The Group Travel Leader September 2019

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table ofCONTENTS VOL 29 | ISSUE 8

BUYER’S GUIDE

6 EDITOR’S MARKS

F O R T H E G RO U P T R AV E L I N D U S T RY

NEWS

A S S O C I AT I O N I N T E R V I E W S

8 FA M I LY M AT T E R S

S O C I A L I M PA C T T R AV E L

10 I N D U S T R Y N E W S

GROWING GROUP BUSINESS

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U N D E R S TA N D I N G I N S U R A N C E PA C K A G I N G F R E E T I M E

O N THE COVER

YOU NEED A WEBSITE

Autumn brings golden hues and an elaborate corn maze to a farm in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania.

Photo by Alex Potemkin.

FEATURES

Art Experiences

GROUPS CAN SEE ART IN PROCESS AND CREATE THEIR OWN MASTERPIECES IN THESE DESTINATIONS.

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HOOSIER

Hospitality Experience the best of town and country in Indiana.

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COLUMBUS AND CLEVELAND

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PENNSYLVANIA

SPOTLIGHT

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FILM TOURS

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MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY BRIAN JEWELL HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS

Founder and Publisher Partner Executive Editor Senior Writer Creative Director

K E L LY T Y N E R 4

CHRISTINE CLOUGH KELLY TYNER KYLE ANDERSON DANIEL JEAN-LEWIS ASHLEY RICKS

Copy Editor Director of Sales & Marketing Account Manager Account Manager Graphic Design & Circulation

888.253.0455

KELLY@GROUPTR AVELLEADER.COM

The GROUP TRAVEL LEADER is published ten times a year by THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc., 301 East High St., Lexington, Kentucky 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified group leaders who plan travel for groups of all ages and sizes. THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER serves as the official magazine of GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY, the organization for traveling groups. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants and other travelrelated companies may subscribe to THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER by sending a check for $59 for one year to: THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Circulation Department, 301 East High St., Lexington, KY 40507. Phone (859) 253-0455 or (859) 253-0503. Copyright THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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Plan your travel getaway visitnopc.com

866.204.7782 I @nolaplantations

Encounter a land,

shaped by diversity

The architecture of the historic homes spanning our River Parishes is as diverse as the people who built them. From Greek Revival to Creole style plantations, these structures are a reflection not just of a regional culture, but of a time marred by inequity. Travel this stretch of land, and uncover stories of generations past that continue to be felt across the south.

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EDITOR’S T HE

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mart leaders have their eyes on the future.

The September issue of The Group Travel Leader is always my favorite of the year because it includes our annual Buyer’s Guide for the Group Travel Industry. In this special section, our writers and I interview leaders, innovators and experts throughout the tourism industry for articles on the most interesting and important issues facing travel planners today.

For this year’s Buyer’s Guide, which starts on page 49, we’ve selected a variety of topics to help you think about the future of your organization. No matter what sort of company you lead or what role you play in the tourism industry, you’ll likely find something here that helps you strategize about where you should be going next.

If you lead a small group or are at the beginning of a new venture in tourism, you need a website to help your organization thrive and grow. Eliza Myers outlines the case for a website, as well as gives lots of practical tips for building one, in “If You Build It.” Eliza also tackles the topic of how to grow small tour companies in “Where To?” If you want your tourism business to grow, the stories of the six small and midsize tour companies in this article will give you

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lots of inspiration and ideas about how to accomplish that.

One recurring theme in our interviews with tourism veterans is the increasing demand for free time on tours. If you want a younger generation of travelers to join and enjoy your trips, you need to figure out how to package free time effectively. Rachel Carter explores free-time ideas from innovative destinations across the country in “Not All Who Wander…”

Part of preparing well for the future is protecting yourself and your travelers against emergencies and events that can threaten your trips. In “To Buy or Not To Buy?” Rachel peels back the layers of travel insurance, which can be complex and confusing, to help you identify the kinds of coverages you and your travelers need most.

Finally, keeping an eye on the future requires all of us to think about the long-term impact our trips will have on the places we visit and the people who live there. In my article “Should Travel Matter?” you’ll learn about six visionary organizations and how they’re using the power of travel to make the world a better place.

Whether you own a busy tour company or simply volunteer to plan trips for a community organization you love, your role in leading group travel comes with a lot of responsibility. In the midst of everything you need to do to make your upcoming trips successful, I want to encourage you to stop every now and then to think about the future.

I hope you’ll find the Buyer’s Guide and the rest of the articles in this month’s issue helpful. And as always, we’d love to hear your stories, too, so that we can all work together toward a thriving future for the industry we love.

SEPTEMBER 2019

We’ve got the makings of the best tour stop ever in Northern Kentucky.

Pet sharks at Newport Aquarium, take a cruise on BB Riverboats, zip line at the Ark Encounter, cheer for MLB’s first Major League team, or shop ‘til you drop in historic Mainstrasse Village. But don’t be late for a visit with Cincinnati Zoo’s Fiona!

meetNKY.com

FAMILY MATTERS VE Z ZOSO E ARNS NE W AWARD FROM THE Ohio — The Group Travel Family recently inducted Joseph Vezzoso, GROUP TR AVEL FAMILY viceSALEM, president of French Lick Resort and French Lick and Baden Springs Hotels,

GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY STAFFERS POSE WITH THE INAUGURAL “ORDER OF THE GOLDEN LIGHTSTICK” AWARD.

into the Order of the Golden Lightstick.

Vezzoso is the first recipient of this prestigious and highly coveted travel industry recognition.

“Mr. Vezzoso’s dedication to the travel industry, and group market segment in particular, sets him apart,” said Joe Cappuzzello of The Group Travel Family.

In directing French Lick Resorts’ visibility in the group travel market, Vezzoso has spearheaded the hosting of four major conferences in only four years.

French Lick Resort has hosted Boomers In Groups 2018, the Select Traveler Conference 2019 and the African American Travel Conference 2019 and will host the upcoming Small Market Meetings Conference 2020. In total, Vezzoso’s efforts have showcased French Lick Resort to travel planners who organize and influence over 100,000 group travelers annually.

The Order of the Golden Lightstick originated at French Lick Resort from the Group Travel Family staff ’s use of handheld light sticks in delegate movement at its conferences.

“It seemed a natural to bestow a ceremonial light stick on Joe Vezzoso for all of the direction he has given French Lick Resort and the travel industry,” said Charlie Presley of The Group Travel Family.

FIND YOUR NICHE AT THESE GREAT CONFERENCES SALEM, Ohio — Registration is open to a selection of travel conferences designed for travel planners and the travel industry targeting group travel markets. Build your skills and grow travel knowledge by attending one of these travel conferences: • Small Market Meetings Conference, an event for meeting planners, will take place September 24-26 at the Hyatt Regency in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Visit online at smmconf.com.

• Boomers in Groups, for boomer and mature travel groups, will meet October 26-28 at the Cool Springs Marriott in Franklin, Tennessee. Visit online at boomersingroups.com.

• Select Traveler Conference, for bank clubs, alumni organizations and upscale travel groups, will meet March 22-24 at Little America in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Visit online at selecttravelerconf.com.

For details and registration, the travel industry may contact Valerie Dennison at 800-628-0993. Travel planners, group leaders and meeting planners should call Kacie Honeywell at 800-628-0993. To view other group travel venues, visit grouptravelfamily.com.

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SEVERAL DC MONUMENTS UNDERGOING RENOVATIONS WASHINGTON — The National Park Service is undertaking several major restorations of major monuments in Washington.

The 555-foot-tall Washington Monument was scheduled to reopen in August after a $10.8 million restoration that includes a new visitor experience.

A 15-month project will restore the roofs, repair the stone and clean the marble at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Although some areas will be inaccessible, the memorial will remain open during the project, which is expected to be completed in May. A $25 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial is expected to be completed prior to the centennial of the memorial’s dedication in 2022.

The Meeting for Bank, Alumni, & Chamber Travel Directors

WASHINGTON.ORG

DALLAS HOLOCAUST AND HUMAN RIGHTS MUSEUM TO OPEN DALLAS — The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, which opens September 18, honors both human rights and the memory of the Holocaust.

The state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot facility in downtown’s West End is five times the size of the old Dallas Holocaust Museum.

The museum’s exhibitions, displayed in three main wings — the Holocaust/Shoah Wing, the Human Rights Wing and the Pivot to America Wing — include a floor-to-ceiling replica of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate from Hitler’s time, with German flags, the swastika and Nazi paraphernalia; and 10 artistic interpretations of modern genocides that each stand 18 feet tall.

A Dimensions in Testimony theater combines highdefinition recording, voice activation and holographic imagery to let visitors interact with genocide survivors.

There is also a 250-seat Cinemark Theater with a 50-foot wall-to-wall screen.

Visitors can explore the history of civil rights in America at immersive technology kiosks.

DALL ASHOLOCAUSTMUSEUM.ORG

Cheyenne, Wyoming March 22-24, 2020

selecttravelerconf.com

Call to Register Today: Courtesy DHHRM GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

800.628.0993

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INDUSTRY NEWS ARK ENCOUNTER EXPANDING ZOO, OPENING NEW FAMILY PL AY AREA WILLIAMSTOWN, Kentucky — As it nears its third anniversary in August, the Ark Encounter, which features a full size, 510-foot long replica of Noah’s Ark, continues to expand its offerings for visitors.

The Ararat Ridge Zoo behind the Ark is doubling in size, with a walk-through kangaroo and emu area, opening by this fall, along with the addition of lemurs, sloths, African tortoise, aoudad goats and live animal shows.

Among other new additions are a large family play area with rides designed for all ages and children of all abilities. The rides include Inclusive Whirl (with wheelchair access), Mantis Cable Way, Mega Tower with slides, Rainbow Maze, Percussion Play, Custom Racetrack and Climbing Hill with Whale.

A new 2,500-seat auditorium, which features

a 70-foot-long LED screen on stage, is hosting musicians and Bible conferences.

The Ark’s sister attraction in northern Kentucky, the Creation Museum in Petersburg, opened a new 4D theater last year and will unveil other new exhibits later this year.

W W W. A R K E NCOU N T ER .COM

ADDITIONS TO THE ARK ENCOUNTER INCLUDE AN EXPANDED ZOO AND RECREATION AREA. Courtesy Answers in Genesis

CHEROKEE A DV E N T U R E AWA I T S CHEROKEE NATION GROUP TOURS Immerse yourself in northeast Oklahoma where you will discover remarkable cultural attractions, including the new Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

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SEPTEMBER 2019

DISTINCTIVE RUBY CIT Y ART MUSEUM SET TO OPEN IN SAN ANTONIO SAN ANTONIO — Ruby City, the irregularly shaped, cantilevered, bright-red new home for the extensive contemporary art collection of the Linda Pace Foundation officially opens in mid-October.

