahead to our FEBRUARY ISSUE
• Bank Travel • Outlet & Specialty Shopping • Casinos • Oklahoma • Texas • New Mexico • Missouri • Hawaii • Virginia • Connecticut • Delaware • South Carolina
I’ve learned that certain segments
I’ve learned that product is a
for the white paper online at http://group-
of group travel better get in step with
university.com/downloads/cooking-up-
Generation X. In researching a column
irresistible-itineraries/)
on how to sell seniors, I came across
As my dad told a young me, “Enjoy
information on Generation X, the 51
your youth because the older you
million born from 1965-1976. It was
get the dumber you’ll get.” At the time
staggering. They may be the best edu-
I believed he had finally appreciated
cated, but they have the lowest voter
my intelligence. As I grew older and
turnout. They are frequently labeled “the
realized how little I really know, I recog-
lost generation.” Generation Xers were
nized what he meant. Keep learning,
See our page-flip edition & past issues at
quoted by Newsweek as “the genera-
my friends.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
tion that dropped out without ever
We can help showcase your business to groups. Call us 630.794.0696 or advertising@ptmgroups.com
50 December 2013
turning on the news or tuning in to the social issues around them.” In 20 years
Contact Dave at 843-997-2880 or email dave@ptmgroups.com.
LeisureGroupTravel.com