Leisure Group Travel Magazine October 2011 by Premier Travel Media

PO Box 609, Palos Heights, IL 60463 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID

Lebanon Junction, KY

Permit No. 414

A Premier Tourism Marketing publication â&#x20AC;˘ www.leisuregrouptravel.com

OCTOBER 2011

contents Vol. 21, No. 5

October 2011

COVER STORY

COVER STORY 24 MONTREAL FAITH JOURNEY

by randy mink

Religious sites tell the story of this French-speaking city.

Sacred Sites of Europe by karol slowikowski

Britain 2012

Wisconsin’s Bounty by heather swick

Louisiana Taste Treats by dave bodle

Mississippi’s Rural Heritage by dave bodle

Colorado Springs by sarah nelson

Oregon Odyssey by melinda hughey

Photo courtesy of Tourisme Montreal

FEATURES

BRITAIN 2012

COLUMNS On My Mind

by cindy bertram

by jeff gayduk

On Tour

On Agritourism

On Religious Travel by cindi brodhecker

by marty sarbey de souto

On Board

by liz brown morgan

DEPARTMENTS 30

On Our Radar: MIDWEST

On Our Radar: SOUTH

On Our Radar: WEST

On Marketing by dave bodle

20 ON THE COVER: Notre-Dame Basilica, a landmark in Old Montreal. (Photo courtesy Tourisme Montreal)

Photo courtesy of VisitBritain

on my mind ❖

On My Mind jeff gayduk

❖ jeff gayduk

Refilling the Funnel

Vol. 21, No. 5 October 2011 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

Managing Editor – Randy Mink

randy@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – John Kloster john@ptmgroups.com

I LOVE THIS INDUSTRY, but these are trying times. We’re faced with an aging traveler base, negative public perception about group tours and limited resources to tell our story. At industry trade shows we talk to the same group of people about the same book of business. Unless things change we’re either going bankrupt or will die from boredom. No doubt you’ve seen a healthy turnover in your clients. Some might be resigned to their fate, or happy to keep milking the same cow. Patience has never been one of my virtues and I’m not willing to sit back and hope things change. It’s our responsibility as guardians of the industry to ensure that there is a next generation. It is my supposition that by educating potential group leaders, our industry can refill the funnel of new groups. Luckily the fundamentals of our industry are strong. For example: 1) There are people who naturally want others to do the work for them and will gladly pay to be entertained. Since there are others who are naturally born to lead, we call this Follow the Leader. 2) There are people who love travel for a cause because it is both enjoyable and charitable. Call it Follow your Heart. 3) There are those who understand that traveling with friends is a better way to experience a destination and that memories created by togethering last a lifetime. Call this Follow your Friends. The challenge before us is how to bring potential new groups to the table. ATTENDING GROUP UNIVERSITY We started GroupUniversity.com in 4 October 2011

2007 as a place to sell our how-to guides and e-books. In 2010 it was re-launched as an e-commerce site with a dozen niche group travel planning guides and e-books, all about group travel. We are now building Group University into an educational portal for the group travel industry. We are providing free tools to anyone who visits the site. We are beefing up our niche planning guides to become inclusive “kits” with everything you need to plan and deliver trips. Also, look for a series of Special Reports/ Whitepapers on topics ranging from creating itineraries to website design to a comprehensive series of starter guides that will help you develop niche group business. We are also creating a rich Social Media platform around Group University to help spread the “Gospel of Group Travel.” Our lofty goal here is to grow the industry, recruit new group leaders and help those who already have groups do better. Just like Rome wasn’t built in a day, Group University will take time. We need your help in spreading the word. Share this with colleagues, by phone, fax, email, Facebook, Twitter or Pony Express – whatever your preferred method. Start by visiting www.GroupUniversity.com or find us on Facebook @ Group University. The next generation starts now, and education is our key to success. Here’s to the next 20 years!

Senior Editor – Elana Andersen elana@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – Dave Bodle dave@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – Carol Smith carols.csmith@gmail.com

Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski rob@ptmgroups.com

Director of Sales

Theresa O’Rourke P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 theresa@ptmgroups.com

Regional Sales Managers Illinois – Jim McCurdy

P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 jim@ptmgroups.com

Northeast & Eastern Midwest/Canada – Amy Janssens P 630.294.0318 • F 630.794.0652 amy@ptmgroups.com

Mid Atlantic – Ellen Klesta

P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 ellen@ptmgroups.com

Southeast/West Coast – Cheryl Rash

P 563.613.3068 • F 815.225.5274 cheryl@ptmgroups.com

Southern – Dolores Ridout P/F 281.762.9546 dolores@ptmgroups.com Florida & Caribbean – Prof Inc. P 813.286.8299 • F 813.287.0651 jimg@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

Jeff Gayduk, Publisher jeff@ptmgroups.com

publication

Discover one of New Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite group travel attractions! The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Candle Store, The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greatest Christmas Shop and Yankee Candleâ&#x201E;˘ Home, all under one roof! Yankee CandleÂŽ Flagship is more than a store - Explore a wonderland of fun ... visit with Santa â&#x20AC;Ś catch snowflakes year â&#x20AC;&#x2122;round in the Black Forest â&#x20AC;Śstroll through our authentic Bavarian Christmas Village â&#x20AC;Ś Satisfy every food craving with lunch or dinner at our award-winning Chandlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant, sandwiches and more at Mrs. Claus Bakery & CafĂŠ or the sweet taste of our famous fudge. Contact our Group Travel Department today to learn more at grouptour@yankeecandle.com.

* &YJU t (SFFOÄ&#x2022;FME 3PBE t 4PVUI %FFSÄ&#x2022;FME ." t t XXX ZBOLFFDBOEMF DPN 'MBHTIJQ

Discover one of Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite group travel attractions! The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Candle Store, The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greatest Christmas Shop and Yankee Candleâ&#x201E;˘ Home, all under one roof! Yankee CandleÂŽ Flagship is more than just a store. It is always snowing in Holiday Park and visit with Santa in his Toy Shop! Hickory, Dickory & Doc, our animatronic band, will entertain your group in the Town Square. Mrs. Clausâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bakery & Cafe offers an assortment of coffees, teas and tantalizing treats for dessert as well as an array of lighter fare. There is something fun for everyone! Group Tour Contact Information: Call 1-877-616-6510 or Email us at bhuss@yankeecandle.com.

3JDINPOE 3PBE 8JMMJBNTCVSH 7" t 757-258-1002 t XXX ZBOLFFDBOEMF DPN Ä&#x2DC;BHTIJQ

On Tour

❖ marty sarbey de souto, ctc

My “Baker’s Dozen” Rules for Successful Trips I’VE OFTEN THOUGHT, “If people asked me to name a dozen top things I would do to ensure successful trips, even during an economic downturn, what would they be?” I could write and write, but if I had to synthesize everything I’ve learned in over 40 years of operating tours, here’s what I’d say:

Start your trip plans early enough …. a one-year lead time is needed. You need the first three months to plan and book all services, cost the trip and get your promotional materials published. Then the next six months are needed to market and sell, and the last three months to finalize everything.

Be sure to get all reservations in writing – that’s from each hotel, the airlines, receptive tour operators, and so forth - in short, from anyone who will be providing services for your group. Don’t go to press with just verbal confirmations.

Be sure to review all deadline dates and enter them on your master calendar so that no important deadline is mistakenly overlooked causing you to lose your space or any upfront deposits you may have already paid to suppliers.

Be sure your itineraries facilitate your participants doing something – not just listening or watching or remaining sedentary.

Try using public transport at times – it saves money and it forces them to see how the locals live (and perhaps 6 October 2011

meet some of them). Taking the subway in Moscow was one of our highlights.

For best hotel rates, go into big city commercial hotels during the weekend and to resorts on weekdays. Try to give hotels more business than just sleeping rooms. They’re going to be more cooperative if you’re also booking a party, meeting space, some meals, etc. Deal with their sales department rather than the reservations department.

Try to modify meal menus with hotels and restaurants so your folks get enough to eat but not necessarily over-eat. It’s surprising how many places will negotiate with you if you’re willing to cut a course or eliminate dessert.

Include something private in your itinerary – some event or feature that the “regular” public doesn’t get to do in their tours.

Be sure your scheduling is such that people get enough sleep and don’t get too overtired. When they’re overtired, they either start skipping events or they push themselves so as not to miss anything and then get sick.

Do all you can to ensure that trip participants mix, socialize and make friends. Some of the best trips I’ve had have been when things went wrong but folks remember the wonderful time they had – the laughs, the camaraderie. Facilitate this by being sure they change seats frequently on a motorcoach and don’t always

sit with the same people at meals.

Be willing to try alternative types of accommodations: college dormitories, bed and breakfasts, condos, and the like. As long as you’re upfront with your tour members and explain what it will be like (no elevator? share bath?) they’re usually reasonable.

Do all you can to ensure that trip participants mix, socialize and make friends

Price the trip so you can surely include a bang-up farewell dinner party the last night, so they go home in a festive mood with wonderful memories. It’s not just the food and drink that make for a great final evening. Think about music, telling stories, jokes, contests, skits and roasts. I often write a lengthy poem with a stanza about each member.

Send a welcome home letter when you get back and have a reunion soon after to keep the “travel juices” flowing so they go on your next trip – and bring along a friend. Marty is a Certified Travel Counselor who designs and leads tours. Her travel industry consulting and educational firm is Sarbey Associates (sarbeyassociates.com).

LeisureGroupTravel.com

On Agritourism

â?&#x2013; liz brown morgan

Farm Vacations Inspire Your Inner Backyard Agrarian THE CHANGING FACE of the American food system and of the American farm, the economic decline, the realization that perhaps we have gotten too far from nature, from subsistence, from-self reliance, has inspired many ecologically friendly farms to open their doors (and their fields) to the public. This has inspired many suburbanites and city folks to seek out farm vacations. The buzz word here is agritourism. There is work to be done in rejuvenating the planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ecosystems and in healing our own health issues. People have begun to see the connections between environmental health and human health and have begun to realize that the fix can be found at permaculture farms, organic farms, and perennial edible ecosystem food forest farms. In housing developments across the country, people are ripping out weed cloth and transforming their once-dead and poisoned landscapes into productive ecosystems that sequester carbon, provide pollinator and bird habitat, and provide the healthiest food for their families. People are composting, raising chickens, growing fruits and berries, and experimenting. This resurgence is making people curious to learn more tactics and techniques for sustainable land-based living. People are looking to eco-friendly farms to understand how humans can live together with nature and create the conditions for both to flourish. But even for travelers who are not home gardeners, farm vacations can provide the most luxurious travel opportunities, the most delicious and 8 October 2011

freshest food, and the most beautiful settings. For travelers who want to really be taken care of, to be fed well, to spend time in a thriving cultivated natural system, agritourism can really be the way to go. Whether you choose agritourism for its educational or its luxurious qualities, for a volunteer experience filled with hard work on the farm or to sit back and relax or to take a long horseback ride, there are farm vacations available for your interests and needs. If you want to

world.com) is a great resource and one of the largest databases of farm vacations on the web. It provides ideas spanning the spectrum from B&B-style stays to wineries, dude ranches and farm stands. If your client wants to take it even further, for a truly meaningful furry friend-filled farm visit, book a cabin at one of the Farm Sanctuary locations (farmsanctuary.org) and spend your getaway hobnobbing with formerly abused farm animals now flourishing in a healthy and loving setting. For old-

Farm visits offer rejuvenation and support eco-friendly practices learn to compost or prune fruit trees or build a straw bale house, do yoga in an almond orchard, or stay in a yurt surrounded by fresh raspberry bushes, rest assured, there are options popping up across the country and the world. Agritourism provides a vast array of opportunities all geared towards helping you explore your connection to the land and to sustainable, nontoxic and humane food production. Agritourism also gives travelers the opportunity to financially support a healthy, vibrant sustainable farming future. By helping support eco-friendly farmers, your vacation allows your hosts to continue to progress along their path towards creating a sustainable food system for us all. There are so many agritourism options. Here are a few places to start: Agritourism World (agritourism-

fashioned charm, acres of lavender fields and historic Santa Fe architecture, try Los Poblanos Inn (lospoblanos.com) in Albuquerque. For a rigorous course in seed saving, check out Seeds Trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Seed School (seedstrust.com). At Backyard Agrarian we are working to create better methods for tour operators to find and book farm vacations and retreats for their clients. Farm vacations are one of the best ways to rejuvenate, to support a good cause and to bring home lessons from rural areas. Liz Brown Morgan, MA, Esq., is an outdoor guide turned environmentalist turned water lawyer turned tax lawyer turned agrarian revolutionary. An activist and eco-entrepreneur, she is the founder of the Backyard Agrarian (backyardagrarian.com) and president of The Environmental Group, a Colorado nonprofit working to stop dams throughout the Rocky Mountain West. She can be contacted at backyardagrarian.com.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

