on the record ❖
On The Record Searching for New Itineraries FOLLOWING ARE ANSWERS from Leisure Group Travel readers who responded to the question: What are you looking for when you’re shopping for new tour itineraries? What can CVBs do different or better with their sample itineraries? DeSIrée oZbUrN
larry larSeN
What I look for is something unique, something that even if our chosen destination is the same as a local competitor, our itinerary stands out and it’s apparent we have put much thought into each travel day. I also look for a tour that offers something for everyone. In other words, there needs to be a feature of the tour that appeals to a variety of age groups of men, women, history buffs, art enthusiasts, nature lovers and our die-hard shoppers. I prefer to add something in our tours for those who enjoy diverse cultures, cuisine and local wines when available. I look closely at which tour gives our travelers the best value for their money. As far as sample itineraries, the ones that stand out are the ones I read and don’t have a million questions. I like lots of details included in the itineraries complemented by photos and maps.
years since the bank did away with my position. We have been doing cruises to Alaska, Hawaii and the Rhine and do dinner/theater one-day trips. I have people wanting one- and two-night trips, so I am looking to do more of those in 2012 instead of the 10-12day trips. Our people like factory tours or any kind of tours the area offers. I am also looking for some different oneday trips. We are in Bradley, Ill., which is about 50 miles south of Chicago, so we can do trips to Indiana, Wisconsin or Michigan. We would like new ideas. When I was at the bank, different areas would send out itineraries and I would like to see more of these sent out.
Desirée L. Ozburn, 1st Vice President
Bradley, IL
Jan Coleman Jan & Carl’s Tours
First State Bank Shannon-Polo Shannon and Polo, IL
I have been planning and escorting trips for 38 years. I worked for a bank and did group travel there for 33 years, and my husband and I have been doing trips the past five 10 February 2012
Action, Excitement, Celebrity. I’m no longer interested in a simple destination itinerary—I want unique and fun. Bob Cline U.S. Tours Parkersburg WV
charlotte bIrchmore
My specialty is African heritage tourism. It can be difficult to get accurate aspects, but it seems that most itineraries go out of the way to avoid some sites that are quite obvious. Even when I ask about details about specific locations, often no one can elaborate. So seldom is help readily available. The end result is that there is not enough black history in a region to warrant bringing a tour to that location. Barbara Morris, President & CEO Black Coutours Chicago, IL
I am always looking for something a little bit off the beaten path. It needs to include some of the tried-andtrue attractions, too, of course, but the “something different” is what attracts me. When I see an itinerary, I want to see enough detail so I can judge how a trip is going to flow. I like flexibility with a trip provider. If I know of a particular feature, I like to be able to include that without a big fuss. I love a “can do” attitude. I don’t always know the geography of a new place, but I expect the trip provider LeisureGroupTravel.com
does, and they will steer me into a workable, fun itinerary. Forget the cookie cutter. Charlotte Birchmore Director, New Horizons Club National Bank of Middlebury Middlebury, VT
I look upon your question from a different standpoint. I think the best way to improve would be to merge CVBs from counties to regions—impossible unfortunately, but highly desirable. Let me give you an example. The greater Dayton-Cincinnati corridor, which basically stretches from Springfield, Ohio 50+ miles to the Kentucky and Indiana suburbs of Cincinnati, is covered by nine CVBs. Cincinnati, the largest, has no one dedicated to group tours. Most of the rest have someone spending one-quarter to half their time covering groups. Only one was represented at ABA, and none at NTA. Yet this area covers 3 to 3.5 million people (similar to Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, etc.). When it’s so fragmented and part-time, how can operators always expect much help? As Pogo said, “We have met the enemy and he is us.� We know the problem, but I’m not sure we are willing to solve it! John “Hank� Renick, Vice President Ohio Travel Treasures Cincinnati, OH
I am always looking for something new and different...whether it is a new itinerary or a new attraction or even a hotel with something new and different to offer. Further, I look for value. In today’s economy, you have to be conscious of that issue.
