Leisure Group Travel February 2009

FEBRUARY 2009

New Orleans Embraces Voluntourism Go Green!

Sustainable Travel Goes Mainstream

Top 10 Religious Travel Trends A Premier Tourism Marketing publication www.leisuregrouptravel.com

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Vol.19, No. 1

February 2009

Contents

COVER STORY

midwest: minnesota’s mall of america by randy mink . . . 34 This shopper’s paradise continues to refresh itself and plans to expand.

FEATURES

international: top 10 religious travel trends by kevin j. wright . . . .18 on our radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 west: palm springs goes green by elana andersen . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 on our radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 midwest: on our radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 south: new orleans embraces voluntourism by melinda hughey . .40 on our radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 northeast: factory outlet malls by randy mink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 on our radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

COLUMNS

on my mind by jeff gayduk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 on tour by marty de souto, ctc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 on technology by john kamm, ctp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 on board by cindy bertram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 on green tourism by brian t. mullis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 on shopping by carolyn j. feimster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 on marketing by mike marchev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

ON THE COVER: Nickelodeon Universe. Mall of America® has the largest variety of entertainment options under one roof.

18

Vol.19, No. 1 February 2009 Editorial & Advertising Office

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

NEWS AS IT HAPPENS • PERSPECTIVE • TOOLS

Breaking News

LGT Online Exclusives This month on LeisureGroupTravel.com, go behind the scenes at Palm Springs’ Living Desert as publisher Jeff Gayduk gets up-close and personal with giraffes.

Managing editor Randy Mink reports on airline luggage restrictions and surcharges

There’s always something happening on LeisureGroupTravel.com, and that starts with our Breaking News section. Relevant information is posted frequently on the following topics:

for the winter ski season and updates readers on smoking policies aboard cruise lines. Also, read more about Northeastern outlet malls and factory stores.

• Attractions • Destinations • Cruises • Tours & Packages • Associations • Niche Travel • Hotels & Resorts • Transportation When something breaks in the industry, you can count on LeisureGroupTravel.com to be there!

Have you Experienced Plan It? Complete tools for research and booking your next group trip

We’ve made online research and booking a snap, with the creation of Plan It! Scroll down the left side of LeisureGroupTravel.com and uncover hot links to

@ Search our database of travel articles for fresh ideas and inspiration @ Web tools for currency conversion, direction and guidance

@ Product and brochure request from group-friendly suppliers @ Online group hotel booking engine

@ Access to over 150 sample tour itineraries

Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – John Kloster john@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – Elana Andersen elana@ptmgroups.com

Director, Design & Production – Kerry Loudon

kerry@ptmgroups.com

Regional Sales Managers International – Richard Haymaker P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 richard@ptmgroups.com

Western Midwest/Online Sales – Theresa O’Rourke P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 theresa@ptmgroups.com

Midwest/Great Lakes/PA – Jim McCurdy P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 jim@ptmgroups.com

Northeast – Ellen Klesta P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 ellen@ptmgroups.com Southeast – Hutson Lambert

P 228.452.9683 • F 228.452.6370 hutson@ptmgroups.com

Southern – Dolores Ridout P/F 281.762.9546 dolores@ptmgroups.com

Florida & Caribbean – Prof Inc.

P 813.286.8299, proftampa@aol.com

West – Dick Faust P 310.373.9604 • F 310.373.8760 dick@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. P.O. Box 609, Palos Heights, IL 60463

A

publication

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

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on my mind O

jeff gayduk

Set the Stage for 2009 LAST JUNE, WE UNVEILED a new

competitors play lip service to these

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

look to Leisure Group Travel, with a

markets, opting to take the easy road

In the December edition of Leisure

more inviting layout, cleaner destination

promoting advertorial.

features and enhanced interactive sec-

This year’s American Bus Associa-

Group Travel once again we pulled out the crystal ball and predicted the future

tions to the magazine. This February’s

tion conference, held Jan. 7-12 in Char-

of this market. We’re now out of the

edition marks phase two of the redesign

lotte, N.C., gave us a sneak peak at the

gate in ’09 and reconfirm our stance -

as we now have enhanced our destina-

year ahead in group travel. Noticeably

2009 will be a year fraught with chal-

tion coverage to provide full regional

this year’s conference was more docile

lenges, and there are equally as many

coverage of the entire U.S. in each edi-

than years past with light foot traffic on

opportunities for the savvy and strong-

tion, while also taking a bigger stab at

the trade show floor and a high number

stomached willing to fight.

niche & affinity travel – the driver of

of last-minute cancellations from tour

group interest in the next decade.

operators and bus companies. NTA ex-

Like anything else, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve, and these modifications not only help us keep up with the times, but also present some leading indicators and sector expertise from experts in their fields. For example, this

Mark my words. When the industry emerges from this recession, the land-

The future holds many opportunities for the savvy and strong-stomached.

edition covers eco-friendly travel, leading off with an insightful column from

perienced similar issues with its show in

scape of the group market will be for-

Brian Mullis of Sustainable Travel Inter-

November. This continuation indicates

ever changed and business plans must

national, along with “green” destina-

more pressure on small operators with

be altered to keep up with changing

tion coverage on Palm Springs and Mall

shrinking staffs to reserve a week out of

times and customers. It’s our business

of America. Additionally, special inter-

the office to hear new product pitches.

to help make your business grow and

est topics (shopping this edition) are covered both in columns and destination coverage.

This enhancement to our coverage is

prepare you for the future. We’re preBUSINESS IS TAKING PLACE

pared for our future - now is the time

Spend a few minutes talking with show

for you to be as well.

participants and you’ll quickly realize

at the core of our mission here at

that it’s not all doom and gloom. New

Leisure Group Travel. I started the

tours ARE being booked. There is in-

Happy Traveling,

magazine with a firm belief that all the

terest from operators, albeit with a de-

destination knowledge in the world is

gree of “trading down” in quality,

Jeff Gayduk, Publisher

worthless if a planner doesn’t under-

inclusions or trip duration. Destina-

jeff@ptmgroups.com

stand the mechanics of organizing a

tions and hotels report occupancy levels

great group trip, have the tools to thrive

that are quite palatable

in any market economy and have a firm

(outside major tourist

understanding of the new market fun-

markets, which seem to

damentals that affect consumer interest.

be suffering the most).

We’ve continued to develop the edito-

And some people, dare

rial side as niche & affinity groups rush

I say, are doing fine!

Despite macro-economic figures that indicate otherwise, Jeff is approaching 2009 with great optimism. Anytime he sees a glass that’s half empty, he swallows the contents, then refills it.

into the group travel industry, while 6 February 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

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on tour O

marty de souto, ctc

Once Upon A Time ONCE UPON A TIME there was a

America. Here your group can visit

Louise and other locations with leg-

country that fell on hard times. No one

famed Notre Dame Basilica, built in

endary hotels built by Canadian Pacific

wanted to go anywhere; they just

1656, shop the underground city (and

in the 19th century in its westward push

wanted to curl up by the fireside at

thus stay out of the cold) and enjoy

across the continent. Another recom-

home with loved ones and wait for the

French cuisine at fine restaurants.

mended source is Canada’s national rail-

next calamity to come knocking on their door.

If the above scenario sounds famil-

road system known as VIA, which TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS

operates rail/motorcoach combined

May brings the Canadian Tulip Festival

trips.

iar, maybe it’s time you give them what

in the nation’s capital, Ottawa. The fes-

Finally, the West Coast port of

they want – some trips closer to home,

tival originated in 1953, commemorat-

Vancouver is an attractive city with its

some trips to places where they feel

ing a gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs given

Stanley Park totem poles and nearby

safe, some trips that could include the

to Canada by Queen Juliana of the

Victoria on Vancouver Island, reachable

whole family, and even some trips from

For safe, close-to-home trips, consider the scenery and cities of Canada.

which they could scurry home quickly and easily if the going gets rough.

Often in our search for challenging, interesting and appealing trip offerings, we tend to think that farther away is somehow always better. I know I’m often guilty of that kind of thinking, es-

Netherlands at the end of World War

by ferry. Highlights in Victoria include

chewing a trip to the state next door

II. The gift was a thank you for keeping

high tea at the famed Fairmont Empress

for my latest trips to Russia, Brazil and

Holland’s exiled royal family safe at

Hotel, opportunities to shop for fine

Italy. But perhaps now is a good time

Government House during the war and

English bone china and the renowned

to look to our neighbors – perhaps to

to recognize the role Canadian troops

Butchart Gardens.

Mexico to the south or Canada to the

played in freeing the Netherlands from

north, both of which have a lot of ap-

German occupation. Festival highlights

interest for nearly every type of group—

peal but places we may be overlooking

include concerts, cabaret nights and

young or old, active or more sedentary,

because they’re always “there.”

tulip viewing along the Rideau Canal.

motorcoach traveler or rail buff. Con-

Canada is appealing to Americans –

All in all, Canada has something of

Calgary is home to July’s Calgary

sider our neighbor to the north, give

it’s seen as safe, clean and English-

Stampede, complete with Chuckwagon

yourself nine to twelve months’ lead

speaking (even if part of it is French-

Races, agriculture and livestock exhibits,

time to promote the trip properly and

speaking). And, if you’re thinking of

and the Rodeo and Grandstand Show.

go for it! It may be your best trip yet.

Canada for your group, you’re in luck

Calgary is the portal to the Canadian

because Canada has a wealth of special

Rockies, where motor-

festivals and activities year-round to

coach trips are available

tempt the visitor. February brings Que-

from such companies as

bec City’s Winter Carnival, a two-week

Globus, Collette and

celebration of snow, ice and winter

Brewster, a well-known

sports. A visit to Quebec would be

Canadian operator.

paired nicely with nearby Montreal,

Overnights are recom-

largest French-speaking city in North

mended in Banff, Lake

8 February 2009

Marty is founder and chair of the travel industry training program at Berkeley City College in Berkeley, California, where she teaches all aspects of group travel. You can reach her by e-mail at josemarty@yahoo.com. For information on her latest book, How To Plan, Operate and Lead Successful Group Trips, click on Premier Tourism Marketing’s educational web site, groupuniversity.com.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on technology O

john kamm, ctp

MP3s: Bits of Musical Magic MOST OF US HAVE A music artist,

usually through earphones. Both are as

necessary. The result is more of a CD-

genre or song that we are passionate

easy to use as a toaster.

quality sound.

about. Somewhere between Tommy

The iPod is hardly the only choice

Crave your CDs? No worries. Poke

Edison’s wax cylinder phonograph and

for MP3 playback – there are dozens

one into the CD drive on your laptop

the iPod a technological miracle oc-

of MP3 players to choose from but

or computer running iTunes and you

curred, enabling us to keep our fa-

none seem to have the slick user inter-

can rip (record) it into your MP3 li-

vorites close – enjoying them

face of the iPod. Once the files are

brary. For best results Google “iTunes

anywhere, anytime.

loaded to the player, the player can be

bit rate” for iTunes import settings in-

attached to the AUX jack on your car

formation.

In the 1980s consumers began adopting digital Compact Disks (CDs); they

stereo or home stereo (or on the bus

Love your LPs? Google “rip

hold considerably more information

PA) so you can play your favorites

records to mp3” for suggestions.

about the music to be reproduced com-

through a better sound system. Many

There are several software applica-

pared to vinyl LPs; bottom line – better

Of the many MP3 players, none have the slick user interface of the iPod.

sound and a more durable medium.

Enter the current standard for making music portable, the technology known as MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 or the more familiar MP3. MP3s are about one-tenth the size of a CD file (song), but the compacted file size

TVs in hotel rooms now have RCA

tions that will record the songs in dig-

comes at a price. The encoding process

stereo inputs for video players and

ital format and help eliminate

“throws out” some of the information

games, so carry some patch cords and

scratches, enhancing the quality of the

about the music so the quality is not

plug in your MP3 player.

sound; there are turntables that plug

quite as high. The bass is not as boom-

into the USB port of your computer to

ing, the Diva not as shrill. But, in many

BUY ON AMAZON

feed the audio signal to the recording

playback environments, the loss of de-

iTunes is a great way to shop for fa-

software.

tail is not discernable.

vorites and new artists but consider

Benefits? High-quality sound repro-

We all have music that we love;

clicking over to Amazon to make the

special songs that we consider the

duction, flexible distribution, durabil-

buy. Songs and albums are usually less

soundtrack of our lives. MP3 technol-

ity, supported by a huge range of

expensive, the bit-rate of the files gen-

ogy enables us to keep the music play-

playback devices. So, let’s play!

erally higher. Bit-rate determines the

ing in convenient, imaginative and

It doesn’t get any easier than iTunes

quality of playback, the higher the bit-

economical ways.

and an iPod. The former is an applica-

rate the better. iTunes standard format

tion (www.apple.com/itunes/download)

is 128 kbps (kilobits

that will run on almost any computer.

per second), fixed rate.

