December 2022 Leisure Group Travel

INDUSTRY FORECAST ISSUE

TITANS OF TOURISM

Six association leaders share insights on their organizations and how travel trends are affecting the tourism industry

READER INTENTIONS SURVEY RESULTS

Responses to our survey paint a picture of today’s group travel landscape

FEATURES

HIGH FLYERS

Tech investment in group travel planning took off in 2022

SPECIAL SECTIONS

INDIANA GROUP TOUR PLANNER

The Hoosier State is a sublime place to enjoy activities and attractions, both indoor and outdoor

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

We scour the country in search of new tourism developments to help travel planners stay on top of their game

What’s Really Happening?

Our success or failure is certainly tied to what’s happening in the tourism industry.

Knowing our industry helps us write on-target and noteworthy editorial. Meanwhile, our dedicated sales and marketing team is also industry-wise with decades of experience. Spoiler alert: Together, our team did exceed its 2022 goal and had a banner year.

However, what about 2023? At the risk of oversimplification, I’m bullish about travel in the upcoming year. Sure, the industry lost many seasoned veterans on the operator, DMO and supplier sides of the equation. We’ve heard from operators that employee shortages are making it difficult to plan and execute tours. Fuel prices are up and lodging and restaurant prices are up. But YES, I’m still upbeat about 2023.

I’ve been in the packaged group travel industry for more than three decades. I’ve seen natural disasters that caused destruction on the communities affected. I had a salesperson in Eastern Tennessee on 9/11 and was worried how I’d get her home. I’ve seen recessions and wars and just about everything else that could go wrong. Through all of this, I’ve seen the tour and travel industry always rebound.

As an industry, we are nothing if not resilient and that will again be happening in 2023. We’ve weathered the worst part of the storm and after 2022 we all have our sea legs under us. The sharp tour and charter operators got through the recent murky waters, learned from the challenges and are set to move forward in a big way. Likewise, the DMOs and their partners that kept their brands in front of the market are ready to perform above even their own expectations.

Here’s the bottom line: Beginning in March 2020, tourism was one of the most impacted industries. Within tourism, one of the most vertical segments is packaged group travel. We could have easily folded our tent and drifted off. My belief is good businesspeople do not just go away. They tighten their belt and keep moving forward. That’s how the packaged group travel industry operates.

I continue to have respect for this industry’s resilience, which it’s been my pleasure to be a part of for some 30-plus years.

Today, resilience is what’s on my mind. Please take time to read what our industry experts have to say about 2023 in this month’s Leisure Group Travel. They are far wiser than I.

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Happy traveling, Dave Bodle

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Group Travel Trends Heading into 2023

The group travel market was hit harder than almost any other travel industry segment, for a variety of reasons we don’t need to ever talk about again. But now it’s roaring back, and so many tour companies are reporting big numbers again for 2023 trips.

There are so many themes and trends to discuss in travel right now, as customers have learned all sorts of lessons from their experience in the pandemic, and their behaviors and desires have consequently changed, sometimes drastically.

“Technology is now pervading every aspect of the group travel experience. New apps are helping groups discover each other.”

Drawing on the experience I have running a Tourpreneur ( facebook.com/ groups/tourpreneur ), a community of 5,300 tour operators around the world, I’m going to focus on what I’ve seen specifically in the group travel segment.

NATURE, WALKING & MENTAL HEALTH

We’ve all been scarred by the mental health effects of the pandemic. During lockdown, many urbanites discovered nature because they had to. Trips to national parks were up, for example. That trend is here to stay. Groups are being formed around yoga, group nature hikes, and even walking trips, in which a group spends days or weeks going on extended walks, sometimes in groups, sometimes self-guided. These types of experiences

are helping travelers feel physically and mentally whole again, whether doing yoga together or simply being present in the splendor of natural landscapes.

NEW DESTINATIONS

Part of the excitement of 2022— which will only continue in 2023—is the reopening of parts of the world that were slower to recover and reopen than the U.S. and Europe. Countries like Japan, Thailand and Indonesia are once again seeing a surge of travelers interested in booking group trips through their largely locked up countries. Tour Group leaders previously used to doing specific destinations are opting to discover places that are new and fresh, part of everyone’s desire for novelty, surprises and fresh experiences after a period of years of monotony.

SOLO IN-GROUP TRAVEL

Large tour operators are also noticing that many group trips are being filled with larger proportions of solo travelers, especially younger travelers opting to travel alone and sometimes in a group. Others have specific reasons for traveling alone: divorced travelers looking to bond. Travelers with quirky interests not shared by friends or spouses. The simple desire for new connections. Tour operator Intrepid Travel, for example, reports that more than 50% of their group trips are now filled with solo travelers, a huge uptick.

YOUNGER & MULTI-GENERATIONAL TRAVEL

Group trips are no longer just for retirees boarding a motor coach together (not that there’s anything wrong with that). After the pandemic, many have

rediscovered the value and importance of family, and are several generations are opting to travel together in groups.

Tour companies are seeing a rise in millennials and Gen Z traveling in groups. Whether it’s the need for connection and bonding again, or the availability of large home rentals, people are looking to travel in ways that forge larger group connections, and not just satisfying individual needs.

THEMED TRIPS

Maybe we all watched too much Netflix and TikTok these past few years, but group trips with specific themes or led by influencers are on the rise. “Influencer” no longer means someone in a hat smiling for Instagram. Companies like Modern Adventure are creating trips around wellknown chefs, for example. And TV showthemed tours base on shows from The Gilded Age to Homelander are becoming a very popular way to organize a trip. Guests can bond instantly over their love of culture.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology is now pervading every aspect of the group travel experience. New apps are helping groups discover each other. Software startups are revolutionizing how companies organize their tours on the back end. Booking software platforms are allowing anyone to accept payments, organize group lists, and become a tour operator. On tour, from QR codes to photo sharing apps, tech enhances the customer experience.

Mitch is the co-founder of TripSchool [thetripschool.com], a learning organization that helps tour guides, tour operators and other travel professionals grow their skills and pursue their travel career dreams.

TripSchool offers courses ranging from tour technology to storytelling and guide certifications. Mitch has worked in the group travel industry for 20 years, since his days as a tour guide in Paris, France. Today he is an international speaker, author, tour guide trainer and consultant for the group tour industry.

HIGH FLYERS

Tech investment

in

group travel planning took off in 2022

After decades of trailing other sectors of the industry, capital investment in the group travel sector has picked up significantly in 2022. These four companies have scaled operations considerably in the past year.

Number of worldwide employees: 31

Total funding to date: $10.2 million

Elevator pitch: Reposite is the industry-leading planning tool that fuels discovery and simplifies coordination for group planners. They provide complimentary tools to planners to create RFPs, run tailored supplier searches, request custom quotes and build proposals all from one centralized workspace. Their supplier marketplace is comprised of a diverse group of vendors representing nearly 6,000 locations worldwide and bringing over 12,000 offerings from 10 different categories such as activities, restaurants and transportation.

What problem are they trying to solve? It’s impossible to book group travel online. Group planners are left spending countless hours making calls and filling out event forms for all the restaurants, activities and hotels in their itineraries. Reposite exists to maximize the efficiency of group travel planners effectively bringing them from these offline outdated tools to one online centralized workspace.

Contact: reposite.io

Number of worldwide employees: 201

Total funding to date: $85 million

Elevator pitch: Groups360’s integrated technology solution, GroupSync, equips group, meeting and event planners to search and shop hotels worldwide and to book rooms and space directly, online or through a simplified RFP process. GroupSync is the first distribution channel to offer online booking for both group hotel rooms and meeting space at scale.

What problem are they trying to solve? Search, shop and book your group with ease with the GroupSync Marketplace. Group travel organizers can search and compare among 200,000 properties worldwide making shopping a quicker, more seamless experience while managing room blocks becomes much simpler with GroupSync Housing.

Contact: groups360.com

Number of worldwide employees: 100+

Total funding to date: $34 million

Elevator pitch: Founded in 2016, WeTravel’s platform was built to automate, integrate and simplify the travel booking process for any-sized group travel organizer and tour operator. Now used by more than 3,000 travel companies, the business has revolutionized how the travel industry manages their businesses with a suite of integrated administration, marketing and payment solutions that conjoin into an intuitive platform.

What problem are they trying to solve? Available to all-sized travel businesses, WeTravel revolutionizes how travel businesses operate; from analytical and cross-team administration functions to automated marketing tools to crossborder, cross-currency payment solutions, WeTravel’s travelspecific platform supports the entire back-end operations for travel businesses to successfully operate.

Contact: wetravel.com

Number of worldwide employees: 32

Total funding to date: $8 million

Elevator pitch: BACH is the leading group travel platform for bachelor and bachelorette experiences. Their focus is on inspiring adventure while reducing the inherent pain points of group travel related to accommodations, activities, nightlife, payments, logistics, and beyond, all an app-based environment.

What problem are they trying to solve? It is especially hard to plan bachelor parties because there are different group dynamics, budgets and personalities that you have to factor in when doing so. BACH attempts solve the pain points behind planning a group trip by combining key features in one place.

Contact: thebach.com

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FORECAST

2 TITANS OF 2

TOURISM

In an industry filled with entrepreneurs, creative operators and talented marketers, there are a few who not only keep their finger on the pulse of the travel business but also are a driving force behind the heartbeat of their niche. These Titans of Tourism help guide and shape our industry in numerous ways, from supervising

THIS YEAR’S TITANS:

2 RAINER JENSS

Founder, Family Travel Association (FTA)

Before traveling around the world for a year in 2009, Rainer Jenss was a Vice President and 13-year veteran of the National Geographic Society. By creating the Family Travel Association, Jenss aimed to establish a unified industry voice that will help change the way families travel.

2 PETER J. PANTUSO

2 LISA SIMON

associations and building communities, to developing innovative tools and creative applications for existing practices. Leisure Group Travel has sought out six such Titans and asked them to share with us their insight on the changes and trends within their organizations and how it affects our industry at large.

CEO/Executive Director, International Inbound Travel Association (IITA)

Lisa serves as the CEO of the International Inbound Travel Association, the only trade association focused solely on international inbound travel to the United States. With her 30 years of experience in the travel industry, she has spoken on travel industry trends throughout the United States and around the world.

2 DOUGLAS QUINBY

Co-founder and CEO, Arival Douglas Quinby partnered with Alex Kremer and Bruce Rosard to establish an independent platform to serve the business needs of creators and sellers of Tours, Activities & Attractions. Arival advances the business of creating awesome in-destination experiences through events, insights and community for Tour, Activity & Attraction providers.

President

and CEO, American Bus Association (ABA)

In addition to his role at ABA, Peter Pantuso also serves as President of the National Bus Traffic Association and of the ABA Foundation. Under Peter’s leadership, the ABA has grown to become North America’s leading and largest motorcoach, tour and travel association, representing 3,800 members and 65 percent of all motorcoaches on the roads.

2 CARYLANN ASSANTE

CAE-CEO, Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA )

Carylann Assante serves as the Executive Director of the Student & Youth Travel Association, the international association that promotes student and youth travel worldwide. Carylann is also the Executive Director of the SYTA Youth Foundation, the philanthropic arm that provides scholarships for students and youth who are unable to travel due to financial hardship.

2 SHANNON STOWELL

CEO Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) Shannon Stowell leads the ATTA as CEO after re-starting the organization in 2004 pursuing the vision that it could be a powerful force for good in the tourism industry.

Shannon has been advising and speaking around the world for the last 13 years advocating for responsible adventure tourism as a powerful way for destinations to benefit from a business that sits at the intersection of commerce, conservation and community.

Now is the Time to Double Down on Family Travel

through this year’s data, we found that travel spending is robust, and that as the worst effects of the pandemic are receding, while international vacations, city trips and events are making a comeback. We also see that hotels have strengthened their position vis-à-vis vacation rentals, and travel advisors continue to solidify their position in a postpandemic travel landscape.

Here’s what else we see:

INTENT TO TRAVEL REMAINS HIGH

these trends seem to be reversing and some pre-pandemic travel types are making a return.

• Multi-day international vacations are planned by 38% of respondents, which is a significant increase over 2021 when only 19% of respondents were planning this type of trip.

• City vacations are also experiencing a considerable rebound: the percentage of families expecting to take a family trip has increased from 34% in 2021 to 65% in 2022.

BY RAINER JENSS

With the global pandemic now mostly behind us in 2022, what have we learned? For starters, we’ve seen that family and multigenerational travel has been leading the charge in the tourism industry’s recovery, with reports indicating that there have now been a record number of families traveling during the summer and holiday months.

This was mainly a result of the strong pent-up demand for seeing our loved ones as a result of being subject to all kinds of restrictions and lockdowns. That really speaks volumes to the priority families are now placing on spending time together and traveling. This is why I believe that now is precisely the time to double down on family travel. Despite the not-so-inconsequential looming economic downturn, inflation, and war in Eastern Europe, I still believe strongly that despite the steady increase in family/ multigenerational travel, there’s still plenty of room for growth.

I can say this with greater confidence after seeing the results of our just released 2022 US Family Travel Survey - a research study we’ve been conducting annually since 2015 in partnership with NYU. As we sifted

This year’s study shows that 85% of parents are likely or very likely to travel with their children in the next year. Larger family group bookings also remain strong. Almost half report that they are planning to take vacations with people outside of their immediate family unit.

