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The 2011 Outlook for the Motorcoach, Tour & Travel Industry By Peter Pantuso, CTIS President & CEO, American Bus Association
T
here’s an ancient Chinese proverb
tour operators now offer within
that states, “May you live in inter-
the template of the group travel
esting times.” As we approach 2011 and forecast our industry’s outlook, the
experience. Combine that with our ability
phrase is telling. There’s never been
in 200-400 mile trips – distances
a more interesting time to be in the
too far to drive, too short to fly –
motorcoach, tourism and group travel
to be competitive with air, rail
business.
and auto travel on time, cost,
Challenges are out there, and reviv-
convenience and passenger
ing leisure group travel is a formidable
amenities, and motorcoach
one. But these interesting times are
travel becomes the top choice
full of opportunities. Consider these
for many groups.
signs of the times as we get ready for
Leisure travelers understand the
the new year and Marketplace 2011 in
value, from a peace-of-mind perspec-
Philadelphia from Jan. 8-12.
tive, of arriving at their destination
touring at its wonderful historic landmarks and iconic destinations.” In 2011, we’ll mark the sesquicen-
refreshed, rather than looking for lost
tennial of the beginning of the Civil War.
luggage or exhausted from driving
There are countless commemorations,
through white-knuckle gridlock. They
re-enactments, historical tours and
understand intuitively that they can
monuments attesting to the milestone
jump on the bus and be entertained
that the Civil War represented in secur-
rather than detained – and do so with
ing freedom for all. And in those an-
others having similar interests. Because of the still-shaky economy, more Americans are traveling closer to
Cruising down the road by motorcoach is the carefree way to see America.
Tour passengers enjoy more amenities and comforts than ever before.
niversary events, we’ll have the chance to revisit perhaps the most important turning point in American history.
home for vacations, as well as looking
2011 will also be a year of political
for value, creating another great oppor-
change, and the outcome of the mid-
tunity from those who can’t take a
term elections will clearly have an im-
cruise or a European vacation.
pact on the motorcoach tourism and
The economy remains uncertain.
It’s critical to remind these travelers
group travel industries. We need to ed-
Yet the mode shift toward bus travel
that discretionary leisure travel hasn’t
ucate incoming members of Congress
continues, as modern, luxurious motor-
been cancelled in North America. We
on how motorcoach travel is a part of
coaches are increasingly being seen as
already provide more trips than the
any transportation solution. ABA’s
an antidote to travel annoyances the
domestic airlines most years. It isn’t too
Foundation studies show that all 435
public now expects from planes, trains
much of a stretch to reach out to travel-
U.S. House districts and all 50 states
and automobile congestion. Taking the
ers wary of other modes and say to
benefit from bus tour groups infusing
plane, train or the car is about “are we
them, “Take a bus and see our wonder-
leisure travel dollars into destinations.
there yet?”
ful continent, from Baja to Branson to
We are living in very interesting
But getting there should be part of
British Columbia. Book the new leisure
times, as the proverb said. And if we do
the fun, especially with the customiza-
trip sensation. See, rather than fly over,
things right, these times may be ones
tion choices so many bus and group
North America, and enjoy stopping and
of tremendous opportunities for all.
10 December 2010
LeisureGroupTravel.com
HELPING BUS AND TOUR OPERATORS GO FURTHER JANUARY 8-12, 2011
ABA is the only industry organization that connects motorcoach and tour operators with people who can help you grow your business – the destinations and suppliers that cater to the group tour market, and the product and service suppliers you want to see.
WHY ABA’S MARKETPLACE IS CRITICAL TO YOUR BUSINESS: + One-on-one appointment sessions with travel industry professionals who want your business. + Unlimited networking opportunities with people who can help your business grow. + Professional education seminars designed to help you succeed in business.
MUST ATTEND EVENTS:
SATURDAY & SUNDAY ABA’S PRODUCT PAVILION OFFERS:
SATURDAY, JAN. 8, 4:30 p.m.
+ Face-to-face time with the industry’s major bus manufacturers and dealers. + Opportunities to meet with premier Tire, Finance, Insurance companies and other vendors who will save you money. + Access to ABA’s Government Affairs staff to help you with issues affecting your business.
OPERATOR-TO-OPERATOR BUSINESS SESSION SPONSORED BY BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL + Sell your tour packages. + Charter your coach to other operators. + Meet operators in areas where you need assistance. + Share best practices with your colleagues. + Build business relationships with other operators.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY OPERATOR FOCUSED EDUCATION SEMINARS + Managing Without Interference and the Employee Free Choice Act - Presented by Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell, & Hippel LLP + Harassment Recognition and Prevention in the Workplace - Presented by Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell, & Hippel LLP + Deskside Assistance - Presented by ABA’s Government Affairs Department View the education schedule at www.buses.org/marketplace.
EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF
“Being an ABA Tour Operator member keeps me informed of trends and issues that affect my travel partners and how their issues effect my operations and clients. Membership in ABA allows me to develop new products and relationships with those suppliers who strictly attend Marketplace.” -Bryan Cole, President Super Holiday Tours, ABA Tour Operator Member
800-283-2877 | WWW.BUSES.ORG/MARKETPLACE