6\Y ;VW .YV\W -YPLUKS` 6\Y ;VW .YV\W -YPLUKS` ([[YHJ[PVUZ >LSJVTL @V\ ( [[YHJ[PVUZ >LSJVTL @V\ ::OPWZOL^HUH ;YHKPUN 7SHJL OPWZOL^HUH ;YHKPUN 7SHJL : =HU )\YLU :[YLL[ :OPWZOL^HUH 05 : =HU )\YLU :[YLL[ :OPWZOL^HUH 05 c PUMV'[YHKPUNWSHJLHTLYPJH JVT c PUMV'[YHKPUNWSHJLHTLYPJH JVT ,,_WLYPLUJL IHYNHPU O\U[PUN H[ P[Z ILZ[ H[ [OL 4PK^LZ[Â»Z SHYNLZ[ _WLYPLUJL IHYNHPU O\U[PUN H[ P[Z ILZ[ H[ [OL 4PK^LZ[Â»Z SHYNLZ[ Ã&#x2026; Ã&#x2026;LH THYRL[ ;YLHZ\YLZ HSZV MV\UK HJYVZZ [OL Z[YLL[ H[ [OL (U[PX\L LH THYRL[ ;YLHZ\YLZ HSZV MV\UK HJYVZZ [OL Z[YLL[ H[ [OL (U[PX\L . .HSSLY` OV\ZPUN [^V Ã&#x2026;VVYZ VM X\HSP[` HU[PX\LZ" WS\Z ^LLRS` HU[PX\L HSSLY` OV\ZPUN [^V Ã&#x2026;VVYZ VM X\HSP[` HU[PX\LZ" WS\Z ^LLRS` HU[PX\L SSP]LZ[VJR HUK OVYZL H\J[PVUZ 7SHU [V LUQV` P[ HSS I` Z[H`PUN V]LY H[ P]LZ[VJR HUK OVYZL H\J[PVUZ 7SHU [V LUQV` P[ HSS I` Z[H`PUN V]LY H[ [[OL -HYTZ[LHK 0UU ^P[O NLU\PUL OVTL[V^U OVZWP[HSP[` HUK ZWHJPV\Z OL -HYTZ[LHK 0UU ^P[O NLU\PUL OVTL[V^U OVZWP[HSP[` HUK ZWHJPV\Z YYVVTZ VVTZ

(TPZO (JYLZ (TPZO (JYLZ /PZ[VYPJ -HYT /PZ[VYPJ -HYT

< : /PNO^H` 5HWWHULL 05 < : /PNO^H` 5HWWHULL 05 L_[ L_[ HHTPZOHJYLZ'HTPZOHJYLZ JVT TPZOHJYLZ'HTPZZOHJYLZ JVT ;HRL H IYLHR MYVT [OL O\Z[SL ; HRL H IYLHR MYVT [OL O\Z[SL HHUK I\Z[SL VM [OL /VSPKH` ZLHZVU UK I\Z[SL VM [OL /VSPKH` ZLHZVU HH[ [OL 4PK^LZ[Â»Z WYLTPLY OLYP[HNL [ [OL 4PK^LZ[Â»Z WYLTPLY OLYP[HNL [V\YPZT KLZ[PUH[PVU ;OL YLK [V\YPZT KLZ[PUH[PVU ;OL YLK I IHYUZ ILJRVU N\LZ[Z [V JVTL HYUZ ILJRVU N\LZ[Z [V JVTL PUZPKL HUK ^HYT [V [OLPY /VSPKH` PUZPKL HUK ^HYT [V [OLPY /VSPKH` VMMLYPUNZ ,UQV` MHTPS` Z[`SL V MMLYPUNZ ,UQV` MHTPS` Z[`SL ;OYLZOLYZ +PUULY ^P[O HSS [OL ;OYLZOLYZ +PUULY ^P[O HSS [OL [[YPTTPUNZ SP]L T\ZPJHS [OLH[YL YPTTPUNZ SP]L T\ZPJHS [OLH[YL WLYMVYTHUJLZ VM ;PZ [OL :LHZVU! WLYMVYTHUJLZ VM ;PZ [OL :LHZVU! ( /VSPKH` :WLJ[HJ\SHY HUK ( /VSPKH` :WLJ[HJ\SHY HUK ( *OYPZ[THZ *HYVS ZL[ [V T\ZPJ ( *OYPZ[THZ *HHYVS ZL[ [V T\ZPJ [OLU YL[PYL [V H JVa` JV\U[Y` PUU [OLU YL[PYL [V H JVa` JV\U[Y` PUU ^P[O TVKLYU HTLUP[PLZ ^P[O TVKLYU HTLUP[PLZ

+HZ +\[JOTHU ,ZZLUOH\Z + HZ +\[JOTHU ,ZZLUOH\Z

< : 4PKKSLI\Y` 05 < : 4PKKSLI\Y` 05 c QPSS'LZZLUOH\Z JVT c QPSS'LZZLUOH\Z JVT 7 7\SS \W H JOHPY H[ 0UKPHUHÂ»Z SHYNLZ[ YLZ[H\YHU[ HUK LUQV` H \SS \W H JOHPY H[ 0UKPHUHÂ»Z SHYNLZ[ YLZ[H\YHU[ HUK LUQV` H [YHKP[PVUHS HSS `V\ JHU LH[ MHTPS` Z[`SL TLHS )V^SZ HUK WSH[[LYZ [YHKP[PVUHS HSS `V\ JHU LH[ MHTPS` Z[`SL TLHS )V^SZ HUK WSH[[LYZ OVSK OLHWPUN OLSWPUNZ VM H\[OLU[PJ (TPZO Z[`SL MH]VYP[LZ JVTWSL[L OVSK OLHWPUN OLSWPUNZ VM H\[OLU[PJ (TPZO Z[`SL MH]VYP[LZ JVTWSL[L ^P[O H ^LKNL VM WPL MVY KLZZLY[ @V\Â»SS HSZV LUQV` H JOHYTPUN PUU ^P[O H ^LKNL VM WPL MVY KLZZLY[ @V\Â»SS HSZV LUQV` H JOHYTPUN PUU IV\U[PM\S IHRLY` ZWLJPHS[` ZOVWZ HUK V\[KVVY YLJYLH[PVU IV\U[PM\S IHRLY` ZWLJPHS[` ZOVWZ HUK V\[KVVY YLJYLH[PVU (SS ULZ[SLK PU H X\PL[ JV\U[Y` ZL[[PUN HUK ^OVSLZVTL LU]PYVUTLU[ (SS ULZ[SLK PU H X\PL[ JV\U[Y` ZL[[PUN HUK ^OVSLZVTL LU]PYVUTLU[ ^LÂ»K SV]L [V IL `V\Y OVZ[ ^ LÂ»K SV]L [V IL `V\Y OVZ[

(SS 5L^ -9,, 8\PS[ .HYKLUZ ;V\Y (SS 5L^ -9,, 8\PS[ .HYKLUZ ;V\Y

::4 4

=PZP[ Z\WLYZPaLK NHYKLUZ HUK SHYNLY [OHU SPML =PZP[ Z\WLYZPaLK NHYKLUZ HUK SHYNLY [OHU SPML T\YHSZ WSHU[LK HJYVZZ [OL JV\U[` ,HJO PU ]PIYHU[ T\YHSZ WSHU[LK HJYVZZ [OL JV\U[` ,HJO PU ]PIYHU[ X\PS[ WH[[LYUZ X \PS[ WH[[LYUZ :4 ;OL 8\PS[ .HYKLUZ ;V\Y ;OL 8\PS[ .HYKLUZ ;V\Y:4 QVPUZ X\PS[PUN NHYKLUPUN QVPUZ X\PS[PUN NHYKLUPUN HUK HY[ PU[V H VUL VM H RPUK L_WLYPLUJL HUK HY[ PU[V H VUL VM H RPUK L_WLYPLUJL

:RPSSLK Z[LW VU N\PKLZ RUV^ HSS [OL HYLHÂ»Z ZLJYL[Z :RPSSLK Z[LW VU N\PKLZ RUV^ HSS [OL HYLHÂ»Z ZLJYL[Z WSHJLZ MVY OHUKZ VU M\U HUK JHW[P]H[PUN WLVWSL WSHJLZ MVY OHUKZ VU M\U HUK JHW[P]H[PUN WLVWSL [V THRL H [V\Y TLTVYHISL [V THRL H [V\Y TLTVYHISL

On Board

❖ cindy bertram

Cruise Ship Dining Charts New Territory When norWegian Cruise Line launched its Freestyle Cruising concept, along with Freestyle Dining, it brought more flexibility than had ever been seen in the cruise industry. since then we’ve seen the growth of alternative dining venues, less regimentation and more flexibility, and a wider range of restaurants with different cuisines as cruise lines “bring land to sea.” griLLing aT sea The debut of Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity silhouette this past summer provided the cruise industry’s first interactive grill restaurant. The intimate, open-air Lawn Club grill lets guests select their meats and have them cooked to order. another part of the experience is an opportunity to serve as a “grill master” for your table, being paired with a chef and helping prepare the meal over a custom-built, ventilated grill. grill masters receive a complimentary apron as a memento. advance reservations are taken and a surcharge of $40 per person applies. hoLLanD aMeriCa’s neW signaTure Dishes holland america is well known for its sophisticated cuisine, thanks to Master Chef rudi sodamin, who has been directing and overseeing cuisine onboard for a few years. since this past summer holland america has begun featuring new dishes on main dining room menus of its 15 ships. The dishes have been developed by the holland america Line Culinary Council (created in 2010), which includes sodamin 10 October 2011

(council chairman) and internationally renowned chefs—Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Marcus samuelsson, Jacques Torres and Charlie Trotter. new signature dishes include sodamin’s seared Cajun tuna steak with horseradish rosti potatoes and plum tomato confit. one of samuelsson’s contributions is a rich chocolate cake with bourbon and blueberry-infused whipped cream, while Boer’s dessert contribution is a brioche toast with caramelized apricot, served warm with clove ice cream. PriVaTe-LaBeL DraFT Beer The redFrog Pub, a new concept for Carnival Cruise Lines, recently debuted on the Carnival Magic. This 100-seat indoor/outdoor pub provides a laid-back Caribbean feel with islandinspired snacks and drinks, including ThirstyFrog red, a private-label beer created and brewed especially for the Carnival Magic. The pub also has tastings of Caribbean rums as well as a wide collection of beers. its nauticalthemed interior is best described as “where the British West indies meets Key West.” ThirstyFrog red is being rolled out fleetwide. CirQue DreaMs & Dinner When norwegian epic debuted in 2010, the norwegian Cruise Line megaship brought new levels of entertainment onboard, including howl at the Moon and Blue Man group. another new entertainment venue, Cirque Dreams & Dinner, is described as a “one-of-a-kind theatrical dining experience.” The show features acrobats, aerialists and contor-

tionists who perform above and around cruise guests as they dine in spiegel Tent, a specially built, tent-shaped theater. a surcharge applies and reservations are required. neW CoMPLiMenTarY Dining oPTions in addition to these innovative experiences, there are still many dining options available at no charge. onboard Celebrity silhouette, for instance, The Porch, located within the Lawn Club area, is a perfect way for guests to enjoy views of the sea and lawn while enjoying complimentary fresh pastries, salads and other sandwiches; it’s open for breakfast and lunch. holland america Line first debuted the Canaletto restaurant onboard the Ms eurodam when she launched in 2008. named after the 18th century Venetian artist, this complimentary italian restaurant is open for dinner only. Canaletto restaurant is also onboard other ships in the fleet. The expansion of dining options onboard provides your group more choices. Consider breaking up into smaller groups to experience some of the new specialty restaurants or flexibility provided within the main dining rooms. Then compare and share. Today’s cruise industry is no longer “one size fits all,” and you can adapt this to fit your group’s preferences. Cindy Bertram has 15+ years of cruise expertise in sales, marketing and training, with an MBA from Loyola University Chicago. She can be reached at cindy@ptmgroups.com

LeisureGroupTravel.com

ABA’S ANNUAL BUSINESS CONFERENCE The One Meeting You Can’t Afford to Miss B U S I N E S S A P P O I N T M E N TS Listed as the top show take-away, Marketplace’s seven-minute pre-scheduled appointments provide you with not only highquality leads, but more business relationship opportunities than any other show. Booked business is the core of your Marketplace success.

P R O F E S S I O N A L E D U C AT I O N Professional speakers lead education seminars that offer expertise worth hundreds of dollars that you can implement immediately. Featured speakers: Kevin Catlin’s expertise is in Leadership and Managerial Skills and Development. Randy Dean is the “Totally Obsessed” time management/e-mail guy. Susan Sweeney is an internationally recognized Internet marketing and social media expert.