SOME PRE-PANDEMIC TRAVEL BEHAVIORS ARE MAKING A COMEBACK

While many families made changes to their vacation habits in the past two years, some of

“

• The percentage of families expecting to travel for events has doubled compared to last year: events received a score of 23% in 2021 and of 46% in 2022.

• Museums and cultural attractions also show an increase in appeal from 36% (2021) to 48% (2022). Conversely, the increased interest from families in nature/ active vacations appears to be waning. The percentage of families planning to visit National or State Parks has dropped from 46% (2021) to 32% (2022), and the demand for active vacation types (such as camping and hiking) has seen a decline from 36% (2021) to 19% (2022).

• Vacation rentals seemed to be experiencing an unstoppable rise in popularity in previous editions of this survey, but this trend isn’t continued this year. Vacation rentals were an accommodation choice for 54% of respondents in 2021, and this has declined to 47% in 2022. Conversely, the percentage of families projecting to stay in hotels has risen from 74% to 84%. Reflecting a decrease in the percentage of families planning active/outdoor vacations, campsites have decreased in projected use from 24% to 8%.

2 For more information, visit familytravel.org

Despite the not-soinconsequential looming economic downturn, inflation, and war in Eastern Europe, I still believe strongly that despite the steady increase in family/ multigenerational travel, there’s still plenty of room for growth.”

The New Normal Has Arrived

revenue growth as demand increases. In addition, travelers from around the world, who have mostly stayed in-country, will begin coming to the U.S. again, further increasing demand for all segments of the packaged travel industry. All great news.

in advance as possible, especially when motorcoaches are needed.

BY PETE PANTUSO

After more than two long years of challenges, motorcoach and packaged travel are back, albeit with some significant changes.

We saw the industry devastated in 2020 and 2021 when possibly 30 percent or more of motorcoach companies and maybe just as many tour operators just couldn’t hold on. Thank goodness that is in the rearview mirror.

2022 was a great comeback year for most of the industry as the “pent up demand for travel” that we had been hearing about finally began to appear in the same way that individual and family travel did in 2021 after more than a year of being locked down. But travel was still off in 2022 since the planning cycle for many trips, especially students, would have mostly happened during 2021 and in a sea of uncertainty.

Looking forward, 2023 looks bright on all fronts. Business will be stronger than in 2022. The demand for travel will continue to grow. Tour operations and most motorcoach operations should be back to 2019 levels. Travel partners will also continue to see expanded growth and

At the same time, 2023 will continue to bring the challenge of worker shortages that we’ve all seen this year in all segments of the economy, especially the service sector. The shortage of motorcoach drivers, and supply chain issues that made it difficult to get parts, along with the 30 percent reduction of motorcoach companies, made finding a coach for a tour, meeting, convention, and all other uses difficult. It also meant that because the supply did not meet the demand, prices rose. This will continue and will be enhanced in 2023 as demand increases even more, and the supply of needed drivers will not grow at the same pace. A classic supply and demand curve, which means trip planning should be done as far

As we look to 2024, we believe that much of life as we know it, at least for motorcoach and packaged travel, will get back to pre-pandemic levels. As we recover, we also need to remember that COVID still exists and probably always will, just like the flu. This means that many of the cleaning and sanitizing protocols, not only on coach but across all industry partners, must continue. When we talk about the importance of safety in travel, for the last few years and into the future, safety means more than just safe vehicles and travel.

Travel patterns have also changed since 2019. We continue to see smaller groups and less open tours to sign on, specialty interest trips, behind the scenes tours and more personalized itineraries. Many of these trends were underway before the pandemic and will continue to be the norm in the future.

2 For more information, visit buses.org

2023 as demand increases even more, and the supply of needed drivers will not grow at the same pace.”

“

The shortage of motorcoach drivers, and supply chain issues that made it difficult to get parts, along with the 30 percent reduction of motorcoach companies, made finding a coach for a tour, meeting, convention, and all other uses difficult. It also meant that because the supply did not meet the demand, prices rose. This will continue and will be enhanced in

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INDUSTRY FORECAST

Collaboration Is Key to a Robust Recovery

industries or jobs), it has provided the time to reflect on how they do business and plan for a stronger, more sustainable travel industry. And it has inspired collaboration.

Collaboration is key to a robust recovery. We need everyone working toward common goals to rebuild an efficient and seamless travel ecosystem that will again deliver a generous trade surplus. And going forward, collaboration will deliver an industry that embraces sustainable travel and business practices.

BY LISA SIMON

shortages, travel restrictions, and low or no revenue flowing from international travelers.

Establishing and maintaining positive relationships result in having a seat at the table when decisions are made. For example, we’re working in tandem with government agencies to ensure the inbound industry has a voice and is consulted when decisions are being made.

“N

ever let a good crisis go to waste.” Many in history have been credited with this quote, from modern-day politicians to 16th century Florentine philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli. No matter where it originated, it is IITA Chairman Peter van Berkel who has really brought the meaning to life for me. Peter has often used the phrase to illustrate IITA’s focus on the greater good throughout the pandemic.

There’s nothing like a crisis to bring people together – to help each other, to share issues and ideas, to inspire innovative solutions – all in hopes of better days ahead. That’s exactly what the inbound travel sector has done during this unprecedented crisis, and I believe, long-term, it will be stronger for it.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taxed this industry like no crisis before it. And yet, the inbound travel community remains optimistic. They know the business will be back, so they hang on with shoestring budgets and cast their focus to the future. While I can’t say the pandemic gave this industry a nice long vacation (as we sometimes hear from others in different

Inbound operators have long had a unique role in U.S. sustainable travel given the demands from international travelers for eco-friendly products from businesses that demonstrate social responsibility. The pandemic has made room for organizations to reflect on their business values and operations and make adjustments that will make travel and tourism more sustainable and less straining on natural resources and local communities.

IITA and our members have maintained this bi-focal vision – short-term we must get the industry moving and be prepared to provide quality service expected from international visitors, and long-term we need to support a more sustainable industry that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local communities.

IITA’s role is to bring together the players needed to address specific issues and keep the lines of communications open. We find things get done faster and better when those responsible come together to brainstorm and create solutions cooperatively rather than in isolation.

Inbound operators, destination marketing organizations and travel suppliers are working together and with the federal government to smooth out the wrinkles caused by two and a half pandemic years strained by workforce

Whether it’s working with the National Travel and Tourism Office to provide market intel and the U.S. State Department to identify pain points around the world as they work to reduce the extensive wait times for visas in non-visa waiver countries, or collaborating with the National Park Service on how to improve the visitor experience, like directing travelers to lesser-known sites to relieve the pressure on the most popular parks, IITA knows these relationships are crucial for coming away with solutions that work for inbound operators and international visitors.

Another quote that guides our work is from Harry Truman. “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” When we collaborate and build on each other’s ideas, it doesn’t matter where we started. It only matters that our efforts result in a robust and sustainable international inbound travel industry.

For more information, visit inboundtravel.org

2

“

Establishing and maintaining positive relationships result in having a seat at the table when decisions are made.”

Student Travel Continues to Climb

destinations are benefitting greatly from the demand for closer-to-home trips and outdoor venues. We have also seen that student trips are longer, with tour operators staying in one location for a longer time to reduce exposure opportunities and costs. And, not surprisingly in our current economy, we have seen a rise in overall costs for student trips.

full recovery to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. Bookings for the 2023 Spring and Fall seasons are looking robust, so we are hopeful that we may reach that recovery level even sooner.

BY CARYLANN ASSANTE

Airports are bustling, motorcoaches are traversing interstates and train schedules are picking up. Travel is recovering and the student market is no exception. The Student Youth & Travel Association (SYTA) is beginning to see a healthy return of business this fall and for 2023 and beyond, following a devastating 90% loss in business in 2020 and a small percentage of recovery in 2021. Now, as the world has opened up again, parents, teachers and students are all anxious to resume experiential learning through travel, and the increased bookings reported by our members reflect that eagerness.

Overall, according to the 2021 Student Travel Business Barometer, 79% of tour operators and travel agencies agree that domestic travel will continue to be in high demand in the near future and we are optimistic this overall demand will continue to drive the student travel recovery. While we don’t have data on the 2022 student travel performance yet (watch for our 2022 Student Group Travel Business Barometer in March, 2023), we have definitely seen some changes in student travel. For example, in the U.S. and internationally, Tier 2

More positive for the industry as a whole, we are seeing employment in the student travel sector recovering. The increased business offerings bring new opportunities for diversity in the workplace along with commensurate opportunities for robust training programs. With the USA being the most popular destination for international trips taken in 2021, accounting for 24.2 % of student travel, this need for employment is all the more important.

International student travel has proven to be even more challenging for the student market. Some of the more popular student destinations like Canada have only recently fully opened up to international visitors. Health and safety restrictions vary widely among different countries, making it extremely difficult to satisfy the safety protocols for school boards and administrators. In 2020 and 2021, our Student Group Travel Business Barometer showed more than 80% declines in international travel, however the tour operators surveyed were optimistic for

While the health and safety of our student travels have always been the No. 1 priority of SYTA members, the COVID19 pandemic necessitated even greater focus on our safety standards and on new ways to promote them to reassure educators, administrators and parents that our operators can be trusted partners in providing safe and financially protected travel experiences. SYTA provides training, education and certification programs to help them navigate these challenges. Looking to the future, we are working with the international tour operator community to introduce a set of global safety standards that can be customized by country to make international itinerary planning much easier.

While challenges remain, there is overwhelming agreement that student travel provides the experiential element to a well-rounded education that is particularly important following the past two years of isolation for our young people. SYTA is working hard to ensure that students can travel safely and that teachers and parents can feel confident to send their young people out into the world again.

2 For more information, visit syta.org

“ While challenges remain, there is overwhelming agreement that student travel provides the experiential element to a well-rounded education that is particularly important following the past two years of isolation for our young people.”

INDUSTRY FORECAST

Why Experiences Matter More than Ever

for more than two decades. And yet, I’ve always been amazed, at every conference I go to, every daily newsletter I digest, 99% of the content and discussion is about the “how,” not the “why.”

digital capabilities to connect with trade partners, including groups.

BY DOUGLAS QUINBY

This article is going to be a little different. We’re going to try something interactive. If you’re reading this in print or on your laptop, then take out your phone. I’m serious. Open it up. Now, think about your last personal leisure trip or vacation. Take a moment and recall some of the best moments. Now, go into your photos, and find those pics from that trip. (If you’re reading this on your phone, then just flip to your photos.) Don’t worry. I’ll wait right here.

OK, now I have two questions for you:

1. How many of those photos from your last trip were taken when you were on the airplane (or in your car or train)?

2. How many of those photos were taken in your hotel room?

I’m going to take a wild guess: not many. Of course, the reason why is obvious. When we travel, it’s not for the flights or hotels. It’s for the experiences. Transportation and accommodation are the “how” of travel. Experiences are the “why.” They are the things we do, the moments we remember, the photos we take, the reason we go in the first place.

This is obvious, of course, to any travel professional. I’ve been in travel and tourism

There were plenty of conferences, data and media for hotels and airlines, but nothing for day tours and experiences. That’s why five years ago we started Arival, a conference and research and news company to focus on the “why of travel” –the tours, activities, attractions, events and experiences that travelers do when they get there. We have always called it the Best Part of Travel.

It’s also a huge market. Two quick stats:

1. It’s the third largest sector of industry spend after transportation and accommodation, forecast to exceed 2019 levels by 2024 at more than $260 billion in global gross bookings.

2. There are nearly a million operators, or creators of tours, activities, attractions and experiences, all over the world.

There are also big shifts underway in experiences in what travelers want, and in how the industry is operating:

• More intimate and small group experiences

• More local and authentic experiences that connect travelers to a place and people and moving beyond the classic sites and attractions. For example, Philly Experiences takes visitors on tours of another side of the city, connecting them with the Black experience there.

• Interactivity – travelers don’t just want to see and hear, they want to touch, taste, smell and feel. A tour of the top sites in Spain is fine, but consider adding a paella cooking experience with a local chef.

• Digital decision-making and booking, for trade and consumer business: operators are rapidly advancing their

• Travelers are placing more emphasis than ever on experiences, especially Gen-Z and millennials. Indeed, that’s where they are spending their money: 58% say they place a higher priority on experiences vs. things. And we are seeing this reflected in travel habits and spend as the industry rebounds from the pandemic.

I could go on, and on, and on. In fact, we produce a range of research reports and a weekly newsletter, in addition to our conferences, to help the travel experiences sector and the broader travel industry connect, learn and grow together, just as the team at Leisure Group Travel seeks to do for the group tour industry.

At Arival, our mission is to advance the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences. That includes elevating the stature and importance of the experiences sector in the travel and tourism industry.

Please join us on that journey. Start by putting the “why” of travel front and center in all of your planning. Your customers will love you for it.

2 For more information, visit arival.travel

“

When we travel, it’s not for the flights or hotels. It’s for the experiences. Transportation and accommodation are the ‘how’ of travel. Experiences are the ‘why.’

Building Back Better in 2022 and Beyond

BY SHANNON STOWELL

One phrase hashtagged everywhere during the pandemic, rising to a crescendo in mid-late 2021 was #buildbackbetter. The COVID-19 pandemic gave nearly all in tourism an undesired break from our work that seemed never-ending. Those who let it sink in received insights into their lives, priorities and how that translated to their businesses and work life balance.