It will sync the files between your com-

Amazon’s format is 256

puter and your iPod and provide an In-

kbps, variable. The lat-

ternet storefront to a vast collection of

ter keeps the file size at

music, movies and other electronic con-

a minimum but packs

tent. The iPod is a small piece of

in more information

techno-candy that plays the MP3 files,

about the music when

10 February 2009

John Kamm is a former tour operator and CEO of TourTech Systems, Inc., developers of TourTools®, the most popular tour reservations solution in North America. Visit www.tourtools.com for more information.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on board O

cindy bertram

Cruise Industry Looks Ahead IN 2008 THE CRUISE industry not

the industry. The introduction of the

our onboard product, including offering

only launched new ships but classes as

Yacht Club, with private-access suites

more dining choices, menu enhancements and new entertainment options.”

well, including the much-awaited

with their own pool, lounges and butlers

Celebrity Solstice. Moving into 2009,

on our mega, Fantasia class ships brings

the lines are weathering the challenges

a new experience level for our guests.”

of the economy, repositioning ships and

Many lines are refocusing on offering departures from different U.S. ports.

Celebrity Cruises has introduced new

focusing on continual enhancement of

RIVER CRUISING

cruise vacations from Baltimore and

the onboard experiences by introducing

In the river cruise segment, Uniworld

Charleston, for instance. In April, Carni-

new amenities and options.

Boutique River Cruise Collection in

val Cruise Lines launches a new home

2009 is launching two new ships, the

port, Baltimore, with year-round cruises.

dustry remains positively focused.

River Beatrice and River Tosca. Presi-

Carnival’s Terry Thornton said, “An ex-

Showcasing the value of cruising as well

dent Guy Young said, “The decision to

pansion of our close-to-home cruising

as programs to help agents are strong

Cruise lines this year will continue to launch new ships and upgrade amenities.

Despite the recession, the cruise in-

steps the lines have been initiating. Dan Hanrahan, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises, said, “The financial markets have certainly been tumultuous, but people are still vacationing. They see it as a birthright. They may bypass a home im-

deliver two new ships in 2009 is purely

program brings Carnival ships closer to

provement project, or may not buy a

based on the growth that the river cruise

our guests. This allows them to drive to

new car right now, but they still want to

industry is experiencing in general and

the homeports and avoid the hassles and

take their vacations. And considering

Uniworld in particular. Because all of

cost of air travel.”

the value of a cruise vacation, we're

the major river cruise shipyards are

bullish on the cruise industry. We can't

booked through at least 2010, yes, it is

perhaps summarizes it best: “We believe

say it's recession-proof, but we believe

more difficult to get a new build on the

there's demand among people who want

it's recession-resistant.”

books, but this is obviously a testament

to travel closer to home, but also ample

to how popular river cruising has be-

demand from people who want to visit

come.”

other parts of the world. And cruising is

Introducing new ships has been a mainstay of the cruise industry and 2009 is no different. Celebrity’s

Carnival Cruise Lines continues to

Celebrity Cruises’ Dan Hanrahan

not only the ideal way to see and experi-

Equinox, Royal Caribbean Interna-

focus on enhancing the shipboard expe-

ence them, but it also represents an in-

tional’s Oasis of the Seas, MSC Cruises’

rience. Terry Thornton, vice president,

credible value over land-based

Splendida, and Carnival Cruise Lines’

marketing and planning, said, “Carnival

vacations.”

Carnival Dream are among the ships

has launched the Evolu-

being launched.

tions of Fun program for

Richard Sasso, president and CEO of

our eight Fantasy class

MSC Cruises, said, “We indeed are fo-

ships, investing $250 mil-

cusing on both the hardware and soft-

lion to completely renew

ware. Our fleet will consist of four

these great ships. We are

classes of vessels – classic, mid-size, large

also working hard to im-

and mega. We have the youngest fleet in

prove many aspects of

12 February 2009

Cindy Bertram has 15+ years of cruise expertise in sales, marketing and training, with an MBA from Loyola University Chicago. She can be contacted at cindy@ptmgroups.com.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

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on green tourism O

brian t. mullis

Trends in Sustainable Travel and Tourism DESPITE CURRENT ECONOMIC

friendly products and processes. Fifty

movement is made up of consumers and

conditions, sustainability is still a hot

percent said they would be more likely

travel companies who donate time and

topic of conversation in the business

to use an airline if they knew it took

financial resources to positively impact

world. It can be described as operating

the initiative to offset carbon emissions,

the cultures and environments they visit.

a business by making use of ecosystems

used newer, more fuel-efficient jets or

Voluntourism is a form of travel philan-

and resources in a manner that satisfies

implemented recycling programs.

thropy in which travelers take part in

current needs without compromising

Another significant trend in the

the needs of future generations. Many

tourism industry is the increase in the

community projects.

As sustainable business practices

argue that unsustainable business activ-

availability of carbon offsets to address

gain momentum, the zero waste move-

ities are largely responsible for the dete-

greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon off-

ment is positioned to revolutionize the

rioration of the environment, the

setting is the process of mitigating the

concept of waste disposal. The goal of

increasing pressure on preservation of

net carbon emissions of an individual or

zero waste is to minimize, if not elimi-

indigenous cultures and the increase in

Airlines, hotels and tour operators are taking the lead in sustainable business practices.

economic inequality.

Fortunately, more and more business, governmental and non-profit leaders understand that drastic changes must occur in order to prevent global disaster. If there is one industry that is taking a lead in achieving a more sus-

organization, either by reducing their

nate, the need for landfills. In the ac-

tainable way of operating, it is the

own emissions through solutions like

commodations sector, at least 30

travel and tourism industry and in par-

increasing energy efficiency or traveling

percent of a hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solid waste can be

ticular the airline, accommodations and

more thoughtfully, or through invest-

sorted for reuse and recycling and as

tour operator sectors. This is no sur-

ments in carbon offset projects. Money

much as an additional 50 percent can

prise since tourism heavily depends on

generated from the sale of offsets is

be composted.

destinations being able to provide trav-

used to support renewable energy devel-

The green movement is no longer a

elers with authentic experiences in pris-

opment such as wind and solar power,

fad â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s become part of consumer and

tine environments.

as well as reforestation, which helps to

corporate culture. Early adopters who

Engaging in sustainability initiatives

reduce greenhouse gas. Driving, flying,

actively integrate sustainable business

provides travel and tourism companies

using electricity or generating waste all

practices into their operations will reap

with a way to distinguish themselves

produce carbon dioxide emissions,

the benefits while others risk the possi-

from their competitors while helping

which contribute to global warming.

bility of being left behind.

expand their market reach. A vast sec-

Airlines, hotels and tour operators are

tor of the public demands the imple-

taking the lead in offer-

mentation of sustainable and efficient

ing carbon offsets to

operations. In a recent survey by the

their customers.

Travel Industry Association and Y Part-

More travelers are

nership, more than half of American

giving back to destina-

adults said they would be more likely

tions by engaging in

to select an airline, rental car or hotel

what is referred to as

that uses more environmentally-

travel philanthropy. This

14 February 2009

Brian T. Mullis co-founded Sustainable Travel International (STI) in 2002 with the mission of promoting responsible travel and facilitating the travel and tourism industry's move toward sustainability. The STI website is sustainabletravelinternational.org.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on shopping O

carolyn j. feimster

Shopping Centers as Tourist Draws SAVVY GROUP TRAVEL planners

There are national group-friendly

will help your clients plan their visit.

know that shopping and dining are the

shopping programs that offer multiple

top two activities of the visitor market

locations, such as America’s Premier

with a customized letter that can be co-

and therefore include shopping in their

Shopping Places (APSP). Besides terrific

branded with the group planner’s logo,

itineraries or, at the very least, provide

shopping and dining, many offer histor-

a coupon book, directory, logo gift item

free time to shop. Some even develop

ical/cultural opportunities, museums

and brochures for special exhibitions,

tours with a full day for shopping.

and a variety of annual events. All

museums, etc.

However, in today’s competitive re-

APSP centers are part of a nationwide

Some centers offer welcome packets

Other programs for the group travel

tail environment, group planners have

incentive program, Premier Passport,

market include spouse programs, meet-

the opportunity to take the shopping

which provides visitors with special

and-greets, receptions and behind-the-

activity to the next level and make it a

savings. To access the Passport, visit

scenes tours. A new program being

shopping and dining “experience.”

americasshoppingplaces.com, click on

developed at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Many centers have developed programs

Travel planners can customize the shopping experience for their groups.

that offer more than just the typical coupon book and dining voucher and will work with planners to customize the shopping experience.

Shopping centers have become more creative and are now leveraging their offerings with other entities. In North-

Premier Passport, download and print.

west Florida, The Sandestin Alliance

Some APSP centers offer commission-

Street Performer” – many of these enter-

has been formed and includes four

able packages. They can be viewed and

tainers work year-round at the property.

in Boston is a “Day-in-the-Life of the

hotel/resort properties and four shop-

purchased, along with other packages

To expand their offerings, centers will

ping centers. This allows creative pack-

from around the country, on

partner with nearby attractions. A New

ages to be built on demand for group

shopamericatours.com.

planners to purchase as a commission-

York package combines South Street Seaport and the NYC Police Museum.

able product or to develop creative

ADVANCE PLANNING

shopping itineraries that include incen-

Travelers appreciate having information

To find the centers most active in the visitor market, check with the DMO in

tives from a collection of centers. Itiner-

to plan activities in advance of their

the destination. Also, meet with the cen-

aries offer a variety of shopping,

trip. They want to know the shopping

ters that participate in shows such as

including outlets, brand names from a

center layout, available stores (espe-

NTA, SYTA and ABA. You will find

lifestyle center, a village-type outdoor

cially those unique to the destination),

many centers willing to offer your clients a true “shopping experience.”

center with unique local merchants and

the discounts, dining options and what

a traditional specialty center. All four

events are scheduled.

centers offer not only discounts but

Work with the center’s

also a variety of experiences such as

tourism/marketing de-

complimentary tastings of Florida

partment so you can ac-

wines made from local fruits. Log on to

cess complimentary

sandestination.com, click the travel

images, logo and text for

trade tab and select from a list of pro-

a brochure. This, along

grams.

with the center’s website,

16 February 2009

Carolyn J. Feimster, SCMD, is owner/ president of CJF Marketing International.

The company develops programs to enhance the marketing, tourism development, economic development and productivity of shopping centers and retail districts. Contact: 718-757-8489, carolyn@cjfmarketinginternational.com.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on location: international

kevin j. wright

Top 10 Religious Travel Trends

The president of the World Religious Travel Association looks at 2009, proclaimed the Year of Faith Tourism

Travelers contribute manpower on missionary trips.

IN RECENT YEARS THE religious

as Lourdes (France) witnessed a

National Tour Association (NTA) has

tourism and hospitality marketplace

record-breaking number of visitors.

seen its member tour operators in-

has evolved from a rather obscure

Many destinations, attractions and

crease their religious programs; 35 per-

niche market into an attention-grab-

events in North America also experi-

cent of them now offer religious tour

bing, $18-billion global industry. In-

enced a year of growth in faith-based

product. More operators will roll out

deed, faith-based travel today is in the

tourism.

(and/or expand) religious travel pro-

midst of a remarkable growth spurt.

What can we expect in 2009 for the

International travel by Americans

religious travel and hospitality market-

for religious purposes has doubled over the past five years and according to a

place? Consider the top 10 trends: More tour operators will debut reli-

grams in 2009.