JA NUARY 6-10 , 2012

N E T WO R K I N G O P P O R T U N I T I E S F R I DAY JA N . 6. Kick it Up in Cowtown Evening Event at the Fort Worth Stockyards Sponsored by FORT WORTH CVB, STOCKYARDS STATION & CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO AT COWTOWN COLISEUM It’s time to Cowboy Up in the Stockyards National Historic District! Experience authentic Western nightlife, Texas-style barbeque, Stockyards Championship Rodeo, country western dancing and more. You won’t want to miss the special appearance by the Fort Worth Herd and a surprising sweet treat experience, all in a motorcoach friendly area. So get ready and dust off your cowboy boots for a night to remember in Fort Worth! S U N DAY JA N . 8 Dallas Rocks the House Evening Event at the House of Blues Sponsored by DALLAS CVB & HOUSE OF BLUES The Dallas CVB and The House of Blues invite you to Rock the House with us as we welcome you to Victory Park in downtown Dallas. The very large and unique House of Blues Dallas opens all three floors and all music rooms for ABA delegates including the exclusive and private member only Foundation Room. Explore Gospel singers, an ultra lounge dance club and the best of live music from the 70’s, 80’s and more while sampling delicious and hearty House of Blues specialties from the Deep South. If you’re looking for serious fun, a unique venue and ready to Rock the House, make plans now to join us in Dallas! M O N DAY JA N . 9 Halftime Extravaganza at Cowboys Stadium Sponsored by GRAPEVINE CVB, TEAM TEXAS, TEXAS TOURISM & COWBOYS STADIUM It’s game time! Team Texas invites you to be a part of the show! This will be a half time show like you have never experienced. Get out of the stands and get onto the field at Cowboys Stadium, the largest stadium in the NFL and home of “America’s Team,” the Dallas Cowboys. Just like the Cowboys’ mascot “Rowdy,” we will get a little bit rowdy on the field for this one of a kind event. Experience the rush of running onto the field on game day; and even do your own touchdown dance in the end zone! So come on out and cheer for your favorite Team Texas players!

w w w . b u s e s . o r g / m a r k e t p l a c e

Marketplace 2012 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The networking events at Marketplace are an extension of the business meetings and are designed to help you achieve your business goals.

www.buses.org/marketplace F R I DAY JA N . 6

M O N DAY JA N . 9

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. ABA Board of Directors Meeting

7 – 8 a.m. Zumba Dance Class

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Registration, Service Centers Open

Sponsored by DELAWARE TOURISM

It’s not too late for you to Experience Marketplace! Register today at www.buses.org or call 800-283-2877!

9:10 a.m. – 5:59 p.m. Lodging/Attraction/Receptive Operator/ Associate Appointment Session 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Education Seminars 12:30 – 2 p.m. All-Delegate Lunch Sponsored by NASHVILLE CVB

7 – 10:30 p.m. Evening Event Sponsored by VISIT CHARLOTTE

10 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Hospitality Suite: New York Auction Sponsored by DESTINATIONS OF NEW YORK STATE

On Religious Travel

❖ cindi brodhecker

It’s Time to Spread Your Wings With Faith-Based Travel Programs RELIGIOUS TRAVEL, faith-based travel, fellowship travel, mission travel and voluntourism—all terms that are used in this “new” type of group travel. New? Well, it may have a new focus in the world of travel, but this purposeful travel goes back to Bible times. Think about New Testament history and the apostles traveling on foot—dusty paths in worn leather sandals—with Jesus. Traveling together to visit the sick, encourage the brethren, and spread the Good News. Pilgrims in the early centuries walked a path of prayer and meditation marked by a scallop shell, a symbol for pilgrims to wear around their neck and used to mark the path. Our symbol of modern day pilgrims, no matter the age, is neoncolored T-shirts imprinted with the name of the group. Today we follow the path of planes, trains, motorcoaches and mega-ships to reach places of spiritual importance. We visit sites from Biblical times or look to find a break from hectic schedules to build fellowship in the church community and to serve humanity in places near or far from home. Travel is one of the gems of life. FAITH TRAVEL CONFERENCE & EXPO Church leaders and group travel planners will find the tools and inspiration they need to organize life-changing trips at the Faith Travel Conference & Expo from Oct. 2223, 2011 in Atlanta. For details, visit faithtravelexpo.com.

14 October 2011

Group travel is the sparkling gem that provides added dimensions to our lives. Groups are formed by bringing together people of like interests, and a church group is one example. The purposes of travel are as diverse as the modes of travel: Religious travel to Old and New Testament cities and regions can take you to Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Jordan, to name the most popular countries. This type of travel will enhance your faith and understanding of Bible

work with families devastated by disaster or to far-flung regions of the world to assist missions helping people of different cultures. This type of group travel may be the most rewarding. It will give you the opportunity to “leave your footprints in the sands” of the world. Fundraising travel. Do you know your group travel experience can also raise money for a special need? Cruise lines are offering special matching funds or commissions for special needs within a church or community. Business part-

Today we follow the path of planes, trains, motorcoaches and mega-ships to reach places of spiritual importance teachings. Close your eyes and meditate on seeing the Via Dolorosa with your church family. Follow the road from Philippi to Thessaloniki that St. Paul walked after he was imprisoned and beaten. Fellowship Travel can be a one-day trip for shopping or to see a show. Or it can be longer tours in the U.S. or the world. Visit the sites of the Reformation and see how your church denomination came into being. In Rome, experience the Vatican, the epicenter of the Catholic Church. Cruise Alaska or the Caribbean and enjoy the beauty God has created. This is also a way to reach out to the community and invite people to join your group—a way to bring new blood into the church congregation. Mission travel or voluntourism will take you to areas of need in the U.S. to

ners will work with you to promote your travel and even provide “travel scholarships” for mission families, pastors or congregation members with special needs. Fundraising through travel can provide the resources to build a new classroom or study library. The possibilities are endless. If you do not have a church travel program, get started now. If you do have a church travel program, expand and create new programs. Invite others to join you, even the small church down the street that is too small for its own travel group. Travel is a gift no matter the age, income or destination. Unwrap this special gift and share it with others. Cindi Brodhecker is president of Faith Travel Development & Consulting in Ephrata, Pa.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on religious travel: ❖ karol slowikowski

Top Religious Sites in Europe From Ireland to Italy, holy places draw faithful Christians

Northern Spain’s Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, with its magnificent Baroque facade, houses the relics of St. James.

very year millions of people travel to see the Vatican. But Rome is not the end-all for religious tourism. Dozens of religiously significant cities and sacred shrines dot the vast and ancient landscape of Europe. The following list spotlights some of the most visited holy places on the continent, from its western seaboard to its eastern boundaries:

National Tourist Oﬃce of Spain

16 October 2011

1. FATIMA, PORTUGAL The Chapel of the Apparitions is built on the site of a Marian apparition that appeared before three peasant children in 1917. Every year since then on the anniversaries of the apparitions, May 13 and Oct. 13, the streets of Fatima swell with throngs of pilgrims who make their way to the holy site. Fatima (88 miles north of Lisbon) is

home to dozens of imposing churches and monuments. Shops selling religious souvenirs, hostels and hotels can be found throughout the city. (visitportugal.com, rt-leiriafatima.pt) 2. CAMINO DE SANTIAGO, SPAIN One of the oldest pilgrimage routes in the world runs through Northern LeisureGroupTravel.com

Spain, terminating at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This is the burial site of St. James, whose remains were transported from Jerusalem to Spain by boat. Pilgrimages to the area haven’t ceased since medieval times, and the route has enjoyed revived popularity since the 1980s. Traveling pilgrims can expect barebones accommodations along the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James. Monasteries provide hostels for travelers and ask for small monetary donations in return. Pilgrims should be aware that a special Credencial, or religious passport, is required to stay at a monastic hostel. American pilgrims need to register online in order to receive one (americanpilgrims.com, santiagoturismo.com)

only those educated in Armagh were fit to spread the gospel, so numerous educational institutions were founded. The seat of both Protestant and Catholic archbishops, Armagh is the most venerated of Irish cities. The main points of interest are St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral and St.

Explore E Explor xplor plo p plor l re lore lor re the th he W World orl or rld ld with Go Ahead Tours

Go Ahead Tours offers more than 100 tours across the globe. With our Best Price Guarantee and included airfare on every tour, you’ll travel at an exceptional value.

3. LOURDES, FRANCE The largest pilgrimage site in France is Lourdes, which takes in some five million pilgrims a year. Lourdes gains significance from the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes and is a site of numerous miraculous healings. The stream unearthed by Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 is believed to have special properties that heal the ailments of sick people. Tourists stay in one of 270 hotels in the city in order to visit the Sanctuary of Lourdes (commonly called the Domain). The Domain includes the Grotto where pilgrims can dispense Lourdes water from the taps, and 22 separate places of worship on 126 acres. (lourdes-france.org). 4. ARMAGH, NORTHERN IRELAND Armagh is a town with roots in Celtic paganism. When Christianity spread to the region in the 400s A.D., St. Patrick established his church there and Armagh became the ecclesiastical capital of the island. He decreed that LeisureGroupTravel.com

Patrick’s Anglican Cathedral. St. Patrick’s Trian, in a former church behind the tourist office, has exhibits on city history and St. Patrick’s writings. Armagh is going through an extensive city-center regeneration project, which includes upgrading all surfaces and adding new pedestrian walkways. (armagh.co.uk)

head? A o G h it W l Why Trave 12. a group of

u organize ces when yo la p E E FR website. » Earn 2 uses! ersonalized n p o a b g sh in d ca u Plus, rt incl ntions. ting suppo inator conve rd free marke o e o iv C p ce u e R ro » rnational G tions to inte » Earn invita arn more!

1-800-438 Call us at

-7672 to le

October 2011 17

5. EINSIEDELN, SWITZERLAND Einsiedeln gained popularity as a religious tourist destination thanks to its Benedictine Abbey, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Switzerland. More than 100,000 religious tourists visit annually to see the statue of the Black Madonna in the abbey’s lavishly decorated Baroque church. Also on visitors’ agendas are Diorama Bethlehem, regarded as the world’s largest nativity display with 450 hand-carved figures, and Panorama Crucifixion of Christ, a giant circular painting. The town is about 25 miles southeast of Zurich. Geneva and Zurich have sites associated with Reformation leaders John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli. (visit-einsiedeln.ch, myswitzerland.com)

Tourism Ireland

on religious travel: ❖

The spirit of St. Patrick pervades Armagh in Northern Ireland.

6. ALTÖTTING, GERMANY For more than 500 years this Bavarian town has been Germany’s most significant place of pilgrimage venerating the Virgin Mary. More than a million pilgrims a year visit the Chapel of Grace (built around 700) and its Black Madonna. As history tells it, a child drowned in a nearby river in 1489 and his mother took his body to the altar at the foot of a wooden statue of the Black Madonna. He was miraculously revived, and the news spread quickly across the country. The late Gothic, twin-towered Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) and the Neo-Baroque St. Anna’s Basilica are two of many churches within walking distance of Chapel Square, where Pope Benedikt XVI celebrated Mass in 2006. Across from the Chapel of Grace is the New Ecclesiastical Treasury and Pilgrimage Museum, which is named for the Pope, a Bavarian who has been familiar with Altötting since childhood. Another draw is the Crucifixion Panorama, a 360-degree painting. (altoetting.de) 7. LUTHER COUNTRY, GERMANY Martin Luther has forever been embedded into history for sparking the

18 October 2011

Protestant Reformation. Travelers can follow in his footsteps in the states of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, a region deemed Luther Country. Reformation-related sites are located in Eisenach, Erfurt, Lutherstadt Eisleben and Lutherstadt Wittenberg. Luther spent the majority of his life in Wittenberg, the site of the Schlosskirche (Castle Church), where in 1517 he nailed his 95 Theses, or demands for reform, on its doors. He is buried inside below the pulpit. (visit-luther.com) 8. CZESTOCHOWA, POLAND The shrine to the Black Madonna at Jasna Gora Monastery attracts more than four million visitors a year. Its painting of the Black Madonna has been the subject of miracles including bleeding after being struck with a sword during a Hussite attack in 1430. The 800-year-old buildings around the monastery bustle with tourist commerce. (poland.travel/en-us) 9. MEDUGORJE, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Apparitions of Mary have appeared before six children since 1981 in this Adriatic town and made the town a popular pilgrimage destination. The site annually attracts one million people, some of whom have witnessed visions in the sky including hearts and crosses around the sun. (medugorje.org) 10. ASSISI, ITALY Assisi, an Umbrian hill town north of Rome, is the birthplace of St. Francis. His influence is remembered in the Basilica of San Francesco of Assisi. Two castles dominate the town, both built in the Middle Ages. In early May the Festival Calendimaggio re-enacts medieval life with games, processions, dances, flag waving and theatrical performances. (umbria2000.it) LGT LeisureGroupTravel.com

Schynige-Platte cogwheel railway

Train travel in Switzerland. Switzerland’s public transportation network is second to none. It’s fast, efficient, frequent and connects even the most remote places. Explore Switzerland with a single ticket for trains, busses and boats: the Swiss Pass. Lucerne - in the heart of Switzerland. Lucerne has it all: the great transport museum, the first and the steepest cogwheel railways, a narrow-gauge panoramic train, and historic steamships on Lake Lucerne. Thanks to its attractions, its souvenir and watch shops, the impressive mountainous panorama and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi and Mt. Pilatus, the town is a destination for many travel groups on their journey through the Lake Lucerne Region. A train buff‘s paradise! Engadin St. Moritz UNESCO World Heritage site. The UNESCO World Heritage recognition of the high-altitude engineering wonderland through Switzerland’s Engadin Valley honors one of the most spectacular, technically innovative and harmonious narrowgauge railways. Since the extension of the road system through these passes,

the construction of the Rhaetian Railway and the Bernina Express, which reaches as far as Veltlin, Upper Engadin has been accessible to the entire world - and people from all over the world love this valley, which delights visitors with its incomparable nature at all times of the year. Sunstar Hotels - Alpine Emotions. Sunstar, founded in 1969, is the only genuinely Swiss Hotel Group, with nine first-class hotels nestled in the Alps and offering a total of over 1,670 beds in 915 rooms. Arosa, Davos, Flims, Klosters, Lenzerheide, Grindelwald, Zermatt and Wengen are the best-known resorts. Whether you come for a walking or winter sports vacation, to visit a spa center or to attend a meeting or other special event – at Sunstar Hotels, guests with varied interests will feel at home and enjoy “Alpine emotions”.