From my vantage point at the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), business is coming back rapidly. And this was predicted by a report put out by WTTC and World Bank in 2021, reporting that when travel resumed, the most important anticipated market for destinations’ recovery would be Adventure/NatureBased/Eco-Tourism. Key features of adventure travel are well-suited to postpandemic travel: small groups, outdoor activities, remote locations, immersion in nature, and companies who already had expertise in risk management and safety. The future finally looked brighter.

The full data will reveal itself in our next Industry snapshot but anecdotally the numbers are very strong. I conducted

an informal survey to a variety of ATTA members in September, then interacted with hundreds at our Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS), held in Switzerland this year. What I learned was this: Customers seem more aware and desire to be more thoughtful in their travel. This manifests in many ways, more multigenerational groups, questions about sustainability, desire to reduce their footprint, care of safety of rare species, seeking out ever more unique culinary and cultural experiences. Concerningly, while business is blasting back like water from a firehose, there are key challenges for operators and accommodations: namely that parts of the supply chain have disappeared or have been brought to their knees by COVID-19 and staffing has become a daunting challenge. How to build back better without cutting corners when we’re in a situation that nearly demands it?

If we really are going to build back better (and that window is closing), we have to re-think everything at the most basic levels how we’re going to do it differently. The Minister of Tourism from an advanced Latin American destination told me, “I’m getting pressure from my government to get arrival numbers back to 2019 levels.” This is not building back better. This is trying to get back to “normal” which we knew as overtourism, exploitation, climate change acceleration and more.

In 2018, ATTA proposed that travel was a privilege, not a right. Philosophically, this ties right into a powerful keynote from this year’s ATWS delivered by practitioner and professor Jean-Claude Razel’s admonition to the audience: “Don’t sell what guests want, sell what destinations need!” This could also be applied to how destinations are developed, stories are told, etc. It takes the old adage of “The customer is always right” and flips it to “The customer does not understand nearly anything about what’s actually happening on the ground here, but we do and it’s our job to build accordingly.” Encouragingly, several operators I surveyed mentioned that their staff were much more insistent on more sustainability in their businesses. It should not be so easy or cheap to trample all over the world with no responsibilities. Will this make travel more elitist? That’s for another discussion.

Bottom line: You must re-think everything you do, regardless of where you are in the supply chain, to force things to be different or we will find ourselves supersized in 2023 with even less recourse to be a responsible industry.

2 For more information, visit adventuretravel.biz

“

Concerningly, while business is blasting back like water from a firehose, there are key challenges for operators and accommodations: namely that parts of the supply chain have disappeared or have been brought to their knees by COVID-19 and staffing has become a daunting challenge.”

3 DAYS, 3 ICONIC PENNSYLVANIA DESTINATIONS

Explore Hershey/Harrisburg, Gettysburg and Lancaster in the Keystone Crossroads

Region: Three extraordinary destinations each within a 90 minute drive and expertly blended into one exciting tour.

Arrive at Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction for a simulated factory tour ride of the Hershey’s Chocolate factory. Celebrating 50 years in 2023, visitors experience how America’s favorite confection is made from the cocoa bean to wrapped candy bar. Next, it’s Chocolatetown® and Hersheypark®, the latter a fun, family destination since 1906. The rides range from mild to wild. There’s something for everyone with 15 coasters for the enthusiast, the signature Hersheypark carousel and a spectacular Kisses® Fountain. ZooAmerica features five themed regions of North America and many of the animals that inhabit them.

Check in at one of the groupfriendly, familiar brands from budget to amenities aplenty. There is an abundance of outstanding restaurants that welcome groups. Locally sourced handcrafted beer, wine and spirits creations showcase the area’s local flavors.

DAY 1

Head to the building Teddy Roosevelt called, “the handsomest building I ever saw.” The Pennsylvania State Capitol offers FREE guided tours filled with fascinating facts about the most ornate Capitol in the United States.

Experience a bygone era at Fort Hunter Mansion & Park, a 40-acre park that is situated along the Susquehanna River. Professional tour guides lead you along the old Pennsylvania Canal trail where you can view 10 structures listed on the Register of Historic Places. Enjoy a catered picnic lunch on the grounds. Depart for Gettysburg.

Arrive at the Gettysburg Heritage Center, an interesting look at the Battle of Gettysburg. The two-part self-guided tour is both an interactive and visual experience from the town and the battlefield views. The award-winning orientation movie Gettysburg Animated Map is a must see before touring the battlefield.

Check in at one of Gettysburg’s group friendly hotels, many with your favorite corporate flag. Dinner tonight is either the Dobbin House Tavern, or Hickory Bridge Farm. Both are group favorites.

Seniors relaxing in a quiet setting.

Photo courtesy of Discover Lancaster

DAY 2

Begin your day at the Gettysburg National Military Park and Visitor Center. Experience the film, A New Birth of Freedom and the museum featuring items from the largest collection of Civil War relics, interactive and multi-media presentations. Ranger led walks and talks are ideal for meeting the people and exploring the places that made history.

Arrive at the WWII American Experience for a guided tour. View a wide variety of WWII vehicles, uniforms and artifacts representing both the battlefield and home front. Enjoy a boxed lunch before departing for Lancaster.

Arrive at Kitchen Kettle Village , an outdoor shopping village with more than 40 shops. There’s a warm welcome and coupon books waiting for you. Don’t go home without some homemade Lancaster County food products. Encounter how the Amish travel in an early evening buggy ride. This authentic experience in the Amish countryside is available through AAA Buggy Rides, Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides and Abe’s Buggy Rides .

After check-in, depart for an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch style smorgasbord at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, Hershey Farm, Dienner’s Country Restaurant or Miller’s.

Enjoy live theater this evening as stages come alive with musicals, dramas, magical, spiritual and comedy productions. What’s your choice – Sight & Sound, Fulton Theatre, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, American Music Theatre, or Magic & Wonder Theater?

DAY 3

Turn back the calendar in America’s oldest Amish community where the way of life has remained almost unchanged for more than 300-years. Immerse yourself in the “Plain” lifestyle and culture at one of the Amish interpretive experiences. Create wonderful memories at The Amish Village , The Amish Experience , or The Amish Farm & House .

Visit Downtown Lancaster, a shopping hot spot featuring unique gifts, antiques, clothes, Jewelry, home décor and more. While here checkout America’s oldest farmer’s market building Lancaster Central Market and grab lunch on your own at any of the local restaurants.

RIGHT: The historic Pennsylvania State Capitol welcomes groups. Photo courtesy of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg

LEFT: Begin your day at the Gettysburg National Military Park and Visitor Center. Photo courtesy of Destination Gettysburg

ABOVE: Enjoy shopping in downtown Lancaster. Photo courtesy of Discover Lancaster

Keystone Crossroads brings together three iconic destinations for a great group travel adventure into American history, culture and food. Groups can experience the unique flavors of Hershey’s famous chocolate, Lancaster’s renowned Amish life and Gettysburg’s iconic Civil War battlegrounds. Three distinct, extraordinary destinations are bundled into one amazing trip – the Keystone Crossroads.

Group Tour Planner

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INDIANA FACTS

Population:

Statewide: 6.8 million

Indianapolis: 901,082 (also the state capital)

Fort Wayne: 265,926

Evansville: 117,272 South Bend: 103,909 Carmel: 103,871 Fishers: 101,171

Getting Here by Air

Indianapolis International Airport (IND): Served by Air Canada, Alaska, Allegiant, American, Contour, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, United South Bend International Airport (SBN): Served by Allegiant, American, Delta, United Evansville Regional Airport (EVV): Served by Allegiant, American, Delta, United Fort Wayne International Airport: (FWA): Served by Allegiant, American, Delta

Getting Here by Rail

Amtrak stations in Connersville (COI), Crawfordsville (CRF), Dyer (DYE), Elkhart (EKH), Hammond-Whiting (HMI), Indianapolis (IND), Lafayette (LAF), Michigan City (MCI), Rensselaer (REN), South Bend (SOB), Waterloo (WTI)

Average Temperatures by Season:

North – Spring 71, Summer 81, Fall 63, Winter 31

Central – Spring 73 Summer 84, Fall 65, Winter 36

South – Spring 77, Summer 88, Fall 70, Winter 41 Schwabenblitz/Bigstock.com

SAMPLING INDIANA’S WEALTH OF

CULTURAL

EExplore Indiana’s rich history and buzzing arts districts with the Arts & Culture Passport. Dive into a variety of venues, including galleries, music festivals, theaters and museums. The passport is completely mobile, allowing you to check in at every location and earn prizes along the way. Whether it’s a night out for live music at the Bluebird in

B-Town or perusing the streets during a Carmel Porchfest event, you are bound to enjoy Indiana’s colorful culture.

Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District

From morning to night, Bloomington offers a multitude of events year-round, from art gallery shows to international

cuisine celebrations. Explore the diversity of Bloomington by starting out at Food Truck Friday in Switchyard Park and walk through the community garden. Head out for live music at Bluebird or experience fall’s Lotus World Music &

Arts Festival, a multicultural celebration of music and arts featuring food, dance and music. Hit up the Comedy Attic for a late-night show and grab dinner from over 90 downtown dining options. The Bloomington Creative Glass Center is a fabulous place to learn how to blow glass and have fun doing it. It is committed to bringing high-quality education about glass to any and all who have interest in the craft of glassblowing.

Carmel Arts and Design District

Carmel’s Art and Design District, located in the heart of Old Town Carmel, is home to interior designers, art galleries and studios, plus specialty shops and restaurants. The galleries around Carmel make it known as the “City of the Arts.” See the studios of glass artists featured on the Indiana Glass Trail and admire their hand-blown designs. Traverse the streets of Midtown during Carmel Porchfest, a series of events that showcase bands at different times of the year. While in Midtown, catch J. Seward Johnson Jr.’s “The-Man-on-the-Street” sculpture series that began in the 1980s. Often called the Norman Rockwell of American sculpture, the late artist Johnson captured everyday American life through life-sized pieces scattered throughout the city.

Lafayette Tippecanoe Arts and Cultural District

Based in Lafayette, the Tippecanoe Arts Federation partners with the Indiana Arts Commission. The district focuses on promoting access to literary, visual and performing arts and building experiences that fuel creativity. A great place to soak in some culture, it offers an abundance of options at both traditional and non-traditional performance spaces and art galleries. Casual and fine dining restaurants in the district showcase the ethnic diversity of greater Lafayette.

Brown County Arts Scene

The arts scene in Nashville and environs flourishes with the visual and performing arts. Catch a show at the historic Brown County Playhouse or visit one of the dozens of Arts Village galleries and studios specializing in pottery, weaving, pastel and oil painting, and wood carving. Stop by the County Heritage Winery tasting room for live music every Friday and Saturday.

Columbus Arts and Entertainment District

Murals are a major piece of Columbus’ culture and focus on celebrating the diversity of the community. Visit the colorfully electric asphalt art initiative that is a ground plane mural installed along 16th Street between intersections of Home Avenue and Union Street.

Studio 207 is an open space that functions as a collaborative workspace hosting artist residencies, pop-up exhibitions and public art projects.

BLOOMINGTON CREATIVE GLASS CENTER

Nickel Plate District

Fishers, Indiana’s Nickel Plate District boasts art galleries, an award-winning performing arts venue, vivid public artworks, live music and community festivals. Visit the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, one of Midwest’s grandest outdoor music and event venues. Performances range from intimate acoustic shows to 6,000-person events, with acts from local to global. Watch the sun set behind the glowing stage after a day at the Fishers Farmer’s Market, which offers live entertainment, kids’ activities and art markets along with produce, fresh baked goods and other local treats from more than 50 vendors. The annual Spark!Fishers Festival, held at the end of June in the Nickel Plate District, celebrates Independence Day with a 5K walk/run, parade, evening concerts, street fairs and fireworks.

FISHERS FARMER’S MARKET

Hamilton County Tourism

ELLIOTT HALL OF MUSIC AT PURDUE UNIVERSITY

From Historic Performance Venues to State-of-the-Art Theaters,

INDIANA HAS IT ALL

These classic theaters will entertain groups of all ages

KKnown for agriculture, the legendary Larry Bird and the invention of the gas pump, Indiana offers more than sprawling corn fields and a massive basketball fanbase. The Hoosier State features a myriad of performance venues with events ranging from holiday classics, orchestras and symphonies to rock-and-roll, jazz, blues, funk and everything in between.

The Elliott Hall of Music at Purdue University in West Lafayette was opened in 1940 to many performing

artists. Today this prestigious venue showcases Broadway musicals, ballets, operas and symphonies for a classy experience. Groups can also see rock, country and pop music groups take center stage. For a great laugh or intriguing discussion, comedians and revered lecturers frequent the venue. Past performers include Maya Angelou, the Dalai Lama, Bob Hope and Robin Williams. With 6,005 seats comprising three levels and the main stage measuring 136 feet wide and 37 feet

deep, this modern theater’s proscenium is one of the largest in the country.

Upcoming 2023 performances include the 50th Anniversary Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, the 25th Anniversary Show of Riverdance and the hit Broadway musical CATS.

Tucked away along the banks of Salt Creek in Nashville, Indiana, is the Brown County Music Center boasting 2,017 seats and an array of performances from legendary artists. Fans of country, jazz, blues, pop, oldies and more can

witness their favorites on stage.