I think CVBs could do a better job working with local receptive operators or tour operators that travel to their area. I will reference an itinerary that I received from a CVB – the timing was WAY OFF. The other thing was they didn’t give enough time at the venues. Timing needs to be accurate. I know they want people to see as much as they can, but often times “less is more� and the tour participants appreciate that. I know the CVB has to represent everyone in their area, but they need to educate their members that they can’t showcase everything. I spoke to the CVB about it and pretty much got “blown off.� Guess it wasn’t her idea, so she really didn’t care. For me, specifically, I look for the different and unique things because that is what I’m known for. I just made a trip into an area to see what
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on the record � it had to offer and found things that the CVB never mentioned, things I would include in my itineraries. They should not judge a venue by the price – I included something in this itinerary that even the venue wasn’t sure would sell, but my client was thrilled because of my enthusiasm and the uniqueness of the venue. It will be featured in one of my new itineraries for 2012-2013. It may not be for everyone, but it is the WOW night of the tour. I also think the CVBs need to learn to work together to enhance their itineraries. Some areas are not destinations but could be included with another one that is, and it would add more time and things to see in the area. After all, what is their job? Ginny Howell Ginny Howell Tours Jekyll Island, GA
We create the tour our clients want, and they are looking for new venues. CVBs are extremely valuable since they know things that are not even in print. The relationship with the CVB keeps growing in value to our company. When we have a chance to let the CVBs know what we need, they come up with creative ways to give us even more than we asked for. Larry Larsen, Owner Ed-Ventures, Inc. Rochester, MN
Having had the opportunity to meet with a multitude of CVBs across the country, I can honestly say that when a CVB knows their product inside and out, it is most helpful. Such as who will open earlier or stay open later for groups or what restaurants can seat 45-50 at a time? What attractions will do something unique or different (i.e.
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12 February 2012
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LeisureGroupTravel.com
February 2012 13
on the record ❖ progressive meals, meeting with a pioneer, high tea in the gardens) and what is the price? It is astonishing how many CVBs don’t have menus, pricing or knowledge of what their attractions are willing to do. Also, it’s ridiculous when you have to have a password just to enter the CVB site! We don’t have time in our daily schedules to register just to enter a website and then try to remember passwords, etc. I encountered this twice today!
IN THE APRIL ISSUE when they have no big events coming to town. Melva Roy, Tour Guide Houston, TX
The mundane, simple things as they pertain to the itinerary. Sometimes generalizations are posted and they’re usually too fluffy in detail. I like to have an idea of the dirt, grit, dumps, local issues as in “this only happens in Name the City.” Abby Nixon
Diane Sphar, President
Vanitytours
Ohio Travel Treasures
Las Vegas, NV
of Leisure Group Travel, our On the Record column will focus on special events. Please send us your response to this question: How have you successfully integrated special events into your tours? What big national events, city festivals or smalltown fairs have captivated your groups? Along with your comments, please include your name, company name and location. Also for publication, send a high-resolution photo of yourself. A selection of responses will be printed in the April 2012 issue. Thanks in advance for your valuable opinions. Send to: Randy Mink, randy@ptmgroups.com
Cincinnati, OH
I have always stated that the local CVBs do not do enough to sell the cities and assist the incoming tour groups with itineraries in their area. They will go all out for a convention but not for the everyday market
retractIoNS In the 2012 Group Travel Directory, certain clients’ information was misprinted. Please note the following corrections: • Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino: contact information is 575-464-7065 or 800-5456040, ext. 1; jakazhe@innofthemountaingods.com. • My Kind of Town Tours & Events: email address is tourtimeinc@att.net.
• Oklahoma City National Memorial: email address is tc@oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org. • Orlando Bus Company: email address is info@orlando-bus.com; post office box and phone are not valid. • Wyoming Office of Tourism: contact person is James Scoon, james.scoon@wyo.gov.