Much of the collection of more than 900 paintings, sculptures, installations and video works is housed in three large second-story rooms designed to pay homage to different types of artists studios: a shed or barn studio, an industrial space subdivided for artists and a custom-built room.

British architect David Adjaye, who designed the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, designed the distinctive building.

The idea for the design came from a postdream drawing of a ruby city by the late artist, collector and philanthropist Linda Pace before

her death from cancer in 2007.

The exterior’s red-toned precast concrete panels, which were specially made in Mexico, are composed of an aggregate of glass and mica that shimmer in sunlight.

There also is an outdoor sculpture garden.

RU BYCI T Y.ORG

“MIRROR MIRROR” IS AMONG 900 PIECES OF ART AT THE NEW RUBY CITY MUSEUM.

BRITISH ARCHITECT DAVID ADJAYE

Courtesy Linda Pace Foundation

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

By Josh Huskin, courtesy Ruby City and Adjaye Associates

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CONFERENCE SCENE

STS MARKETING COLLEGE DRAWS 291 STUDENTS TO GEORGIA

RITA SUITER, FIVESTAR CUSTOMER SERVICE STRATEGIES, LLC

2019 THIRD-YEAR CLASS

B Y M AC L AC Y

DAHLONEGA, Georgia — Hundreds of tourism professionals have elevated their careers and credentials over the past 28 years through Marketing College, a program created and refined over that time by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS). This year’s program, held May 12-17, drew 291 students to the campus of the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega.

“The actual number for Marketing College graduates through this year is 1,232,” said Suzanne Moon, vice president of operations for STS and longtime organizer for the event.

Graduates earn the right to include the professional designation TMP, or Travel Marketing Professional, in their job titles.

The educational program attracts participants at various points in their careers.

“Our classes are much more age diverse than you might think,” said Moon. “We typically have people from about 25 to 60 in any given year.

We always have people in their 50s who see the

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STAFF MEMBERS, LEFT TO RIGHT: WENDY THOMAS, TONJA RAY-SMITH, SUZANNE MOON, MONICA SMITH. NOT SHOWN: VERONICA FRAZIER

value of this continuing education.”

Students attend a one-week summer term each year for three years. To graduate, they must also complete two tourism projects in their own communities. Typical projects for graduates over the years have included starting a local festival,

addressing a civic organization about the impact of tourism, writing a tourism article for local media and creating a downtown walking tour.

“I’m planning one presentation to my community on the historical experiences available in Chesapeake and another on tourism careers to local high school students taking a hospitality class,” said third-year student Toby Word of the Chesapeake, Virginia, CVB. “I’ve come back every year and done retreats for my local industry based on what I’ve learned,” said Nicole Kirksey of the Americus-Sumter Tourism Council in Georgia. “President Carter’s home is here, and I’ve learned that our tourism experience is not about taking a picture with the president.

It’s about inspiring kids to become a president.”

Students stay in one of the school’s dorms or in a nearby hotel, depending on their budgets.

Evening events frequently go off-site to places near Dahlonega. This summer’s session included an opening evening at Montaluce Winery and Estates and an evening meal and entertainment at Blue Mountain Vineyards, overlooking the north Georgia mountains. Dahlonega’s historic inn, the Smith House, is also a frequent site for Marketing College events. The Miles Partnership is an anchor supporter for the program.

“Our primary focus is marketing topics like social media, market research, destination branding, web-based marketing, things like that,” said Moon.

“This year we had 28 faculty members, and all were volunteers. Most faculty members have completed the program themselves and look at coming back to teach as a way to give back to the industry.”

“This is such a great program for career growth,” said Sondra Corbitt of the Houma Area CVB in Louisiana. “I began Marketing College as our bureau’s accounting manager.

During its three years, I’ve become assistant director and am now executive director.”

Next year’s STS Marketing College takes place May 10-15 in Dahlonega.

SOU THE AST T OU R ISM.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2019

y r o t S r ou

OUR BOARDWALK A world of entertaining and exciting experiences awaits in Atlantic City. Up and down our world-famous Boardwalk, and throughout your entire Atlantic City stay, you’ll experience the ultimate in tax-free shopping, award-winning dining for every taste, fun

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amusements and great local attractions.

Atlantic City offers the perfect setting to experience an exciting getaway and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Atlantic City Expert Heather Colache is available at 609-449-7151 or hcolache@meetac.com to make sure you enjoy Atlantic City as it was meant to be experienced. Call today to book your Atlantic City Experience.

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

TourAtlanticCity.com

CONFERENCE SCENE

CHEYENNE HOSTS A TAP DANCE WITH SPURS

TRAVEL ALLIANCE PARTNERS STAFFERS WELCOME DELEGATES TO TAP DANCE IN CHEYENNE. Courtesy Travel Alliance Partners

#1 Scenic Train Ride!

The train runs Memorial Day weekend to mid-October Departing Antonito, CO and Chama, NM daily at 10:00am Group Pricing Available ~ Group Friendy Facilities 1-877-890-2737 ~ www.cumbrestoltec.com/groups 14

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CHEYENNE, Wyoming — Travel Alliance Partners (TAP) held its annual TAP Dance conference June 9-13 at Cheyenne’s Little America Hotel and Resort. During this annual event, TAP member tour operators meet with representatives of destinations and attractions across the country to collaborate on new ideas for tours and travel experiences.

TAP is a tour consortium owned by its tour operator members. Each member develops and sells tour products that are available for other members to sell to their customers. There were 26 TAP tour companies in attendance at TAP Dance.

The industry delegation to the conference included representatives of 138 companies, including convention and visitors bureaus, state travel offices, hotels and attractions. In one of the most unusual aspects of TAP Dance, the industry delegation is broken up into “pods,” sets of four to seven people grouped together by geographic regions or other travel themes.

The pods meet with each tour operator individually in 25-minute appointment sessions, allowing for extended discussion and brainstorming. The appointments are spread over three days throughout the course of the conference. By the end, each tour operator has met with every industry representative in attendance.

In addition to the business appointments, TAP Dance featured numerous meal functions, as well as after-hours networking activities that showcased the scenic beauty and Western heritage of the Cheyenne area. The first full day of the conference ended with a high plains garden party at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens Grand Conservancy. The following evening’s event consisted of barbecue and a rodeo at a private ranch.

The final evening’s event was sponsored by the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau, which will host TAP Dance in 2020. Next year’s event will take place June 13-18 at Chateau on the Lake in Branson, Missouri.

W W W.TA PI N T OT R AV EL .COM

SEPTEMBER 2019

EXPERT

insigh t

ALI BREWER

N AT ION A L L AW ENF ORCEMEN T MU SEUM

BY B R I A N J E W E L L

P

eople who work in tourism often describe the industry as being “like a big family.” But for Ali Brewer, group sales manager at the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C., the sentiment is literal.

“My aunt is in the industry and works for ABA [the American Bus Association],” said Brewer, who earned a degree from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where she grew up. “While I was in college, she offered me an internship for their annual conference. I did that for two years.

When I got out, I kept the internship going because I loved the people.”

A few weeks before the internship ended, Brewer learned of a permanent position opening up at the association’s offices in Washington. It was an entry-level role, and Brewer went through all the normal steps: filling out an application, submitting a resume and sitting through several rounds of interviews. She got the job and found it as great as she had hoped.

“The people are just amazing,” she said. “I didn’t realize that the workforce could have such wonderful people. Everyone’s so amazing in tourism — I couldn’t imagine working in a different industry.”

Brewer spent eight years in Washington working for ABA and exploring neighborhoods like Old Town and the District Wharf. Eventually, though, she began looking for a chance to chart her own path forward.

“Leaving was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made because ABA is so wonderful to work for,” she said. “But I found this new museum getting ready to open. It was a startup, and I was interested in getting in on the ground floor. I had relationships with tour operators for eight years, so I was able to move those relationships into a supplier role.”

The museum opened last fall and has already welcomed nearly 500 groups.

Brewer said reservations for 2020 are looking strong as well.

“People are moving away from traditional museums,” she said. “The museum has a very open floor plan. It’s very hands-on; we have over 100 touch screens. You’re engaging with the exhibits instead of reading them.”

Brewer recently moved to Wisconsin to support her boyfriend, who is stationed there with the Air Force, but continues to work for the museum remotely. And that work takes her to many of her old stomping grounds,

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

SALES TIP FROM ALI “ Do what you say you’re goi ng to do.

Tr u st is a hu g e comp onent i n s a le s ,

a nd bu i ld i n g t h at t r u s t s t a r t s w it h

simply doing what you say you’re going to do.”

such as ABA’s annual convention.

She loved attending the event as a supplier instead of a staff member.

She has also come to appreciate the dedication of tourism professionals in a way she didn’t when she worked for the association.

“Appointments are exhausting,” she said. “You say the same thing over and over again. It wears me out. When I was at ABA, I used to talk to a lot of the newbies and give them tips, like ‘Wear comfortable shoes.’ But I didn’t realize how applicable that was to the appointment process. All the pointers I gathered over the years — I’m realizing that they actually work.”

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COLUMBUS & CLEVELAND FAM

TRAVEL PLANNERS ENJOY A BUTTERFLY RELEASE EXPERIENCE AT FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY IN COLUMBUS AS PART OF THE COLUMBUS TO CLEVELAND FAM.

Each experience was unique. It was a very nice variety of attractions for different groups.”

— ROSIE RUYAK,

SOLID GOLD TRAVELERS

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SEPTEMBER 2019

ON SITE IN COLUMBUS & CLEVELAND IN OHIO, A PAIR OF DYNAMIC CITIES WELCOME TOUR GROUPS WITH BOTH HISTORIC GRANDEUR AND CONTEMPORARY FLAIR.

That’s what 25 tour operators, travel agents and other readers of The Group Travel Leader discovered during a five-day familiarization tour from Columbus to Cleveland in July. Hosted by Experience Columbus and Destination Cleveland, the event began with two days exploring Columbus, a city brimming with innovation and energy. Next, the group traveled north to Cleveland, where they spent two days taking in the striking historic sites and contemporary cultural offerings of this lakefront destination.

During the trip, participants toured historic homes, visited world-class museums and enjoyed a number of memorable hands-on experiences. Along the way, they spent time with some of the tourism and hospitality professionals who work hard to help groups have memorable trips in Columbus and Cleveland.

Follow along on this itinerary to enjoy your own group adventure in Ohio’s dynamic city duo.

Day

1

All photos by Brian Jewell

• ARRIVAL IN COLUMBUS • COLUMBUS CITY ADVENTURES NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR • PIZZUTI COLLECTION — COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART • BREWDOG BREWERY • HANDS-ON DINNER AT FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY

Guests flew or drove to Columbus, Ohio’s capital city in the heart of the state. After gathering at the Drury Inn and Suites Columbus Convention Center, which served as home for the next two nights, the group departed on a neighborhood tour with Columbus City Adventures. The tour included stops at several unusual attractions.