Indianapolis is home to a stunning theater inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman arts incorporating bright colors and symmetrical nuances. The Neo-Classical Revival architecture of the Hilbert Circle Theatre proudly showcases its 106-year history with several renovations to maintain its historical integrity inside and out. The venue is home to the beloved Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and, throughout the decades, welcomed big bands like the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Today, take your group for an unforgettable experience with special events like Andrea Bocelli in Concert with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra or Handel’s Messiah. Groups can take advantage of 10% discounts on tickets and special accommodations with the minimum group number

between 10-30, depending on the concert. Student tickets are modestly priced at $10 with proof of student ID.

In one of the nation’s largest covered open-air venues, the Lincoln Amphitheatre at Lincoln State Park in Southern Indiana accommodates 1,500 spectators for a unique historical experience. Bring your group for a performance situated among the forests that Abraham Lincoln explored as a boy.

The Amphitheatre’s 2022 performance series included artists like Garrison Keillor, Henry Lee Summer, and Ana Popovic, along with numerous tribute bands like Creedence Revived and Rumours (Fleetwood Mac Tribute).

Located in the historic Murphy Arts Center in Indianapolis, HI-FI offers live music performances, a full bar with 24 draft beers on tap and limited VIP seating. Catch the funkadelic soul of the Indy band Couch or absorb the catchy tunes of southern rock/country ensemble Lucero, the Memphis-born band formed in the late 1990s. With most shows offering standing room only, your group will have plenty of space to move and groove to the music.

The Murat Theatre at Old National Centre in downtown Indianapolis is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and serves the community and beyond with dynamic entertainment opportunities.

Dating back to 1909, the Murat Theatre is the oldest existing edifice like it in the city. The building also serves as one of America’s largest Masonic Shrines and the world’s only Shrine temple with a name of French origin.

Bring your group for holiday nostalgia with the Indianapolis Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Get ready to cheer on your favorites at Dancing With The Stars: Live! – 2023 Tour. Immerse in the otherworldly with Ancient Aliens Live: Project Earth, a one-of-a-kind History Channel experience.

LINCOLN AMPHITHEATRE, LINCOLN STATE PARK

Splash into Aquatic Fun in

INDIANA

IIndiana touches Lake Michigan and is the home of many lakes and historic tributaries. The Hoosier State has a rich water life perfect for traveling groups looking to enjoy river cruises, cave tours and lake days. Here are some of the

many water destinations scattered throughout this great state.

On Patoka Lake (8,800 acres), the second-largest reservoir in Indiana, there are several ways to join the river otters for some on-the-water fun. Your group can rent a boat from Patoka Lake Marina

& Lodging, which offers experiences like wildlife cruises and wine cruises. You can also rent a pontoon from any boat rental service and launch it from one of the 10 boat ramps.

Guided fishing charters are perfect for visiting anglers looking for local expertise.

With a multitude of lakes and waterways, the Hoosier State is filled with incredible aquatic experiences

INDIANA CAVERNS thisisindiana.org/Dave Black G

Groups can expect to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass, wipers, and striped bass. Patoka Lake’s shorelines are made up of great swimming beaches. Make sure to pack a bathing suit (and maybe a few floaties). (in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/ patoka-lake)

Rockin Thunder River Tours in Madison provides scenic waterway tours on the Ohio and Kentucky rivers. There

are various types of tours including a 40-mile cruise down the Ohio River, a two-day Kentucky River Adventure, and a Lunch Excursion where you will enjoy a riverfront dining experience. Get ready to see historic locations and fantastic wildlife, and even learn about boating. Your captain operating the boat is US Coast Guard-licensed, which means you and your group will be in excellent hands. (rockinthunder.com)

While today the Wabash and

Erie Canal is open for recreational cruises, during the mid-1800s, this canal played an important part as key transportation for trade. Hop on The Delphi , a replica 19th century canal boat, for a fun narrated tour of this canal’s history. The cool thing about this experience is your boat has been authentically crafted to bring you back in time for a smooth 40-minute ride.

(wabashanderiecanal.org)

Broad Ripple Boat Company in Indianapolis is the jewel of Captain Michael McRee, who spent a large part of his life cruising on our nation’s vast river system. His company gives guests a one-of-a-kind paddle wheel boat cruise down the White River. Hop on the esteemed boat Perseverance II, Central Indiana’s only paddleboat, for a fourhour tour of the waters of Indianapolis.

(broadrippleboatco.com)

The Elkhart River Queen showcases the environs of Elkhart from the water. Hop on the Elkhart River Queen for a tour of the St. Joseph River that includes a full-service bar. If you’re looking for a

INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK

Adam Asar

special group event, this on-the-water venue has catering options for your convenience. (savethequeen.org)

Located just southeast of Lake Syracuse, Lake Wawasee, the largest natural lake in the state, welcomes visitors to explore Johnson Bay, party coves, and alluring marinas. You can find boat rentals all along this natural lake’s 25 miles of shoreline. Check out these boat rental services for deals and helpful boating guides: Main Channel Marina, Wawasee Boat Company Inc. and Dream Mobile Marina. Anglers flock to Johnson Bay and Conklin Bay to reel in pike and crappie, while all throughout you’ll see people trying out water sports like water skiing. Relax on your boat rental and soak in the sun’s rays or hop on with the Wawasee Tour Boat Co. for a leisurely

cruise. (wawascene.com)

Indiana Caverns in southern Indiana offers one of the most unique experiences in the nation. Their boat rides take you through ancient caves to see Ice Age rock formations. Learn more about the origins of these caves, say hello to underworld critters, and fall in love with its enchanting waterfalls and more. This adventure park offers specially priced packages for groups of 12 or more like the Platinum tour which includes the Cave Tour, Bat Chaser, and Gemstone Mining. Needless to say, you

vegetation. A popular tourist attraction is Porter Beach. At this natural beach, you’ll have a stripe of golden sand to lounge in and an endless view of blue waters. Keep in mind, while many go swimming here, there are no lifeguards on duty. (nps. gov/indu/index.htm)

Indianapolis Canal Walk takes place on the Indiana Central Canal. Similar to the Erie Canal, it was dug in the early 1800s to facilitate interstate commerce. Today, the rejuvenated canal serves as a downtown waterside promenade. On the water, you have pedal boats, which may be rented west of the Indiana State Museum, and beautiful gondolas. Hop on a boat or take a short stroll by the water as you take Indianapolis’ city views. (visitindy.com/listing/canalwalk/5925/)

NORTH INDIANA ITINERARY

Botanical Gardens & Amish Experiences in Northern Indiana

Gardens. Totaling 19 in all, these colorful quilt-patterned gardens use over one million blooms. At Das Dutchman Essenhaus, groups can enjoy a hearty family-style meal, catch a live theater production at Heritage Hall or purchase hand-crafted Amish handicrafts at the Village Shops.

▸DAY ONE

Begin your Indiana adventure at the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, where famous figures like Brutus Buckeye and Mr. Met are honored in a state-of-the-art, 25,000-square-foot facility founded by the original Phillie Phanatic. Groups can explore exhibits such as “Department of the Furry Arts,” “Science of Silliness Lab” and “Phuzzical Education Department.”

Another popular South Shore attraction is Friendship Botanical Gardens in Michigan City. This greenspace is a collection of over a dozen “ethnic gardens” that represent their home nation with native plants and art installations.

This evening, explore downtown South Bend, a vibrant place for

dining and shopping. In season, catch a game at the South Bend Cubs stadium, located right downtown with a hint of Chicago’s Wrigley Field, or visit the new Four Winds Casino South Bend. You can also visit the visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Built in the late 1800s, the church features one of the largest collections of 19th century French stained glass in the world.

▸DAY TWO

Your day begins at the Studebaker National Museum, which houses a priceless collection of vehicles and the largest presidential carriage collection in the world.

Journey through Amish Country with a tour of the region’s Quilt

Continue to the Shipshewana Flea Market, which welcomes over 1,000 vendors and is the largest outdoor market in the Midwest. The nearby Menno-Hof AmishMennonite Information Center houses elaborate exhibits that document the Amish peoples’ journey to America and the history of Amish faith and settlements. Your evening entertainment will take place at Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre. Savor a country-style meal before watching a musical performance with Amish or Mennonite themes.

▸DAY THREE

Spend your day in Fort Wayne, Indiana’s second-largest city. Devote your morning to Sweetwater, a campus that includes an instrument store, recording studios and performances spaces.

You will also want to explore the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, an immense glass structure influenced by turn-of-thecentury greenhouses. Conclude your day with a tour of DeBrand Fine Chocolates, where you can sample artisan-crafted creations.

ELKHART COUNTY’S AMISH COUNTRY IS KNOWN FOR ITS QUILT GARDENS. Visit Elkhart County

There’s Always More To Explore!

Shipshewana, Indiana is a beautiful town known for Amish culture rich in tradition. Awaken your senses to a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of this quaint town through cultural experiences and exploring the locally owned shops. Enjoy a guided tour of the countryside as you discover handcrafted treasures and feast on an Amish family-style meal. Experience exciting attractions such as musicals, the Midwest’s third largest flea market, and live performances.

Bob Ross and Dinner Theater in Central Indiana

Landmarks or the Indiana War Museum. Only Washington, D.C. dedicates more acreage to honoring our nation’s fallen, and your group will stop at the American Legion Mall, the Cenotaph (dedicated to the first American casualty of World War I) and the USS Indianapolis Memorial (which is shaped like the 1945 cruiser before it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1945). The tour’s signature stop is the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, an impressive obelisk tower that rises 284 feet above downtown Indianapolis’ Memorial Circle.

▸DAY ONE

Begin in Muncie, where you can discover “The Joy of Painting” on the beautiful Minnetrista campus. The Bob Ross Experience explores the life and artistic philosophy of the famous American painter who broadcast The Joy of Painting from his unassuming Muncie studio and inspired millions of viewers to unlock their inner artist. Visitors can walk around the recreated television studio set and paint their own masterpiece with a certified instructor. Groups will also want to stop by the National Model Aviation Museum.

Spend the evening at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in the city of Anderson. One of the Midwest’s premier harness racing facilities, the complex includes a 7/8-mile oval track, stables for groups to visit and stadium seating with

excellent views of the action. After the races, head down the escalators for an evening of action on the easy-tonavigate casino floor. Awaiting guests are 2,000 slot machines and e-table games such as baccarat, craps and roulette plus video poker stations.

▸DAY TWO

Your morning begins at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. In addition to hosting the famous Indianapolis 500 race every May, the complex houses one of the world’s largest collections of race cars and antique vehicles. After riding a bus for a 2.5-mile loop around the track and kissing the finish line, group members can explore facilities usually reserved for drivers and teams.

Spend your afternoon on a Memorial Tour, offered by Indiana

Conclude your day in Indianapolis with a performance at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. It stages Broadwaycaliber productions accompanied by a buffet that includes the signature beef. Upcoming 2023 shows will include Footloose and Beauty & the Beast

▸DAY THREE

Continue north on I-65 to Lafayette/West Lafayette, home to Purdue University and the Tippecanoe Battlefield & Museum. It was here in 1811 that U.S. forces fought Chief Tecumseh’s Native American confederation in a battle that launched Governor William Henry Harrison to national fame and eventually the presidency. Next, embark on a 90-minute tour of Wolf Park, an educational facility dedicated to improving public understanding of wolves.

BOB ROSS EXPERIENCE, MUNCIE

Visit Muncie

Waterfalls and Mansions in Southern Indiana

painted ceilings, marble fireplaces and elaborate plasterwork, or they can participate in a Clue Party, which involves searching the mansion to solve a “crime.”

▸DAY ONE

Start your adventure in Madison, one of the Midwest’s best-preserved towns. The city’s National Historic District spans 133 blocks and includes more than 1,500 buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Many landmarks date to the early and mid-1800s, when Madison was a major Ohio River port during the steamboat era. The crown jewel is Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, the 1844 Greek Revival home of wealthy financier James F.D. Lanier. Spend your afternoon outside of Madison at Clifty Falls State Park. Deeply cut gorges and sheet rock walls, along with four major waterfalls and numerous minor ones, create a wonderland for hikers. Deer and wild turkey inhabit the uplands. After a vigorous workout, group

members may relax on the sun porch of Clifty Falls Inn and take in views of the Ohio River Valley.

▸DAY TWO

Begin with a morning tour of Falls of the Ohio State Park, which features stunning views of the Louisville skyline and the Ohio River. The 390-million-year-old Devonian fossil beds are some of the oldest in the world, and your group will learn about the Lewis & Clark Expedition’s stop here on its journey west. Continue to the Culbertson Mansion in New Albany. Named for William Culbertson—who became the richest man in Indiana after his dry goods business thrived along the Ohio River—the mansion is a masterpiece of Victorian artistry. Group tours will admire the hand-

Enjoy a hearty group lunch at Huber’s Orchard and Winery before reaching Corydon—Indiana’s original state capital. Your guided tour through the Corydon State Capitol Historic Site can include the original capitol building (in service from 1816 to 1825), Governor Hendricks’ Headquarters and a brick house that served as the governor’s mansion. Conclude your day at the Harrison Country Discovery Center, which houses interactive exhibits focused on the Battle of Corydon, the only Civil War battle that occurred in Indiana.