More travel agencies will become involved in selling to religious groups and travelers. The increase in tour op-

recent study by Menlo Consulting, this

gious travel programs. In the past five

erators offering religious programs (see

trend is expected to continue for an-

years, formal religious travel programs

previous trend) will result in a greater

other five years. Destinations such as

have been introduced by large tour op-

number of travel agents entering the

Israel, Jordan and Palestine enjoyed

erators like Trafalgar Tours,

faith tourism marketplace because

some of their best tourism years ever in

Mayflower Tours (Faithful Holidays)

there is more product available to sell.

2008. European pilgrimage sites such

and the Globus family of brands. The

18 February 2009

Cruise lines will devote more efforts LeisureGroupTravel.com

and products towards the faith-based market. Cruise companies are major beneficiaries of the recent growth in religious tourism, and more faith-based groups are choosing cruising as their preferred choice of a “fellowship vacation.” Companies such as Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Monarch Classic Cruises and Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises have recently debuted or expanded ports of call in the Holy Land.

Missionary travel and volunteer vacations will continue to surge in popularity. The number of people taking a “vacation with a purpose” has doubled in the past five years to two million Americans. One of the major drivers of this marketplace in the coming years

Cruise lines will devote more efforts and products towards the faith-based market.

will be travel agents. Although agents have traditionally steered clear of selling this type of vacation, more of them will begin offering missionary travel

fast-growing leisure group travel mar-

developed stellar reputations for their

and volunteer vacations due to in-

ket as well.

expertise in pilgrimage travel; these in-

creased assistance from wholesalers

Monasteries and retreat guesthouses

clude companies such as 206 Tours,

such as MTS Travel, Raptim Travel

will welcome an increase in visitors. As

Group IST (Journeys Unlimited and

and Lifetree Adventures.

2009 will be a year most likely filled

Regina Tours) and Unitours. In 2009

Tourist offices/boards and conven-

with uncertainty and increased anxiety

and beyond, we’ll see religious tour op-

tion and visitors bureaus will devote

across the world, many people will be

erators expanding their leisure product

more resources and personnel towards

searching for a place that provides sol-

offerings, from cruising and local get-

developing the faith-based travel mar-

ace and serenity. As a result, monaster-

aways to faith-based attraction visits,

ket. As religious group travel and

ies and retreat guesthouses are gearing

African safaris and volunteer vaca-

events continue to develop into a vital

up for a possible record-setting number

tions. In summary, we’ll see more reli-

source of new revenues and visitors,

of visitors; about 2.5 million North

gious tour operators debut leisure

we’ll see a growing trend of destination

Americans embark on a retreat each

travel programs – and we’ll see more

management organizations hiring a

year. To meet the growing demand,

of them cross-sell their various reli-

specific person or setting up a depart-

more publications are coming out on

gious and leisure travel products.

ment to oversee the religious market.

places of solitude and inspiration. This

One model is the Bahamas Ministry of

includes my guidebook, Europe’s

their products, services and sales/mar-

Tourism, which has a dedicated direc-

Monastery & Convent Guesthouses:

keting efforts to the religious market.

tor of religious travel in Linville John-

A Pilgrim’s Travel Guide (Liguori

Museums, amusement parks and the-

son. A second trend will include CVBs

Publications).

aters already welcome religious groups.

and regional tourist offices devoting

Religious tour operators will ex-

Attractions will further customize

However, many such attractions take

more resources towards attracting and

pand their product offerings into

the market for granted and do little to

developing not only the religious con-

leisure travel. Many leading religious

further draw people of faith. As the

ventions and meetings market but the

tour operators in North America have

potential of the religious marketplace

LeisureGroupTravel.com

February 2009 19

international

becomes more apparent, we’ll begin to see a change in how attractions cater to faith-based groups.

Religious groups will continue to

million attendees today.

Churches and faith-based organizations will launch travel programs in ever-increasing numbers. Approxi-

gather – no matter what the year

mately 50,000 of the 400,000 churches

ahead brings. If there is one tradition

and religious organizations in America

that cuts across all religions, it is this:

possess some kind of travel program.

people of faith like to gather. To look

One of the hottest trends in faith com-

at it another way, “community” lies at

munities is the hosting of a travel pro-

the very core of many faiths and reli-

gram (also known as “travel

gions. For this reason, it comes as no

ministry”). There is much greater

surprise that the religious market rep-

awareness in religious circles about the

resents about 16 percent of the meet-

benefits of combining faith, fun and

ings industry and is estimated to be

fellowship through travel. This aware-

twice the size of the business meetings

ness is being driven by expanded media

market. According to the Religious

coverage on the topic, growth of reli-

Conference Management Association

gious travel guidebooks, and the in-

(RCMA), the religious meetings mar-

crease in travel companies marketing

ket has grown from 4.4 million atten-

and selling directly to churches and

dees in 1994 to an estimated 15

faith-based organizations. LGT

20 February 2009

The Pyramids at Giza

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on our radar: international

OBERAMMERGAU PACKAGES Virgin Vacations offers the following Europe itineraries that package the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play: Music and Passion with Oberammergau a 12-day program that visits Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Oberammergau, the Black Forest and Rothenburg; from $3,789.

Highlights of Germany with Oberammergau a nine-day program that visits Munich, Oberammergau, the Black Forest, Frankfurt and includes a Rhine River cruise; priced from $2,979.

Northern Italy, Switzerland and Oberammergau a 10-day program that includes Milan, Lake Maggiore, Switzerland, the Black Forest and Wurzburg; from $3,469. [888-937-

Munich will be included on many 2010 Oberammergau itineraries.

8474, virginvacations.com] Land of the Bible 9 days from

Lisbon, Santarem, Fatima, Santiago de

TRAFALGAR LAUNCHES

$1,975, visiting Tel Aviv, Caesarea,

Compostela, Burgos, Lourdes and Paris;

NEW RELIGIOUS SERIES

Haifa, Acre, Tiberias, Capernaum, Kib-

departures June-October.

Trafalgar’s 2009 Journeys of Faith and

butz Nof Ginosar, Kursi, Jordan Park,

Spirituality brochure details five new

Nazareth, Jericho and Jerusalem; depar-

days from $1,995, visiting Rome, Assisi,

itineraries visiting the most inspirational

tures May-October.

Siena, Florence, Padua and Venice; de-

and holy sites in Israel, Italy, Greece,

Poland and Pope John Paul II 8 days

A Journey through Christian Italy 10

partures June-October.

Turkey, France, Spain and Poland. The

from $1,225, visiting Krakow, Wadow-

lineup includes:

ice, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska,

person, based on double-room occu-

Auschwitz, Czestochowa and Warsaw;

pancy.

Missionary Journey of Paul 11 days from $2,020, visiting Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kusadasi, Thessaloniki and Meteora; departures May-September.

departures May-November.

Catholic Portugal, Spain & France 12 days from $2,225, visiting

All prices listed are land-only, per

Sightseeing highlights include visits to the birthplace of Jesus and the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth; the Church of the Nativity, Wailing Wall

EUR OPE GROUP SALES TIP #9 UROPE

and Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem; Auschwitz in Poland; the Basilica and Grotto in Lourdes; the Vatican; and the

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14th century monasteries perched high atop towering rocks in Meteora, Greece.

[866-544-4434, trafalgartours.com] FAITH TRAVEL INSURANCE PLAN Travel Guard has launched a new travel insurance offering – the Faith Travel

For Europe group information, call (800) 964-3170

Plan – developed to appeal to the growing religious travel market. The plan is a

22 February 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

TEL AVIV CELEBRATES Tel Aviv is marking its 100th anniversary with year-long celebrations that kick off April 4 with a massive concert in Rabin Square, complete with multi-media experiences and performances by international stars, the New Israeli Opera and Israel Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Zubin Mehta.

Founded in 1909 on sand dunes as a garden suburb of ancient Jaffa, Tel Aviv quickly burgeoned into a metropolis, styling itself as "the first Hebrew city in A classical concert at Tel Aviv's Mann Auditorium: the Israel Philharmonic, solo singers and a visiting choir.

two millennia." By the 1930s, architects escaping the Nazis were creating the wealth of Bauhaus buildings that gave Tel Aviv its unique look and caused the "White City" to be designated a UN-

novel approach to meeting the travel in-

covered trip for any reason, up to 48

surance needs of travelers embarking on

hours prior to departure.

mission trips, pilgrimages, volunteer va-

*Cruise, airline, and

cations, conferences and retreats. In addi-

tour operator default

tion to enhanced coverage options, the

coverage

Faith Travel Plan features specialized

Included in the plan is

concierge services to help customers who

a Faith Traveler’s 24-

may feel “out of their element” traveling

hour hotline with spe-

to religious destinations around the

cialized concierge

world.

services giving religious

The plan includes:

travelers convenient ac-

*Trip cancellation coverage up to

cess to worldwide reli-

$100,000 – High coverage limit if over-

gious destination

seas travel must be canceled for reasons

information, urgent mes-

such as sickness of religious pilgrimage

sage relay to friends and

traveling companion or financial default

worship leaders, and pre-

of mission tour operator.

trip health and safety ad-

*Children under age 17 at no additional charge *Medical evacuation – Medical cover-

visories. Emergency assistance services offer an around-the-clock

age (whether traveling in religious

travel hotline for finding

groups, individuals or families) that in-

alternative flight options,

cludes evacuation and transportation to

rebooking flights, replac-

the hospital of choice or home in the

ing lost travel docu-

event of an unforeseen incident.

ments, and making hotel

*Cancel for any reason – The Faith

and rental car reserva-

Travel Plan reimburses up to 50 percent

tions. [800-826-1300,

of the trip cost if the insured cancels a

travelguard.com]

LeisureGroupTravel.com

ESCO World Heritage Site. By the turn

February 2009 23

international

of the 21st century the city had become home to dozens of world-class restaurants, a fashion scene that combines Milan, Tokyo and New York, and a wealth of cultural institutions.

"If Jerusalem is our Washington, D.C.," said Arie Sommer, Israel tourism commissioner for North and South America, "then Tel Aviv is our New York, the center of business, entertainment and all the excitement associated with a big city that is also a beach resort on the Mediterranean."

Plans to revitalize the Shlomo Lahat Promenade, the long boardwalk stretching along the Mediterranean shoreline, have been announced. The estimated Qumran: The community buildings, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were written.

$75-million project will expand the promenade to 8½ miles all the way along the coast from Bat Yam through Jaffa and Tel Aviv to Herzliya. Upon

completion, the walkway will connect

considered the third most important

several of the city's parks and boast

site for Christian pilgrims to the Holy

new restaurants and

Land and holds significance in the

shops. [goisrael.com]

Jewish tradition as the place where the Children of Israel crossed the Jor-

HIKES IN THE HOLY LAND

dan River when they entered Canaan.

Israel has inaugurated the new Pil-

[goisrael.com]

grim's Route, a trail enabling travelers to hike to its Christian holy places.

ANOTHER SIDE OF ORLANDO

Along the route leading from

Christian groups in Orlando, Fla., will

Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, tourists

find 4,500 square feet of hands-on ex-

can visit the site that recalls the New

hibits, interactive media, games and

Testament parable of the Good

video presentations at Wycliffe Dis-

Samaritan, the Qumran caves and the

covery Center (formerly WordSspring

point in the Jordan River believed to

Discovery Center) on the campus of

be where Jesus was baptized by John

Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Ex-

the Baptist.

hibits and videos focusing on the his-

The Good Samaritan site, located

24 February 2009

tory of the Bible, world cultures and

just off the highway leading from

languages, and ongoing work of Bible

Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, is home to

translations are designed for both

a Byzantine church built about 1,700

children and adults. A cafe is open for

years ago. The mosaic floor of the

lunch, and there is a gift shop. Tours

church was recently reconstructed by

of Wycliffe headquarters are available.

archaeologists. In addition, the bap-

[407-852-3626, wycliffe.org/

tismal site, located near Jericho, is

wordspring] LeisureGroupTravel.com

Vim

aYgaYf]n]b[ YldYf]YbWYg

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on location: west O

elana andersen

Palm Springs: Seeing Green in Action

Ecotourism thrives in the desert

communities of

Southern California

Hiking tours show how the native Cahuilla people revered the natural environment.