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The Kelton House actor really brought the history of the house to life.”

— MELISSA MOATS, DESTINATION BY DESIGN

TAMMY BEENE TAKES NOTES ON A CITY TOUR

The tour ended at the Franklin Park Conservatory, one of Columbus’ most distinctive attractions. Here, the group explored the beautiful indoor gardens and art exhibits. They also enjoyed a hands-on culinary demonstration and dinner at the conservatory before returning to the hotel for the night.

COLUMBUS CITY ADVENTURES NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR Downtown Columbus comprises a variety of distinctive neighborhoods and cultural districts, and Columbus City Adventures provides step-on tours to highlight them for visitors. The FAM group’s neighborhood tour included a visit to the Columbus Museum of Art’s Pizzuti Collection in the Short North Arts District, as well as a tour of historic German Village and its St. Mary Catholic Church, which was built in 1868 and impressively restored after a lightning strike in 2016.

PIZZUTI COLLECTION

MAKING PASTA AT FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY

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FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY One of Columbus’ most-visited attractions, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features an indoor conservatory dating back to 1895. Visitors enjoyed tropical plants and an arid desert room inside the conservatory year-round accompanied by stunning displays of work by glass artist Dale Chihuly. After exploring the gardens and enjoying a butterfly release experience, the group convened in an event space and demonstration kitchen on-site, where the culinary team taught them to make pasta by hand.

SAMPLING AT BREWDOG BREWERY

SEPTEMBER 2019

Day

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• KELTON HOUSE MUSEUM AND GARDEN • NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM • LUNCH AT THE CANDLE LAB COLUMBUS CONVENTION DISTRICT • NORTH MARKET • OHIO STADIUM • OHIO HISTORY CENTER • TOUR AND DINNER AT WOLF’S RIDGE BREWING

THE GARDEN AT KELTON HOUSE MUSEUM

The second day of the FAM began with a visit to the Kelton House Museum and Garden, a historic home near downtown where groups hear a compelling story of bravery on the Underground Railroad.

After a brief stop at the nearby Topiary Park, there were more tales of bravery at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, one of Columbus’ newest and most impressive cultural institutions.

Next, the group had a make-your-own-candle experience at the Candle Lab in the Convention District, followed by a pizza lunch in the basement function room. After that, they headed across the street to North Market to explore dozens of vendors’ booths and sample coffee and treats. The tour proceeded to Ohio Stadium at Ohio State University, followed by a stop at the Ohio History Center. The group ended the evening at Wolf ’s Ridge Brewing for a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting experience, followed by a fantastic dinner.

KELTON HOUSE MUSEUM AND GARDEN Constructed in 1852, the Kelton House Museum and Garden displays the lifestyle of a wealthy Columbus family in the mid-19th century, complete with original furnishings. But this isn’t just an ordinary house tour. Groups get to meet Sophia Kelton, the matriarch of the family, and learn about her activity assisting slaves on the Underground Railroad through a moving interactive program.

A 19TH CENTURY PLACE SETTING AT THE KELTON HOUSE

NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM Opened last fall, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum is the only institution of its kind that tells the stories of American veterans, fallen soldiers and their families. The experience at this high-tech museum is built around the distinctive life stories of numerous veterans and uses a blend of artifacts and videos to help visitors learn about the military experience and appreciate the sacrifices all American servicemembers make.

CANDLE LAB With several locations in Columbus and the surrounding area, the Candle Lab has become a favorite for groups visiting central Ohio.

Visitors get to make their own candles by browsing more than 120 scents such as roses, lemongrass and cake batter. Then scent experts

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THE FAM GROUP AT COLUMBUS’ NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM

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help them pick a combination of their favorites and blend it into a soy candle they can take home. Guests finish the candle by creating their own name and handmade label.

OHIO STADIUM With capacity for 110,000 Buckeyes football fans, Ohio Stadium is an icon of Columbus’ Ohio State University. Groups can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, during which they can visit the music suite to learn about how the marching band prepares for games, climb to the top of the press box for birds-eye views of the playing field below and relax for a moment in the luxurious accommodations of the presidential suite.

THE CANDLE LAB

A WALL OF SCENTS AT THE CANDLE LAB

OHIO STADIUM

OHIO HISTORY CENTER Owned and operated by the state of Ohio, the Ohio History Center gives visitors a look at life in the Midwest over a variety of periods and through a variety of subjects. Among the most unusual exhibits is “1950s: Building the American Dream.” This area includes a complete prefabricated home created by the Lustron company, which was based in Columbusand outfitted with furniture and appliances from the 1950s.

OHIO HISTORY CENTER

WOLF’S RIDGE BREWING

A VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX

BREWERY TOUR

I really enjoyed the brewery tour and dinner and the Veterans Museum. I think they would be great to pair together.”

— CHARLEY TROGGIO, BREAKAWAY TOURS

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• COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM • DEPART FOR CLEVELAND • TOUR AND LUNCH AT CROP BISTRO • CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE AND MUSEUM • NAUTICA QUEEN DINNER AND SUNSET CRUISE

FEEDING A GIRAFFE AT THE COLUMBUS ZOO

The third day of the trip began with a stop at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where the group enjoyed breakfast and a number of up-close encounters with zoo animals. From there, the group departed on the two-hour drive north to Cleveland.

Upon arriving in Cleveland, guests were treated to a tour and lunch at Crop Bistro, which is one of many Cleveland businesses inside beautiful former bank buildings that were the hallmark of the prosperous city in the early 20th century. Next, the group stopped at the Christmas Story House and Museum to relive moments from the popular holiday film. After some time to rest and refresh at the Holiday Inn Express Cleveland downtown, which would be home for the next two nights, guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of cruising and dining aboard the Nautica Queen.

A COLUMBUS ZOO ANIMAL EXPERIENCE

COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM Famous as the home of “Jungle” Jack Hannah, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the premiere zoological institutions in the country. During the Wasafiri Adventure, groups enjoy breakfast in the zoo’s Africa exhibit area, followed by up-close encounters with adorable animals such as a jackass penguin, a swift fox and a baby clouded leopard. Visitors can also feed giraffes and explore the surrounding zoo exhibits.

CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE AND MUSEUM The 1983 movie “A Christmas Story” has become a staple of American holiday traditions, and groups visiting Cleveland can see the home where many of the scenes from the iconic movie were filmed. The house has been restored to look just as it did in the movie — complete with the signature leg lamp — and guests can re-create their favorite scenes. Also on-site is a museum with memorabilia and original artifacts from the movie.

NAUTICA QUEEN Setting sail from the Flats, Cleveland’s waterfront entertainment district, the Nautica Queen offers daytime and evening dining and sightseeing cruises on the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie for up to 330 people. During evening excursions, groups get a delicious buffet dinner, musical entertainment and spectacular views of the Cleveland skyline as they sail under historic bridges.

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THE CLASSIC LEG LAMP AT THE CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE AND MUSEUM

RE-CREATING A SCENE FROM “A CHRISTMAS STORY”

AN ENGAGING GUIDE AT THE BOOTH MUSEUM CRUISING ON THE NAUTICA QUEEN

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DESTINATION CLEVELAND’S WELCOMING COMMITTEE

Everything was great — I can’t pick a favorite part. And the Tall Ships Festival was a bonus!”

— FAITH CRANDLE SISTER TOURS

CLEVELAND’S CROP BISTRO

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• PLAYHOUSE SQUARE BACKSTAGE TOUR • CLEVELAND TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL • ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME • ARTS, ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURE CITY TOUR • DINNER AT HOUSE OF BLUES • BASEBALL GAME AND BROADWAY SHOW

The second day in Cleveland began with a tour of the remarkable Playhouse Square, one of the country’s largest and most historic theater districts. Next, the group visited the city’s Lake Erie shore to explore the historic sailing ships moored there for the Cleveland Tall Ships Festival. Next came lunch and an interactive tour at the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the lakefront.

Later, the group departed on a driving tour that highlighted some of the unique arts, architecture and cultural sites around Cleveland, with stops at University Circle to explore the Cleveland History Center and the Cleveland Museum of Art. For the evening, everyone had dinner at the House of Blues in the buzzing Fourth Street district. After dinner, some guests returned to Playhouse Square for a performance of the award-winning Broadway musical “Come From Away” while others went to Progressive Field for a Cleveland Indians baseball game.

PLAYHOUSE SQUARE With five fully restored historic theaters built between 1921 and 1922, Cleveland’s Playhouse Square is the world’s largest theater district outside New York City. During the Backstage Tour, groups get a behind-the-scenes look at various performance spaces at the complex, complete with fascinating stories about how each theater was spared from demolition in the 1970s and restored to its former glory. Today, more than 1,200 events take place at Playhouse Square annually.

AN ORNATE CEILING IN A PLAYHOUSE SQUARE THEATER

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ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME Perhaps Cleveland’s most iconic attraction, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame brings modern music history to life. Visitors begin with a walk through the permanent exhibits, which feature instruments, costumes and other memorabilia from some of the greatest figures in rock ’n’ roll.

The museum also includes a dynamic theater with a brand-new audio-

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Columbus group tours are designed to be as fun as they are intriguing.

Choose from a variety of guided tours and hands-on experiences, including

a visit to the newly opened National Veterans Memorial and Museum. For your group’s next memorable getaway, visit experiencecolumbus.com/tours.

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

CLEVELAND TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL

visual music presentation, as well as the Garage, a new experiential area where visitors can try their hands at playing and recording live music.

ARTS, ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURE CITY TOUR Cleveland is full of architectural highlights and cultural institutions, and groups can visit a number of them during a driving tour of the city. The FAM group took such a tour and enjoyed stops at University Circle, the city’s cultural campus, where group members rode a historic carousel at the Cleveland History Center and perused the beautiful classical and contemporary galleries at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

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EXPLORING A TALL SHIP

HEINEN’S GROCERY STORE

• COFFEE AT HEINEN’S GROCERY STORE • RETURN HOME

The final morning of the trip began with a pleasant walk to see various highlights of downtown Cleveland. Along the way, the group stopped at Heinen’s, a high-end grocery store, prepared food emporium and coffee shop based in Cleveland. The company’s flagship store is inside the historic Cleveland Trust Rotunda building, an example of the grand early-20th-century architecture that gives Cleveland its signature ambiance today.

After stocking up on coffee and snacks, the group said goodbye and departed Heinen’s. Participants began their journeys home and started planning their own group trips to discover the excitement of Columbus and Cleveland.

EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS

ROGER DUDLEY 614-222-6136 RDUDLEY@EXPERIENCECOLUMBUS.COM EXPERIENCECOLUMBUS.COM

DESTINATION CLEVELAND

JANE TOUGOUMA 216.875.6607 JTOUGOUMA@DESTINATIONCLE.ORG THISISCLEVELAND.COM

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WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

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GROUPS OFTEN HAVE THE SAME RESPONSE TO CLEVELAND. They come back.

Join in at ThisisCLEveland.com | #This isCLE Contact Cleveland’s Group Tour Team:

Jane Tougouma, CTIS, CTSP | Tel: 216.875.6607 | Email: jtougouma@destinationcle.org

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C O L L A B O R AT I V E B Y RO B I N RO E N K E R

Courtesy Museum of Arts and Design

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here’s an alchemy to art: Finished pieces are a blend of inspiration, meaning and form. But seeing art in action is often even more profound. When you watch artists at work — whether on canvas, at a potter’s wheel or in a forge — it’s like getting a rare glimpse into their creative sparks.

Here are seven spots across the country where your group can enjoy the beauty of original art and interact with artisans while they work.

ARTS EXPERIENCES, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN IN NEW YORK; SANTA FE STUDIO EXPERIENCE; LOUISVILLE’S STONEWARE & CO

Courtesy Stoneware & Co.

Courtesy Santa Fe Studio Experience 365

A R T E X P E R I E N C E S E N E R G I Z E T H E S E D E S T I N AT I O N S ASHEVILLE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT Asheville, North Carolina Scattered along a one-mile stretch of the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina, the River Arts District is home to more than 200 artists working within roughly 25 studio buildings, all of them happy to open their doors and interact with visitors while they create.

“One of the reasons I chose to move here from New York City was that it was one of the friendliest artist communities that I had ever visited,” said Nadine Charlsen, a watercolor artist and the River Arts District’s current president.

While exploring the area, you’ll find artists of all types, from painters and ceramicists to jewelrymakers and metal workers, with many offering open studios daily roughly between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Guidebooks available throughout the district offer exact studio times and color-coded maps to ease your navigation of the area, which will be enhanced by a fully completed French Broad River Greenway walking trail next year, Charlsen said.

While in the city, consider also stopping by Lexington Glassworks to see glassblowers at work or to visit Village Potters, where groups can schedule a Get Your Hands Dirty workshop to create their own pottery.

R I V ER A RT SDIST R IC T.COM

SEATTLE GLASSBLOWING STUDIO Seattle A visit to the Emerald City wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of its many glassblowing studios.

“Seattle is the epicenter for glassblowing in North America,” said Sarah Tollefson, office manager at the Seattle Glassblowing Studio, where guests can watch professional glass artists at work daily. “There are more glass artists and glass studios here than anywhere else on the continent.”

Seattle Glassblowing features both an art gallery and a hot shop, so you’ll get a chance to see both finished and in-process pieces there. The art gallery showcases work from more than 80 glass artists, from sculptures and vases to jewelry and wall art, including many pieces made on-site.

Small groups can take self-guided tours whenever the studio is open. Prearranged, guided tours are recom-

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mended for groups of 10 or more. On the second Friday of each month, groups of up to 18 can schedule a threehour workshop to make their own glass masterpieces.

SE AT T L EGL ASSBLOW I NG.COM

MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN New York In Manhattan’s Columbus Circle, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) boasts four floors of exhibit space featuring art and objects that epitomize innovative craft and design. But what sets MAD apart from other museums is the opportunity to interact with artists while they create.

“We’re the only museum in New York that has artists at work in the studios every day that the museum is open,” said Marissa Passi, manager of MAD’s Artist Studios and Docent Programs.

Since 2008, MAD’s Artist Studios program has helped provide studio space and financial support to more than 170 artists, many of them multimedia artists who have gone on to esteemed careers. On any given day, visitors can expect to see at least one and sometimes two of MAD’s six daily-resident artists working in studio, and the rotation of artists changes every six months. Guided group tours are available.

“Often when you go to a museum gallery and you look at a piece, you think, ‘I really wish I could ask the artist what they were thinking when they made that, or how they made this,’” Passi said. “Here, you get to have that chance.”

M A DMUSEU M.ORG

SANTA FE STUDIO EXPERIENCE 365 Santa Fe, New Mexico An offshoot of the popular once-yearly Santa Fe Studio Tour — formerly in June but moving to October in 2020 — the Santa Fe Studio Experience 365 (SFSE365) is a new initiative, launched in May, that offers year-round studio access to Santa Fe’s active artist community. Already, there are nearly 20 artists involved, representing an array of media, from paper collage, jewelry and ceramics to mixed media, painting, photography and sculpture. Artists set their own openstudio hours, which are posted on the SFSE365 website.

“A lot of times, people want to see the artists at work, doing what they do,” said Sara Miller, a painter and

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mixed-media artist who helped launch the SFSE365 initiative. “They want to see what their studios look like and how they do their work. We understand that now, more than ever, people don’t just want to go look at things, they want to experience things.”

SFSE 365.COM

MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWELRY DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING Harrisonburg, Virginia In Harrisonburg, Virginia, visitors to the Museum of American Jewelry Design and Manufacturing can experience the time-honored craft of jewelry-making.

At the museum, which operates as a working factory, artisans create vintage-inspired rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings and more using authentic materials and historic processes. Operated by jewelry craftsman Hugo Kohl, the factory, filled with equipment dating to the 19th and early 20th centuries, can accommodate groups of up to 10 at a time.

“What we have here are bits and pieces [of equipment] from many of America’s early Industrial Age jewelry factories,” Kohl said. “All of our machines still work and are still in use, and guests are allowed to walk through and see things being made.”

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SEATTLE GLASSBLOWING STUDIO

MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWELRY DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING

Courtesy Seattle Glassblowing Studio

Courtesy HugoKohl.com

Both self-guided and guided tours are available, and visitors can purchase finished pieces at the museum’s adjacent boutique or online.

J EW EL RY MUSEU M.ORG

MEETING A PAINTER IN ASHEVILLE

STONEWARE AND CO. Louisville, Kentucky Since 1815, Stoneware and Co., formerly known as Louisville Stoneware, has been producing handcrafted stoneware pottery that perfectly balances beauty, form and function.

“We are the last standing great American stoneware factory,” said owner Steve Smith.

Now undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, Stoneware and Co. will launch a new retail space, museum, cafe and factory tour next January at its Louisville location. “The tour takes everyone

SEPTEMBER 2019

Courtesy Metal Museum

EXPLORING THE METAL MUSEUM

through all the steps of creating our pieces, from raw clay through slip casting to glazing in the art department, and then firing,” Smith said.

Tour visitors can see artisans at work crafting plates, mugs, bowls and more, and also touch the clay in its various states. Factory tours are available weekdays or by appointment for groups. Following the tour, visitors can opt to create their own pieces through the factory’s Paint Your Own Pottery experience. After firing, finished stoneware pieces are delivered to your door in under two weeks.

“During the weekend demonstrations, our artists typically work on simple tools or housewares that don’t take a whole lot of time to complete,” Ward said.

“So they’re able to explain the process of what they’re doing, explaining the difference between forging and casting, and more.”

The museum also features a retail store, which showcases metal pieces created by artists from across the country, as well as art created on-site.

ME TA L MUSEU M.ORG

Courtesy ExploreAsheville.com

ST ON EWA R E A N DCO.COM

METAL MUSEUM Memphis, Tennessee In Memphis, the Metal Museum is the “only museum in the country dedicated to the art and craft of fine metalwork,” said Kim Ward, the museum’s marketing manager. In addition to an outdoor sculpture garden and an indoor gallery space, the museum also has a working foundry where visitors can see metal artists at work on commissioned pieces. Though guests are free to observe the artists creating their professional pieces whenever the museum is open, for a more interactive experience, it’s best to visit on weekends, when the museum offers structured metalworking demonstrations.

GROUNDS OF THE METAL MUSEUM IN MEMPHIS

Courtesy Metal Museum

Louisiana Cuisine | Premier Tours | Outdoor Adventures

Enjoy southern hospitality just a beat from

New Orleans;

experience Jefferson Parish. Enjoy festivals year-round, historic districts, shopping and value priced accommodations. Catch the adventure on our swamp and bayou tours, then savor classic Cajun cuisine.

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PENNSYLVANIA

STATE SPOTLIGHT

WA R N E R T H E AT R E L AC K AWA N N A COAL MINE TOUR

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mer — a good time for a nap or

a visit to the pool. But here at the

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t’s a hot, humid afternoon in sum-

R AILROADERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM

H A R D Y FA M I LY AR T COLLEC TION

BARNE S F O U N D AT I O N

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Railroaders Memorial Museum, a crackerjack historical institution

in Altoona, Pennsylvania, there’s a good-sized

crowd, including a passel of folks who might have stepped off a motorcoach. Smiles on their faces,

they’re wandering among interactive exhibits

celebrating the people who kept America on track and rolling full steam ahead.

The museum is impressive, but it’s just one

of the cultural jewels that glimmers within the Keystone State.

Along with the Railroaders Memorial

Museum, Pennsylvania offers stellar attractions, like the Hardy Family Art Collection, where

groups can tour a magnificent collection of paint-

ings, sculptures and the like, and the Warner Theatre, which presents top-notch performances

of Broadway hits, ballet classics and more. The I

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Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour gives groups the

opportunity to learn about the process of pulling coal from the ground where it formed, and

the Barnes Foundation is home to a legendary assemblage of works from 19th-century French masters. All are sure to educate and entertain group travelers in equal measure.

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Courtesy Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

HARDY FAMILY ART COLLECTION The 900-piece Hardy Family Art Collection is located throughout the grounds and buildings of the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, which is tucked in the spectacular Laurel Highlands not far from Pittsburgh. Amassed over the past four decades by the property’s founder, Joseph Hardy III, and his family, it’s an expansive gathering of great art with something to please every group member.

“We have an incredibly eclectic collection,” said Nemacolin Art and Gallery director Amanda Haymans Shane, “ranging from the ever-popular Tiffany lamps like the Wisteria pattern, fan favorite Dustin Yellin’s sculpture from the series ‘Psychogeography,’ popular pieces like ‘Little Bird’ by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, lithograph prints like ‘Jane Avril Before the Addition of Jardin de Paris’ by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a wonderful set of the John James Audubon ‘Birds of America’ books, and our hidden gem, an Alexander Calder mobile, ‘La Lune at la Fesses.’”

Groups can arrange 60-minute Curator’s Tours of the resort’s art collection.

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Courtesy Visit Erie

WARNER THEATRE Built beginning in 1929 on behalf of Hollywood’s legendary producers the Warner Bros., Erie’s 2,250-seat Warner Theatre presents 150 events annually. But that’s not all that makes it a must-visit for groups, said Patrick Fisher, Erie Arts and Culture’s executive director. “Driving down State Street, you cannot help but be impressed by the Warner’s external marquee, which positions it as a downtown landmark. But that doesn’t truly prepare you for the experience you’re about to receive once you step foot through the doors: Art Deco and French Renaissance architecture, crushed velour, gold and silver leaf, and other grand designs make it one of the great theaters in America to enjoy a live event.”