▸DAY THREE

Experience a day in French Lick, a city that flourished as a 19th century spa retreat and Prohibition hideout before becoming a group-friendly resort destination. Familiarize yourself with the area’s history at the French Lick West Baden Museum, which tells the area’s resort and circus history.

You can also tour the West Baden Springs Hotel, which includes an awe-inspiring atrium that spans 200 feet, a Roman-inspired garden and an Art Deco spa. The nearby Wilstem Ranch allows groups to register for an animal encounter with its resident giraffes and elephants.

FALLS OF THE OHIO GoSoIn

VISIT INDIANA’S TOP GROUP DESTINATION

Step into a slower pace in the heart of Northern Indiana Amish Country and experience true Hoosier Hospitality at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, located in Middlebury, Indiana.

Das Dutchman Essenhaus’ beautiful campus features the world-famous Restaurant with family-style dining, unique shopping experiences at the Village Shops, beautifully manicured walking paths, peaceful carriage rides, and more. Top o your Well Crafted group experience with a relaxing night’s stay at the Essenhaus Inn complete with luggage handling upon request, generously-sized guest rooms with stunning Amish-crafted furniture, in-room co ee, indoor pool, fitness center and a deluxe hot breakfast.

See one-of-a-kind super-sized Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail annually between May30 - September 15 and experience quilt-inspired gardens and hand-painted, quilt-themed, super-sized murals. Meet the Makers along the backroads and in vibrant downtowns o ering hand crafted baskets, noodles, buggies, pottery, soap and more. Food lovers feast on gourmet burgers, Victorian Teas, out-of-this-world ice cream, family style meals in Amish homes and inside a “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” hotspot. Add a local step-on guide for themed backroads tours and customized activity planning.

Learn more at VisitElkhartCounty.com/groups or call 800.262.8161

Rediscover ATLANTIC CITY

A world of entertaining and unique experiences awaits your arrival in Atlantic City. Enjoy tax-free shopping, the world-famous Boardwalk, award-winning dining for every taste, exhilarating gaming action, and live entertainment. It’s all back better than ever! Create a casino package with deluxe accommodations today for the ultimate getaway at the shore.

Atlantic City expert Heather Colache is available at 609-318-6097 or hcolache@meetac.com to make sure you enjoy Atlantic City as it was meant to be experienced.

Meet AC received funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

CONTENTS

WELCOME TO GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS!

Since March of 2020, it seemed every light at the end of the tunnel was an onrushing train. That is no longer the case.

As we approach 2023, the packaged group travel industry shows significant signs that business is growing. New hotels from value to luxury are opening in such an abundance that even we cannot cover them all. However, this edition of GTD still features a slew of new and on-the-horizon group-friendly attractions, restaurants and experiences.

Our editors have scoured the nation to uncover fresh experiences for motorcoach groups of all ages and interests, and we’re proud to present six features that highlight America’s six distinct regions. Whether you want to hike along the picturesque coast of the Pacific Northwest or relax on the sandy beaches of Virginia, there are terrific group activities from coast to coast.

Similar to the past two years, we’ve observed the explosion of interest in outdoor activities continues. National parks are reporting record-breaking attendance and people are enjoying natural wonders more than ever before.

Another major draw for groups is America’s worldclass cities. In this edition, we not only profile several outdoor destinations, but we also visit major cities and profile the engaging museums, delicious restaurants and walkable cultural districts that bring millions of visitors a year.

We hope Group Travel Destinations will be a helpful companion as you plan your unforgettable 2023 adventure and we look forward to bringing our Leisure Group Travel readers more industry news and location profiles for years to come.

Happy Traveling, Dave Bodle Associate Publisher

Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota

NORTHEAST

Exciting new discoveries await groups from New England to D.C.

Delaware

WILMINGTON — The Hagley Museum & Library recently opened its first new permanent exhibition in 65 years. The two-floor exhibit Nation of Inventors celebrates the American spirit of ingenuity by taking visitors on a journey from the early years of the patent system in the late 1700s all the way through to the late 1800s. Nearly 120 patent models will be on display in the first large-scale, permanent exhibition of patent models at any museum in the United States.

The patent models will reflect important topics and themes including women inventors, African American inventors, immigrant inventors and improvements in urban living. >> hagley.org

District of Columbia

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum just reopened half of its flagship building on the National Mall. The west wing has eight new

and renovated exhibitions, the planetarium, a museum store and the new Mars Cafe. The museum has been undergoing a seven-year renovation that began in 2018 and includes redesigning all 23 exhibitions and presentation spaces, complete refacing of the exterior cladding and replacement of outdated mechanical systems. The east wing is closed while renovations continue. The museum’s multi-year renovation includes a new 50,000-square-foot learning center with ground-floor restaurant and

Rendering courtesy of Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

third-floor terrace with views of the National Mall and U.S. Capitol, with construction starting in 2024. The Smithsonian is also looking into an outdoor astronomy park on the eastern edge of the site. >> airandspace.si.edu/visit/museum-dc

Expected to be installed in 2024, the centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial will be a bronze sculpture entitled A Soldier’s Journey by Sabin Howard. The immense frieze will tell the story of an American reluctantly answering the call to war. Across five scenes and 38 larger-than-life-size human figures, it will be nearly 60 feet long and 10 feet high. Located in Pershing Park in front of the Willard InterContinental Hotel, the massive sculpture will be the highest free-standing bronze sculpture in the Western hemisphere. The formal unveiling of the memorial, dedicated to the 4.7 million Americans who served in WWI, took place in April 2021. >> nps.gov/wwim

In celebration of the Kennedy Center’s 50th anniversary, Arts and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy —a new permanent flagship exhibit exploring Kennedy’s presidency and commitment to the arts—was recently unveiled. The immersive, free-admission exhibit is housed in the roof-level JKF Gallery at the heart of the original Edward Durell Stone building. It includes archival video recordings of Kennedy’s landmark speeches, historic footage of musicians and jazz legends, photographs, letters and other memorabilia. >> kennedy-center.org

Maryland

COLUMBIA — The 2023 playbill of Broadway and original musicals at Toby’s Dinner Theatre , a group tour standby for more than 40 years, begins with Something Rotten! , set for January 20-March 19, 2023. It will be followed by Grease , March 24-June 11; Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville , June 16-August 20; Sister Act , August 25-November 5; and Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical , November 10-January 7, 2024. A Chorus Line (January 12-March 10) begins the 2024 season. The in-the-round theater offers buffet-style dining, and no seat is more than 30 feet from the stage. >> tobysdinnertheatre.com

ANNAPOLIS Annapolis: An American Story is the new $1 million permanent exhibit at the Museum of Historic Annapolis . A film, artifacts and colorful exhibits share dramatic stories of Annapolis and its diverse people –revolutionaries, visionaries and champions in our nation’s continuing quest for liberty and justice – who helped shape American history over more than 400 years. Many of the places featured are a short walk from the museum, which is located near City Dock in the downtown Colonial Annapolis Historic District. >> annapolis.org

After being closed for 2½ years, the National Cryptologic Museum in Annapolis just unveiled all-new exhibits. The museum has worked in overdrive to create a reimagined

experience of cryptologic history that includes a completely renovated building. Located adjacent to the National Security Agency’s (NSA) headquarters at Fort George G. Meade, it operates as NSA’s principal gateway to the public. >> nsa.gov/museum

Massachusetts

GLOUCESTER Gloucester 400+ is a yearlong celebration commemorating Gloucester’s founding in 1623. Throughout 2023, programs, activities and events will highlight the city’s maritime heritage, its contributions to art and culture, industrial achievements and wealth of natural resources. >> gloucester400ma.org

National World War I Memorial, Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of NPS

NORTHEAST

BOSTON New for 2023, Collette Tours is offering a “Spotlight on Boston” itinerary. Groups can have a  wicked  good time exploring the capital city of Massachusetts and the surrounding towns, all overflowing with American history and character. Visit the places where the American Revolution took root and view must-see sites like the Old South Meeting House, Boston Common and Beacon Hill. Venture out to Lexington & Concord, where the “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired and the fight for liberty began. Walk the grounds of Harvard University, guided by a student. Visit the presidential library of John F. Kennedy and learn about his illustrious career or take a photo adventure through picturesque neighborhoods. Boston is ready to charm you with cobblestone streets, historic brick buildings, thriving historic neighborhoods, art museums, shopping and more.

>> gocollette.com/en/tours/northamerica/usa/spotlight-on-boston

New Jersey

ATLANTIC CITY — New developments in Atlantic City never stop. Caesars Entertainment is investng $400 million into its three Atlantic City resorts, with enhancements to Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort and Tropicana Atlantic City expected to be complete by 2023. Ocean Casino Resort announced a $75 million property reinvestment in 2022, and Ilitch Organization received regulatory approval to operate in Atlantic City. Bally’s Corporation is spending $100 million to upgrade Bally’s Atlantic City, which boasts 750 renovated hotel rooms, a redone hotel lobby and bar, and an indoor-outdoor entertainment venue. Hard Rock Atlantic City, meanwhile, is reinvesting a minimum of $20 million in capital improvements that include suite renovations, a new Starbucks, slots and table games, a new dining outlet and a refresh of beachfront amenities. Resorts Casino Hotel just renovated its rooftop pool, adding a retractable roof to enable it to be used year-round. Resorts is also investing $5 million into new table

games and slot machines, remodeling its highlimit slots area and creating a new Asian-themed VIP room. Showboat Hotel Atlantic City’s ISLAND waterpark is set to make a splash in 2023.

>> atlanticcitynj.com

New York

NEW YORK CITY — The new Jackie Robinson Museum in Lower Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood celebrates the life and career of the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. Besides spotlighting his accomplishments on the field, museum exhibits, bolstered by artifacts, videos and interactive experiences, focus on his achievements in the business world and role in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s. The exhibition Pop Culture Icon is a bold tribute to Robinson’s enduring impact on popular culture from 1947 to today, featuring magazine covers, comic books, movie posters and more.

A short film recounts Robinson’s early family life. There is a classroom for student and youth groups. >> jackierobinsonmuseum.org

COOPERSTOWN — The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown plans to open a new permanent exhibit on the Black baseball experience in April 2024. It will replace Ideals and Injustices, the Hall of Fame’s current exhibit about Black baseball, which originally was titled Pride and Passion when opened in 1997. The new exhibit will delve into topics such as the segregation faced by generations of ballplayers, challenges that persist in the game today and the success of the most recent generation of Black baseball players, coaches and executives. >> baseballhall.org

BUFFALO — The venerable Buffalo museum formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery will reopen in 2023 as the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. Focus of the campus expansion is the Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, a new work of signature architecture that will add more than 30,000 square feet of space for the display of special exhibitions and the museum’s world-renowned collection of modern and contemporary art. Renovation of current facilities, plus an interior community gathering space and a new public green space, are part of the project. >> buffaloakg.org

NEW YORK CITY — Using the latest technology, the brand new Museum of Broadway in Times Square offers a behind-the-curtain look at how a show is made and a timeline of Broadway that highlights theater pioneers, socially progressive moments and some of the most beloved plays and musicals of all time. Exhibits and immersive experiences will feature such shows as The Lion King , HAIR , Cabaret, Rent , The Wiz , Ain’t Misbehavin’ , Ziegfield Follies , Oklahoma! and The Phantom of the Opera , plus more than 500 other productions from the 1700s through the present. >> themuseumofbroadway.com

Groups looking for new shows on Broadway will find plenty of choices in 2023. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s latest musical, Bad Cinderella , opens March 23 at the Imperial Theatre. A modern

update on the classic fairy tale, it comes to Broadway following a run in London’s West End. Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller Sweeney Todd , starring Josh Groban as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, returns to Broadway with a March 26 opening. Lerner & Lowe’s Camelot , reimagined for the 21st century, comes to life again, opening April 13 at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theatre. Summer, 1976 , with previews starting April 4 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, is a story about two young women who navigate motherhood, ambition and intimacy as they help each other discover their own independence during the nation’s Bicentennial celebrations. In Good Night, Oscar , opening April 24 at the Belasco Theatre, Sean Hayes plays Oscar Levant, the Hollywood actor, concert pianist and most subversive wit ever to appear on television during its Golden

Age. Also looking at spring 2023 openings are the musical New York, New York , loosely based on Martin Scorsese’s 1977 movie, and High Noon , based on the 1952 Academy Award-winning film starring Gary Cooper and the first Western play to premiere on Broadway in 85 years.

QUEENS — The Louis Armstrong House Museum will soon debut a new cultural center with an interactive, state-of-the-art exhibition, archival collections and a 75-seat performance venue, all dedicated to celebrating and preserving the life and legacy of jazz musician Louis Armstrong (1901-1970). His magnetic, five-decade-plus career is documented through thousands of objects including photographs, sheet music, recordings and correspondence. Located in the Corona neighborhood of Queens, the center will be across the street from the

Photo courtesy of Jackie Robinson Foundation

Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City

NORTHEAST

house once occupied by “Satchmo” and his wife, Lucille. Group tours are 40 minutes.