A COMMUNITY-WIDE PLEDGE to be

able practices that include the introduc-

Community list of action steps is widely

responsible stewards of the environment

tion of green industries and greening

distributed at area stores, visitor centers

has moved the City of Palm Springs to

technologies. The nation's largest turbine

and online.

adopt a new plan with focused action di-

wind farm is at the west end of the

rected at becoming a totally sustainable

Coachella Valley, and agricultural and

GREEN ACTIVITIES FOR TRAVELERS

community. The plan’s vision defines

recreation businesses, including many

Elite Land Tours offers a series of tours

programs and projects that fall under the

golf courses, are participating in water-

that focuses on various aspects of eco-

privy of city government, such as reduc-

shed projects that feed back into the nat-

businesses and sustainable practices.

ing the city's use of water by 50 percent

ural underground reservoirs. The

“Going Green,” for example, visits one

and energy by 20 percent within four

adoption of traditional Native American

of the largest lavender farms in the U.S.,

years. It also provides tools and incen-

philosophies and practices with regard to

where visitors learn about the attributes

tives for local residents, businesses,

protecting natural sustainable habitats is

of Certified Organic farming. The tour

tourism and recreation entities, and edu-

also widely promoted.

continues to a managed nature sanctuary

cational institutions to achieve ambitious

Palm Springs has kicked off a public

green initiatives and become a zero-waste

awareness program designed to inform

other indigenous wildlife survive in the

community.

visitors and residents about ways to be

harsh desert terrain. “Ultimate Power

green in their personal lives and in the

Trip” travels through the fields of a wind

community. Its Pathways to a Sustainable

farm and offers an up-close view of the

Throughout the desert region other communities are participating in sustain26 February 2009

where coyote, bobcat, bears, deer and

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on the side

The Best of Palm Springs

F

FABULOUS PALM SPRINGS FOLLIES

PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY

Now in its 18th season, this dance, song and comedy revue

Soar to the heights of Chino Canyon via the world’s largest

is packed with show-stopping entertainment. The three-

rotating tramcar and be awed by the expansive views and

hour, vaudeville-style extravaganza showcases music and

scenic wonders of the Coachella Valley. From the Valley

dance from the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s and is performed by a

Station to the Mountain Station (at 8,516 feet), the ascent

renowned company of high-stepping Long Legged Lovelies

of Mt. San Jacinto takes about 10 minutes. Recreation at

and Follies Gentlemen, plus a lineup of celebrated guest

the top ranges from playing in the winter snow to hiking

stars and special acts. What sets the Follies apart from other

wilderness trails in summer. Facilities include several look-

shows is that its company is made up of seasoned Broad-

out stations, the Peaks dining room and casual Pines Cafe,

way-to-Hollywood performers who just happen to range in

and the Lookout Lounge, which offers a full bar service.

age from 55 to 80+ years. The Follies’ 10-shows-a-week

There are gift shops at both the Valley and Mountain sta-

season runs from October through May. November and De-

tions. [888-515-8726, groups 760-325-1449,

cember are reserved for the Follies Yuletide production with

pstramway.com]

a cast of Candy Cane Girls, a distaff Santa and her admirers, strolling bands of carolers, dancing penguins and a

DESERT SHOPPING

cheery Hanukkah bear. Add spectacular sets, glittery cos-

Palm Springs’ Palm Canyon Drive, the city’s main prome-

tumes and dazzling special effects to ensure a lively way for

nade, is lined with shops and boutiques, art galleries, an-

your group to celebrate the end of the year. [Box office,

tique stores, and a diverse collection of eateries, many

760-327-0225; groups, 800-967-9997; psfollies.com]

offering outdoor dining. It is also home to the historic Plaza

Palm Springs Follies

Theater and the Fabulous Palm Spring Follies, Palm Springs Walk of Stars and Palm Springs Desert Museum with its well-stocked museum store. Every Thursday the drive is transformed into Villagefest, a pedestrian bazaar with more than 200 arts and craft vendors, food carts, live music and other entertainment. [760-322-7799, palmcanyondrive.org] Palm Desert’s famed El Paseo, an upscale shopping street, has 300-plus stores, art galleries and restaurants.

Tucked between the exclusive boutiques are shops that offer a surprising number of affordable treasures. [palm-desert.com]. Other shopping centers in the neighborhood include Westfield Shoppingtown, One Eleven Town Center and Desert Crossing Shopping Center.

The River at Rancho Mirage is a high-end, 30-acre waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment center. [760341-2711, theriveratranchomirage.com] Outlet shopping is located in Cabazon, 15 minutes west of Palm Springs. More than 150 quality branded stores are found at Desert Hills Premium Outlets and Cabazon Outlets. [premiumoutlets.com, cabazonoutlets.com]

LeisureGroupTravel.com

February 2009 27

west O

power generated by the giant whirling

native Cahuilla people had a special re-

blades. Commentary covers the interna-

spect for the land and the ways they took

tional history of wind power and its role

care of the environment as part of their

in providing electricity today and in the

effort to survive. The canyons and associ-

future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Falconry Educational Tourâ&#x20AC;? pro-

ated resources are sacred to the Indians

vides insight into the fragility of birds of

and are historically important to scien-

prey habitats and various recovery pro-

tists and nature lovers. Visitor centers are

grams and sustainable practices. Elite

found at the trailheads at each location.

Land Tours offers many other itineraries

[indian-canyons.com]

with sustainable themes. Most tours last

Green Friday in downtown Palm

one to four hours. [760-318-1200,

Springs is held the last Friday of the

elitelandtours.com]

month and features extended store hours

Indian Canyons Hiking Trails and

until 8 p.m. Merchants who display the

Tahquitz Canyon Hiking Trail are

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green Friday Palm Springsâ&#x20AC;? logo offer

ranger-led interpretive hikes that explain

special discounts and also feature infor-

the landscape, the flora and fauna, and

mation and goods that are environmen-

the Cahuilla legends associated with the

tally sensitive. Other activities on Green

canyons and natural springs. Each trail is

Friday include seminars and displays

about one mile, and the tour lasts 90

showcasing alternative vehicles, eco-art,

minutes. Commentary explains how the

building materials and other green products. There are refreshments, entertainment and a treasure hunt. Green Friday is sponsored by Main Street Palm Springs Business Association. [760-322-7799, palmcanyondrive.org]

& 8A<JK@:

The Living Desert, located in Palm Desert, is a park and museum dedicated to the interpretation, conservation and protection of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fragile desert ecosystems. The grounds offer views of indigenous wildlife including many endangered species, a botanical garden, natural history museum and nature preserve.

The Living Desert University (LDU) is a premier environmental learning center offering classes and seminars. [760-3465694, livingdesert.org]

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Palm Springs Tourism: 800-347-7746, palm-springs.org Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities: 800-967-3767, giveintothedesert.com

Visit leisuregrouptravel.com for complete resources.

28 February 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on our radar: west O

ALASKA Alaska kicked off its 50th Anniversary of Statehood celebration on Jan. 3, the date its Declaration of Statehood was signed and launch of a year-long schedule of anniversary events. Many events are organized by local communities and posted on their events calendars. Others are noted on the state’s website: alaskatravel.com. Highlights include: Alaska History Walk: A Journey of Statehood 1867-2009, an outdoor exhibition on display in downtown Anchorage on Seventh Avenue between E & F streets. It is comprised of eight columns featuring 16 bronze placards showing historic photos and inscriptions that chronicle Alaska’s history from the time of its purchase from Russia. A 50th An-

The Mesa Historical Museum’s new exhibit is attracting baseball fans.

niversary of Statehood time capsule is located at the end of the History Walk.

The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center honors the state’s golden an-

that represents its view of the statehood story. The panels are part of an exhibi-

niversary with the opening of a new

tion that travels the state throughout

four-story, glass-walled exhibition space

the year.

on May 20. Its inaugural exhibition, entitled Gold, features the 56-pound Nor-

ARIZONA

mandy Nugget, a gold-plated room and

Play Ball: The Cactus League Experi-

a stash of gold doubloons retrieved

ence just opened at the Mesa Historical

from a sunken Spanish galleon. Life in

Museum. The exhibit celebrates the his-

Alaska Leading to Statehood, another

tory of professional baseball in Arizona

featured exhibition, recalls the 1950s

from the sport’s barnstorming days be-

through photography, school year-

fore statehood, researched to be as early

books, the statehood ballot and other

as 1909, to the inauguration of the Cac-

memorabilia. [907-343-6173, anchor-

tus League in 1947 and up to present

agemuseum.org] Alaska Railroad is celebrating the

day. The interactive exhibit focuses on the legendary boys of summer who re-

state’s golden anniversary by offering all

ported for spring training in the Ari-

who celebrate their 50th birthday in

zona desert. Play Ball features a

2009 with a free ride on its Anchorage-

“knothole” fence; an infield complete

to-Fairbanks Denali Star train. [907-

with vintage dugout, sky mural and

265-2494, alaskarailroad.com] A 50th Anniversary Quilt is the re-

photo opportunity; interactive souvenir, concession and ticket booths; and a

sult of a statewide project in which

three-dimensional bus depot. Baseball

every city and town was invited to sub-

fans and history buffs will have the op-

mit a quilt panel with a scene or image

portunity to set their sights on never-be-

LeisureGroupTravel.com

February 2009 29

on our radar: west O

fore-seen items gathered from private collections of Arizonans who knew the likes of Ted Williams, Sandy Koufax and Willie McCovey. [480-835-7358, playballexperience.com] The first phase of CityCenter of CityNorth, the largest mixed-use development in Arizona history, just opened in the affluent Northeast Valley of Phoenix. Retailers in the High Street neighborhood include Alessi, GUESS, Talbots, White House | Black Market, Chico’s and Verde Maison. In the fall of 2010, The Boulevard neighborhood will open, featuring Macy’s, Arizona’s first Bloomingdale’s and Phoenix’s first Nordstrom. [480-355-0202, citycenterofcitynorth.com] The Musical Instrument Museum in Pop music culture enthralls guests at the new GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles.

Phoenix is set to open in early 2010.

With musical instruments from every country in the world, MIM will pay homage to the history and diversity of

major regions: Europe, United States

instruments and introduce museum

and Canada, Latin America, Oceania,

media presentations, just opened in L.A.

guests to their varied and unique

Southeast Asia, East Asia, Central and

Live, the downtown Los Angeles sports,

floors of dynamic and interactive multi-

sounds. MIM will be an engaging, en-

South Asia, Middle East and Africa.

entertainment and residential district.

tertaining and informative experience,

Live performances in an intimate audi-

The 32,000-square-foot facility explores

in which the uninitiated and the knowl-

torium will make MIM a center of

all forms of music, the creative process,

edgeable will feel welcome. Museum

world music performance. [themim.org]

art and technology of the recording

both the musical similarities and differ-

CALIFORNIA

music’s GRAMMY Award. There are

guests will gain an appreciation for

process, and the history of recording

ences among divergent cultures, coun-

The Sports Museum of Los Angeles

artist profiles, films, timelines, memora-

tries and ethnicities through

(SMLA), with one of the largest and

bilia, a 200-seat soundstage and a mock

state-of-the-art exhibits. Integrated

broadest collections of sports memora-

studio where visitors can experience the

audio and video experiences will enable

bilia and collectibles in the world, re-

actual recording process, with industry

guests to appreciate the sounds of in-

cently opened in downtown Los

experts leading the way through mixing

struments from around the world as

Angeles, just south of STAPLES Center

and producing. [213-765-6800,

well as to see these instruments played

and L.A. Live. The 30 galleries cover

grammymuseum.org]

in their cultural contexts.

football, basketball, baseball, golf, ten-

The museum will display about

Berkeley is home to the oldest of the

nis, biking and other sports. What

University of California campuses, often

5,000 instruments, from the exquisite

makes the museum unique is that the

considered to be America’s most liberal-

heirlooms of royal courts to hand-

collection belongs to just one

minded community and, thanks to culi-

crafted pieces passed down through

person–museum founder and CEO

nary whizzes like Alice Waters and her

generations. Some will have been played

Gary Cypres. [888-540-8223,

contemporaries, recognized as the birth-

by famous artists. The collection will be

sportsmuseumla.com]

place of modern American food trends

organized into galleries representing 30 February 2009

The GRAMMY Museum, with four

and cuisine. A visit to the Shattuck AvLeisureGroupTravel.com

enue neighborhood, more fondly called

enjoy their complimentary Wacky

Gourmet Ghetto, offers foodies a sub-

Quackers, yellow-billed duck whistles,

lime experience. Within a few blocks

as they quack at pedestrians. The vehi-

there are more than 23 specialty food

cles, built from the ground up, are mod-

emporiums and eateries, none with

eled after the DUKWs that carried

chain names, and all focused on provid-

troops and supplies during WWII. The

ing the highest quality foods. There are

ticketing and boarding location is at

bakers, cheese makers, confectioners,

Fisherman’s Wharf. Discounts are avail-

and other artisan food specialists, plus a

able for groups of 20 or more. [415-

variety of coffee, tea and wine mer-

922-2425, sanfranciscoducks.com]

chants. Dining options range from ca-

The San Diego Zoo’s Harry and

sual cafes specializing in regional ethnic

Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey opens

cuisines to gourmet pizzerias, organic

this spring. The $44-million, seven-acre

vegan menus and, of course, Waters’ ex-

habitat will feature Asian elephants, a

traordinary prix fixe menu at Chez

California condor, sloths, snakes and

Panisse.