Home to group-pleasing performing arts companies like the Erie Philharmonic and the Lake Erie Ballet, the Warner also hosts the Erie Broadway Series, as well as lectures, concerts and more.

Discounts for groups are often available, and tours of the venue can be scheduled, depending on the theater’s event calendar.

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Courtesy Lackawanna Co. VB

LACKAWANNA COAL MINE TOUR Opened in 1860, Slope 190 produced anthracite for more than a century. After shuttering in 1966, the mine sat dormant for 20-odd years before it was renovated and reopened as one of the Scranton area’s premiere attractions. Nowadays, retired miners escort groups 300 feet beneath the earth’s surface on slow-traveling mine cars, before guiding them through three veins of coal, along tunnels and gangways, all the while explaining the ins and outs of the dramatic, often dangerous business of deep mining.

The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour provides group members thrills and chills — the year-round temperature of the mine is 53 degrees — as it details the day-to-day realities of mining. With reservations, groups of 20 or more get reduced rates. Souvenir packages and box lunches are also available upon request. The mine is open April through November.

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Courtesy Railroaders Memorial Museum

RAILROADERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM AND HORSESHOE CURVE Altoona was once home to the biggest railroad shop complex in the world, and the nearby Horseshoe Curve, a 2,375-foot section of locomotive track famed for its extreme curvature, was so important to industrial transport that it was targeted by Germany for destruction during World War II. The Railroaders Memorial Museum, which operates the National Historical Landmark Horseshoe Curve, celebrates this proud heritage with three floors of engaging exhibits groups will enjoy, as well as a nifty roundhouse where the museum displays its train collection.

Whether groups include rail fans or history buffs, “these two Blair County sites are ideal for group travel, as the museum portrays not only the importance of railroad’s role in westward expansion but, more specifically, how crucial Altoona’s development at the base of the Allegheny Mountains built the very strength of this mode of transportation,” said Altoona Mayor Matt Pacifico. “And the Horseshoe Curve itself is an engineering marvel that must be seen to absorb its magnitude in this development.”

Both attractions offer reduced rates for groups with a prescheduled tour.

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By R. Kennedy, courtesy Visit Philadelphia

BARNES FOUNDATION Rocky may have made the Philadelphia Museum of Art famous when he ran up its steps, but the city offers another visual art institution just as notable: the Barnes Foundation. Between 1912 and 1951, Albert Barnes put together one of the globe’s finest collections of European impressionist, postimpressionist and early modernist works, including a breathtaking array of paintings by Matisse, Renoir, Cézanne and Picasso.

But what elevates the Barnes into a unique museum is how the pieces are grouped. It’s not by style or media, or who produced them, or even when they were created, but by certain aesthetics Barnes wished to manifest, with an eye toward changing how people see art. It’s a challenging, fascinating way for groups to view masterworks from some of history’s greatest artists.

A wide range of group tours are available, including docent-led tours when the museum is closed to the public.

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S TA R T YOUR

Engines

Photos courtesy IN Office of Tourism Dev. unless otherwise noted

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TH ESE INDI AN A D E S T I N AT I O N S BRING GROUPS OUT OF THEIR SEATS

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ndiana is the neighbor you always wanted.

Known for its “Hoosier hospitality,” the state is often portrayed in movies and pop culture as quintessential America. This depiction comes from the hard-working, kind-hearted citizens who give the state its wholesome image.

Throughout the state, farm towns line the highways and open their doors to travelers. Elkhart County features several authentic ways to interact with the Amish community, and Dearborn County is known for creative, hands-on group activities that pack a lot of personality into a tour.

In its cities, Indiana offers high-caliber urban attractions. World-class museums, sports attractions and art experiences can easily fill an itinerary in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. For a historical look at the state, try Harrison County, Indiana’s original capital, which continues to preserve its past for interested visitors.

With so many accessible and engaging options, groups will love cozying up to the Hoosier State.

INDIANAPOLIS IS THE THRIVING CAPITAL OF INDIANA, A STATE WITH BIG-CITY ENERGY AND SMALL-TOWN CHARM.

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ELKHART C OUNT Y Bursts of color welcome groups to Elkhart County along the Quilt Garden Trail. Each spring, blocks of more than 150,000 flowers are woven together to mimic gorgeous Amish quilt patterns throughout the county.

The Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau can incorporate the lovely gardens into a group experience. For example, local celebrity chefs can lead culinary programs for groups that feature edible plants from the area’s quilt gardens.

The county also draws many groups because of its large Amish population. The county’s Amish homes and businesses invite groups inside for conversation and behind-the-scenes information.

Groups can choose in-home Amish meals, basketmaking demonstrations or tours of an Amish coffin workshop, among other face-to-face experiences.

BY E L I ZA M Y E R S

Step-on guides help groups navigate the county’s picturesque country roads, Amish stores and local cuisine on a Backroads Experiences tour. On the popular Brown Bag Tour, participants stop at numerous local shops and receive a souvenir or treat at each one.

Groups can enjoy a night of musical theater at the Blue Gate Restaurant and Theatre in Shipshewana. The 1,000-seat restaurant serves traditional Amish and homestyle-meals. The theater also hosts concerts and family entertainment.

Amish Acres Historic Farm and Heritage Resort remains another must-see for most groups.

The 19th-century farmstead reveals the history and traditions of the Amish people for a comprehensive look at the culture. The site also has a theater and a restaurant.

Another popular dining establishment, Das Dutchman Essenhaus, is one of Indiana’s largest restaurants. Surrounding the restaurant, five former farm buildings feature shops that also sellfruitcake, home-style noodles, local jam and other area favorites. Groups can stay in the property’s comfortable accommodations or catch a show at the Heritage Hall.

HARRISON C OUNT Y The summer sun of 1816 beat down upon the Indiana delegates seeking to pass a new state constitution that would make Corydon the state capital.

Working in an unfinished log cabin, the delegates sought refuge from the heat under a giant elm tree, later named the Constitution Elm. The constitution passed, making Corydon the capital of Indiana until 1825, when delegates moved it to Indianapolis.

Groups can learn about this fascinating time in Harrison County’s history at the Corydon State Historic Site. Tours venture to various historic government buildings, with a stop at a portion of the Constitution Elm preserved in a sandstone memorial.

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INDIANA CAVERNS

AN AMISH BUGGY IN ELKHART COUNTY Courtesy ECCVB

CORYDON STATE HISTORIC SITE

Visitors will find more intriguing history at the Battle of Corydon Memorial Park, the location of Indiana’s only battlefield. A log cabin and historic monuments tell the story of the Civil War battle that took place there.

Groups can also tour the Leora Brown School, one of the nation’s oldest remaining African American schoolhouses. Step-on guides arranged through the Harrison County CVB can tell the tall tales of the area, with stops in downtown Corydon to view the charming town and shop at eclectic local vendors that sell crafts and antiques.

At the Zimmerman Art Glass Factory, groups can watch as skilled crafters transform molten glass into beautiful works of art. Kerry Zimmerman continues the three-generation family tradition by making glass items by hand. After the demonstration, groups can browse the gallery and shop for pieces of art such as paperweights, fruit and holiday ornaments.

Underground, visitors can discover a new side of Harrison County. Indiana Caverns offers subterranean boat rides, a walking tour and gemstone mining. Those looking for a thrill can ride the Zip Coaster, a ride that combines a zip line with a free-falling roller coaster.

For a more relaxing experience, groups can visit one

One Destination, Unlmited Memories in Historic Corydon & Harrison County

888-738-2137 thisisindiana.org 36

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of Harrison County’s three wineries. The Best Vineyards Winery and Distillery, the Indian Creek Winery and the Turtle Run Winery invite visitors for tastings, tours and scenery within a 30-minute drive of one another.

INDIANAPOLIS The roar of highly tuned race car engines echoes across the Indianapolis Speedway during the Indianapolis 500. One of the largest single-day sporting events on the planet, the race draws over 300,000 fans. Held Memorial Day weekend, the event draws travelers from all over the world who love the fast-paced fun, prerace traditions and postrace celebrations.

Whether groups visit during a race weekend or not, they’ll find plenty of noteworthy cultural attractions in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Museum of Art displays an extensive collection of American impressionist paintings, ancient Greek pottery and works by Rembrandt, El Greco and Caravaggio. Outside, the wonders continue in the 100-acre Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park. Huge interactive sculptures stand throughout the park.

Opened in 2011, the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library honors the Indiana native’s life and writings. Inside, guests can see the writer’s typewriter, a replica of his writing studio and an art gallery with works from local artists.

Gondoliers singing in Italian might seem out of place in America’s heartland. But they row along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The eight miles of trail features public art and landscaping and connects six cultural districts. It’s a great way for groups to explore the city.

Youth groups love the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, one of the biggest children’s museums in the world. The learning experience also attracts older groups, with 120,000 wide-ranging artifacts that include such items as retro Barbies and Samurai suits of armor. The Sports Legends Experience allows guests to interact with exhibits on mini golf and car races.

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

INDIANAPOLIS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

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Tour

SOUTHEAST INDIANA

Celebrate the Season!

Christmas crumpets & evergreen boughs will get you in the holiday spirit!

Wreath or Centerpiece Projects

Holiday Tea at Hillforest Mansion

Aurora and Lawrenceburg

OHIO

Indianapolis

INDIANA

1

Cincinnati

KENTUCKY

Louisville

Lexington

South of I-74 & west of I-275, 20 minutes west of Cincinnati

www.TOURSoutheastIndiana.com 800-322-8198

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DEARBORN C OUNT Y Travelers can come home boasting about their painted silk scarf, suet feeder, Victorian ornament and other handmade items after a trip to Dearborn County. The Dearborn County CVB can help group leaders incorporate experiential activities into their Indiana itineraries.

One popular stop for many groups in the southeastern Indiana county is Casey’s Outdoor Solutions.

The landscape store offers several do-it-yourself classes, such as making seed-filled suet feeders to attract wild birds, creating Indian corn wreaths and cooking with herbs. Activities also include a tour of the property’s 1850s log cabin and garden center.

Groups can also try other garden-themed activities at the nearby McCabe’s Greenhouse and Floral. More than 15 hands-on classes give guests a plethora of take-home options, including the Plant a Pollinator Pot experience. Greenhouse tours and samples of homemade gourmet fudge also add to the entertainment.

Though many cities offer art-themed attractions, few offer the variety of added group experiences offered by the SIAG Gallery and Studios. After seeing fine art, photography, wood crafts and sculptures from local artists, the visitors have a chance to tap into their own creativity. Led by one of the guild’s resident artists, participants can try several projects, including finger painting, decorating a gourd birdhouse and painting a silk scarf.