>> louisarmstronghouse.org

NEW YORK CITY — The Hugh, a new food hall in Manhattan’s Midtown East neighborhood, offers 15 restaurants. Fare ranges from Thai dishes at Thank You Come Again to African superfood at Teranga to pizza at Public Display of Affection. Included are a craft beer taproom and wine bar. >> thehughnyc.com

Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH — Travelers can take one giant leap toward space exploration at Pittsburgh’s brand-new Moonshot Museum , Pennsylvania’s first space museum and the only museum in the world to focus exclusively on career and community readiness for the 21st century space industry. Located at the headquarters of space robotics company Astrobotic, the attraction provides hands-on, interactive encounters for space explorers of

all ages. Through glass they will see a real lunar spacecraft being built and navigate an interconnected experience that puts them in charge of a simulated space mission.

>> moonshotmuseum.org

Also in Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Science Center just unveiled the permanent exhibition Mars: The Next Giant Leap , the most expansive new experience added since the museum opened in 1991.

>> carnegiesciencecenter.org

CREIGHTON — Rolling out 400 cans of beer per minute, Pittsburgh Brewing Co. ’s new stainless steel brewing facility, an exciting new addition to the region’s craft beverage scene, offers brewery tours, a restaurant and a store onsite store, with a distillery in the works.

>> pittsburghbrewing.com

KING OF PRUSSIA — Valley Forge National Historical Park is welcoming visitors to its new museum exhibition in the recently renovated visitor center, which was originally dedicated

in 1976. The exhibition tells the history of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army and how the citizens of Pennsylvania worked to preserve Valley Forge in the following decades. Accompanying Revolutionary War artifacts are new accessible display panels, a short film in the renovated theater, interactive videos and a complete audio walkthrough for visually impaired visitors. In summer, trolley tours feature stops along the 10-mile driving loop. >> nps.gov/vafo

LANGHORNE — The African American Museum of Bucks County, founded in 2014 as a mobile museum, has found a permanent home at Boone Farm and is expected to open in late 2022. Exhibits, on display in buildings erected in 1719 and 1850, feature artifacts and stories spotlighting the rich heritage of the African American experience in Bucks County and beyond. >> infoaambc.org

LANCASTER — Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre , a favorite with groups touring Amish Country, kicks off its 2023 season with Agatha

Sister

Photo courtesy of Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Act is coming in 2023 to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express (January 20-February 18) and Sister Act (February 24-April 1). Next are Footloose: The Musical (April 7-May 20); Elvis: The Musical (May 26-June 24); Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical , June 3-August 5; Guys and Dolls , August 11-September 16; Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville , September 22-November 11; and A Christmas Carol: The Musical , November 17-December 30. >> dutchapple.com

PHILADELPHIA — The world premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition , created for the 100-year celebration of The Walt Disney Company, opens February 23, 2023 at The Franklin Institute. It will immerse guests in the stories that have been dazzling fans since 1923. The Walt Disney Archives opens its vault of treasures, showcasing hundreds of objects, including Disney’s “Crown Jewels” – more than 250 rarely-seen original artworks and artifacts, costumes and props, and other memorabilia. Exclusive to the exhibition, Disney has curated special behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of the most popular characters, films, shows and attractions – from Disneyland to Walt Disney World and beyond. The 10 themed galleries, through cutting-edge interactive installations, will take visitors on a journey through 100 years of Disney classics, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Strange World , as well as the latest members of the Disney family – Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic. >> fi.edu/disney100

Virginia

In addition to numerous new and renovated accommodations throughout the state, there are plenty of new places to eat and drink popping up in 2022 and 2023. Kings Dominion debuted Virginia’s first 4D Spin coaster. A mixed-use entertainment epicenter, Capital One Center has arrived in Fairfax County. Harrisonburg has added a new AfricanAmerican Heritage tour, Roots run Deep. The annual Rockin’ the Boardwalk returns to Virginia Beach October 3-6, 2023.

“ Reign & Rebellion ,” a special exhibition through September 5, 2023 at Jamestown

Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, will span the centuries across both museums and make connections between the past and our present, to illuminate how the Stuarts — and their legacies in Virginia — are closer than you think. Begin planning your 2023 Virginia itinerary by looking through the pages of the Virginia Group Tour Guide.

>> leisuregrouptravel.com/virginiagroup-tour-guide

West Virginia

New River Gorge is now the 63rd national park and features whitewater rafting, miles of hiking trails and uncrowded mountain towns. Nine local chefs across the state will serve as the first-ever class of West Virginia chef ambassadors. The nation’s first statewide waterfall trail launched in June and has already had visitor check-ins from more than 41 states and 15 countries.

Excitement Abounds in Atlantic City

The gaming capital of the East Coast welcomes groups with its historic boardwalk, attractions

Featuring glamorous casinos, rich history and an iconic Boardwalk, Atlantic City will engage groups of all interests visiting the Mid-Atlantic region. Visitors are encouraged to rediscover a thriving city filled with diverse cuisine, shopping opportunities and outdoor activities along the Atlantic Ocean.

THE BEACHES AND BOARDWALK

Atlantic City is synonymous with its protected beaches and bustling seven-mile boardwalk. These attractions offer both excitement and relaxation for those seeking a setting where the natural world meets with the glow of a lively urban background. Whether your group is walking, riding a bike or even going for a run along sections of the boardwalk, there are always plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat along the way. Sample some famous eats by stopping at Margaritaville, Landshark Bar & Grill and Carmine’s Italian Restaurant.

The Boardwalk’s centerpiece is the Steel Pier, a 1,000-foot-long amusement park constructed in 1898 and populated with midway games, thrill rides and food stalls. The pier’s signature attraction is The Wheel—an illuminated Ferris wheel

where riders can view the entire Boardwalk in 40 climate-controlled gondola cars. Another popular waterfront attraction is the Absecon Lighthouse. The tallest lighthouse in New Jersey invites groups to take in a breathtaking view of the Jersey Shore.

CRUISES, GAMING, AND ENTERTAINMENT

Cruises are a popular option for those visiting Atlantic City, particularly during the summer months, and are available throughout the day with departures from Historic Gardner’s Basin. Groups can take cruises that vary from refreshing morning and late afternoon narrated strolls, an early evening happy hour with full-service bar, or even a dolphin watching adventure.

With the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Ocean Casino Resort opening their doors in 2018, the gaming landscape in Atlantic City continues to evolve by offering exciting new experiences for groups with state-of-the-art sports books. Atlantic City’s casinos also offer spas, indoor pools, live entertainment and more. Groups can also take in performances at the historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. The near 15,000 capacity arena hosts many special events including

concerts by Lady Gaga, Journey and Michael Bublé. It even hosts auto racing, Disney on Ice and ice hockey competitions.

SHOPPING AND DINING

Groups seeking excellent tax-free shopping will want to browse the over 100 retailers represented at Tanger Outlets The Walk. This complex houses Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Nike Factory, Coach, Kate Spade, Loft Outlet, Nautica, J.Crew, H&M, Forever 21, and Puma. The Quarter at Tropicana, an Old Havana-themed enclosed shopping center near the Boardwalk, houses the Zephyr Gallery, Francesca’s Collections and Swarovski and offers more than 30 shops. Hours of entertainment await in the Orange Loop, a pedestrian-friendly area filled with one-of-a-kind restaurants, coffee shops, craft cocktail lounges and live music venues. Groups will want to sample the over 40 beers on tap at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall and enjoy Cajun barbecue cuisine at Bourré.

MEET AC

1 Convention Way Atlantic City, New Jersey, 08401 609-318-6097 meetac.com

SOUTHEAST

Alabama

A myriad of group travel favorites can be found here Arkansas

Tour operators in the U.S. and abroad are developing new itineraries around the 1950s and 1960s events that awakened the nation to the reality of racial injustice.

HUNTSVILLE — There’s a new skills training center coming to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the STS Domestic Showcase is scheduled April 17-20, 2023 in Huntsville.

>> leisuregrouptravel.com/southeasterntourism-society-domestic-showcasecoming-to-huntsville

On April 8, 2024, The Great North American Eclipse is coming and Arkansas is a great place to enjoy the historic event. Two-thirds of the state will be in the path of totality from southwest to northeast, including a range of larger cities including Jonesboro, Little Rock and Hot Springs.

HOT SPRINGS — You don’t have to wait until the eclipse to visit Gangster Museum of America and its expanded 10,000-square-feet museum. >> tgmoa.com

Florida

JACKSONVILLE — The Jacksonville Naval Museum opened honoring veterans and Jacksonville’s naval heritage.

>> jaxnavalmuseum.org

TAMPA — ZooTampa at Lowry’s Park ’s new Florida Wilds sanctuary for rescued animals is open. >> zootampa.org

ST. PETERSBURG — Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s new attraction is Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex , which

Photo courtesy of Visit Mississippi

focuses on present and future projects. >> kennedyspacecenter.com

PALM BEACH GARDENS — The spa at PGA National Resort is completing a $100 million revitalization. >> pgaresort.com

Georgia

ATLANTA — In Atlanta, six new hotels from Midtown to Historic Bucksport and even more upcoming openings have taken place. The new Chattahoochee Food Works is now open in Atlanta’s Upper Westside, while another food hall, Politan Row, has opened in Colony Square.

Georgia Aquarium, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, just got larger with a redesigned entry and new shark exhibit. >> georgiaaquarium.org

SAVANNAH — Catch a big-time performance at the new Enmarket Arena , or check out live theater with a ghost tour at Savannah Underground . >> enmarketarena.com

TYBEE ISLAND — The Tybee Island Marine Science Center has been relocated to a 5,000 square foot facility on the north end of the island. >> tybeemarinescience.org

Kentucky

FRANKFORT — Buffalo Trace Distillery was recently awarded Level II arboretum accreditation. Also, a bourbon-centric 49-guest room hotel with restaurant & bar and tasting room is planned for Frankfort.

>> buffalotracedistillery.com

LOUISVILLE — May 2023 is the expected opening date for a 122-room hotel in the NuLu neighborhood of Louisville.

Louisiana

Nine Louisiana Civil Rights Trail stops have been recognized on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail . Three Louisiana Byways have received prestigious designations by the Federal Highway Administration. Bayou Teche Byway

and Boom or Bust Byway were designated National Scenic Byways. The Louisiana Great River Road was designated an All-American Road, joining other Mississippi River states. >> civilrightstrail.com

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans has new hotels, cultural attractions, and restaurants and the return of major events as we emerge from the pandemic. The Backstreet Cultural

Museum has reopened in a new location. >> backstreetmuseum.org

Mississippi

The Mississippi Writers Trail has expanded to 13 featured writers as the latest marker unveiled in Como honors Stark Young. Throughout Mississippi’s five regions there are new options to stay, play and eat. Begin planning your Mississippi group tour

SOUTHEAST

with the 2022 Mississippi Itinerary Guide.

>> leisuregrouptravel.com/mississippiitinerary-guide

North Carolina

JOHNSTON COUNTY — The Ava 100 Festival celebrating legendary actress Ava Gardner’s 100th birthday continues through 2023. The festivities include special programming and virtual offerings to honor Ava’s many contributions to film and fashion.

>> johnstoncountync.org/ava-gardner/ ava-100

South Carolina

CHARLESTON — Set to open in early 2023, the International African American Museum will feature nine galleries sharing how enslaved Africans and free blacks shaped economic, political and cultural development. The African Ancestors

Memorial Garden reflects on the historic significance of Gadsden’s Wharf , one of the Charleston docks where enslaved Africans entered. >> iaamuseum.org

MYRTLE BEACH — Myrtle Beach has introduced the new Myrtle Beach Arts & Gallery Trail covering 14 unique communities of outstanding museums, galleries and art filled attractions like Brookgreen Gardens.

>> visitmyrtlebeach.com/artstrail

Tennessee

Tourism enjoyed a banner year in 2022 with new additions in accommodations, dining, attractions and of course music venues.

FRANKLIN — Franklin saw the opening of the FirstBank Amphitheater and Southhall Farms with an inn, cabins a dining experience and spa. >> firstbankamphitheater.com

.

Take your group on a world tour without even cro ing state lines

For music lovers, there’s no better place to explore the history and future of popular music than Mississippi, “The Birthplace of America’s Music.” Here, African and European musical traditions collided and were crafted into a new form of music, the blues, and its rock, gospel, and country offshoots. View a sample itinerary of music museums, attractions, and stages at VisitMississippi.org/MusicTour.

#WanderMS

GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi | Cleveland

SOUTHWEST

The region is bursting with new things for groups to experience

Arizona

PEORIA — Arizona Broadway Theatre has announced its schedule of fabulous dinner-and-a show musicals for 2023. Kicking off the year is Mame (January 20-February 26), followed by Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville , March 10-April 16. Next are Dirty Rotten Scoundrels , May 5-June 4; The Wizard of Oz , June 16-July 27; and Disaster! , August 18-September 16. >> azbroadway.org

GOLD CANYON —The 35th annual Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace, a medieval outdoor amusement park, is set for Saturdays, Sundays and Presidents Day from February 4 to April 2, 2023. The 50-acre site features 16 stages with nonstop entertainment, from music and dance to comedy and acrobatics. Visitors can joyously cheer on their favorite knight at jousting tournaments held three times a day. >> arizona.renfestinfo.com

TUCSON — After being closed for two years, Old Tucson (formerly Old Tucson Studios) just re-opened its doors to the public with Halloween and Christmas-themed programming. The Western town’s legacy is rooted in its 1890-themed buildings, which have served as the backdrop for movies such as Three Amigos, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, El Dorado and Tombstone, plus hundreds of commercials, music videos and television shows. While Old Tucson (under a new operator) will

continue to woo filmmakers, visitors will get a chance to enjoy a Wild West experience, beginning in January 2023, with a host of characters trained in immersive theater.