For information on Switzerland, please visit MySwitzerland.com/steam For bookings, call Rail Source International: 1-800-551-2085

on location: europe ❖

BRITAIN

Rolls Out the Red Carpet for 2012

Resplendent in their bearskin hats, guards at Buckingham Palace epitomize Britain’s penchant for royal pageantry.

20 October 2011

Olympics buzz and royal pageantry will spark a dash

Photos courtesy of VisitBritain

ith blockbuster events like last April’s Royal Wedding and the 2012 Summer Olympics, tour planners are taking advantage of Britain’s elevated presence on the world stage. Perennially the most popular long-haul destination for Americans, the UK abounds with people and places that hold a special fascination for those of us living across the Atlantic. It’s the home, of course, of Shakespeare, the Loch Ness Monster, Wimbledon, the Beatles, Prince William, James Bond and Harry Potter. In preparation for its third Olympic Games, London (london2012.com) is seeing a development boom that

to London and beyond

A glass coach lends a fairy-tale aura to royal pomp in London. LeisureGroupTravel.com

includes an increase of some 13,000 hotel rooms. The Olympic Park complex is centered in East London, but events will be taking place throughout the city and country. Aside from luring sports fans, Britain next year will offer a special enticement to Americans smitten by lore surrounding British royalty. In June 2012 Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will celebrate 60 years on the throne with events across the country displaying the pageantry and personality for which the kingdom is renowned. Indeed, London, though ever-changing, bows to time-honored traditions, offering a bounty of royal sights and other attractions that could easily fill a week’s worth of touring—or a lifetime. As Samuel Johnson wrote, “When one is tired of London, he is tired of life.” The Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, is one of the most famous symbols of the British capital. The well-preserved medieval fortress, built by William the Conqueror in 1066, was used as a prison and saw several executions, including that of Anne Boleyn. Groups enjoy the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and can tour its State Rooms when they’re open to the public for a few weeks in August and September. Private evening tours are available for groups, with extra dates in January, March and April while the Queen is away. Tours of the Houses of Parliament also can be booked. These are available on Saturdays and Sundays year round and every day during the summer recess (usually between August and September). Nearby is Westminster Abbey, the site of almost all royal burials over the last 500 years. TV viewers around the world know it as the scene of William and Kate’s wedding. A likeness of Prince William is on display at Madame Tussauds, a London institution featuring the wax figures LeisureGroupTravel.com

of celebrities and world leaders. Other commercial attractions include the London Dungeon, with exhibits on torture and live actors who jump out from the shadows, and the London Bridge Experience, where actors bring to life the Black Death, Great Fire and other historical events. Also along the River Thames is the London Eye, the giant, 32-capsule Ferris wheel that provides spectacular views of London. Groups can book their own private capsule, with or without a guide. Each capsule holds a maximum of 25. London’s West End theater district has all the hottest musicals, or groups may attend a concert by the London Symphony Orchestra with a free talk and tea or coffee before the performance. Backstage tours are available at the Royal Opera House, home of the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet. The rest of England abounds with itinerary pleasers as well. Yorkshire is England’s largest county and should be considered as a group base in 2012, which will be a super-busy time for the capital. Yorkshire boasts a superb heritage coastline, three national parks (including the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors), the city of York and the cultural cities of Leeds, Sheffield, Hull and Bradford. In the small town of Haworth you can visit the Brontë Parsonage, where Charlotte Brontë wrote Jane Eyre, and take in the atmospheric scenery that influenced the novel and also Wuthering Heights by her sister Emily. An excellent value for the money, Yorkshire is 200 miles north of London and offers top-notch attractions and events, including the York Mystery Plays 2012. The world-famous Passion Plays, some of the oldest pieces of English literature, have roots in the 14th century, when they were performed in midsummer on the streets of Britain’s medieval cities on the church Feast Day

Some of London’s top sights can be found along the River Thames.

Westminster Abbey has served as the site of many royal occasions.

The minute hands of Big Ben, a symbol of London, are 14 feet long. October 2011 21

BRITAIN on location: europe ❖

York Minster, a Gothic treasure, is a chief attraction in York.

of Corpus Christi. Large-scale productions began in 1951 in York’s Museum Gardens. Staged every four years, the York Theatre Royal production returns to this original setting next summer. Other attractions in the city of York include the National Railway Museum, Jorvik Viking Centre and York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.

Cambridge, make their first home there. Scotland provides yet more options for a tour of Britain. From the capital of Edinburgh to tranquil islands off the coast, a variety of historical treasures and scenic landscapes awaits. Boat tours on Loch Ness, home to the mythical creature “Nessie” since its first sighting in the sixth century, afford beautiful mountain panoramas. Other highlights

Tours of the Houses of Parliament shed light on the law-making process.

Britain on View

The Norman keep of Cardiff Castle in Wales dates from the 1100s.

Edinburgh, Scotland abounds with historical and cultural attractions. 22 October 2011

Groups in Britain also should consider a side trip to Wales, a land of 641 castles, 687 miles of coastline, three million people and 11 million sheep. With a rich Celtic heritage and dramatic countryside, Wales is only two hours by train from London. Wales Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, the capital, will host the Olympic football (soccer) competition, which begins two days before the July 27 Opening Ceremony. All eyes in recent months have turned to the picturesque isle of Anglesey at the northern tip of Wales as the newly married royal couple, the Duke and Duchess of

include a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train in Glenfinnan (used in the Harry Potter movies) and distillery tours that offer samplings of Scotland’s world-class malt whiskies. The birthplace of golf, Scotland offers more than 550 courses. With Britain shaping up as one of Europe’s hot destinations for 2012, now is the time to start planning dream tours for your clients. The possibilities are endless in England, Scotland and Wales. For more information, contact VisitBritain, traveltradeinfo@visitbritain.org; visitbritain.com. LGT LeisureGroupTravel.com

on religious travel: ❖

randy mink

A rib-vaulted ceiling with gold-leaf stars crowns Notre-Dame Basilica.

Faith Journey

Through Montreal

Old World flavor and historical religious landmarks enhance touring in Canada’s second largest city

alk down the narrow, cobbled streets flanked by centuries-old stone buildings and you’re magically transported to Europe. Outdoor cafes, flag-festooned souvenir shops, signs in French and people greeting each other with kisses on the cheek conjure up images of France or Belgium. Old Montreal, a revitalized port district, is the touristic heart of this is24 October 2011

land city in the St. Lawrence River. Not far north of New York and Vermont, Montreal (pop. 3.9 million) is the largest French-speaking city outside of France and a close-to-home getaway for Americans seeking a little joie de vivre. It’s culturally different yet familiar; residents know English as well as French. Much of the history that tourists experience in Old Montreal revolves

around the early days of the Catholic Church, which played a dominant role in the settling of French Canada. In addition to sites from colonial days, faith-themed itineraries in Montreal include places of worship and pilgrimage dating from the 20th century. Notre-Dame Basilica looms large as Old Montreal’s most prominent landmark. The Gothic Revival-style church, LeisureGroupTravel.com

a stately edifice dominated by twin bell towers, was built between 1824 and 1843 on the site of the original church founded by the Sulpician order in the 1600s. Inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle, a medieval Gothic masterpiece in Paris, the nave is a vision in blue, with a magnificently carved wooden altarpiece backlit in blue and a blue, rib-vaulted ceiling sprinkled with gold-leaf stars (symbolizing the bliss that awaits in Heaven). Ceiling frescoes, carved pillars painted in a rainbow of colors and stained-glass windows depicting Montreal’s religious heritage add to the splendor.

look around the after the show. Besides the general 20-minute tour of the church, groups can arrange specialized tours. A 90-minute tour focuses on the stained-glass windows (made in Limoges, France in 1930-31) and includes windows not usually accessible to visitors. On a 60-minute tour, groups can visit with Pierre Grandmaison, who has worked as a Notre-Dame organist since 1973, and learn about the 7,000-pipe organ built in 1891. The wooden pews in the nave and balconies can seat up to 3,000 people. Notre-Dame, Quebec’s de facto national

Blessed Virgin. Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982, the modest woman (1620-1700) founded Montreal’s first school and the Sisters of the Congregation de Notre Dame. Her remains are interred under the altar. Miniature boats hanging in the sanctuary underscore its connection to the port. Masses in English are celebrated on Saturday. Group tours, led by a docent in period dress, include the stone crypt and archaeological site with charred remains of the first chapel, plus a trek up the tower’s observation deck, which affords views of the port and Old Montreal.

Photos courtesy of Tourisme Montreal

Visitors to St. Joseph’s Oratory can see Brother Andre’s modest chapel and pray in the main building’s votive chapel.

Notre-Dame’s state-of-the-art sound and light show, “And then there was light,” is offered most nights from Tuesday through Saturday. Complete with music and narration, the colorful 35minute show uses the latest in digital technology in splashing the history of Montreal and the church onto video screens and giant canvases. Carved altarpiece statues of Mary being crowned by Christ, the Crucifixion, Last Supper and various biblical figures, along with the stained glass and other artistic and architectural flourishes, shine under spotlights. The audience listens with wireless headsets and has 15 minutes to LeisureGroupTravel.com

cathedral, has been the scene of state funerals for Canadian officials and in 1994 saw the wedding of Quebec’s own Celine Dion. The blue-and-tan floor slopes a full meter on its way to the altar, allowing worshippers a better view of the proceedings. The oldest church in Old Montreal, close to the recently revitalized Old Port, fronts rue Saint-Paul, the oldest street in town. Notre-Dame-de-Bon Secours Chapel, also known as the Sailor’s Chapel, was built in 1771 on the site of a chapel established in 1678 by Sister Marguerite Bourgeoys, who wanted a place of pilgrimage dedicated to the

The Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum focuses on the saint’s life and city history. Spiritual journeys in Old Montreal also take in Maison de Mere d’Youville, which pays homage to another Canadian saint named Marguerite. The museum tells the story of Marguerite d’Youville, a tireless advocate of the poor who founded the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, better known as the “Grey Nuns.” A widow and mother of two young sons, she resided in the house between 1747 and 1771, taking in the elderly, sick and orphaned. Tours include the kitchen where she served soup to the poor and room where she died. October 2011 25

on religious travel: ❖ The Grey Nuns use the house, built as a hospital in 1693, as an office and residence. The story of Brother Andre, another Canadian saint, comes alive at St. Joseph’s Oratory, a must-see on any Montreal itinerary. Perched atop Mount Royal, the church dominates skyline views, its eight-sided green copper dome the third largest in the world (after St. Peter’s in Rome and a St. Peter’s replica in the Ivory Coast). The largest shrine in the world dedicated to St. Joseph annually attracts more than two million

the Oratory. Points of interest include the concrete-and-granite walled Basilica (seating 2,200), the Crypt Church under the basilica, an observation deck with views of the Laurentian Mountains and museum exhibits relating to Brother Andre, including photos of his canonization last October by Pope Benedikt XVI. On display are the tomb and heart of Canada’s only male saint, plus a replica of the little room where he received the afflicted and their families. The votive chapel contains more than 10,000 lights and votive candles, along

prolific artist also designed frescoes and showed his architectural talents by designing entire church interiors, including the woodwork. Studio Nincheri, not a working studio since 1996, soon will be open for group tours led by his grandson, Roger Nincheri. Groups can visit Nincheri-decorated churches, such as Saint-Leon in the Westmount neighborhood, where a 2½-hour tour, complete with a coffee break, can be arranged. Montreal is a treasure house brimming with possibilities for Catholic travel groups. But its religious land-