Even traditional attractions can come with a twist in Dearborn County. The Hillforest Victorian House Museum features 1855 Italian Renaissance architecture. Tours showcase the interesting history of past inhabitants while pointing out various 1800s furnishings. Groups can pair the tour with a hands-on activity, such as creating a Victorian ornament during the holidays.

FORT WAY NE At the confluence of the St. Mary’s, St. Joseph and Maumee rivers sits Indiana’s second-largest city: Fort Wayne. Visitors can take in the scenery at a riverfront park and enjoy strolling through the downtown district.

Known as the City of Restaurants, Fort Wayne delivers on its nickname with delicious local bites around every corner. Groups can choose from several museums to tour, including the FoellingerFreimann Botanical Conservatory, where three glass-enclosed gardens feature different themes. The showcase garden changes quarterly, with a butterfly exhibit in the spring. The other two gardens display a tropical garden with a two-story waterfall and a desert garden.

The Fort Wayne Museum of Art showcases American art with a regional gallery of works from artists living in Indiana and surrounding states. Groups can tour the museum, wander through the outdoor sculpture garden, dine at the cafe and try a hands-on learning experience.

Other well-known attractions include the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, the Fort Wayne Science Central and the Fort Wayne History Center.

Many groups time their visits to coincide with the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale. The April event sells nearly 700,000 pieces of Vera Bradley merchandise at 40-60% off the retail price. Handbags, luggage and blankets sell quickly. VIP tickets are required for the first two days of the sale.

Another lively time to visit is in September during the Johnny Appleseed Festival. The event pays homage to John Chapman, who famously planted apple trees across the country. Groups can sample goodies from the 1800s, such as traditionally made apple turnovers.

Primitive crafts and historic interpreters also shed light on the region’s past. Throughout the year, the Historic Old Fort retells Johnny Appleseed’s story and honors the final resting place of the folk hero.

FORT WAYNE’S FOELLINGER–FREIMANN BOTANICAL CONSERVATORY

VISITINDIANA.COM

SEPTEMBER 2019

CUSTOM CONTENT

A FLOWERY

FLOURISH

17 QUILT GARDENS SOW COLOR THROUGHOUT AMISH COUNTRY

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

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ou don’t have to quilt or garden to appreciate Amish Country’s Quilt Gardens, 17 well-tended flower gardens that replicate colorful quilt patterns, scattered about Elkhart County in northern Indiana.

“This is the only place in the nation where they exist,” said Sonya Nash, director of group and experiential sales and marketing for the Elkhart County CVB. From Memorial Day until mid-September, and often longer depending on the weather, the quilt gardens and their 1 million blooms are free attractions that delight those who travel the county’s 90-mile scenic Heritage Trail.

Elkhart County is known for agriculture and Amish artisans, so the quilting/gardening combo is a natural. “We have a lot of quilting, and we like farming and gardening,” said Nash.

The number and locations of gardens fluctuate each year although some participate every year. In areas with no green space for gardens, artists have painted quilt murals, 22 of them in all.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS TEND GARDENS

Most gardens are sponsored and cared for by attractions or businesses that also welcome groups. Among them are Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury, Indiana’s largest restaurant, famous for fried chicken and pies; Coppes Commons in Nappanee, where a former factory that made kitchens for John F. Kennedy and Frank Sinatra now houses an ice cream shop, bakery, booksell-

er and other shops; and the Elkhart County Courthouse in Goshen, a small town packed with art, entertainment and local shops.

“From the garden near Das Essenhaus, you can smell the fried chicken and even if it is 10 in the morning, I feel like I have to go get fried chicken,” said Nash.

The quilt gardens were conceived 12 years ago as a way to grow tourism, especially visitation to smaller, lesser-known communities.

“Our goal was to connect each of the six towns and encourage visitors to travel the Heritage Trail,” said Nash.

It seems to work. For example, in Elkhart, admissions double at Ruthmere when the historic house museum’s quilt garden is in bloom. Visitors flock to Shipshewana each June for a quilt festival the town launched a few years ago. (It will be June 19-22 this year.)

PIECING TOGETHER ITINERARIES

Like quilts, there are endless ways to design an itinerary that includes quilting and gardening: A lunchtime garden party, an Amish quilting bee with a family-style meal or a class led by an Amish-Mennonite duo who teach participants how to make wooden quilt blocks.

“Quilting is thriving and a lot of people travel for their passion,” said Nash. “They buy fabrics, see what other quilt artists have made. The Amish are known as quilters and their stores and historic quilt patterns are a mainstay of their culture.”

A stop or two at the cheery gardens is a

thrill for many group travelers.

“They can see one garden or all 17, or pick several to visit,” said Nash. “Many traditional tour operators use one or two stops to brighten up an itinerary.”

For those who want a more extensive program, quilt garden ambassadors are available for meet and greets. Master gardeners can step-on to talk about the varied gardens, the annuals chosen and maintenance of the colorful floral displays.

Speakers often point out the commitment and hard work – planting, weeding, replacing failed plants mid-season — the gardens require. “Groups like to hear about the work people have done to bring something to life,” said Nash.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.QuiltGardens.com www.AmishCountryTours.org 574-262-8161 sonya@amishcountry.org

LIFT SPIRITS your

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Photos courtesy Lafayette Travel unless otherwise noted MUSICIANS PERFORM AT VERMILIONVILLE, A LAFAYETTE LIVING HISTORY SITE DEDICATED TO CAJUN CULTURE.

L A FAYE T T E IS WHERE GROUP S GO TO GE T H A PPY

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t’s nearly impossible to visit Lafayette, Louisiana, and not be happy. And I mean happy, happy, happy. A 2014 study from Harvard, no less, calculated that Lafayette was the happiest city in the U.S. Lafayette is the heart and soul of Louisiana’s region known formally as Acadiana but more broadly labeled Cajun Country. The city exudes a joie de vivre that is palpable, and that joy of living spills out in music, food and festivals that are tinged with a special cultural heritage that dates from the 1600s in coastal Canada.

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You probably know the basic story. Early French colonists in the Canadian maritime provinces, Acadia, became unwelcome in their new homes when the British took over Canada in the early 1700s. The British solution to the French-speaking Catholics on their new turf was wholesale expulsion.

The Acadians were deposited along the Eastern Seaboard and even in the West Indies. Louisiana, with its own French Catholic heritage, became a subsequent destination, and the Acadians found space there, particularly west of New Orleans, where they farmed, trapped, fished and maintained their identity, although “Acadian” became “Cajun” along the way.

The Cajun region remained largely isolated from much of the evolving American culture for many decades. World War I, which took Cajun doughboys out of the bayous, was seen as the first wholesale opening of the French-speaking, fun-loving, close-to-the-land culture.

The distinctiveness of Cajun country remains vibrant, and Lafayette, population 128,000, is the hub city for an area dotted with many small communities.

SEPTEMBER 2019

CANOEING IN VERMILIONVILLE

FESTIVE ENVIRONMENT Lafayette rocks during two annual cultural festivals. Autumn fun is at Festivals Acadiens et Creoles, October 10-13, with two musical stages, the Bayou Food Festival, art shows, craft displays and a “fais do do,” or dance. The fest’s authenticity is proven at its opening ceremony, not a ribboncutting but rather, a boudin-cutting. Boudin is the ultimate Cajun snack food, a slightly spicy sausagelike treat with multiple recipes that generate ongoing debates about which is best.

“This is when you can experience all aspects of our culture,” said Ben Berthelot, executive director of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau, noting that festival activity is in the heart of the city at Girard Park next to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. The university, by the way, has a swamp right on campus, which allows you to see alligators and other critters without leaving the city.

The Festival International de Louisiane is an even bigger blast every spring; in 2020, it will be held April 22-16. Organizers call it “the largest international music and arts festival in the United States, with a special emphasis on the connection between Acadiana and the Francophone world.”

Annual attendance is more than 300,000, and musical artists come from more than 20 countries.

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

A VERMILIONVILLE GREETER

By Tom Adkinson

A ZYDECO PERFORMER AT LAFAYETTE’S FESTIVALS ACADIENS ET CRÉOLES FESTIVALS ACADIENS ET CRÉOLES

LAKE MARTIN

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

C A J U N D E M O N S T R AT I O N Though the two festivals are short-term targets for cultural immersion, there’s a year-round — and quieter — way to get a Cajun baptism. That’s at a living-history attraction called Vermilionville. It’s a representation of a village from 1765 to 1890 that features 19 restored and reproduced buildings. Real people bring it to life.

Stroll around, and you’ll meet Cajun accordion player Jules Guidry, weaver and spinner Brenda LaLonde, woodcarver Cliff Mire, fiddle player D’Jalma Garnier and many others who know the folkways and folktales of the region.

Be sure to patronize La Cuisine de Maman, or Mama’s Kitchen, a restaurant where excellent gumbo competes for attention with chicken and sausage jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, shrimp etouffee and other temptations.

Seating is in the restaurant’s main room or on a glass-enclosed porch that overlooks Bayou Vermilion. If you time it right, you’ll see a traditionally built bateau glide by with passengers out to explore Bayou Vermilion. A Vermilionville restoration specialist built the boat.

Saturdays are especially known for music because of a free Cajun jam session that Vermilionville and the Cajun French Music Association organize.

Fiddle and accordion are guaranteed, and as the literature says, there are “no amps, no filter, just pure Cajun music from the heart.”

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TA S T E S A N D T U N E S ZYDECO PERFORMERS IN LAFAYETTE

Courtesy Martin Accordions/Red Room Advertising

By Tom Adkinson

Music and food are basic ingredients in virtually every Cajun recipe for fun. Restaurants such as Prejean’s, where a 14-foot-long alligator named Big Al rules in the middle of the dining room, and Randol’s have great reputations for boiled crawfish, crawfish etouffee, gumbo and wild game dishes and for live Cajun bands and dance floors where you can work off some calories.

The club entertainment scene in Lafayette is substantial, too, and the Blue Moon Saloon is a prime example. Music, cold beer and dancing are a nightly mix.

“Live music is everywhere in Lafayette,” the CVB’s Berthelot said. “I could hear a different band every night of the week if I had the energy.”

Another peek into the music scene can be had at Martin’s Accordions. Delve only slightly into the region’s musical heritage, and you’ll learn distinctions between pure Cajun music and zydeco music. Cajun music emphasizes fiddles and t-fers, or triangles; zydeco rocks with accordions and the vest frottoir, an over-the-front percussion instrument that resembles an old-fashioned washboard.

Martin’s has been making beautifully decorated accordions for more than 30 years, and group tours are available.