A fun option for a group’s first visit

rodents, as well as life-size replicas of animal species that dotted the Southern

to Gourmet Ghetto is to take a tasting

California landscape more than 10,000

tour with epicurean concierge Lisa Ro-

years ago. A herd of eight elephants will

govin. Groups from six to 40 guests are

roam a 2.5-acre exhibit that will include

led on a culinary adventure with tasting

a 120,000-gallon pool, gentle rolling

at each stop. [415-806-5970,

hills and the Conrad Prebys Elephant

inthekitchenwithlisa.com] While in

Management Facility, where visitors can

Berkeley, other unique tasting experi-

see keepers and veterinarians at work

ences are found at Scharffen Berger

with the animals and tour the facility

Chocolate [510-981-4066,

for educational and interactive experi-

scharffenberger.com] and Takara Sake

ences. Additional highlights of Elephant

USA [510-540-8250, takarasake.com].

Odyssey include a tar pit replication,

Both of these companies offer produc-

fossil dig, children’s play area and a tun-

tion tours and tastings. For more infor-

neled walkway through a herd of ele-

mation about Gourmet Ghetto and

phants. [619-231-1515,

Berkeley sights, contact the Berkeley

sandiegozoo.org]

CVB: 800-847-4823, berkeleycvb.com.

Ride The Ducks, the amphibious tour operator, has just made a big

HAWAII During Hawaii’s 50th Anniversary of

splash in the San Francisco tourism in-

Statehood this year, each island will in-

dustry. The 90-minute sightseeing tour

corporate special activities in annual

includes about 60 minutes on land and

events as well has host ceremonial

30 minutes on the water. It winds

events on relevant national holidays and

through the city’s historic streets and

Hawaii’s Admission Day, Aug. 21. “50

neighborhoods, splashes down into Mc-

Voices of Statehood,” a series of radio

Covey Cove and “quacks” along the

and television vignettes that will be

bay. Sights along the route include Fish-

aired throughout the year, features a di-

erman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Ghirardelli

verse selection of presenters from across

Square, Union Square, SOMA, AT&T

the state, many of whom participated in

Ballpark and Bay Bridge. Passengers

the statehood debate 50 years ago and

LeisureGroupTravel.com

February 2009 31

on our radar: west O

The National Folk Festival in Butte, Mont. brings a jubilant and dizzying feast of the deeply traditional folk arts. express their personal perspective on

show the evolution of the annual Albu-

the issues then and now. The USS

querque International Balloon Fiesta

Hawai’i, the first commissioned subma-

from its inaugural flight in 1972 to

rine name for the state, will be honored

today’s world-famous event. The 2009

on Memorial Day at Pearl Harbor.

Fiesta dates are Oct. 3-11. [505-768-

[statehoodhawaii.org]

6020, balloonmuseum.com]

MONTANA

Albuquerque opens at a new location

The National Atomic Museum in Butte is host to the annual National

this spring as the National Museum of

Folk Festival, July 10-12, 2009 and

Nuclear Science and History. The

July 9-11, 2010. This is the country's

$10.5-million facility will offer exhibits

largest and most prestigious celebration

on both the technical side of nuclear

of traditional American folk arts and

science and its historical development.

attracts renowned performers and arti-

The 30,000-square-foot building will

sans in various genres of music, dance,

be adjacent to the Sandia Science and

crafts and storytelling. The three-day

Technology Park in southeast Albu-

event is free and offers ongoing enter-

querque. It will house 13 permanent

tainment on seven main stages. The an-

major exhibits. The museum’s historical

nual festival has been held in various

aircraft and military vehicle collection

locations since its founding in 1934.

will be displayed on nine acres sur-

This is the first time it is being held in a

rounding the building. [505-245-2137,

Western state. [800-735-6814,

atomicmuseum.org]

buttecvb.com, nationalfolkfestival.com]

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express light rail system has expanded

32 February 2009

NEW MEXICO

and now travels between Belen, south

The 2009 featured exhibition at the In-

of Albuquerque, to Santa Fe. This new

ternational Balloon Museum in Albu-

service offers travelers a convenient

querque is A Fiesta Patchwork: Images

way to visit the state’s two main cities

Through Time. Artifacts and photos

and attend popular festivals like the LeisureGroupTravel.com

Bernalillo annual Labor Day weekend

Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his

which later housed the Hertzberg Cir-

Wine Fest. Local transit and shuttle

late wife Janey, the museum will show-

cus Museum. An enclosed bridge will

services to popular sights and event ven-

case art, artifacts and interactive ex-

connect it to a new building with two

ues serve the Rail Runner stations.

hibits that tell the story of the American

more floors of exhibits and an event

Group and senior rates are available.

West, with emphasis on South Texas

Pavilion. [888-365-7472,

Tickets are available online and at sta-

and San Antonio. The main building is

briscoemuseum.org]

tions. [866-795-7245,

the landmark 1930 Carnegie Library,

nmrailrunner.com] OKLAHOMA The Cherokee Nation’s Cultural Tourism Department has completed the second and final renovation to the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill.

The entrance to the museum store and all-new grand atrium is framed by three tall columns, remaining signatures of the former 1850 Cherokee Female Seminary, the first institution of higher learning for women west of the Mississippi. The Cherokee Heritage Center, which sits on a 44-acre complex, was established in 1963 by Chief W.W. Keeler to house tribal historical documents, photographs and exhibits.

The living village was inaugurated in 1967 and the museum and gift shop followed in 1974. The center also features the Tsa-La-Gi Ancient Village

WELCOME TO A CITY THAT HAS TALES FOR YOUR EARS & TREATS FOR YOUR EYES. WHERE THE SOUNDS OF SAX & TRUMPET IN BRICKTOWN MEET THE COLORS OF CHIHULY GLASS IN THE OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART. COME SEE AN ART SCENE THAT’S MAKING WAVES. AND A CITY THAT’S MAKING HISTORY. SMOOTH & EASY. STIRRING & SOULFUL.

and Adams Corner Rural Village. The Cherokee Nation is a federally recognized tribe of more than 280,000 Cherokee citizens, with its capital located in Tahlequah, Okla. Employing more than 6,500 people, Cherokee Nation’s annual economic impact in Oklahoma and surrounding areas is more than $1 billion. [888-999-6007, cherokeeheritage.org] TEXAS The Briscoe Western Art Museum opens in 2010 along San Antonio’s Riverwalk, within easy walking distance of the Alamo and other attractions.

VISITOKC.C OM

Named for cattle rancher and former LeisureGroupTravel.com

February 2009 33

on location: midwest

randy mink

Minnesota’s Mall of America

This shopper’s

paradise continues

to refresh itself and plans to expand

SINCE OPENING IN 1992, Mall of

New stores always await repeat visitors to Mall of America.

fall—at the height of the financial cri-

There are nearly 40 hotels within a 10-

America has reigned supreme as one of

sis—the parking lots were jammed to

minute drive, all offering complimen-

the Midwest’s blockbuster attractions.

capacity as MOA was enjoying some of

tary shuttle service to the mall and

Much more than a local or regional

the busiest weekends in its history.

mall, it’s a mega-magnet that draws

The mall counts 40 million visitors

tourists from across the country and

annually. It has an occupancy rate of 95

around the world.

percent and last year saw a 3.5 percent

Mall of America (MOA) is the prime reason that many travelers make the

Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (less than two miles from MOA).

The mall’s square design makes it easy to navigate. Department stores—

boost in sales. With business booming,

Nordstrom, Sears, Macy’s and Bloom-

MOA plans to double in size with a

ingdale’s—anchor the corners. Each of

trek to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Tourists

Phase II construction project costing

the four, three-level avenues connecting

account for four of every 10 visits and

more than $1 billion.

these stores has a distinctive look,

half the money spent in the mall.

Despite the sour U.S. economy, the

First, the basics: Mall of America boasts more than 520 stores and 50

theme and color scheme. North Garden, between Sears and Nordstrom, is

nation’s largest retail and entertainment

restaurants, plus attractions like the na-

like a walk in the park, with trees,

complex under one roof continues to

tion’s largest indoor amusement park

lampposts, park benches and a string of

thrive. More than 30 new stores opened

and a world-class aquarium. It’s located

natural skylights. The other “streets”

last year, and the movie complex was

in Bloomington, only 15 minutes from

are West Market, South Avenue and

just updated. On several occasions last

downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis.

East Broadway. If a shopper spent 10

34 February 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

minutes browsing at every store, it would take more than 86 hours to complete a visit to this city within a city.

Clothing stores dominate the landscape, ranging from familiar names like Old Navy and Banana Republic to high-end apparel purveyors like Brooks Brothers and Burberry. There are 33 stores that sell shoes, from Rockport and Bostonian to the new NikeStore and Italy-based Geox, creator of the “world’s first breathable shoe.” Minnesota has no sales tax on clothing and shoes.

Mall of America’s Phase II project will double its size.

Most fun are the specialty shops. For out-of-staters hunting for souvenirs, Minnesot-ah! offers quality mementos of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, including

fans can treat their dolls to a new ’do at

Sportswear, the country’s leading seller

bags of wild rice, bottles of maple syrup

the Doll Hair Salon and enjoy a meal at

of skiwear. Other recent new entries on

and northwoods-motif sweatshirts.

the cafe, which overlooks Nickelodeon

the mall directory include Beadniks,

Lake Wobegon USA is an emporium

Universe theme park.

Frederick’s of Hollywood, Watch It

with books, videos and various curios

Mall of America just welcomed only

based on Garrison Keillor’s Prairie

the second U.S. outlet of Columbia

Home Companion radio shows about

on the side

(watches and sunglasses), Best Buy, Harley-Davidson (motorcycle acces

mugs, T-shirts, shopping bags and other

Green Before Its Time

logo merchandise at one of the three

Mall of America has been environ-

small-town life in Minnesota. The Vikings Locker Room draws football fans. And you can commemorate your

M

visit to this temple of consumerism with

Mall of America Gift Stores.

mentally friendly since the begin-

For the pampered pooch, Just Dogs!

ning, incorporating elements such

Gourmet is a bakery offering all-natural

as passive solar heating, an exten-

treats like the Peanut Butter Bone and

sive recycling program, and live

Tailhouse Cookie. Stock up on socks at

plants and trees to act as natural air

Sox Appeal or pick up a hermit crab at

purifiers. The mall:

the Hawaii Crab cart. QVC @ The Mall allows you to purchase much of the

same merchandise seen on QVC's television program.

recycles more than 60 percent of its waste – an average of 32,000 tons per year

recycles more than 2,400 tons of

does not use a central heating system; instead, the comfortable 70 degrees is maintained with 1.2

food waste to a local hog farm,

miles of skylights for solar energy,

which markets itself as an experience as

which equates to more than a mil-

residual heat from light fixtures

much as a store, made big news this

lion hog meals annually

and body heat from visitors.

The opening of American Girl,

past November. Besides finding a com-

converts restaurant fryer fat into

releases thousands of ladybugs in-

plete assortment of the brand’s dolls,

bio-diesel used to power MOA

side the building instead of utiliz-

outfits and accessories, American Girl

vehicles

ing pesticides on live plants

LeisureGroupTravel.com

February 2009 35

midwest

sories and apparel), Lacoste, Levi’s, Papyrus (greeting cards and stationery) and Australian-themed Gilly Hicks Sydney, an underwear brand from Abercrombie & Fitch.