A Montreal landmark capped by a massive copper dome, the Basilica Church of St. Joseph’s Oratory seats 3,000.

visitors and pilgrims. The most dedicated reach the hilltop basilica on their knees, using the nearly 300 wooden steps that lead to the church from street level. The imposing edifice contrasts with the slight stature of its founder, Brother Andre (1845-1937), a humble, sickly, barely literate man who inspired its construction. A doorkeeper at nearby Notre Dame College and later the guardian of St. Joseph’s Oratory, Brother Andre became known as a miracle worker, sometimes seeing over 700 people a day in his office and urging them to pray with him as he invoked St. Joseph, healer of the sick. Groups can spend several hours at 26 October 2011

with crutches and other items left behind by thankful pilgrims in memory of a claimed healing. Mass is said daily in English at the Crypt Church. Also on the grounds are Brother Andre’s original chapel (1904), which contains the room where he stayed; Gardens of the Way of the Cross; and a bed-and-breakfast accommodation for up to 30 people (ideal for a retreat). Another prominent figure in the religious history of Montreal is an artist. Guido Nincheri, born in Italy, spent 30 years (1925-1955) decorating churches in Canada and the U.S., including about 20 percent of the churches in Montreal. Most famous for stained-glass creations, the

marks, so entwined with city history, play a major role in most every itinerary aimed at first-time visitors. For more information, contact Tourisme Montreal, 514-844-5400, tourisme-montreal.org. LGT Obtain Canada visitor guides and itineraries – and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly – at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Learn more about Old Montreal in Randy Mink’s online article. Log on to www.leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=25369.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on location: midwest ❖

heather swick

Wisconsin’s

Bounty

Groups enjoy visiting farms, wineries and festivals that reflect the state’s flourishing agritourism industry

aked, picked, brewed or churned, Wisconsin will take on even the most daunting appetite. If the Badger State is your choice for an agritourism group outing, then graze your way through farms, museums, fairs and orchards, all brimming with the finest Wisconsin fare. Like any good Midwestern farmer, your group can expect to roll up its sleeves and experience the work behind the meal as well as enjoy the sweet and satisfying reward of a job well done. Here is a sampling of what’s available: Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center. This museum, located in

LeisureGroupTravel.com

Warrens, is the tell-all educational stop for Wisconsin’s top fruit crop, the cranberry. Learn the ins and outs of the cranberry’s Wisconsin reign through storyboards, videos and exhibits. After a tour, treat your group to the Taste Test Kitchen and Ice Cream Parlor for unique cranberry treats. The museum includes a dugout canoe once used by Native American tribes to collect the berries and light-up and slide board exhibits to illustrate the parts and harvesting of cranberries. (discovercranberries.com) Von Stiehl Winery. The oldest licensed winery in the state offers

plenty of history along with its wines. Located in Kewaunee, von Stiehl got its start making cherry wine from Door County-produced fruit. Groups will enjoy touring Civil War-era caverns, tasting more than 30 Double Gold, Gold and Silver medal award-winning wines or attending events hosted throughout the year. The most sought-after wine is the riesling, a semi-dry fruity wine with a multitude of Gold awards. The most popular von Stiehl event is the Wet Whistle Wine Fest in mid-September. Participate in a grape stomp, browse the Specialty Food and October 2011 27

Noah Katsma

Pumpkin picking is just one of many fall activities offered at Waldvogel’s Pumpkin Farm in Central Wisconsin.

on location: midwest ❖

The 11-day Wisconsin State Fair is held in West Allis, a Milwaukee suburb.

Obtain Wisconsin visitor guides and itineraries – and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly – at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info

28 October 2011

cultivation, and wine and cidermaking, followed by a tasting and evaluation. A trip to the orchard allows for picnics, wagon rides and apple, pumpkin and squash-picking in the autumn.Visit the gift shop for books and supplies for creating your own wine and hard cider. (maidenrockwinerycidery.com) National Historic Cheesemaking Center. Wisconsin is serious about its cheese, and at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center in Monroe, your group can witness how some of the best Wisconsin cheese has been created for more than a century. The center continues to make cheese the way it was more than 100 years ago when Monroe was named “Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA.” The National Historic Cheesemak-

Michael Peters

Fine Art Fair and, of course, sample some of the trademark wines. (vonstiehl.com) Waldvogel’s Pumpkin Farm. If your group is planning an autumn outing to Central Wisconsin, a trip to Waldvogel’s in Juneau is a family-friendly option to showcase the season’s harvest. Mini golf, a fish pond feeding dock, hayrides, six acres of corn mazes, a haunted granary and giant mine shaft slide are all included in the price of admission. The fresh market and bakery has a wide selection of produce and baked goodies. If you’re staying for lunch, pick up a burger from the Chuck Wagon Grill and make your own caramel apple at the Apple Kitchen. Don’t forget to scour the fields for the perfect pumpkin on your way out. (waldvogelfarm.com) Maiden Rock Winery and Cidery. Western Wisconsin’s Maiden Rock Winery and Cidery in Stockholm offers a more hands-on approach to wine and cider sampling. Groups tour the orchard and learn about the fruit,

ing Center is made up of a museum, farmstead, factory and gift shop, and has preserved or reconstructed each to its former glory. In the Cheesemaking Gallery are cheese-related pieces of art, tools of the trade, transporting tubs, and the portraits and stories of cheese producers and farmers. In mid-September each year, Monroe celebrates Green County Cheese Days, one of the largest fests in Wisconsin. Since its inception in 1914, Cheese Days has grown to include a parade, arts and crafts fair, a 5K run and tours of local cheese factories. (nationalhistoriccheesemakingcenter.org) Hinchley’s Dairy Farm Tours. A working family farm in Cambridge, Hinchley provides educational tours from April until October. Guests are invited to milk a cow, feed farm animals and take a hayride through the grounds to learn about the roles of corn, soybeans, alfalfa and wheat in everyday life. Groups are also welcome to stop at the milk house for a firsthand look at how milk is stored and processed. Spring tours often abound with baby animals to play with, and in the fall, visitors ride to the pumpkin patch to choose a free pumpkin. (dairyfarmtours.com) Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery and Market. Lautenbach’s in

Von Stiehl Winery in Kewaunee invites groups to taste the fruit of the vine. LeisureGroupTravel.com

The cream puff: A signature treat at the Wisconsin State Fair.

Door County is simultaneously an orchard, vineyard, winery and market. Your group can opt for a guided tour during the spring, summer and fall months, or attend a daily wine tasting. The country market provides hundreds of fruit and food products including pie fillings, salsa, jams and pie plates. Collect fruit for your own baked goods from the orchard’s grounds, including apples, grapes, pears, raspberries and cherries. Lautenbach’s has a festival for every season. The Summer Harvest Fest celebrates cherry season with free wine and beer tastings, cherry picking, live music and a pie-eating competition. The Fall Harvest Fest showcases the apple and grape crop while providing free guided tours and live entertainment. In the chilly winter months, visitors warm up with baked goods, Montmorecy cherry tastings, pit-spitting competitions and horse-drawn sleigh rides at the Winter Wine and Cherry Fest. (orchardcountry.com) Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival. Held in early September each year, the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival in Jefferson is equal parts informative, entertaining and creative. Look on as competitors vie for the top skein title, take part in a shearing workshop or try your hand at rug hooking. Workshops, races and competitions LeisureGroupTravel.com

are available for festival-goers of any age and skill level. With more than 120 vendors in attendance, there is bound to be a stand or two with whatever knitted or wooly item you’re in search of. (wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com) Wisconsin State Fair. Every August, Wisconsin celebrates both its urban and rural cultures during the 11-day Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis, a Milwaukee suburb. Big-name performers, rides and competitions entertain nearly 900,000 visitors, but agriculture remains at the heart of the event. Food vendors, farmers and foodies alike battle for the title of best barbeque, cheese, butter and beer in Wisconsin. The Horticulture, Culinary and Crafts Pavilion displays winning entries of bread, jam, quilts and floral displays. Demos at the milking parlor show the secrets and tactics behind milking a cow. The spotlight food is the cream puff, and the Wisconsin State Fair sells hundreds of thousands of them annually. (wistatefair.com) Whether it be wool, cranberries, apples or cheese, Wisconsin takes pride in its crop and dairy production. After

a day spent picking, sampling and learning, one tradition holds true—no one leaves Wisconsin hungry. LGT

October 2011 29

Midwest on our radar

Group tour planners have plenty of new ways to enhance itineraries in America’s heartland Take a look at what’s happening in the Midwest: ILLINOIS Broadway in Chicago has announced its spring 2012 line-up along with a much-anticipated musical slated for later in the year. The hottest ticket will be The Book of Mormon, set for Dec. 11, 2012 to March 3, 2013 at Bank of America Theatre. From the creators of South Park, the show is the winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” Other shows for 2012 include In the Heights ( Jan. 10-15), Mamma Mia ( Jan. 24-29), American Idiot (Feb. 7-19), Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific (Feb. 14-26), Bring It On: The Musical (March 6-25), Riverdance (March 1318), Fela! (March 27-April 8), Jersey Boys (April 5-June 2) and Cats (May 16). Group tickets (with 15 or more) are available for all shows by calling 312977‐1710. (broadwayinchicago.com) The new National Hellenic Museum in Chicago’s Greektown will open on Nov. 4. Located at 333 S. Halsted St., the only museum of its kind in the U.S. will spotlight ancient Greek history, the Greek immigrant story and the cultural contributions of Greeks today. The first floor of the state-ofthe-art, 40,000-square-foot museum is wrapped in clear glass, allowing the museum interior to become part of the Halsted streetscape. Two floors of exhibition and education space are topped by a rooftop terrace offering views of the city skyline. The exhibit Gods, Myths and Mortals, opening Dec. 10, will feature more than 25 interactive

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Read about offbeat tour options in Chicago, from kayaks to Segways. Log on to www.leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=25300 30 October 2011

Wade & Theresa Nemetz, of Milwaukee Food Tours, now offer a pizza tour.

components, including a 12-foot Trojan horse and Cyclops Cave. (312-6551234, nationalhellenicmuseum.org) The Field Museum in Chicago will present the exhibit Chocolate Around the World from Oct. 5 through Jan. 8, 2012. Visitors will explore the plants, products and history of chocolate through the lenses of science and popular culture. On view through Jan. 1 will be Ground Zero 360°, an exhibition of photographs and artifacts related to Sept. 11 at the World Trade Center. (312-665-7300, fieldmuseum.org) INDIANA Group tours are now available for $5 per person at the newly restored Lerner Theatre, an historic gem that just had its grand reopening in downtown Elkhart. A backstage look reveals the 2,000 crystal beads that shimmer on the chandeliers, appointments glistening with gold leaf and leaded glass windows that replicate the building’s design elements. The wallpaper is the exact

replica of what hung on the walls when the “theatrical palace” opened in 1924. The Lerner Theatre originally had 2,000 seats and was host to vaudeville, big band and theatrical revues as well as movies. Today it is a performing arts center with an emphasis on children’s productions and family entertainment. (800-517-9657, amishcountry.org) IOWA The new John Deere Waterloo Tractor and Engine History Museum is set to open in late 2012, spotlighting the history of John Deere tractors in Waterloo. Located on the site of the original John Deere Waterloo Works, the interactive museum will offer Deere fans the opportunity to experience the evolution of Deere agricultural machines dating back to the purchase of Waterloo Boy tractors in 1918. The new attraction will complement the popular plant tours of John Deere Waterloo Works. (800728-8431, waterloocvb.org) LeisureGroupTravel.com

WISCONSIN Milwaukee Food Tours has introduced “Milwaukee’s Pizza Tour.” The three-hour bus tour, available for lunch or dinner, features a variety of pizzas with four visits to oldschool pizzerias and newer, upscale establishments. Besides pizza slices, it includes additional treats and drink samples, and concludes with a scoop of gelato. As with all Milwaukee Food Tours excursions, the guided outing includes a city tour with commentary about the history of the community as well as modern-day stories about the business owners that bring the current establishments to life. Other bus tours include “Churches & Chocolates,” “Ghouls & Spirits Adult Trick-or-Treat” and “Christmas Around the World Bakery Bus.” One-hour walking tours explore Brady Street, the Historic Third Ward, the RiverWalk/Old World Third Street, village of Wauwatosa and historic city of Cedarburg. Participants enjoy tastings from bakeries, meat shops, pizzerias, eateries, cheese and sausage makers, and breweries. Inspired by her great-grandparents, who immigrated to Milwaukee from Sicily, Theresa Nemetz created Milwaukee Food Tours in 2008 and received the 2010 Governor’s Rising Star in Tourism Award. (262-853-5239, milwaukeefoodtours.com)

LeisureGroupTravel.com

October 2011 31

on location: south â?&#x2013;

dave bodle

LOUISIANA

e t s a T ats e r T

From Cajun dance halls to f ine dining restaurants, mealtimes highlight itineraries in all parts of the state

Any list of Louisiana food favorites has to include shrimp etouffee.

n six occasions this fall, Tiger Stadium, home of the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers, fills to more than 92,000 fans, becoming the fifth largest city in the state. However, festivities get into full swing long before action on the field begins. The inviting aromas of grillades, jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish etouffee, fried catfish and barbecue fill the air. Louisianans love to eat and take that passion to their tailgating. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that affection for good food and fun that bodes well for group tour visitors. If you cannot make it to the game, here are a few favorites to get you started on sampling Louisiana culinary delights. Possibly the place to begin exploring Louisiana food is the New Orleans LeisureGroupTravel.com

Every meal is a special occasion in culinary havens like Lake Charles, La.