O F F TH E E AT I N P R E D AT H N A W

The journey to an unforgettable dining experience begins when you venture a

authentic Cajun communities. Your groups can discover generations of unique

events on the Cajun Bayou Food Trail, just 45 minutes south of New Orleans.

lacajunbayou.com/foodtrail 42

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A CLASSIC CAJUN SPREAD

SEPTEMBER 2019

C U L I N A R Y E X P L O R AT I O N All visits to Lafayette circle back to food, and Marie Ducote-Comeaux can be your guide. Her Cajun Food Tours business was a hit from its start in 2012. In a previous life, she was a history teacher, but she left the classroom, bought a bus and began showcasing Acadiana’s down-home food scene.

She makes sure you get a taste of Cajun history along with boudin, alligator, gumbo, cracklins, fried seafood and, maybe, Cajun bread pudding, too. Let’s just say she’s a concierge for the region’s culture and restaurants alike. A tour visits five restaurants: places such as Don’s Seafood, Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn, Poupart’s Bakery, Johnson’s Boucaniere and T-Coon’s, where Monday’s plate lunch special is smothered rabbit.

“A tour, and you get to eat too? How cool is that!” she said, laughingly explaining the core of her business model. “Don’t eat before you come, and wear your stretchy pants.”

A few hours with Ducote-Comeaux verifies that Lafayette is one happy place. And she can prove that by teaching you how the locals pronounce Lafayette.

Say “LAUGH-ah-ette,” and you’ll fit right in.

AN ETOUFFEE DINNER IN LAFAYETTE

WWW.LAFAYETTETRAVEL.COM

S T A Y L A F AY E T T E 800 346 1958

Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country, an area known for its award winning cuisine served with a side of live Cajun and Zydeco music. It’s no wonder people are heading down south with a smile on their face to experience a culture like no other.

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Plan your escape to the Happiest City in America.

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LafayetteTravel.com/Groups

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CINEMATIC APPEAL THESE CITIES H AV E TOURS FOR MOV IE BUFFS

BY R E B E C CA T R E O N

S

ometimes, the most important aspect of a movie is where it was filmed.

Movies cement characters, plot lines and places in our minds, weaving a tapestry of tales that shapes perception, evokes emotion and inspires. Just as characters are held near and dear, the setting of a film or TV series is equally important, and groups can tour the filming locations of some of cinema’s most iconic scenes in cities coast to coast.

In San Francisco, travelers can see the home of Mrs. Doubtfire; while in New Orleans, they can be treated to a dose of film history from “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Atlanta is the home of the popular zombie apocalypse series “The Walking Dead,” and in New York City, favorite locations from shows like “Seinfeld” and “Ghostbusters” add a unique twist to a visit to the Big Apple. The Hawaiian island of Oahu was the epic backdrop of “Jurassic Park.” The film tour is just one activity for groups in the Kualoa Private Nature Reserve.

The tour companies featured here offer a selection of amenities groups can enjoy while on the tour. In New York, one private group tour includes filming and editing your own movie. In Atlanta, group tours are led by film industry insiders, and in San Francisco, the tour bus is like a movie theater on wheels.

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NEW ORLEANS MOVIE TOURS

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The Crescent City’s historic charm makes it the perfect backdrop for some of our favorite films: It’s been the setting of more than 200 movies and TV shows including “The Pelican Brief,” the “True Detective” series and “12 Years a Slave.” Small groups will enjoy the intimate 10-person van with screens in the headrests and custom two-hour tours offered by New Orleans Movie Tours. Since groups are small, the interests of the participants determine the stops, and different scenes are highlighted each day.

“Movie fans love to know more about their favorite films and the actors who starred in them,” said Jonathan Ray, New Orleans Movie and TV Tour founder. “To see a location where your favorite movie was shot or a famous actor strolled is a huge thrill for movie fans.”

Ray does each of the tours himself, drawing on his knowledge from having worked in the film industry and having lived in New Orleans for more than a decade. The tour includes a stop at a working movie set, too. “People have more appreciation for how much work goes into making a film,” said Ray. “They get a behind-the-scenes look.”

The tour circles through the French Quarter to see Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s former house, through the St. Louis Cemetery to see the grave of voodoo priestess Marie Laveau and through the Central Business, Warehouse and Garden districts. Films on the tour include “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “JFK,” “Twilight,” “Double Jeopardy” and “Easy Rider.”

NOL A MOV I ES .COM

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A MOVIE TOUR AT A NEW ORLEANS-AREA PLANTATION

TOURING HAWAII’S KUALOA RANCH Courtesy New Orleans Movie Tours

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Courtesy Kualoa Ranch

SEPTEMBER 2019

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KUALOA RANCH

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Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre private nature preserve that has been in the Morgan family for eight generations and will celebrate its 170th anniversary in 2020. It has also served as the backdrop for dozens of Hollywood productions. Guests can discover the area’s cinematic history on the ranch’s Movie Site and Ranch Tour.

“I’d say that it’s mainly because Kualoa is such a stunningly beautiful and sacred place, and that has attracted the major Hollywood studios over the years,” said Frank Among, director of sales and marketing at the ranch.

“We have an ongoing commitment and effort to promote responsible and sustainable tourism and support the local community, and also educate our visitors. It’s an important part of the tour and part of its appeal.”

More than 170 movies, TV shows and commercials have been filmed at Kualoa. Beginning in the 1950s with “Paradise Hawaiian Style,” starring Elvis Presley, the preserve has been host to blockbusters like three films in the “Jurassic Park” franchise, as well as “Kong: Skull Island,” “Jumanji,” “Lost” and “50 First Dates.” Among the items seen on the tour are the fallen tree from “Jurassic Park,” Godzilla’s footprints, the battlegrounds from “Windtalkers” and the house from “Mighty Joe Young.”

The tours, which use a vintage school bus as transportation, can be combined with horseback riding, ATV tours and other sightseeing explorations.

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SAN FRANCISCO MOVIE TOURS

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SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco Movie Tours was born from owner Bryan Rice’s passion for scouting out scenes from his favorite films.

Local guides offer an insider’s perspective on the City by the Bay from a 23-passenger luxury theater bus with surround sound and large video screens for showing movie and TV clips at stops along the tour.

The tour winds through San Francisco’s key neighborhoods: Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Nob Hill, Union Square, Alamo Square and the Painted Ladies, City Hall, the Financial District, Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, Fort Point, the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Heights.

“Our tours include all the sights you’d see on a city tour of San Francisco but with the element of seeing the scenes from some of people’s favorite movies,” said Rice. “So where people may not remember seeing a monument in a square, once they connect it to a scene in a film, its more memorable.”

The tour guides are actors and comedians, so an important part of the tour is the entertainment factor. San Francisco Movie Tours can even arrange for an actor in character to re-enact scenes from a movie during the tour, such as Kim Novak’s character in “Vertigo” exiting the apartment building from the film. While there is a list of standard tours, groups of up to 150 people have been accommodated on custom tours.

S A NFR A NCISCOMOV I E T OU R S .COM

K UA LO A.COM

A JURASSIC PARK SITE AT KUALOA RANCH

Courtesy Kualoa Ranch

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SAN FRANCISCO MOVIE TOURS

Courtesy San Francisco Movie Tours

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— ON LOCATION TOURS N E W YO R K

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There’s no place in the world like New York City, so naturally, it’s the backdrop for myriad films and TV shows. On Location Tours offers 10 different tour options, among them one that focuses on the hit mafia drama “The Sopranos,” a TCM Classic Film Tour and a Holiday Lights and Movie Sights Tour. Some tours spotlight specific locations, like Central Park or the East Village, offering groups the chance to see different parts of the city in a new light. The popular “Sex and the City” tour lets visitors walk in the footsteps of Carrie and friends, visiting more than 40 destinations. On Location also does private group tours.

“No matter where someone’s from, whether it’s across the river or across the globe, their first impression of New York City is from movies and television,” said Alan Locher, the tour company’s senior director of public relations, marketing and sales. “It’s a unique way to see the city through the places where your favorite characters eat, live, shop or walk around.”

The roughly three-hour guided bus tour showcases over 60 sites from the screen, including those from “Girls,” “Marvel’s Jessica Jones” and “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” with opportunities to hop off the bus for an up-close view and photo ops. The most popular tour is the When Harry Met Seinfeld Tour, which makes stops at the apartment from “Friends,” the diner from “Seinfeld” and Zabar’s cafe from “When Harry Met Sally” and ends at McGee’s Pub on 55th Street, the inspiration for McLaren’s Pub in the show “How I Met Your Mother.”

THE “FRIENDS” APARTMENT WITH ON LOCATION TOURS IN NEW YORK

ON LOC AT ION T OU R S .COM

Courtesy On Location Tours

PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

One of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations!

For information on EGYPT’S LOST CITIES and our other special exhibits visit ReaganLibrary.com OCTOBER 2019 - APRIL 2020

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GROUP 40 Presidential Drive • Simi Valley, CA 93065 • 805.577.2704 T HE

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• ReaganLibrary.com

SEPTEMBER 2019

TOUR TWO OF N EW YO R K CI T Y ’ S M OST LEGEN DA RY VE NU E S!

THE ICONIC DINER EXTERIOR FROM “SEINFELD” IN NEW YORK Courtesy On Location Tours

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ATLANTA MOVIE TOURS ATL ANTA

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Atlanta Movie Tours got its start when the owner would bring her visiting guests around town to see different movie sets. It dawned on her that she could give the tours as a business. Since the 1970s, Atlanta has been a hot destination for film crews; the state offers generous tax credits, and Atlanta has a low cost of living compared with other big cities.

“One thing that makes Atlanta Movie Tours special is that our guides are all involved in some way with the film industry, whether they’re actors, extras or production assistants,” said chief movie buff Carrie Burns. “They have great firsthand experience and lots of stories and anecdotes that make the tours special.”

Luxury buses transport groups to the locations of some of their favorite films and TV series; included are sets of active filming, where it’s not uncommon to have a celeb sighting. Among their three-hour tours are the Upside Down tour, which explores the set of “Stranger Things”; the “Gone With the Wind Tour,” which is led by an interpreter playing the role of author Margaret Mitchell; several different zombie tours centered around “The Walking Dead”; celebrity-hosted tours led by film actors; the Best of Atlanta Tour; and the company’s most popular, the Hero Tour, which features several movies from the Marvel Universe.

“Tours live beyond the life of the show,” said Burns. “Even after the filming is over, there is a nonstop fan base that grows up around popular shows and movies. We extend the life of the show for fans.”

GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE HOME OF THE NEW YORK KNICKS AND NEW YORK RANGERS

AT L A N TA MOV I E T OU R S .COM

ATLANTA MOVIE TOURS

DISCOVER THE HISTORY AND BEAUTY OF THE SHOWP CE OF THE NATION, PLUS MEET A ROCKETTE®!