When it’s time to take a break from store-hopping, shoppers have a wide choice of restaurants—20 sit-down places and 30 dishing up fast food.

Napa Valley Grille, Tucci Benucch and California Cafe are among the best. At stylish Twin City Grill, patrons step back to the 1940s, when meatloaf and The first-ever Nickelodeon theme park features meet-and-greets with favorite Nick TV characters.

mashed potatoes were the order of the day. Or try the signature blue cheesecrusted filet mignon. Mahogany paneling, period fixtures and vintage Minnesota photographs set the mood.

Rainforest Cafe and Bubba Gump

ica include the walk-through Underwater Adventures Aquarium, the largest

also is on tap.

For groups, Mall of America can

Shrimp Co. are popular theme eateries.

underground aquarium in the country;

provide a 45-minute orientation tour or

Or consider Tony Roma’s, Famous

LEGO Imagination Center; NASCAR

a 45-minute presentation on the busi-

Dave’s BBQ or Wolfgang Puck Ex-

Silicon Motor Speedway; A.C.E.S.

ness/marketing aspects of the mall, fol-

press. Quick options in two food

Flight Simulation; and Moose Moun-

lowed by a question-and-answer

courts include Arby’s, Burger King,

tain Adventure Golf.

session. Big with students and others is

McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell

The recently upgraded movie com-

and Great Steak & Potato Co. In the

plex, owned and operated by Mall of

teams of four to eight people get points

center of the mall, Nickelodeon Uni-

America, features 14 theaters, all with

for answering a series of questions relat-

verse has its own dining area, plus four

new seats. The two largest screens have

ing to the mall. Many group programs

shops with Nick stuff.

digital sound and image with 3D capa-

include a mall coupon book (a $9.95

Offering more than 20 rides, Nick-

the Mallquest Scavenger Hunt, in which

bilities. A 170-seat VIP theater offers

value). There’s a dedicated pickup and

elodeon Universe opened last spring,

individual tables so that guests (age 21

drop-off area for motorcoaches.

bringing the kids TV network’s touch

and over) can enjoy food and beverage

to the amusement kingdom previously

service.

known as the Park at MOA (and Camp Snoopy before that). The first-

Hundreds of special events each year

Whether it’s a busload of students or seniors, a family reunion trip or a girlfriend getaway, Minnesota’s Mall of

also entertain mall guests. Celebrities

America adds a crowd-pleasing touch to

ever Nickelodeon theme park features

come to perform or do book signings.

any travel itinerary. LGT

meet-and-greets with favorite Nick TV

You might catch a Food Network star

characters like SpongeBob

doing a cooking demonstration.

SquarePants, Patrick, Dora, Diego and

Mall of America’s Phase II develop-

Jimmy Neutron. Choose from such

ment calls for a four-level complex con-

rides as SpongeBob SquarePants Bot-

nected to the existing mall. The first

tom Plunge rollercoaster and Splat-O-

construction project, a Marriott Renais-

Sphere vertical drop. More than

sance hotel, begins early this year. Bass

30,000 live plants and 400 trees pro-

Pro will be an anchor store, and an

vide greenery for the park.

NHL-size arena for public ice skating is

Other attractions at Mall of Amer36 February 2009

PLAN IT! Mall of America: 800-879-3555, mallofamerica.com

Visit leisuregrouptravel.com for complete resources.

planned. A Great Wolf waterpark hotel LeisureGroupTravel.com

on our radar: midwest

ILLINOIS

aways brochure includes “Pretty in

The exhibition Tutankhamun: The

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Edu-

Pink,” “Red Hat Hoot” and “Tour for

Golden King and the Great Pharaohs

cation Center will open April 19 in the

the Cure Day Trip” sample itineraries

opens June 27 at the Children’s Mu-

Chicago suburb of Skokie. The date co-

in Southeast Indiana. The bureau is

seum of Indianapolis, continuing into

incides with the anniversary of the 1943

promoting the Lawrenceburg area as a

October. It will present more than 130

Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the largest re-

hub-and-spoke headquarters for tours

treasures from the tomb of the cele-

volt by Jewish prisoners against the

visiting Cincinnati (20 minutes away),

brated pharaoh King Tut and other

Nazis during the Holocaust. The largest

Indianapolis and Louisville. The cost

ancient sites. On display will be

museum of its kind in the Midwest, the 65,000-square-foot facility will include an orientation film, audio testimony of Chicago-area Holocaust survivors and more than 500 artifacts, documents and photographs. The largest artifact will be a wooden, German-made train car of the type used to transport thousands of Jews to concentration camps during World War II. Other exhibits will focus on the neo-Nazi conflict in Skokie in 1977 and genocide around the world. A youth exhibition for ages 8-11 will examine issues like bullying, name-calling, prejudice and hate crimes. [847-9674800, ilholocaustmuseum.org] Harry Potter fans will finally have a chance to get a first-hand look inside the famous wizard’s magical world through Harry Potter: The Exhibition,

Dearborn County’s “Pretty in Pink” itinerary features hands-on activities at an art shop.

which will open at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago on April

of Tour for the Cure trips for

Tutankhamun’s golden sandals, jew-

30. The exhibition will run through

overnight groups includes a $1 per

elry, furniture, weaponry and statuary,

Sept. 7, showcasing the costumes and

passenger donation to the Vera

including the largest image of King Tut

props from the films in displays inspired

Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.

ever found – a 10-foot statue that orig-

by the Hogwarts sets, such as those

The bureau and participating

inally may have stood at Tu-

from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft

Lawrenceburg-area hotels match the

tankhamun’s mortuary temple and

and Wizardry, including the Gryffindor

$1 passenger donation, as does the

retains much of its original paint. One

common room and Hagrid's hut. The

day trip restaurant partner. The two-

of the four gold and precious-stone-in-

exhibition requires a timed-entry ticket

day “Pretty in Pink” itinerary features

laid canopic coffinettes that contained

and will be open for guests during regu-

Hillforest Victorian House Museum in

his mummified internal organs also

lar museum hours as well as each

Aurora, a tour and dinner at Ertel

will be exhibited. In conjunction with

evening until 9 p.m. during the Chicago

Cellars Winery in Batesville, Argosy

the exhibit, the museum in June will

run. [800-468-6674, msichicago.org]

Casino in Lawrenceburg, hands-on ac-

unveil its permanent $8-million Global

tivities at an art shop and greenhouse,

Perspectives exhibit, which will focus

INDIANA

and shopping at Lawrenceburg An-

on one culture every few years—the

Dearborn County Convention, Visitor

tique Gallery. [812-265-6999,

first being modern-day Egypt. [317-

& Tourism Bureau’s Girlfriends Get-

visitsoutheastindiana.com]

334-3322, childrensmuseum.org]

LeisureGroupTravel.com

February 2009 37

on our radar: midwest

downtown Kansas City, Mo. The entire project will be finished in 2011.

MISSOURI St. Louis will host the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 14 at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Besides the 80th annual contest pitting the National League against the American League, events will inThe story of Iowa veterans is drawn from their own remembrances at the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.

clude All-Star FanFest, the Home Run Derby, Futures Game, All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game and free concerts. All-Star FanFest, the world’s

IOWA

tubing parks with miles of intercon-

largest baseball fan event, will take

Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Mu-

nected rivers and such attractions as

place July 10-14 at America’s Center,

seum is a new addition to the Grout

the Master Blaster, a six-story uphill

offering more than 40 exhibits and ac-

Museum District in Waterloo. The en-

water coaster. When completed later

tivities. St. Louis Cardinals and Hall of

trance features a replica of the U.S.

this year, the year-round resort, located

Fame players will be on hand for auto-

Army Air Force North American P-51D

just east of Kansas Speedway, will fea-

graph sessions, and there will be clinics

Mustang fighter plane and a recreated

ture 1,800 hotel rooms, including wa-

and seminars. [fanfest@mlb.com, stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com, stlsports.org]

bow of the USS Juneau, the U.S. Navy

terfront cabins and "treehaus"

cruiser on which Waterloo’s five Sullivan

accommodations. Plans also include a

brothers fought and died during World

mile-long River Walk with destination

grocery stores in St. Louis, has opened

War II. The military museum

shopping, dining and entertainment op-

its fifth and largest store in Ellisville,

contains recreated Civil War-era rail

tions in a covered environment. The

Mo. Designed as a destination experi-

boxcars like the kind in which freshly

park's entertainment venues will be

ence, Straub’s Market and Cafe features

recruited Union Army troops from Iowa

connected by a state-of-the-art

an indoor-outdoor cafe, a bar and loft

were transported to areas of battle; a

Transportainment River System.

area with fireplace, a cooking school,

recreated World War I battlefield in-

[schlitterbahn.com]

wine cellar and private event room, plus

fantry trench; a tropical Spanish-Ameri-

A temporary gaming facility with

can War-style tent, similar to what U.S.

2,000 slots and 75 table games will

troops may have used in Cuba during

open later this year on the site of the

Straub’s, a fourth-generation chain of

fine foods from local and international purveyors. [636-779-8500, straubs.com]

the war; a cutaway section of a Korean

upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

OHIO

War-era F-86 Sabre Jet fighter plane,

at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City,

The Chelsea outlet division of Simon

where visitors may actually sit in the

Kan. Located in metro Kansas City’s

Property Group plans an August un-

cockpit; and a life-size recreated M-4

booming Village West area, the $705-

veiling of its Cincinnati Premium Out-

Sherman tank. [319-234-6357,

million development will include a 300-

lets, a 400,000-square-foot upscale

groutmuseumdistrict.org]

room hotel, a casino with 3,000 slot

outlet shopping center under construc-

machines and 140 gaming tables, and

tion in Monroe, north of Cincinnati, off

KANSAS

275,000 square feet of retail, dining and

Interstate 75. The 117-acre site in War-

In its first expansion project outside of

entertainment venues. The casino is a

ren County will comprise 120 outlet

Texas, water park giant Schlitterbahn is

joint venture between Kansas Speedway

stores featuring designer and name

building its fourth resort complex on a

and the Cordish Company, the devel-

brands similar in mix to other Chelsea

370-acre site in Kansas City, Kan. The

oper of the Kansas City Power & Light

properties. Stores will include Saks Fifth

village will be one of world's largest

District, a new entertainment hub in

Avenue Off 5th. [premiumoutlets.com]

38 February 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

WE DON’T HAVE PYRAMIDS IN COLUMBUS Columbus is full of great things, pyramids just aren’t one of them.

Performing Arts

Music

Dining

Short North Arts District

Museum of Art

Downtown

Learn about all the great things Columbus has to offer at

ExperienceColumbus.com/tours or call 800-354-2657

on location: south O

melinda hughey

New Orleans Embraces Voluntourism

Tour groups do

their part to rebuild

the storm-damaged city.

Student volunteers in New Orleans get time to explore the French Quarter.

WHEN A HURRICANE CALLED

“In 2008 our festivals enjoyed record-

nating an instrument to a school band,

Katrina roared through the Crescent

breaking numbers.”

building a playground. We try very hard

City nearly three-and-a-half years ago, the devastation left in her wake

But that’s not all. Convention busi-

to match up the tour groups with a proj-

ness is booming. The city played host to

ect that suits them. It is a process for

prompted dire forecasts of a recovery

the American Heart Association (AHA),

sure.”

that might not occur for years, if ever. In

the most prominent citywide convention

those days and weeks following the na-

in 2008, for Scientific Sessions this past

are countless numbers of church groups,

tion’s worst-ever natural disaster, few

November. The AHA/American Stroke

student groups, leisure groups and con-

could have anticipated the outpouring

Association (ASA) International Stroke

vention delegates, not to mention offi-

of aid from volunteer groups converging

Conference was held last February. The

cials from some of the country’s leading

on the city armed with the desire to help

convention picture for 2009 looks even

tour companies and other hospitality

rebuild.

brighter.

and tourism entities. In April nearly 350

Today, thanks in no small part to

Yet for all the success stories, there

At the center of this wave of laborers

travel professionals convened for a full

that generous and continuous surge of

remains plenty of recovery work to be

day of badly-needed repair in Louis

manpower, New Orleans is flourishing,

done. “There is not a day that goes by

Armstrong Park as part of the Tourism

according to Lisa Holland, tourism sales

since Katrina that we don't get a request

Cares project, accomplishing more in

manager of the New Orleans Metropoli-

for a group to do some type of service

one day than the park's staff could have

tan Convention and Visitors Bureau.

project,” Holland said, “whether it be

completed in several months, according

gutting a home in the Ninth Ward, do-

to the organization's website.