School of Cooking. Promising a “garron-teed” good time for all, it offers Open Demonstration Lunch Classes seven days a week, Private Demonstration Lunch Classes for groups of 25 or more, and a Hands On Cooking Class. Group rates are available. (neworleansschoolofcooking.com) A New Orleans tradition, Parkway Bakery & Tavern, is the place to go for po’boys. This submarine-style sandwich is served on a baguette-like French bread and filled with roasted meat or fried seafood. A frequent winner in “best of ” surveys, Parkway cooks its meat for 24 hours and uses only the freshest ingredients. (parkwaybakeryandtavernnola.com) Another Louisiana staple is the muffuletta sandwich and the best one might just be found at the Central Grocery in New Orleans. Italian bread is piled high with Italian cold cuts and provolone, then topped with an intriguing olive salad. Just about any New Orleans food, including Central Grocery Italian Olive Salad, can be purchased online at nolacajun.com. Metairie, located just outside New Orleans, is home to Sal’s Snow Balls. LeisureGroupTravel.com

Only in Louisiana does a childhood staple become more than just ice and colored syrup. Steven Bel, owner of Sal’s, goes through 1,000 pounds of ice daily during the summer. Add this one to your itinerary; it’s a fun stop on a hot day. Of course, New Orleans has a welldeserved reputation for fabulous food and world-class dining. Featuring many of the Crescent City’s restaurants, the New Orleans CVB is preparing for the

8th Annual COOLinary restaurant promotion Aug. 1-31, 2012. A wonderful way to sample the gastronomic delights of the Big Easy, the event celebrates the cuisine of New Orleans and its culinary community. (coolinaryneworleans.com) Less than an hour’s drive from New Orleans is Darrow, La. and Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. In addition to a tour of the magnificent main house, guests are welcomed to a fine dining experience at Latil’s Landing Restaurant. Located in the French House built in the 1770s, the restaurant is complete with the original beamed ceiling and floor. (houmashouse.com/restaurant.htm) Cajun Country is located in South Louisiana and is well known for festivals celebrating crops, heritage and holidays. However, you will not have to wait for a festival to enjoy great food and fun. Visitors travel to McGee’s Landing in Henderson for Atchafalaya Basin Swamp Tours and McGee’s Cafe & Bar, which features traditional, home-style Cajun and seafood entrees like alligator, fried shrimp and crawfish etouffee. (mcgeeslanding.com)

Louisiana dishes take center stage at the New Orleans School of Cooking. October 2011 33

on location: south ❖ A Breaux Bridge favorite is Mulate’s The Original Cajun Restaurant. Live Cajun music and wonderful food are all available at a reasonable price. Be careful though—you may want to dance the night away. (mulates.com/breauxbridge). Also in Breaux Bridge, Cafe des Amis is a local favorite where great Cajun food and music daily with a Saturday morning Zydeco Breakfast beg a visit. (cafedesamis.com) Nearby in Lafayette, two distinct Cajun dance hall restaurants can be found. Since 1980 Prejean’s has been welcoming groups with the best in Cajun cuisine and live dance music. (prejeans.com). Randol’s, with its distinctive old time dance hall feel, takes pride in food that nourishes the body, while good times and good friends feed the soul. (randols.com) In New Iberia, there’s plenty to see and do, but one thing’s for sure; seafood doesn’t get any fresher than what you’ll be served at Bon Creole Lunch Counter. Oversized po’boys, fried seafood baskets and plates are featured. You will wait in line, though,

Latil’s Landing Restaurant offers fine dining at Houmas House Plantation.

just like the locals. (boncreolela.com). Not far down the road is Avery Island, home to the McIlhenny Co.’s Tabasco sauce bottling plant. Look for the lunch truck under the live oak trees. It’s homemade Cajun cooking. After lunch and a plant tour, make time for the gift shop. (tabasco.com) Lake Charles is home to one of the

Cajun music and food make the good times roll at Lake Charles dance halls. 34 October 2011

state’s premier gaming destinations. Luxurious rooms, more than 1,000 slots, all your favorite table games and a fine dining experience all come together at L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort. Both Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill and Ember Grille & Wine Bar offer extensive menus in a comfortable setting. (ldlcasino.com) The historically rich roads running on both sides of the Mississippi River have rightfully earned the moniker Great River Road. Many of Louisiana’s majestic plantations can be found in the area. For an enjoyable dining experience, consider The Cabin in Burnside. It has been serving great food since 1973. Do save some time for a visit to the General Store. (thecabinrestaurant.com) In the central area of the state just off I-49 is Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. It’s here you’ll discover Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant. The owners have been serving Cajun/Creole cuisine and their famous meat pies for more than 40 years. (lasyones.com) The Mabry House in Shreveport presents fine dining in a historically LeisureGroupTravel.com

rich, 100-year-old Victorian house. The menu is French and the setting is exquisite. Small groups are welcome and provided outstanding service. (318-227-1121) Louisiana’s passion for food is much more than flavor. Of course, the foods reflect the state’s French, German, African and Spanish influences. However, to the people of Louisiana dining is an event, a reason to celebrate and a chance to bring family and friends together. Each of the state’s tourism regions reflects those values and offer culinary experiences to match. They’ll treat you like family. LGT Obtain Louisiana visitor guides and itineraries – and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly – at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info

N A E P O R We’re a EUa get. d u b on P O -BOY CITY the charm re. Discover rope right he Eu s, of el fe the -kind shop d one-of-a you can get useums an road when m ab ht ith el rig w av e tr d th Why just s, fille a city with New Orlean tions. Visit ac tication of @ tr is nd at ph la s ol so as lh d at t cl an nts and firs Lisa Holland al. Contact ned restaura w pe no ap re y da ld n wor oder scvb.com. arm and m it neworlean old world ch amount of x 5030. Or vis 95 86 874 0vb.com or 80 neworleansc

LeisureGroupTravel.com

October 2011 35

on location: south ❖

dave bodle

Students enjoy a hayride on a 1941 tractor at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum in Jackson.

Mississippi’s RuRal HeRitage

Discover the agricultural side of the Magnolia State lanning travel throughout Mississippi is challenging when faced with making choices from all there is to see and do. From Tunica to Biloxi and Jackson to Corinth, Mississippi has a fun and educational story to tell. For the outdoorsman there’s plenty of action on sea and land, including some world-class golf. From blues and country music in juke joints to bigname entertainers in coliseums and

36 October 2011

gaming destinations, there’s plenty of entertainment in store for the visitor. The state’s heritage includes the early Choctaw tribe that named the Mississippi River “Father of Waters.” A difficult civil rights history has led to having more African-American elected officials than any other state. Memorable Civil War sites highlight important moments in our country’s history. Blend all these alternatives with a

variety of dining options reflecting the culinary contributions of the state’s ancestry. Add shopping options from crafts to fashion. You can see there might not be enough hours in the day. Look to Mississippi Tourism to make your planning easier. The state’s tourism office and its partners have developed a series of Trails that explore Mississippi heritage, from the birthplace of the blues to culinary delights. Discovering the agricultural side of the Magnolia State might be the best place to start. (visitmississippi.org/agri-tours-trail.aspx) Mississippi encompasses a truly interesting diversity of farms, historic plantations, old country stores, pottery studios, and museums that are dependent on the rich Mississippi soil. Likewise, Gulf Coast and freshwater LeisureGroupTravel.com

resources are reflective of its aquaculture industry. Agriculture is the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest industry with 30 percent of Mississippians involved. The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Jackson is the perfect place to begin understanding how agriculture molded the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truly a step back in time through colorful exhibits, including a 1920s rural town. Special events throughout the year add to the experience with good food and entertainment. The museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Harvest Festival in mid-November is a great addition to any tour. (mdac.state.ms.us/n_library/departments/ag_museum/index_agmuseum.htm) Landrum Homestead and Village in Laurel is a late-1800s living history/ agricultural village. Covering 10 acres, the Homestead has more than 60 buildings, displays and exhibits. Demonstrations are available to groups and feature cooking biscuits on a wood stove, churning butter (with samples!), and grinding cornmeal at the gristmill, plus steam engine operation and blacksmithing. (landrumscountry.com) The Delta Research and Extension Center (DREC) in Stoneville covers more than 1,600 acres and provides a memorable educational experience. DREC specializes in Mississippi staples â&#x20AC;&#x201C; soybean, cotton, rice, corn and catfish. Its goal is increasing agricultural and aquacultural production without hindering the environment. Guided driving tours of the facility, including catfish ponds and feeding, can be arranged by calling 662-686-3216. (msucares.com/drec) Greenwood is home to the Cottonlandia Museum. Although the AgriObtain Mississippi visitor guides and itineraries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info LeisureGroupTravel.com

cultural Hall exhibits in the museum tell the story of how hard labor built the Delta Region, this museum is really about the 5 Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s; art, agriculture, archaeology, animals and antiques. Groups can make arrangements for guided tours. (cottonlandia.org) Museums are a great place to begin Agritourism has an educational any adventure, but only down on the aspect for youth groups, like this one farm can you get your hands dirty and at a Mississippi cotton field. smell the earth. Blueberry picking beshrimp boil for a truly unique tour gins the last week of May and continues option. (biloxishrimpingtrip.com) into July at Blue Rivers Farm & NursThe Catfish Capitol Visitors ery in Mt. Olive. With 54 acres of uCenter and Museum in Belzoni gives pick and commercial production, Blue the complete story of catfish from Rivers is one of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest bluefingerling to frying pan. Mississippi berry producers. Farm tours are availprovides more than 40 percent of the able. (blueriverfarmsms.com) nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supply. Mitchell Farms in Collins offers for Whether a full-blown agri-tour, or pickinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; just about anything that grows. simply an addition to the itinerary, a Vine-ripened tomatoes, a variety of peas, taste of Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural and butterbeans, blueberries, blackberries aquaculture heritage will enhance your and okra make it feel like a backyard trip. LGT garden. Several authentic pioneer structures, some dating back 10 years, are available for touring. (mitchellfarmsms.com) L E T US SHOW YOU THE RE ST. An important part of Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy is aquaculture. Biloxiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, operating out of Edgewater Mall until a new building opens in 2013, interprets the Mississippi Gulf Coast fishing industry with exhibits on shrimping, oystering and fishing. (maritimemuseum.org) The Biloxi Shrimpur tree-lined streets, eclectic shops, galleries, ing Trip is a 70-minute museums, and quaint restaurants set us apart. cruise that provides an opportunity to be part of an actual shrimp catch. Corinth Visitors Bureau Combine your trip with Â&#x2021; WWW.CORINTH.NET a dockside traditional

October 2011 37

South on our radar

New developments give tour planners a variety of fresh new options to offer their groups See what’s creating a buzz in Southern tourism: MULTI-STATE Memphis-based Great American Steamboat Co. has announced the 436guest Steamboat American Queen, the largest paddlewheeler ever built, will offer three- to 10-day river journeys through America’s heartland beginning April 2012. Built by the Delta Queen Steamboat Company in 1995, the 418foot-long vessel is undergoing a multimillion-dollar refurbishment. Memphis’ revitalized Beale Street Landing will be its homeport. Itineraries will be available from Memphis, New Orleans, St. Louis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Louisville and Chattanooga, with fares starting at $995. Prices will include a preor post-cruise luxury hotel stay, all bottled water and soft drinks, wine and beer at dinner, and complimentary shore excursions in each port of call. (greatamericansteamboatcompany.com) ALABAMA Southern Broadway, best known for its production of The Depot, an original off-Broadway play, has opened a dinner theater on North Main Street in downtown Enterprise. Southern Broadway and Southern Charm Catering will present at least five dinner theaters in 2012. (334-470-6568, southernbroadway.com) LOUISIANA The National World War II Museum just achieved another milestone in its ongoing $300-million expansion project when it unveiled the $3-million

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE North Central Alabama abounds with attractions of interest to religious travel groups. See the article at www.leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=25398.