>> oldtucson.com

The Pima County Historic Courthouse in Tucson, built in 1929, has reopened as a visitor attraction after undergoing a $32 million renovation. The project included the addition of the University of Arizona’s Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum, which reinforces the

The Pima County Historic Courthouse in Tucson

Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace, Gold Canyon

Photo courtesy of Pete Gregoire

Photo courtesy of Arizona Renaissance Festival

Photo courtesy of Enrique Noriega/Visit Tucson

SOUTHWEST

city’s identity as a premier gem destination; the January 8th Memorial, honoring the victims of the mass shooting that occurred at Congresswoman Gabby Giffords’ event; and the Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center. The one courtroom kept intact and open to the public is where public enemy No. 1 John Dillinger was sentenced in the 1930s after being caught in Tucson. >> visitsouthernarizona. com/about-the-courthouse

NORTHEASTERN ARIZONA — Chef Nephi Craig, featured in 2021’s breakout film Gather, has opened Café Gozhóó on the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Northeastern Arizona. The café integrates the tastes and flavors of Apache foodways while activating ancestral knowledge in learning and service. Specialties include

Nada’Ban, Squash Stew, Red Chili, Acorn Stew, frequent specials, espresso-based drinks and Cowboy Coffee. The facility promotes recovery and serves as a community-based training center and multi-purpose hospitality facility for individuals who have participated in therapeutic programming with the Rainbow Treatment Center’s Working 2 Wellness and Scholarship programs. >> cafegozhoo.com

New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE — The Indian Pubelo Kitchen , inside Albuquerque’s Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, soon will open a teaching kitchen that will offer classes in Indigenous cooking techniques. The restaurant offers winepairing dinners, farm-to-fork dining and Feast

Day meals. >> indianpueblokitchen.org

Phase III in construction continues at Albuquerque’s Avanyu Plaza , located across the street from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Owned by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, the business and cultural corridor is being transformed into a vibrant new neighborhood with office tenants, lodging, retail operations and food service.

Kirtland Air Force Base, adjacent to Albuquerque International Sunport, is working on a new, open-to-the-public development called Max Q at Kirtland . The project will transform more than 70 acres of the base outside of the military fence into a multi-use development to include shops, a hotel, restaurants and office space. The initial buildings will be ready for occupancy in 2023. >> maxqnm.com

Albuquerque’s new $12 million West Central Route 66 Visitors Center, set for completion early 2023, includes an outdoor amphitheater, a museum, taproom and banquet facility.

Albuquerque is home to the longest urban stretch of Route 66, the iconic “Mother Road” that spanned more than 2,400 miles and eight states during the golden age of automobile travel. >> wccdg.org

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum just unveiled a world-class permanent exhibition called Canopy of Colors to honor the city’s iconic October festival. This eye-catching festival features immersive experiences, storytelling, a digital timeline, artifacts, stunning visuals and an art installation. It will be an outing you won’t forget. >> cabq.gov/balloon

Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Chickasaw Nation recently unveiled plans for a resort-style development to be located adjacent to the newlyopened First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. Situated along the Oklahoma River near downtown, OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark will be a $300+ million tourist destination with a riverfront hotel, spa, outdoor adventure lagoon, amphitheater, indoor waterpark, restaurants, Native American marketplace and retail outlets.

Albuquerque Balloon Museum’s New Canopy of Colors exhibit

Photo courtesy of Mintwood

Photo Co.

The project is expected to be complete in the late spring of 2024.

At the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden , Oklahoma’s most popular cultural attraction, construction is underway for Expedition Africa, the zoo’s largest habitat expansion to date. Located in the heart of the park and slated to open in summer 2023, the 12-acre project will provide guests with more immersive wildlife experiences and larger habitats for animals native to the African continent including giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich, meerkats, African painted dog, cheetah and lemurs. The zoo’s latest arrivals are the Sumatran tiger twins born in July and four lion cubs born in September. >> okczoo.org

TAHLEQUAH The future Durbin Feeling Language Center in Tahlequah is a historic project that will house all of the Cherokee Nation’s language programs under one roof for the first time. The new language center is named in honor of the late Durbin Feeling, Cherokee Nation’s single-largest contributor to the Cherokee language since Sequoyah. The Durbin Feeling Language Center will house the Cherokee Immersion Charter School, the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program, and the Cherokee Nation translation team, along with other programs and services offered through the Tribe’s language efforts.

Texas

HOUSTON — Through April 16, 2023, Golden Worlds: The Portable Universe of Indigenous Colombia at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston showcases the diversity and brilliance of ancient Colombian cultures. From intricately cast gold pendants and hammered gold masks to ceramic effigies of fantastical creatures and rare textiles, some 400 works span all the major ancient cultures of Colombia. Included are an unprecedented number of gold pieces from the Gold Museum in Bogota. >> mfah.org

The exhibition King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience at the Houston Museum of Natural Science replicates the sense of wonder and astonishment that British

archaeologist Howard Carter first experienced 100 years ago when he found the obscure pharaoh’s tomb in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. Running through April 18, 2023, the display features recreations of objects, treasures and the equipment found in King Tutankhamun’s burial chamber, giving a sense of the area as it first appeared to Carter and his team. The exhibition reveals how Tutankhamun was buried in a series of four gilded wooden shrines that surrounded a stone sarcophagus, which housed three nesting coffins. Also included are videos about the discovery of the tomb and Tutankhamun’s life. >> hmns.org

FORT WORTH — Construction will begin soon on a two-story building that will house the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth’s

This ancient ceramic vessel depicting a jaguar is on display in Golden Worlds: The Portable Universe of Indigenous Colombia at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Historic Southside neighborhood. The impetus behind the $70 million project is Opal Lee, 94, a Fort Worth resident and activist who had long advocated for making Juneteenth a federal holiday. The day had been celebrated in Texas for many years to commemorate June 19, 1865, when Texas slaves learned of their freedom following the Civil War. A grand opening is planned for mid2025. >> nationaljuneteenthmuseum.org

Broadway Dallas ’ 2023 series of shows at Music Hall at Fair Park and Winspear Opera House starts with Pretty Woman , January 24-February 5. The calendar also lists Moulin Rouge! The Musical , March 15-April 12; Tootsie , April 18-30; To Kill a Mockingbird , May 16-28; Riverdance , June 6-8; and The Book of Mormon , August 1-6. >> dallas.broadway.com

Photo © Museum Associates/LACMA

The new wing of the John Wayne Birthplace Museum in Winset, Iowa has a major installation on Wayne’s epic 1960 movie The Alamo

MIDWEST

Many New Developments are Taking Place in 2023

Illinois

GLEN ELLYN — In the Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn, the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage will present Warhol: Featuring Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop/Works from the Bank of America Collection from June 3-September 10, 2023. The exhibition will feature 94 works on loan through Bank of America’s Art in Our Communities program, plus Warhol works from the college’s permanent collection. It will include a biographical exhibit, video installation,

interactive mural, Studio 54 experience and Central Park-inspired outdoor cafe. >> warhol2023.org

CHICAGO — The Art Institute of Chicago presents the exhibition Van Gogh and the Avant-Garde: Along the Seine from May 14 to September 4, 2023. On display will be works by Post-Impressionist artists who flocked to industrialized suburbs northwest of Paris from 1882 to 1890 to experiment with color and paint application. Among those represented are

Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Paul Signac, Emile Bernard and Charles Angrand. Their subject matter included bridges, embankments, factories, parks and villages. The exhibition is organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. >> artic.edu

The Obama Presidential Center , now under construction in Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago, is expected to open in late 2025. The campus will feature museum exhibits on the 44th U.S. president, a public plaza, children’s play area, Great Lawn and a Sky Room that will

offer panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline. >> obama.org

After sitting vacant for nearly two decades, The Old Post Office in Chicago has just completed an $800 million renovation, the largest historic redevelopment in the country. Today, the property boasts over 2.5 million square feet of stunning multi-use office and event space, and is poised to once again become the central hub of Chicago’s business community. The next chapter of The Old Post Office has only begun. As thousands of tenants settle into their beautiful new

Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse, Rock Island, Illinois

Randy Mink Photo

Photo courtesy of Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse

Obama Presidential Center, Chicago

MIDWEST

workspaces, plans are underway to bring even more energy to the west side of the Chicago River with a 3.5-acre urban rooftop oasis—the largest of its kind in the city—and a food hall delivering an exciting array of dining options to tenants and to visitors alike. >> post433.com

There are 77 neighborhoods in Chicago. This will be the 78th. Chicago is known to be a hub for technology and innovation. The Innovation

District at The 78 will be Chicago’s first educationbased innovation district along the Chicago River, anchored by the Discovery Partners Institute. Set to break ground in 2024 and designed by OMA, DPI will be the first building to begin construction at the Innovation District. The new building will provide more than 200,000 square feet of office, classroom, lab and event space for DPI and its university and industry partners. >> 78chicago.com

ROCK ISLAND — Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse kicks off 2023 with We Will Rock You, a musical featuring more than 20 hit Queen songs, January 2-March 11. The season continues with Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, March 17-May 6; Mamma Mia!, May 12-July 8; Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville, July 14-September 9; and The Outsider, a political comedy, September 15-November 4. >> circa21.com

Iowa

WINTERSET — The John Wayne Birthplace Museum recently unveiled an expansion that more than doubled its exhibition space. On display in the new wing are a model of Wayne’s customized Safari station wagon, a model of his Wild Goose yacht, the original Irish horse cart from The Quiet Man and a major installation on Wayne’s epic 1960 movie The Alamo .

>> johnwaynebirthplace.museum

Wisconsin

FORT ATKINSON — The Fireside Dinner Theatre has announced the following shows for 2023: The Music Man, February 23-April 9; Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, April 13-May 28; Legends in Concert –Direct from London, June 1-July 16; Mary Poppins, July 20-September 3; and Scrooge the Musical, November 2-December 23. >> firesidetheatre.com

Ohio

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Museum of Art presents The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England from February 26 to May 14, 2023. The exhibition traces the transformation of the arts in Tudor England through more than 80 objects—including iconic portraits, spectacular tapestries, manuscripts, sculpture and armor—from both the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection and international lenders. >> clevelandart.com

Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — The 2023 playbill at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will feature Footloose

“This

the Musical , February 9-March 26; An American in Paris , March 30-May 14; Disney’s Beauty & The Beast , May 18-July 9; Sophisticated Ladies , July 13-August 20; Grumpy Old Men: The Musical , August 24-October 1; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat , October 5-November 19; and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas , November 24-December 31. >> beefandboards.com

St. Louis, the country’s oldest such garden in continuous operation, recently unveiled a new visitor center, the centerpiece of its $100 million Gateway to the Garden campaign. The soaring lobby of the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center provides a welcoming portal offering views of the gardens and conservatories beyond. The project included the addition of 46,000 plants to the entry landscape and an expanded gift shop.

>> missouribotanicalgarden.org

MissouriST. LOUIS — The new St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum , four times the size of the previous museum and equipped with the latest technology, just opened in Creve Coeur. On display are artifacts from victims of the Nazi regime’s systemic murder of millions of European Jews and others. Videos provide accounts from survivors and liberators. >> stlholocaustmuseum.org

The Missouri Botanical Garden in

BRANSON — Copperhead Mountain Coaster at Shepherd of the Hills is the newest, fastest, most scenic, and longest downhill family-fun thrill ride. The Copperhead Mountain Coaster, brand new at Shepherd’s Adventure Park, snakes through riveting loops, drops, and curves in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

>> theshepherdofthehills.com

Aquarium at the Boardwalk is one of the newest things to do in Branson. Some features that visitors can expect to enjoy are more than 250 different animal species, an original 5D submarine adventure to the bottom of the sea, sharks, a 24-foot Kelp Forest climbing structure for kids, stingrays, a gorgeous 16-foot view of a coral reef, two mirrored art installations that give the sense of infinite ocean life, lionfish, and more than 7,200 individual sea animals.

>> aquariumattheboardwalk.com

WonderWorks is one of Branson’s newest indoor attractions. You won’t be able to miss the iconic exterior—a huge upside-down house—in the heart of Branson’s Entertainment District. When you venture inside, you will find four stories of over 100 STEAM-focused (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) hands-on activities and exhibits that will entertain, educate and inspire everyone in the family. The sixth WonderWorks in the country, the

Branson location features unique experiences: an interactive military experience, a local Ozark-area art display and an exhibit that honors Branson’s history. >> wonderworksonline.com/ branson/the-lab/branson-experience

Kansas

ATCHISON — The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum is set to open in 2023 at the Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport in Atchison. Exhibits will spotlight the pioneer aviator’s childhood in Atchison and her fame as a flying ace who became the first woman to wing her way across the Atlantic. On display will be the world’s last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E, an aircraft identical to the one Earhart piloted on the flight where she went missing in the South Pacific in 1937. Visitors can pilot a virtual reality recreation of her 1932 trans-Atlantic flight. >> ameliaeartharthangarmuseum.org

THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL

Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison, Kansas

Photo courtesy of Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum

Groups Can Enjoy Museums, Markets and Food Halls

CaliforniaCalifornia officials and tribal leaders just announced an initiative to drive up tourism in native communities across the state, which has the second-most federally recognized Indigenous tribes (109) in the country. The Visit Native California initiative , set for an official rollout in March 2023, and its accompanying website are funded by a $1 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act. One tribal site promoted by the campaign will be the Agua Caliente

Cultural Plaza, which will open next year with the 48,000-square-foot Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, a trail and a spa at the sacred Agua Caliente mineral hot spring.