“New Orleans is thriving,” she said.

40 February 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

And even though conditions

hours to spare and others can contribute

rebounded to near pre-Katrina volume,

throughout the city are steadily improv-

an entire day. We are here to help them

conventional leisure tour traffic has been

ing, the need for assistance is perhaps

find the right organization to meet their

slow to return, "but they are beginning

greater than ever because demand for

needs."

to pick up," Holland pointed out).

assistance in new disaster hot spots like

Holland said some hotels in the city

Ideas for service abound and are as

Galveston and Houston are stretching

have offered specially priced "Volun-

close as the voluntourism link on the

the volunteer pool thin. Holland main-

tour" packages. "We ask that groups

New Orleans Convention and Visitors

tains a lengthy laundry-list of local or-

contact us here at the CVB so we can

Bureau website's homepage [neworlean-

ganizations welcoming volunteers.

help them find a hotel to suit their

scvb.com or foreverneworleans.com].

"Group leaders calling about includ-

budget and needs. Hotels routinely let us

Group leaders can click on links that

ing a service project in their itineraries is

know when they can offer the best rates,

generate a comprehensive listing of vol-

a near-daily occurrence," Holland said.

so we work to match the groups and the

unteer opportunities not only in Greater

"Even fam trips are doing this. The

properties."

New Orleans, but throughout South

groups don't typically stay over any ad-

While most tour companies are not

Louisiana and areas demolished by Hur-

ditional days, but they will include some

currently listing "voluntour" itineraries

of their budgeted time to give back to

in their catalogs, Holland said sample

the area. It has truly been incredible. I

itineraries combining volunteer activities

Lisa Holland, Tourism Sales Manager,

would say 80 percent of the leisure

with more traditional touring elements

New Orleans Metropolitan CVB,

groups are offering this to their mem-

are available by contacting her at the

800-748-8695, ext. 5053;

bers. Some groups have a couple of

bureau. (While convention traffic has

lholland@neworleanscvb.com. LGT

LeisureGroupTravel.com

ricanes Rita and Gustav as well.

For further information, contact

February 2009 41

on our radar: south O

ALABAMA To celebrate the Year of Alabama History campaign in 2009, the Alabama Tourism Department has published the 94-page brochure Historic Alabama: A Guide to Landmarks and Events. It gives insight into the history of 163 towns and cities across the state and features more than 700 museums, events and historically significant sites. The publication features Civil War and Civil Rights sites, places of aviation and space exploration, Native American civilizations, and remnants of pioneer life in Old Alabama Town in Montgomery, Pike Pioneer Museum in Troy and Huntsville’s Constitution Village, the

American Idol is the latest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.

birthplace of Alabama. Special emphasis is being placed on historical attractions and museums in the 2009 Alabama Vacation Guide. [800-252-2262,

show. [disneyworld.com] Disney’s Wide World of Sports at

to the grounds and museum will be free; there will be a charge for the simulators

Florida’s Walt Disney World has an-

and IMAX movies.

yearofalabamahistory.com,

nounced plans to build a 160,000-

[nationalinfantryfoundation.org/

alabama.travel]

square-foot bowling stadium, which

museum]

FLORIDA

seating and a restaurant. When not

KENTUCKY

The television and pop culture phenom-

being used for tournaments, the sta-

As the first major addition to the Ken-

enon American Idol debuts in January

dium would be open to the public. It is

tucky Horse Park’s International Mu-

as the newest attraction at Disney’s Hol-

expected to open in early 2010 and

seum of the Horse since its opening in

lywood Studios theme park at Walt Dis-

host the 2011 United States Bowling

1978, the new Arabian horse galleries

ney World Resort in Florida. Guests will

Congress Open Championship.

will open this fall. The expansion,

be able to experience the challenge of

[407-939-4263, disneyworldsports.com]

funded by the Purebred Arabian Horse

will include 100 lanes, stadium-style

auditioning, the rush of performing on stage or the thrill of judging the per-

Trust and American Arabian horse comGEORGIA

munity, will increase the Lexington mu-

formances. The experience will include

The new National Infantry Museum

seum’s permanent exhibition space by

an audition process in which guests per-

and Soldier Center at Patriot Park opens

nearly 30 percent. The museum will re-

form in front of a Disney’s Hollywood

March 20 on a 200-acre campus linking

ceive collections of art and artifacts

Studios producer for the chance to be

Fort Benning and Columbus. Galleries

from the Arabian Horse Trust and Ara-

cast in the theme park show. If shown to

in the 190,000-square-foot museum will

bian Horse Owners Foundation. A spe-

have that star quality during the screen-

tell the Infantry story from pre-Revolu-

cial exhibit in 2010, A Gift from the

ing process and after backstage prepara-

tionary days to the present. Featured

Desert: The Art, History and Culture of

tion—working with a vocal coach, hair

will be a 3-D IMAX theater, simulator

the Arabian Horse, will be featured in

and makeup—it’s lights and showtime

attractions and themed restaurant. The

the museum’s changing galleries. Run-

for the lucky guest in front of a live au-

campus will include a World War II

ning from June 1 through the Alltech

dience and panel of judges. Performers

Company Street, Memorial Walk of

FEI World Equestrian Games (Sept. 25-

with the highest number of votes will

Honor and seven-acre parade field for

Oct. 10), it will be the most comprehen-

compete in an end-of-day grand finale

Infantry school graduations. Admission

sive exploration ever of the significance

42 February 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

of the horse, and particularly the Ara-

designed to create interaction between

tion. The exhibition presents original

bian horse, on Near Eastern cultures.

tour guides and their passengers while

artwork, including drawings and car-

The 2010 Games at the Kentucky Horse

informing visitors of the city’s unique

toons, plus puppets and props. The cur-

Park mark the first time the event has

culture. Contact Lisa Holland at 504-

rent major exhibition (through July 5),

been held outside of Europe. [800-678-

566-5053 or at lholland@neworlean-

Raoul Dufy: A Celebration of Beauty,

8813, kyhorsepark.com]

scvb.com. [neworleanscvb.com]

features the artist's colorful paintings

The Louisville Convention & Visi-

and his equally celebrated textile de-

tors Bureau has introduced its first fam-

MISSISSIPPI

signs, used by leading French dress de-

ily reunion planning kit, entitled “A

The Mississippi Museum of Art in Jack-

signers. American Masters of the

‘How to’ Planning Guide for Family Re-

son presents Jim Henson’s Fantastic

Mississippi Gulf Coast (April 11-July

unions & Gatherings in Louisville.”

World, an exhibition running from Dec.

12) examines the works of such artists

Since many reunion planners start plan-

19, 2009, to March 14, 2010.

as George Ohr and Walter Anderson.

ning at least one to two years ahead, the

The show offers a rare glimpse into the

[601-960-1515, msmuseumart.org]

48-page, full-color kit includes a two-

imagination and creative genius of the

year, step-by-step planning guide and

creator of Kermit the Frog, Big Bird and

NORTH CAROLINA

timetable, sample itineraries, sample

hundreds of other characters. The Mis-

The Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast CVB

worksheets, and forms and other useful

sissippi native expressed his ideas

offers a new group planning kit called

tips. The CVB’s planning assistance in-

through a variety of visual forms, clever

“Follow the Leader.” It showcases His-

cludes sending a lead to local hotels for

dialogue, songs, comic bits and anima-

toric Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure

sleeping and meeting rooms, one Louisville souvenir per attendee, one complimentary visitor guide per room blocked on peak night and a local vendor list for customized family reunion Tshirts, entertainment, photographers, decorators, caterers, etc. [800-626-5646, ext. 471, gotolouisville.com] LOUISIANA The New Orleans CVB has announced the launch of the “NOLA Destination Fun Kit,” an innovative and interactive learning tool designed specifically for motorcoach tour participants. Tour operators are encouraged to notify the CVB of future motorcoach groups visiting the city. Tour escorts will be mailed an informational package that will include a “Jazzed about New Orleans” music CD and a “Forever New Orleans” promotional video, plus an Official Visitors Guide and the CVB’s Motorcoach Rules and Regulations brochure. The CVB will also deliver the “NOLA Destination Fun Kit,” a set of New Orleans trivia questions and prizes LeisureGroupTravel.com

February 2009 43

on our radar: south O

museum’s collections. Exhibits draw heavily on the 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg. Included are a simple wooden door marred by the bullet of a Union soldier, diaries and letters written by battled-scarred soldiers for their frightened families, and weapons on display for the first time in more than a decade. The exhibit Fredericksburg at War tells the personal stories of Fredericksburg residents shattered by war, focusing on the aftermath of the Battle of Fredericksburg.

Also on display is a rare collection of historic money, both paper and coin, in the vault of the bank formerly at this location. Galleries above the main lobby feature objects that depict the area’s Replica of Titanic’s Grand Staircase in Pigeon Forge.

20th century history. [800-260-3646, fredericksburgareamuseum.com] WEST VIRGINIA

Beach and Wrightsville Beach. Content

Black Bear Jamboree, Miracle Theater

Harpers Ferry and surrounding commu-

includes descriptions of area attractions,

and WonderWorks on the north end of

nities will celebrate the Sesquicentennial

guided tours and cruises, maps and cli-

Pigeon Forge. The attraction will display

of John Brown’s Raid this year with

mate information. Attractions include

hundreds of priceless Titanic artifacts in

more than 65 events from April to De-

the Battleship North Carolina, historic

20 galleries on two decks that will also

cember. The sesquicentennial is among

house museums and beaches. The guide

contain replicas of the Grand Staircase,

the American Bus Association’s Top 100

also provides theme itineraries and de-

a first-class suite, a third-class cabin and

Events in North America in 2009. Most

tails on group-friendly accommodations

a Marconi wireless room. Each visitor

activities will be in Harpers Ferry Na-

and restaurants, festivals/events and

will receive a boarding pass bearing the

tional Historical Park and Jefferson

group services provided by the CVB.

name of a real Titanic passenger or crew

County. John Brown, an abolitionist, at-

[866-266-9690, ext. 113,

member and will be able to touch an

tacked the federal arsenal in Harpers

cape-fear.nc.us] .

iceberg, experience the chill of 28-degree

Ferry in 1859 to secure arms and muni-

water, sit in an actual life boat, “steer”

tions to free area slaves. Brown was cap-

TENNESSEE

the ship and send an SOS message.

tured, tried for treason against the

Titanic Pigeon Forge, a towering ship-

[titanicpigeonforge.com,

Commonwealth of Virginia and hanged.

shaped museum/attraction devoted to

mypigeonforge.com]

The raid was a failure but made Brown

the world’s best-known ocean liner, is

a martyr. At the Jefferson County Mu-

coming to East Tennessee. Christening

VIRGINIA

seum in Charles Town, groups can see

of the 30,000-square-foot structure that

Fredericksburg, home to some of the

the wagon that carried Brown to his ex-

will resemble the romantic, ill-fated

most devastating battles in Civil War

ecution and desk from his jail cell.

cruise ship will be in the spring of 2010.

history, has opened the Catherine W.

Groups can also visit the Jefferson

It is a $25-million project of Cedar Bay

Jones McKann Center at the Fredericks-

County Courthouse, where he was tried,

Entertainment, the parent company of

burg Area Museum & Cultural Center.

and the site where he was executed.

the Titanic attraction in Branson, Mo.

The new center joins the existing Town

[johnbrownhf.com, wvtourism.com]

Home port is a site on the Parkway near

Hall in exhibiting and interpreting the

44 February 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on location: northeast O

randy mink

Outlet Malls Appeal to Tour Groups

Frugal shoppers with fashionable tastes know the

secrets of buying factory-direct

VF Outlet Center in 1974 became the first multi-tenant manufacturers’ outlet center.

SHOPPING CONSISTENTLY RATES

their favorite brand, whether it’s Nike,

PENNSYLVANIA

high as a tourist activity, and everyone

Coach or Ralph Lauren Polo. A typical

Reading claims to be the “Original Out-

likes a bargain. So it’s natural that

department store will have only a small

let Capital of the World” because VF

Northeastern tour itineraries carve out a

area devoted to that label.

