three-day Wisconsin/Michigan tour in July. Normally we have from one to three coaches on this tour, but I limited it to 20 people. Because it was our first tour, I was running it and wanted to make sure all the protocols were followed to a tee. Starting up our travel program was really not going to be a money maker, but (it was a) confidence boost that many people want,” Swan continued. However, Galaxy has had to cancel some fall departures, including a Colorado trip because certain attractions and restaurants were not available, plus the airline was booking to full capacity which discouraged her travelers. “I still have a tour scheduled this year for Opryland Christmas. Fingers crossed I’m
hoping things pan out,” Swan said. Moostash Joe Tours, a regional tour company based in Fremont, Nebraska has also (literally) tested the waters with a group of 20 heading up to Minnesota in August for a five-day fishing trip. “They expressed interest and we don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t operate the trip,” said Joey Spellerberg. When groups are traveling, it’s often to wide-open spaces. Kate Scopetti from wholesale operator MARS said, “Our first tour ran in September, 25 passengers to Montana.” The trip wasn’t without pitfalls as they encountered a myriad of difficulties in operating tours during COVID. “We have to all be flexible during these times.
Do you expect to schedule more or less international trips in 2021 (as compared to 2020 schedule)?
Do you expect to schedule more or less cruises in 2021 (as compared to 2020 schedule)?
More
More
Less
Less
14%
14%
86% 86%
When do you expect to return to running regular group departures? Q1 of 2021
Yes
5% 40%
Q2 of 2021
Not sure
LeisureGroupTravel.com <<
33.3%
No
22%
Q3 of 2021 Q4 of 2021
Do you feel that having a COVID-19 vaccine readily available will bring back normalcy to your travel program?
8% 25%
66.6%
December 2020 ■ 11