FAIRFIELD — The Jelly Belly factory tour has expanded with the new Jelly Belly Museum . The experience begins with a short ride in a Jelly Belly Express passenger train (weather permitting) from the visitor center to the museum entrance. With decorative jelly beans

hanging from the ceiling, the museum presents the evolution of candy-making equipment and growth of the family-owned Jelly Belly Candy Company. >> jellybelly.com

SAN DIEGO — SeaWorld San Diego ’s highly anticipated roller coaster, Arctic Rescue, is set to open in spring 2023. The longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast will invite guests to hop on a snowmobile and launch at up to 40 mph on a chilly adventure as they race

through the unpredictable arctic climate to help animals in danger. >> seaworld.com/ san-diego

The Little Italy Wednesday Market takes place year-round in the newly opened Piazza della Famiglia in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Created to be the destination “where the chef’s shop,” the mid-morning market also provides a place to explore for visitors looking for fresh food from California farmers, fisherman and artisan foodmakers.

Adding to the authentic Italian ambiance is live entertainment on select street corners. >> littleitalysd.com

JAMESTOWN — The  Chicken Ranch Casino & Resort in Jamestown, California will feature SageGlass smart windows surrounding the casino on three sides, bringing sweeping mountain vistas directly to the gaming floor. The use of SageGlass solves a major design challenge for the project: providing guests with views of the outdoors while supporting day-to-day operations by minimizing glare on gaming devices and security cameras thanks to the automatic tinting properties of smart windows. The nine-story, 190+ room resort will include a luxury day spa, fitness center, dynamic rooftop pool and event space in addition to the new casino floor with 30% more gaming devices and an increase in the number of table games. Located near the western

gateway to Yosemite National Park, the new casino resort is expected to be an even more popular stop for visitors and bring a new wave of economic development to the region. The expanded Chicken Ranch Casino & Resort is slated to open in spring 2024.

PALM SPRINGS — The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has broken ground on the 5.8-acre  Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza  in downtown Palm Springs. The site will open this year and will include a new museum that will celebrate the history, culture and modern times of the tribe. The iconic intersection is home to the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, a 12,000-year-old water source that has been instrumental in shaping the Palm Springs area. The new cultural plaza will include The Spa at Séc-he which honors the tribe’s rich history as the guardian of this healing mineral water.

>> visionaguacaliente.com/culturalplaza

Jelly Belly Museum

Photo courtesy of the Jelly Belly Museum

Photo courtesy of Sea World

SeaWorld San Diego

COSTA MESA — The new Orange County Museum of Art just opened at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. The state-ofthe-art, 53,000-square-foot building is double the size of the museum’s former location in Newport Beach. >> ocma.art

Nevada

RENO — The Nevada Museum of Art, the state’s only accredited art museum, is undergoing a $60 million expansion that will be completed in early 2025. The three-story, 50,000-square-foot addition will include exhibition space, an Education and Research Center allowing expansion of programs for school groups, an expanded library, an architectural and art bookshop, a restaurant with Tiffany-style stained-glass windows and a rooftop sculpture garden with mountain and skyline views. >> nevadaart.org

LAS VEGAS — The first of eight refurbished and historic neon signs has been installed as part of the continuing Las Vegas Boulevard Improvement Project . The signs will be installed over the next several months, and all will be officially lit next spring. The signs will

join the existing eight classic neon signs already installed in the Las Vegas Boulevard median from Sahara Avenue to just north of Washington Avenue. The signs celebrate the history of vintage Vegas and create a neon trail to The Neon Museum. The Par-A-Dice Motel sign is the first of the new signs to be installed.

Nevada Museum of Art

Photo courtesy of the Nevada Museum of Art

Oregon

SALEM — Food-hall fever has taken root at Fork Forty , the capital city’s first food hall, located downtown in the historic Gray-Belle Building. Enjoy Asian-fusion plates cooked up by Chubby Panda Bao House, noodles at Ojisan’s Ramen or Aleppo-style cuisine from

The Syrian Kitchen. La Lucciola Pizzeria serves up classic pies, and Rex Prehistoric Patties has stand-out burgers. A scoop from Slick Licks ice cream is the perfect dessert. Beer fans can grab a pint at The Best Goose, a lively bar located in the back of the building. >> forkforty.com

Washington

SEATTLE — Noir Lux Candle Bar, a new business in Seattle’s hip Belltown neighborhood, offers private pouring sessions for groups of up to 30. Guests choose from over 50 fragrances and design a label in creating a custom candle. Groups may bring in their own food and beverages. >> noirluxcandle.com

FRONTIER/ MOUNTAIN WEST

Colorado

One of Colorado Springs’ top attractions, the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway , has reopened after a multi-year closing for repairs. Also in Colorado Springs, the U.S Olympic and Paralympic Museum has opened and is touted as one of the world’s most accessible museums.

From urban Denver with all its big city amenities to Moffat County and its dinosaur and pioneer history there’s some to please

everyone in Colorado. Take a look at the 2023 Colorado Group Tour Guide for more information. You can download the PDF at >> leisuregrouptravel.com/coloradogroup-tour-planner

Montana

New for 2023, Collette Tours is offering an itinerary where groups can explore Montana featuring Yellowstone and Glacier National

parks. Step outside, take a deep breath in, and look towards the mountains – you’re in the Big Sky country of Montana. Explore both the Northern and Southern Loops of Yellowstone National Park, and visit Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon. Venture to Helena, the “Queen City of the Rockies.” >> gocollette. com/en/tours/north-america/usa/ montana-exploring-big-sky-country/ booking?b=1#step/1

Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

There’s more to the region than fabulous scenic views

PABLO — After closing its doors due to an arson-caused fire in September 2020, the former “The People’s Center” which is owned and operated by the Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Oreille Tribes, has re-opened to the public as the  Three Chiefs Cultural Center in Pablo, Montana. When fully open, the Center, which showcases the rich culture of the tribes, will provide expanded visitor experiences, including cultural activities, traditional arts and crafts, cultural

education, native games, and other events reflecting the culture and heritage of the three tribes. >> csktribes.org

Nebraska

OMAHA — Kiewit Luminarium , a $101 million privately funded science center being built on Omaha’s Lewis and Clark Landing, will open in 2023. As a place for discovery for learners of all ages, it will offer open-ended explorations

of natural phenomena focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). It is anticipated to be one of the crowning jewels along Omaha’s riverfront and will afford sweeping views of the Missouri River and downtown Omaha. Also under construction is Steelhouse Omaha , a new $109 million downtown live music venue slated to open next year. The first phase of the city’s new 90-acre, $300 million Riverfront Park opened this past summer and includes a performance

Photo courtesy of Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Kiewit Luminarium, Omaha

Falls Park, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

FRONTIER/MT. WEST

pavilion, interactive water features and a sculpture garden.

LINCOLN — The Scarlet Hotel , a six-story, 154-room Marriott Tribute property, opened this year in Lincoln across the street from the Innovation Commons Conference Center. The hotel has many customized features including a different theme and decor in each guest room. Other features include: The Good Life Coffee Shop, which is designed and managed in partnership with The Mill Coffee & Tea, the Well & Good restaurant, which is open for dinner service from 5 to 10 p.m., and The Barred Owl, which is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and offers signature cocktails from its location on the sixth-floor rooftop. The hotel also has a 2,400-square-foot space on the first floor that provides office suites, classrooms and a commercial training kitchen for UNL’s Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program.

>> scarlethotelnebraska.com

North Dakota

MEDORA — Construction is set to begin in 2023 on the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library , near Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A grand opening is set for July 4, 2026. The site is on land purchased by the Roosevelt family from the U.S. Forest Service, which was founded in 1905 during Roosevelt’s administration. The 26th U.S. president lived and ranched in North Dakota for two years in the 1880s and returned to the Badlands and Medora almost every year until his death in 1919. >> trlibrary.com

South Dakota

CRAZY HORSE — You have to like a state with such a wide variety of landscapes, parks, history and more. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but South Dakota’s Great Eight stand out. Among them are Crazy Horse Memorial . Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski began the world’s largest mountain carving in 1948 and members of his family and their supporters are continuing his

artistic intent to create a massive statue that will be 641 feet long and 563 feet high. Workers completed the carved 87 ½-foot-tall Crazy Horse face in 1998 and have since focused on thinning the remaining mountain to form the 219-foothigh horse’s head. This memorial’s construction is ongoing and fascinating.

>> crazyhorsememorial.org

SIOUX FALLS — There is something to explore in Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city yearround. Falls Park , the city’s namesake, is home to a cascading waterfall that flows over sparkling pink quartzite rock in a 125-acre park. Steps away explore a vibrant downtown filled with arts and culture, local restaurants, and more. Downtown is also home to SculptureWalk, including the Arc of Dreams. Historically speaking, at Good Earth State Park and the Old Courthouse Museum you can learn about the first inhabitants of the area.

Utah

The Beehive State has a winning combination of breathtaking landscapes and a wide range of visitor experiences. Recently, Utah made National Geographic ’s coveted “Best of the World” list for 2023. Utah was featured in the Adventure category and showcased opportunities in the “less visited areas of the state.” Utah was the lone United States destination in the Adventure group and only one of five U.S. destinations selected for the list.

Wyoming

In 2022, Yellowstone National Park  celebrated its 150th anniversary. That means generations of visitors have enjoyed the world’s greatest collection of bubbling hydrothermal features, like geysers. As it gets older, Yellowstone is even more focused on sustainability. The lighting in all buildings –including chandeliers in historic buildings like the Roosevelt Lodge and Old Faithful Inn’s Old House rooms – are now energy-saving LED lights. >> nps.gov/yell/index.htm

Carbon County, WY

Find Your

Day 1

SCAN FOR INFO

Carbon County is the perfect spot to discover Wyoming by Food. From Historic Elk Mountain Hotel and Hotel Wolf to local bars & grills serving great food to neighborhood cafes offering “just right” sandwiches, foodies are in for a real treat.

Foodie Paradise

Arrive in Rawlins at the Carbon County Museum for a guided tour. You’ll visit 150 years of Women’s Suffrage in Wyoming, explore Wyoming’s only Edison Exhibit and see the impact of the Union Pacific Railroad on Carbon County. New York Times best-seller and Wyoming author CJ Box-autographed books are on sale with proceeds going to the museum.

Enjoy lunch at Buck’s Sports Grill, a local favorite and the largest menu you’ll ever see. Really, it’s at least 10”x16” printed both sides. Burgers are the specialty of the house. With a menu this large everyone will find something to please them.

Follow lunch with a nice walking tour of Historic Downtown Rawlins, a nationally designated historic district. The 19th century architecture, murals and ties to the Union Pacific Railroad are highlighted. Then it’s on to the Wyoming Frontier Prison and a guided tour of Wyoming’s first state penitentiary.

Tonight’s progressive dinner starts at Anong’s Thai Cuisine, offering the best Asian cuisine with exceptional customer service. Pick from a variety of delicious appetizers and a choice of two traditional soups to start your meal. Continue your evening at Aspen House Restaurant a local’s favorite for more than 20 years. A steakhouse-style restaurant beef entrée is joined on the menu by a rack of lamb, seafood specialties and pasta.

CARBON COUNTY VISITORS COUNCIL

Leslie Jefferson

director@wyomingcarboncounty.com 307-324-3020 www.wyomingcarboncounty.com

Day 2

Grab a coffee and enjoy the 40-minute ride to the Saratoga Sandwich Company. Don’t let the name fool you, this just might be the best breakfast in Saratoga.

Much of Saratoga’s history has to do with the area’s world-famous mineral hot springs and thermal waters. Today, Hobo Hot Springs is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with water temperatures ranging from 106 to 119 degrees. Discover a few hidden treasures you didn’t know you needed while shopping in Downtown Saratoga. Lunch is at the Hotel Wolf, a bastion of modern hospitality in an old west setting dating back to 1893. There are both Traditional and Specialty Wolf Burgers, including the CJ Box Burger.

The Saratoga Museum, with its regional railroad display, bison diorama and archeology exhibits, are enjoyable. Check in at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort and the original state bathhouse for some rest and relaxation before dinner at Firewater Public House for a high-quality dinner. Back at the resort, grab a nightcap at Snowy Mountain Pub and Biergarten, a perfect oasis to finish your day.

Day 3

Savor a coffee with something light and depart for Grand Encampment Museum in Encampment, just 20 miles away. More than a dozen buildings filled with artifacts showcase the history of Southern Wyoming. Make time for shopping at The Sheep Shed studio. An early lunch this morning is at The DiVide Restaurant & Lounge. There’s a full lunch menu tempting you, but pizza is the call at “The Best Pizza in Wyoming.”

It’s on to Riverside and a stop at Bear Trap Café & Bar. Share a Trash Can Nacho with a friend. The fishing is spectacular in the Riverside area. End your day with an elegant dinner at The Historic Elk Mountain Hotel in the Town of Elk Mountain.

Sioux Falls enjoys four beautiful and distinct seasons. It is one reason our city is unique—unique seasons means unique places for your group to explore.

McCrossan Boys Ranch