Outlet Center in 1974 became the first

few hours for motorcoach groups to

America’s first outlet stores popped

multi-tenant manufacturers’ outlet cen-

browse in one of the many factory out-

up at textile and shoe mills along the

ter. The granddaddy of them all, VF is

let malls that dot the landscape from

Eastern Seaboard. Often located in base-

located on the site of the former Berk-

Delaware to Maine.

ment or storage areas, they gave manu-

shire Knitting Mills, which was once the

facturers a chance to dispose of

largest hosiery mill in the world and op-

and the desire for designer apparel and

over-runs or damaged items. Multi-

erated from 1908 to 1975.

housewares never seems to waver. Out-

tenant outlet malls really took off in the

The company’s original VF outlet

let stores, owned and operated by the

1980s as consumers became more aware

store opened in 1970 in the east end of

manufacturer or designer, yield dis-

of designer labels.

the mill as a means of disposing of sur-

Americans love their brand names,

counts of 20 to 70 percent off regular

Shopping malls love motorcoach

plus hosiery, along with other apparel it

retail due to the elimination of the mid-

groups and provide all kinds of perks,

made, including Vanity Fair (VF) lin-

dleman. To sweeten the pot, some states

from tours and meet-and-greets to small

gerie, sleepwear and robes. A drop cloth

have no sales tax on clothing—or no

gifts and money-saving coupon books.

separated it from the factory machines.

sales tax at all.

Aside from low prices, outlet shoppers can find an entire store filled with 46 February 2009

Here is a sampling of outlet malls in the Northeast:

Today the historic complex boasts 450,000 square feet with more than 75 stores, including the VF flagship store, LeisureGroupTravel.com

which sells VF brands like Vanity Fair, Lee, Wrangler, Nautica, Healthtex and JanSport. [vfoutletcenter.com] Getttysburg Village, with more than 70 outlet stores, offers a non-historical diversion for groups coming to town to relive the Civil War. Enjoying the Main Street ambience at this Gettysburg address, they can drift among stores like Carter’s, Puma, Bass and Harry & David. The center has a 10-screen cinema and on-site Country Inn & Suites

by Carlson. [gettysburgvillage.com] DELAWARE

Manchester Designer Outlets boasts the best concentration of upscale outlets in Northern New England.

Rehoboth Beach, a favorite summer getaway for residents of the Washington, D.C. area, is a year-round mecca with tax-free shopping. (There is no sales tax

area’s heritage. [premiumoutlets.com]

on anything in Delaware.) Tanger Out-

Opening this spring across the street from L.L. Bean is Freeport Village Sta-

let Center’s 130 stores are spread across

NEW YORK

tion, a new shopping and dining com-

three locations, all just a mile from the

The Hudson Valley’s upscale Woodbury

plex with such stores as Calvin Klein,

wooden boardwalk that has lured East

Commons Premium Outlets makes a

Van Heusen and Brooks Brothers. The

Coast vacationers for generations.

popular day excursion from New York

site will be the new home of the L.L.

[tangeroutlet.com/rehobothbeach]

City. Offering 220 stores, it ranks as one

Bean Outlet Store. [freeportusa.com]

of the largest outlet centers in the world.

NEW JERSEY Atlantic City Outlets, The Walk is a dy-

[premiumoutlets.com] Tanger Outlets at the Arches, the hot

Kittery, Maine’s other outlet mecca, is just over the border from New Hampshire, about 55 miles north of Boston.

namic retail/entertainment district cover-

new mall on Long Island, opened in Oc-

Scattered among 15 malls and shopping

ing eight city blocks, stretching along

tober in Deer Park with a 16-screen cin-

villages stretching more than a mile on

Michigan Avenue between the conven-

ema, ice rink and stores like Carter’s,

either side of U.S. Route 1, just five min-

tion center and Boardwalk-casino dis-

Gap, Kate Spade, Le Gourmet Chef,

utes from the ocean, are more than 120

trict. A shopping paradise for visitors to

Timberland, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th

outlet stores. [thekitteryoutlets.com]

the East Coast’s biggest gaming resort,

and Nieman Marcus Last Call. [tanger-

The Walk features 100 stores and

outlet.com/deerpark]

restaurants. [acoutlets.com] Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, lo-

VERMONT Manchester Designer Outlets boasts the

MAINE

best concentration of upscale outlets in

cated off the Garden State Parkway in

Main Street in Freeport, one of Maine’s

Northern New England. In Manchester

Tinton Falls, just opened in November

two outlet capitals, is anchored by the

Center, a commercial area one mile

with 120 designer and name-brand

L.L. Bean flagship store, which put the

north of picturesque Manchester Vil-

stores, including Ann Taylor, Brooks

historic coastal village on the map.

lage, names like Tumi, Escada, Armani,

Brothers, Burberry, Calvin Klein and

More than 100 brand-name retailers,

Coach and Brooks Brothers are found in

Kenneth Cole. Themed courts in a vil-

plus dozens of other specialty stores,

clusters of attractive, colonial-style

lage setting, using symbols like the

have turned downtown Freeport into a

buildings that blend in tastefully with

beach ball, beach umbrella, sandcastle,

giant mall, many occupying old homes

surrounding historic homes. [manches-

kite and sailboat, pay homage to the

and storefronts.

terdesigneroutlets.com] LGT

LeisureGroupTravel.com

February 2009 47

on our radar: northeast O

The U.S. Capitol: A focal point of pride and pageantry.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Tiffany’s, and sit on the bench along

The Capitol Visitor Center in Washing-

the East River where Woody Allen and

ton, D.C., the largest project in the U.S.

Diane Keaton watched dawn breaking

Capitol’s 215-year history, has opened

in Manhattan. Tours are led by actors

its doors. Located underground on the

and actresses, and clips of scenes high-

east side of the Capitol, the facility is

light the locations. Other tours include

roughly three-quarters the size of the

“Sex and the City Hotspots,” “Sopra-

building itself. Exhibition Hall has rare

nos Sites” and “Central Park Movie

documents and a touchable model of

Sites.” [212-683-2027,

the Capitol dome. Two orientation the-

info@screentours.com,

aters show the 13-minute film Out of

screentours.com]

Many, One. The smaller House Theater

Lincoln Center, the world’s largest

and Senate Theater, each decorated to

performing arts complex, is undergoing

evoke the respective legislative cham-

a dramatic transformation as major re-

bers, present 10-minute films about

development unfolds across its 16-acre

each body of Congress as well as live

campus. Revitalized public spaces, new

feeds from the House and Senate when

restaurants, and striking new theaters

they are in session. The center has two

will start to emerge in early 2009. Be-

gift shops and a 530-seat restaurant.

ginning in May, events are planned

[202-226-8000, visitthecapitol.gov]

throughout 2009-2010 for the center’s 50th anniversary. Visits can be tailored

48 February 2009

NEW YORK

to the interests and needs of individual

On Location Tours has introduced the

groups. Tour guides give a behind-the-

“New York TV and Movie Sites Clas-

scenes look at what makes the center

sics” tour, a three-hour guided bus

tick, including information about the

tour to movie filming locations in New

transformation under way. A look-in at

York City. Passengers see the subway

a rehearsal is included wherever possi-

grate where Marilyn Monroe’s skirt

ble. The “Meet the Artist” package

goes flying in The Seven Year Itch, visit

takes place in one of the intimate theater

the brownstone where Holly Golightly

spaces and includes a private perform-

and Paul Varjak live in Breakfast at

ance and talk by an opera singer, musiLeisureGroupTravel.com

cian, dancer or actor who shares insights

David Wills House in historic down-

about his or her art. [Guided tours, 212-

town Gettysburg will celebrate its grand

875-5370; group packages and tickets,

opening, offering visitors a museum ex-

212-875-5190; lincolncenter.org]

perience that tells the story of Lincoln

PENNSYLVANIA

Wills’ home was the center of the im-

and the Gettysburg Address. David In revitalized downtown Hershey, the

mense clean-up process after the Battle

M.S. Hershey Foundation has opened a

of Gettysburg and where President Lin-

new $23.5-million museum called The

coln put the finishing touches on the

Hershey Story, The Museum on Choco-

Gettysburg Address. The museum will

late Avenue. It honors the life and

Chocolate fans flock to Hershey.

legacy of Milton S. Hershey, spotlight-

feature original artifacts and two films: Battle Ground to Hallowed Ground,

ing the company and the town he cre-

early Milton Hershey chocolate novelty,

which explores Cemetery Hill’s transi-

ated. Visitors can take a class in the

guests can experience warm drinking

tion from a Union army defensive posi-

Chocolate Lab, where they use raw in-

chocolate from around the world in the

tion to the site of the national cemetery;

gredients, chocolate and various tools

tasting area. [800-242-4236,

and A Brief But Immortal Speech,

to learn about geography, history, eco-

hersheystory.org]

nomics and science in a hands-on envi-

In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s

ronment. In Cafe Zooka, named for an

200th birthday on Feb. 12, 2009, the

LeisureGroupTravel.com

which investigates the meaning of the Gettysburg Address. [866-486-5735, mainstreetgettysburg.org]

February 2009 49

on marketing O

mike marchev

Chumming for Business OUR CURRENT ECONOMIC status

fickle game of sales. Before throwing

mosphere that may be hanging low in

has stimulated all forms of behavior.

your "sales" line hither and yon into

your marketing environment.

From screaming uncontrollably at no

unfamiliar territories attached to a

one in particular from the safety of our

hope and a prayer, why not do a little

to call your attention to. Once the

driver's seats to drinking one or two al-

chumming?

chumming part of the strategy is com-

Oh! And one more important point

coholic beverages over the legal limit to

The question now becomes "what

pleted, you do not "go for the jugular."

systematically approaching the market-

can I offer to interest my prospects?”

If presented properly (spelled sincerely)

place with a healthy dose of reality-

(Notice I purposely did not refer to

the rest of the sale should unfold quite

based thinking, people are reacting to

your future customers as "fish." Here

nicely all by itself. If you are half the

the daily negative news reports in vari-

is where the analogy ends.)

person I think you are, "to know you is

ous ways.

There are probably no fewer than 1,000 options to choose from when faced with uncertainty. Many are more attractive than others. I came up with one last week that may be an old practice on some docks in the bay, but I be-

to like you."

Devise friendly strategies that will break down the “me against them” atmosphere.

lieve it has merit in your particular line of work. Chumming.

Chumming is a fishing term that in-

THINK CREATIVELY

Chumming will get you known.

Only the imaginations of you and your

Your personality will get you liked.

Liking you will culminate with a sale.

volves feeding the "target audience,"

employees can answer this one, but I am

which I suppose can be equated to

wagering that you will not come up

"greasing the wheel." I suppose it can

short with possibilities. Here are a few

there, I want you to envision the clos-

be equated to "teasing" the prospects

ideas to stimulate your thinking:

ing frames of the Andy Griffith TV

O Ladies Night At the Office

ing down a dirt road whistling on the

in that they receive a genuine and safe reward resulting with a familiarity and comfort level.

The fisherman cuts bait into small pieces and generously tosses the (free) food over board, thereby attracting the fish into the immediate area. This draws the unassuming "prospects" into a designated area where the fisherman can eventually take the next step, which in-

O Lunch & Learn Sessions

O Invitation to An Event …. Any Event O A Free Special Report

O An Industry-Specific "White Paper" O A Subscription To Your Company Newsletter

O A Copy of A Pertinent Article

O A Meaningful Gift

volves the actual activity of…fishing.

With much of the credit going to the

I am sure you can

practice of "chumming," before too

come up with more

long the fisherman will soon be filleting

"chum." Anything and

his catch. And that, ladies and gentle-

everything that will sim-

men, is how the fishing game works.

ply help break down the

And so it goes with you and the 50 February 2009

Now for you baby boomers out

Show where Andy and Opie are walkway to their favorite fishing hole. Their fishing poles are in one hand while a bag of chum is in the other. Hold that thought. And start whistling.

Chumming just might be what you need to get focused on that next big one.

Mike Marchev is the author of the sales book titled Become The Exception. He is currently working on a new series of business-building Special Reports, the first one being “More-On Marketing.”

You can sign up to receive Mike’s weekly motivational marketing message by going to www.marchev.net.

"me against them" atLeisureGroupTravel.com