38 October 2011

Steamboat American Queen will offer journeys from Memphis and other ports.

John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion. Visitors are now able to see firsthand the techniques conservators use to repair and restore boats, vehicles, weapons and artifacts. The museum also announced its partnership with Gray Line Tours for the “VIP Victory Tour.” Visitors are now able to purchase tickets to any of the museum’s attractions at all of Gray Line’s concierge desks and have the option to purchase tickets with Gray Line and the Natchez all at a discounted packaged price. (504-528-1944, nationalww2museum.org) SOUTH CAROLINA The Pat Boone Family Theater just opened in Myrtle Beach. Located across from Broadway at the Beach, it occupies the former location of the NASCAR Cafe. The grand opening celebration on Oct. 20 will feature appearances by Pat Boone and his family. The Boones will perform daily from Oct. 20 through Oct. 23. Pat Boone will return Dec. 2 through Dec. 4 for special performances featuring songs from his more than five decades of hits. Shows at the 600-seat theater, with HD screen monitors on each side, will star a variety of wellknown performers who appeal to all age groups. (843-213-6880, pbftheater.com)

WEST VIRGINIA The mountains of West Virginia abound with small-town festivals that will enliven any fall tour itinerary, but the biggest annual spectator event is Bridge Day (Oct. 15). More than 80,000 people come to watch as hundreds of brave souls jump or rappel 876 feet off the New River Gorge Bridge. The world’s third-longest single-arch bridge is closed to cars one day a year to hold what’s billed as the largest extreme sports event in the world. More than 200 vendors offer souvenirs and food along the half-mile-long span. Spectators also can take in the action from a number of spots within the gorge, including the National Park observation deck at the New River Gorge Bridge visitors center. (800-927-0263, officialbridgeday.com) Autumn celebrations across the state feature parades, mountain crafts, homegrown vegetables and fruits, Appalachian cloggers, and bluegrass and gospel music. The 75th Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins (Oct. 1-9) offers more than 100 events, including a lumberjack contest and Irish road bowling. See the state’s largest pumpkins at the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival (Oct. 6-9) in Milton. The 57th West Virginia Black Walnut Festival (Oct. 13-16) in Spencer LeisureGroupTravel.com

includes street concerts and a carnival. For details on these and other fall fests, contact the West Virginia Division of Tourism at wvtourism.com. The Greenbrier, the classic American resort in White Sulphur Springs, has announced plans to revive the luxury train experience in America with the July 2012 debut of The Greenbrier Presidential Express. From Washington, D.C.’s Union Station, guests will board the 15-car train for a five-hour, non-stop trip to White Sulphur Springs. Accommodating up to 240 passengers, the train will feature a board room car, salon car and an open-air observation car. The refurbished cars, built in the 1950s, served as the long distance trains for the Union Pacific and Santa Fe railroads. The resort’s curator, worldrenowned decorator Carleton Varney, president of the Dorothy Draper & Company, and his associate, Brinsley Matthews, have taken The Greenbrier’s signature Dorothy Draper decor and applied it to the train’s interiors and exterior. (greenbrier.com)

RIME TIME

www.greenbrierwv.com • 800-833-2068 LEWISBURG • WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS • RONCEVERTE • ALDERSON • RAINELLE

on location: west ❖

sarah nelson

Pikes Peak, a 14,100-foot mountain west of Colorado Springs, tops the list of area must-sees.

Colorado Inspires

Springs Faith Travelers Religious groups rejoice in this city where the Great Plains meet the Rockies olorado Springs, Colorado is a popular vacation destination nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Groups enjoy the culture of the city along with the scenic attractions nearby. Chelsy Murphy, public relations manager of the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, “We are among the safest and familyfriendliest cities in the country, offering over 60 attractions and activities, inspiring natural beauty, 300-plus days of sunshine annually and first-tier

Photos courtesy of Colorado Springs CVB

40 October 2011

city amenities at second-tier city price points.” The area is a prime place for religious group travel and faith conferences. In fact, Colorado Springs works hard to attract religious group travelers. One way the CVB draws faithbased travel to Colorado Springs is by attending annual religious-based trade shows. Murphy mentioned that Kathy Reak, director of convention sales of the CVB, attends the Religious Conference Managers Association (RCMA) and Christian Meetings and

Conventions Association (CMCA) to make contacts and “see if there is any way Colorado Springs can assist them with their events.” Many evangelical Christian organizations are based in Colorado Springs. Murphy said that “Colorado Springs is home to the headquarters of more than 50 faith-based organizations, making the destination a natural fit” for religious travel. Focus on the Family is an evangelical organization dedicated to promoting traditional family values in Christian LeisureGroupTravel.com

The Cadet Chapel is a high point on tours of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

homes. It promotes its beliefs through counseling, conferences, book and magazine publications, radio and television broadcasts, and websites. Visit the Welcome Center to learn more about Focus on the Family through interactive exhibits and visit the bookstore next door. Free tours of the Administration Building are available. Other religious organizations headquartered in Colorado Springs include YoungLife, an organization dedicated to encouraging adolescents to grow in their faith; Compassion International, an underprivileged child sponsorship ministry; the International Bible Society; and The Navigators, an organization committed to helping people find their faith. One of the city’s top attractions, the United States Air Force Academy, is home to the renowned Cadet Chapel. The chapel has separate sections used for Buddhist, Catholic, Jewish and Protestant services. There are 17 spires on the 150-foot-high chapel, which is made out of aluminum, glass and steel. Visit the Barry Goldwater Air Force Academy Visitor Center to see a film LeisureGroupTravel.com

and exhibits on cadet life. Other spots to see are Arnold Hall, Falcon Stadium, the Field House and the Honor Court display of statues and memorials. Shove Chapel, located on Colorado College’s campus, was designed after Winchester Cathedral in England. Built in 1930, the Norman Romanesque chapel has five bells and impressive stained-glass windows.

Colorado Springs also has retreat centers to offer religious groups. One of these is Glen Eyrie Castle, the former estate of William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs. The Navigators purchased the property in 1953 and holds Christian conferences and retreats there. The Abbey in Cañon City, Colorado is another place to hold a religious gathering. The Tudor Gothic building served as a Benedictine monastery from 1924-2005. The Abbey has an event center and various accommodations perfect for religious groups. Groups staying in the Colorado Springs area have plenty of outdoor attractions to choose from. The summit of Pikes Peak, west of Colorado Springs, reaches over 14,000 feet and provides breathtaking views. Drive on the highway or bike, hike or walk Barr’s Trail to reach the top. Tourists can also ride the cog railway from Manitou Springs to Pikes Peak’s summit. Pikes Peak Cog Railway is North America’s highest cog railway. Garden of the Gods Park, a city park at the base of Pikes Peak, has

Historic Glen Eyrie Castle hosts Christian conferences and retreats. October 2011 41

on location: west ❖

Focus on the Family, an organization dedicated to traditional Christian values, welcomes visitors to its headquarters.

uniquely shaped red sandstone formations. Popular formations are Balanced Rock, Cathedral Spires and Kissing Camel. Biking, hiking, horseback riding and van tours are great ways to see

the park. The Visitor and Nature Center has exhibits on the geology and history of the park, highlighting minerals and wildlife found there. Don’t miss the views of Pikes Peak. Seven Falls is located in South Cheyenne Canyon. Visitors can climb the 224-step stairway or take an elevator to Eagle’s Nest observation platform to see the seven waterfalls cascade down a granite canyon. The waterfalls are lit by colored lights at night during the summer and Christmas season. Attractions in Manitou Springs include Ride this historic, coal-fired steam train through the Cave of the Winds the majestic wilderness of the and Manitou Cliff San Juan Mountains for the experience Dwellings. Guided of a lifetime. tours of the Cave of the Named the Winds allow tourists to NUMBER ONE NORTH AMERICAN TRAIN TRIP see unique mineral forby National Geographic Traveler in 2010! mations and learn about BOOK YOUR GROUP TODAY! the cave’s history. The for a schedule of adventures, please visit us online Manitou Cave Dwellings, www.durangotrain.com built between 1100 and

(888)872-4607

42 October 2011

1300 A.D., were moved to this site in 1892 and include museum exhibits on Southwestern Native American culture. Indian dances are held daily in summer. Groups can experience the Old West at the Flying W Ranch. After exploring the 19th century Western town, they enjoy a chuckwagon supper and watch a variety show. Colorado Springs’ indoor attractions also can enhance a group itinerary. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center features collections of 19th through 21st century American, Hispanic and Native American art. One gallery contains Colorado landscape paintings. The John May Museum Center is a natural history museum and space exploration museum. The natural history museum features a tropical exhibit displaying 8,000 giant and unusual insects from around the world. The space exploration museum displays early aircraft models and NASA photographs. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy is dedicated to preserving rodeo artifacts and history. The Hall of Fame honors animals, people and organizations that LeisureGroupTravel.com

Siamese Twins is one of many rock formations at Garden of the Gods.

have impacted rodeo. Other museums include the American Numismatic Association Money Museum, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Ghost Town Museum, Peterson Air and Space Museum, Western Museum of Mining and Industry and World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame. The U.S. Olympic Training Center is yet another attraction in Colorado Springs, headquarters of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Free tours of the complex include gymnasiums, the aquatics center, indoor shooting range and a 12-minute film. Religious groups will not run out of things to do in this high-altitude city, a place where faith travelers feel comfortable and come away inspired. For more information, contact the Colorado Springs CVB at 800-8884748 or visit visitcos.com. LGT Obtain Colorado visitor guides and itineraries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info LeisureGroupTravel.com

October 2011 43

on location: west ❖

isitors to Oregon undoubtedly expect an experience that is clean, green and even pristine, but a recent familiarization tour hosted by Star Destinations of Carroll, Iowa, showcased the state to a group of bank travel directors via a packed itinerary of activities ranging from mild to wild.

melinda hughey An enthusiastic group of club directors joined Cathy Greteman, Star Destinations president and current NTA chairman, on the week-long adventure co-sponsored by Tour Oregon, exploring destinations as diverse as the lush Willamette Valley and beautiful Pacific coastline. Blessed with a climate favorable to flowers and vegetation, Oregon’s abundance of agri-tourism sites, including

inviting fruit farms, surprising wineries and lush botanical gardens like Portland’s International Rose Test Gardens, make it an ideal destination for garden buffs. The city’s famed Rose Festival and Parade, held each year in early June, brings out throngs of tour groups to enjoy a “rosy” celebration indeed with flower-festooned floats, a Rose Queen and her court, and marching bands in the morning, followed by

Oregon

Wine tasting, mustard making, dune buggy rides and stunning scenery highlight an adventure-packed FAM tour itinerary

Odyssey

Larry Geddis/TravelOregon

Sheer cliffs, forested mountains and grassy plains make up Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. 44 October 2011

LeisureGroupTravel.com

Larry Geddis/TravelOregon

The snowy summit of Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest mountain, forms a dramatic backdrop to the Portland skyline.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

shortcake served on a terrace overlooking the farm. The massive Oregon Garden in Silverton provided even more blooming fun. Groups can tour by trolley, viewing more than 20 specialty gardens featuring annuals, perennials and more. Sprawling, yet intricately designed floral spaces give way to richly forested areas,

showcasing nature at her finest. Elsewhere on the property, an authentic Frank Lloyd Wright house built in 1957 is open for touring, and the gorgeous Oregon Garden Resort Inn provides the perfect setting for a group retreat, garden club tour or girlfriend getaway. Before leaving the area, a stop in the Bavarian-themed village of Mt.

Melinda Hughey

rose garden tours in the afternoon. Our group was treated to all that and more, including a series of experiences that allowed us to soak up the region’s natural beauty, starting with a trek down the Willamette Valley’s wine trail. A visit to the well-known Ponzi Vineyards offered not only tasting and an entertaining history of this familyowned Italian winery, but culminated in a rousing game of bocce ball. Nearby, the relatively new Ardiri Winery offered tasting and an elegant Tuscan-style, al fresco lunch around gorgeous fire pits on a covered terrace overlooking hillside vineyards. Continuing with the agrarian theme, a visit to a local farm dazzled with a colorful array of summer blooms for sale. Boarding a giant wagon for a hayride tour of the massive spread, we toured acres of crops before being taken to a barn where animal lovers in our group could pet baby goats. The afternoon visit concluded with homemade strawberry

Bank travel club directors visit Ardiri Winery in the Willamette Valley. October 2011 45

on location: west ❖ Angel allowed for a festive lunch at group favorite Mt. Angel Glockenspiel Restaurant, located in the shadow of the village’s two-story Old World Glockenspiel that chimes on the hour with a charming musical performance of “Eidelweiss” by a Bavarian boy and girl. On the outskirts of town, the Mt. Angel

46 October 2011

Monastery and its order of Benedictine sisters provided the setting for a mostunusual group activity: mustard making. Since 2005, the nuns have manufactured their award-winning Monastery Mustard, providing a continuous source of financial support for the monastery’s charitable endeavors.

Oregon’s commitment to all things green is perfectly embodied in the spectacular scenery of the quarter-millionacre Columbia River Gorge, which spans Southern Washington and Northern Oregon. The scenic drive features countless waterfalls, including the grandest of them all, Multnomah Falls, which attracts more than two million visitors a year. Cascading from 620 feet, the falls provides a stunning photo backdrop from a viewing area reached by an easy-to-navigate paved path. As our tour proceeded from Portland to the coast, a stop at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville gave us an up-close look at The Spruce Goose, the mammoth plane commissioned by eccentric magnate Howard Hughes. A guided tour of this massive, hangar-style facility showed us more than 200 aircraft and exhibits before allowing us access inside The Goose, where we were shown a crosssection of its all-wood construction (a result of wartime restrictions on metal use). The stop at Heceta Lighthouse involved a scenic hike to the landmark, set on a point offering a jaw-dropping view of the Pacific below. Arriving in the coastal community of Newport, we checked into the cozy, beachfront Elizabeth Street Inn, where every room affords a view of the vast Pacific. The inn specializes in offbeat experiences for the groups it hosts. For us, it was a sunset beach bonfire featuring s’mores roasted against the backdrop of crashing waves. A few miles farther south, in Florence, is where things turned a bit wild - and fun - thanks to a tummytwirling turn on enormous sand dunes traversed by massive dune buggies. Groups looking for a taste of adventure suitable for just about anyone will find this experience a sure-fire memorymaker. These dunes are among the LeisureGroupTravel.com

LeisureGroupTravel.com

ent metropolitan experience. Rich in culture, shopping, entertainment, and culinary experiences, the city itself is irresistibly walkable and emits a tranquil, laid-back vibe not readily found in similar-sized major cities. June’s cooler temperatures, combined with the lure of the Rose Festival, make early summer an ideal time to visit. Itineraries can be customized for any tour taste and the city is easily accessible by major air carriers. For flycoach groups, Portland and its environs form an ideal nucleus for hub-andspoke tours that can encompass a broad region. LGT

Travel Oregon

largest on the Central Oregon coast. Driver-guides navigate king-sized buggies accommodating more than 20 people over nearly 10 miles of sand. From sand to sea, a sailing expedition aboard the Marine Discovery Cruise afforded us a firsthand look at just what goes into catching Dungeness crab, while toward the end of our voyage, our craft was guided out into the Pacific for a true ocean-going experience. Back in Portland, we toured the city’s scenic Willamette River via an entertaining dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Portland. The vessel offers both lunch and dinner cruises throughout the city as well as nearby Columbia River Gorge. Portland, with its tree-lined streets, scenic parks and system of free public transportation, is picture-perfect for groups looking for a delightfully differ-

Multnomah Falls is the nation’s second highest year-round waterfall.

Obtain Oregon visitor guides and itineraries – and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly – at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info

October 2011 47

West on our radar

Groups touring the Western U.S. and Canada can choose from some exciting new options Here’s a look at what’s making news in the West: CALIFORNIA Kicking off its third decade on Nov. 1 and playing through May 20, 2012, The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies celebrates perpetual summer vacation with an all-new show entitled Hot! Hot! Hot! In a city where the sun shines 12 months of the year, the Follies cast (from ages 57 to 82) recalls endless summer holidays with a music and dance-filled journey through mid-20th century America. Headliners include John Davidson (Nov. 1-Dec. 31), long-time host of Hollywood Squares, and singer Maureen McGovern, making her Follies debut Jan. 5-March 10. The Diamonds, best known for their ’50s releases “Little Darlin’” and “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” star March 13-May 20. Performing all season is ventriloquist Brad Cummings and his sidekick, Rex

48 October 2011

The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies dishes out memories of yesteryear.

the dinosaur. The Follies is housed in downtown Palm Springs’ historic Plaza Theatre. (760-327-0225, psfollies.com) CANADA Sports Empire offers a 2012 summer trip that combines the 100th annual Calgary Stampede with a leisurely tour of the Canadian Rockies. The nine-day trip starts in Edmonton and travels to Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff before concluding with two full days at the centennial edition of the Calgary Stampede. Compared to a state fair, the event includes top-flight performers, midway entertainment, and exhibitions from across the country, plus a rodeo and nightly chuckwagon races. Now in its 25th year, Sports Empire offers trips to the biggest sporting events throughout the United States and Canada. (800-255-5258, sports-empire.com)

NEVADA A Las Vegas museum presenting the historical impact of mob activity is set to open its doors in February 2012. The Mob Museum is being constructed in a former federal courthouse and U.S. Post Office building, the site of trials for famous mob members like Meyer Lansky, Anthony “Tony” Spilotro and Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal and a national organized crime hearing by Sen. Estes Kefauver in 1950. Museum creative director Dr. Dennis Barrie’s other undertakings include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. Barrie is the head of a research team including preservation architects, curators and exhibit fabricators working to present both the history of the mob and those who fought against it. (themobmuseum.org) WASHINGTON The Tulalip Tribes’ Hibulb Cultural Center has opened on the Tulalip Reservation just north of Everett in Snohomish County. The 23,000 squarefoot center is designed to revive, preserve and interpret the history, traditional cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Tulalip Tribes. Artifacts include artwork, baskets, stone work and tools, and totems and other carvings. In the cedar long house, visitors hear recorded stories of tribal elders and see tribal presentations and historical films. Four canoes are displayed in the canoe hall and two totem poles (story poles as the Tulalips call them) inside the main entrance. (360-716-2635, hibulbculturalcenter.org)

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE For a look at agritourism possibilities in Idaho, log on to http://leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=25400.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

NEW LOOK SAME GREAT FOOD & FUN Service, Value, Variety Free meals for your driver and group leader • Ample free motor coach parking • All-inclusive nationwide pricing • Food that’s ready for a quick, hassle-free stop • A wide variety of foods to accommodate specific diet choices

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner

Reservations made easy. Visit www.buffet.com/leisuregroup E-Mail: groupsales@buffetsinc.com Phone: 800-753-8207

Variety of Choices

Fresh Salad Sensations

On Marketing

❖ dave bodle

Getting Your Message into Print MARK TWAIN’S QUOTE “The report of my death has been exaggerated” is often used by print media to prove their point that people are still reading. I could not agree more. My statement may sound like a print apologist, who has income coming from the very media he defends. I’m still first and foremost a marketing person who believes that compelling words can tell a meaningful story. It’s a fact that advertisers are placing more dollars in both social and online advertising and promotion. However, most of us need to be certain we don’t forget who brought us to the dance. Many tour operator businesses were built with catalogs promoting their trips. That strategy is often combined with newspaper advertising when selling a retail trip, seat by seat. So, where does

Looking Ahead to Our

DECEMBER ISSUE

• 2012 Industry Forecast • Student Travel • Trends in River Cruising • Nebraska • South Dakota • Hawaii • Arizona • Indiana • Maryland • Georgia • Kentucky • Tennessee See our page-flip edition & past issues at

LeisureGroupTravel.com We can help showcase your business to groups. Call us 630.794.0696 or advertising@ptmgroups.com

50 October 2011

this reading and writing thing fit? A basic principle learned more than 40 years ago working for a direct marketing advertising agency is still meaningful today. There’s really no limit to the amount of skillfully written, interesting copy a person will read, while two poorly written sentences are often more than they can bare.

Make room for both great images and meaningful copy. Some tour operators have reported success in shopper-type publications. However, if you’re going retail on a tour, I strongly recommend publications with travel editorial support. Most daily newspapers still have Sunday travel editorial, if not a full travel section.

Many tour operator businesses were built with catalogs promoting their trips To the tour operators using catalogs to promote your trips, take a close look at what you are publishing. Are your tour itineraries descriptive? Does the explanation tell your customer everything they need to know? Is there some sizzle? If your verbiage doesn’t tell the story, the best you can hope for is your reader will ask the question. Is there destination editorial in your catalog that’s above and beyond the tour description? Your 5-day/4-night trip to Louisiana may be very well presented in your itinerary. However, there’s more to the destination than your itinerary. Additional editorial may capture the character of the destination while it supports your itinerary. Operators are also utilizing quarterly newsletters and e-newsletters. Lead times for tours are shrinking and it’s smart marketing to stay in front of your customer. With these publications, though, copy is king. I realize that over the years you’ve been taught, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Allowing me just a little editorial leeway, I believe the success of any communication is in the details.

Many weeklies also feature travel editorial. The publication’s story subject may not feature the destination you’re promoting, but that’s fine. Any travel story is better than no travel story on the page your advertisement appears. Local magazines are a different story. City magazines are all about what’s going on in the community. The editorial in a local magazine is not a good fit for your message. They’re great public relations vehicles to position your business, but you will not be selling any tours from their pages. Throughout this piece the emphasis has been the need to support your message with insightful, interesting copy. That may be easier said than done. For magazines and newspapers they’ll handle the editorial. For catalogs, newsletters and online, the burden is on you. Here’s when you turn to your industry partners. They’re invested in your success and may very well have in-hand the words and images you need. Contact Dave at 843-712-1140 or email dbodle@sc.rr.com.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

Short Circuit Your Trip Planning Process With Instant Info!

OCTOBER 2011

Researching destinations, attractions and tour companies is a cinch, with Instant Info, from Leisure Group Travel! SM

Free Tools for Quicker Trip Research & Planning Complete and return your print Instant Info Card via mail or fax, or go online to LeisureGroupTravel.com and click on the Instant Info tab.

Connect directly with suppliers via email, web or phone or request brochures in one easy step.

❐ Search by state/country ❐ Search by keyword ❐ Search by category

Return via mail or fax to 630.794.0652 Return your Reader Service Card by November 15 FOLD HERE

AFFIX POSTAGE HERE

Reader Info Center P.O. Box 609 Palos Heights, IL 60463

INSTANT INFO CENTER OCTOBER 2011

❐ Please continue to send Leisure Group Travel ❏ Cancel my subscription Name ___________________________________________ Title ______________________ Company __________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________ State _________ Zip _________________ Phone ________________ Fax _______________ Email _____________________________ REQUIRED Signature ___________________________________________ Date ___________________

• Researching

REQUIRED City of Birth _________________________________________

❐ Subscribe to InSite E-newsletter Where is your group planning to travel in 2012? ________________________ Comments on Leisure Group Travel _________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

destinations, attractions and tour companies is a cinch, with Instant Info, from Leisure Group Travel! SM

Request Advertiser Info ❑ Amish Country of Northern Indiana

❑ Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee, WI

❑ Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, WI

❑ King Neptune's USO Show, Virginia Beach, VA

❑ Buffets Inc. Restaurants

❑ New Orleans Metro CVB, LA

❑ Celtic Tours

❑ New Orleans Plantation County, LA

❑ Chicago’s North Suburbs CVB, IL

❑ Norwegian Cruise Lines

❑ Collette Vacations

❑ Piccadilly Restaurants

❑ Colorado Springs CVB, CO

❑ Sky Ute Casino Resort, Ignacio, CO

❑ Corinth CVB, MS

❑ Switzerland Tourism

❑ Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango, CO

❑ The Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan, IL

❑ Experience Columbus CVB, OH

❑ U.S. Tours

❑ Faith Travel Conference and Expo ❑ Globus Family of Brands

❑ Victorian Condo-Hotel Resort & Conference Center, Galveston Island, TX

❑ Go Ahead Tours

❑ WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

❑ Greenbrier County CVB, WV

❑ Yankee Candle Village, MA, VA

I prefer suppliers to contact me via:

❐ Mail

❐ Email

❐ Phone

Please send more information on companies in the following categories:

❐ Attractions ❐ Casinos ❐ Cruise Lines ❐ Destinations ❐ Hotels ❐ Restaurants ❐ Theaters ❐ Tour Operators ❐ Travel Insurance Send information on companies in the following states/countries.

• Connect directly with suppliers via email, web or phone or request brochures in one easy step.

List states/countries: _______________________________________________

RESPOND BY NOVEMBER 15

● Detach this card from the magazine, and affix postage ● or fax this page to 630.794.0652 ● Visit our Instant Info Center at LeisureGroupTravel.com

Because the only thing better than telling old stories is creating new ones. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever been to Columbus, you know it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your ordinary destination. Its one-of-a-kind festivals, unique hands-on attractions and freethinking attitude make it a city like no other and one your group is sure to love. So start planning your Columbus visit today at ExperienceColumbus.com/tours or by calling 800-354-2657. COMING IN 2012