EXC LU S I VE SAVI N GS F O R G R O U P S

Courtesy Atlanta Movie Tours GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

FOR MORE INFORMATION: CALL 212-465-6055 OR EMAIL TOURISMSALES@MSG.COM

MSG.COM/GTL GROUP T HE

TRAVEL LE ADER Tour times and content subject to change. Tours are subject to availability. ©2019 MSG Sports & Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved

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sound-off

STAFF

WH AT ’S A D EST IN AT IO N YO U ’ V E B E E N DY IN G TO G E T BAC K TO?

Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia. A little mountain therapy goes a long way. There are abundant activities for groups of all sizes and ages.

The summertime boasts relaxing temperatures with no humidity and hosts events every weekend, from the West Virginia Symphony to a wine and jazz festival. And best of all, the cell service is limited due to the regulations of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, which is just a few miles away, so you can really feel detached from the rest of the world.

— Melissa Riley, OPERATIONS MANAGER

Quito, Ecuador. I spent two months there as a college student on a mission trip and would love to go back as a tourist and visit old friends who are still there.

I’ve been to the Grand Canyon once and only got to stay for a couple of hours.

That’s not nearly enough time to explore such a mammoth and mesmerizing place. I would love to go back and spend a few days there hiking or rafting through the canyon on the Colorado River.

— Brian Jewell, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Probably Charleston or Savannah. I’ve been to both, but really, for just day trips. I would love to spend a few days in each of those destinations and really experience more than I have already.

— Kyle Anderson, ACCOUNT MANAGER

My husband, Graham, and I have been wanting to do a repeat trip to Indianapolis. We met in Indy 13 years ago at a convention we were attending with our church groups but haven’t had the chance to go back and really explore all the neat things in the city that started it all for us.

We’re eager to go back to the Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland. We’ve been several times but not since our kids finished school. We stay in the small village of Wengen and do day hiking on alpine trails around Kleine Sheidegg, Murren, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. We use the trains to get around and stay at the Beausite Park Hotel. The scenery is breathtaking.

— Ashley Ricks, CIRCULATION MANAGER

— Mac Lacy, PUBLISHER

— Donia Simmons, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to Staff Sound-Off, the monthly column where our staff members answer questions about their travel practices and preferences.

We hope you enjoy these tips. If you have a question you’d like to see us answer, send it to me and it may appear in a future issue.

BRIANJ@GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM 48

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PUBLISHED BY THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER INC.

Behold Oklahoma’s cultural attractions.

They’re bad to the bone.

Searching for sights to see and stories to tell? Guide your group through Oklahoma’s finest artistic and cultural attractions.

Start at the Philbrook Museum of Art, where you can bask in the beauty of the gardens and galleries. Next up: learn about the larger-than-life legacy of a famous cattle trail at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan. Then, meander over to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art to feast your eyes on jaw-dropping exhibits. Finally, explore the Sam Noble Museum in Norman, home to 10 million natural history specimens and artifacts.

Discover attractions, itineraries and more at TravelOK.com/Group.

TOP 8 REASONS TO TOUR

COLORADO SPRINGS

Colorado Springs is a year-round tour destination boasting mild temperatures, more than 300 days of blue skies and spectacular scenery. Create intriguing tours at unforgettable destinations like Garden of the Gods Park and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

We believe in visionaries who can turn a bus into an expedition. Pioneers who know that “sightseeing” is about what you feel just as much as it is what you see. Optimists who are only over-booked when they’ve packed too much to read.

We don’t believe in tourists.

We believe in explorers.

01

Western Heritage - Discover the deep roots of the Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush exploring old mines.

02

All Aboard - Trek through Cripple Creek and along the Arkansas River in the Royal Gorge on historic trains.

03

The Great Outdoors - Adventure

04

Arts Scene - Enjoy hundreds of public sculptures, galleries, art walks, classes and performances.

05

All Seasons - From colorful fall days to spring blooms, the region shines with a year-round mild climate.

06

Olympic City USA - See where Team USA dreams are born at the Colorado Springs Olympic & Paralympic Training Center.

07

55+ - With more than 55 unique

08

Cultural Experiences - Soak

is always close by with thousands of miles of trails and open spaces.

attractions, it’s easy to plan multi-day itineraries in the Pikes Peak region.

in the region’s multi-faceted culture at museums, historic sites and festivals.

PLAN YOUR TOUR VisitCOS.com/groups-tours

Garden of the Gods Park

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LEADERS ASSESS THE CHALLENGES OF AN INDUSTRY ON A ROLL CARYLANN ASSANTE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STUDENT AND YOUTH TRAVEL ASSOCIATION (SYTA) TERRY DALE, PRESIDENT AND CEO, UNITED STATES TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION (USTOA) PAM INMAN, PRESIDENT, NTA PETER PANTUSO, PRESIDENT AND CEO, AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION (ABA)

Several years of surging sales have put the tourism industry in one of its strongest positions in recent decades. But with success comes a new set of issues to navigate, including rising prices and overcrowding in popular destinations. And continued social unrest and unpredictable government policy changes have travel professionals hedging their bets for the future. The Group Travel Leader spoke with the heads of four tourism industry associations to get their perspectives on these issues and how their members are innovating to overcome them. here has been some social unrest and unfortunate accidents in a number of popular international destinations this year, as well as some significant changes in U.S. foreign policy. Is any of this affecting people’s travel preferences?

DALE: All of this doesn’t seem to be diminishing people’s desire to travel globally. But it does impact where they travel. Everything is cyclical.

It’s good to see travel to Egypt coming back with strong numbers. But there are other places and pockets that are suffering, whether from geopolitical issues or Mother Nature.

The new policy on travel to Cuba has affected our members. The ability to travel under the People-to-People license through the Office of Foreign Asset Control is no longer an option. However, that doesn’t mean that travel to Cuba has stopped. It just means that we need to adapt to Support of the Cuban People, which is a program we can operate in. It’s more complicated today. But once we go through the exercise of figuring it out, which our members are doing, there is still the opportunity to do business in Cuba.

ASSANTE: SYTA will be releasing the results of its new Student Travel Business Barometer, which will provide a quarterly forecast on student travel. The first quarter included questions on tour operators’ perspective on safety and crisis management. We see that 75% of our tour operators have prepared a crisis management plan in the past 12 to 24 months, and over 50% of them have implemented new safety procedures.

Last year, we saw a slight decrease in student travel to the United States and England and an increase to Canada and Ireland. These countries are perceived as more welcoming. But in the first quarter of 2019, we are seeing an increase in student travel to the U.S. again.

TERRY DALE

“All of this doesn’t seem to be diminishing people’s desire to travel globally. But it does impact where they travel. Everything is cyclical.“

PANTUSO: Social unrest and accidents always have a tempering effect on travel to the affected regions. If anything, people tend to shift their travel patterns.

Over time, if nothing else happens, people say, ‘Yeah, I’m going to go there.’ People didn’t stay away from Paris long after the bombing there. I was there weeks after it happened on a river cruise. We saw a little more of a police presence than the last time we were there, but it didn’t stop us from going. We live in D.C., and we’re always a target for somebody. But we don’t wake up thinking about that every single day.

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INMAN: There are many travelers who are choosing not to travel to the U.S. and, instead, are going to other countries, so it’s impacting us a bit. I’m on the Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Board, advising the secretary of commerce on issues that affect our industry. We had a meeting recently where the Department of State talked about opening a new facility in Wuhan, China, for visas. They’re expanding in Shanghai and in India, too.

The Department of Homeland Security is looking at other countries to bring into the visa waiver program. Poland is one they’re looking at very closely. And the Department of Transportation has signed agreements with nine new countries for open skies, so there will be more flights going back and forth.

From hotel room rates to airfares and motorcoach fees, prices seem to be rising steadily throughout the travel industry. Is this a benefit or a challenge to your members? And how is it affecting consumer appetites for leisure travel?

PANTUSO: I don’t have any member in any category that would suggest that higher rates are a bad thing for them. Now, does it create challenges? In terms of planning and attracting customers on a tour, it can. But it doesn’t have to. The customer is willing to pay for value, and I believe Courtesy G Adventures

NEW GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS, INCLUDING CHANGES TO TOUR OPERATOR PRICING STRUCTURES IN NATIONAL PARKS, COULD CREATE CHALLENGES FOR GROUPS VISITING POPULAR PARK SITES LIKE THE GRAND CANYON.

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“The customer is willing to pay for value, and I believe that

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quality. So for me, it’s not about

value and what you’re getting for the money. ”

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that people are willing to pay for quality. So for me, it’s not about rates — it’s about perceived value and what you’re getting for the money.

Will a hotel room increase from $150 to $160 really slow people down? Probably not that much. People who are sensitive to a $10 shift probably aren’t traveling.

INMAN: The challenge is that our members prepare their tour packages so far in advance. They try to lock in their rates, but they can’t lock in everything, so that has become more challenging. Some of our tour operators are saying it’s cheaper to go overseas than Boston, New York City or D.C. We also have all the issues going on at the national parks, with the new program supposed to go into effect on October 1. We have a coalition that meets with the park service to help them understand how tour operators do business because it’s obvious that they really don’t understand. We’ve been working on this for years, and the deadline is looming, so we hope some changes will be made that won’t be negative for our tour operators.

DALE: It’s a challenge because it means that packaged travel ultimately becomes more expensive. The consumer bears the brunt of these increases. We’re not seeing that it’s going to have a dramatic or adverse impact, but it costs more these days to travel.

We went into 2019 with a very robust forecast. Our members were thinking that this could be a banner year.

But we have found consumer confidence wavering a bit.

Wall Street was hiccupping a bit, and sales weren’t as strong as we anticipated in the first quarter. It’s still going to be a good year but not as strong as we initially thought.

ASSANTE: This is a challenge for our members and their customers, who are middle school and high school students. Many of them have to fundraise to pay for their trips, and in some cases, families are forgoing their vacations so their students can take these trips.

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We see tour operators reducing the number of days on the road, trips going from four nights to three. And they’re finding creative ways to feed students and researching authentic, less-expensive attractions. They may be selecting to visit higher-priced destinations every other year and selecting secondary cities as more affordable options.

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Who are the key innovators in packaged travel today? How are your members interacting with them, and how are they impacting the way people travel?

INMAN: Our tour operators, in order to stay relevant, have to reinvent themselves. So more than 50% of our tour operators now do FIT. So I think about leaders like our chair, Paul Larsen. He says he never even thought about doing some of the places he’s doing now, but he met them at Travel Exchange and they gave him a good package. Jay Smith does sports travel, and he brings a lot of unique ideas. He’ll do a Super Bowl package where everyone’s staying in the same hotel and has the same transportation, but they’re not treated like a group. It’s an interesting way to do packaging.

DALE: I want to talk about Tourism Cares. They worked with Jordan in 2018 to put together the Meaningful Travel Map, a collection of social enterprise cooperatives. To me, that innovation and utilizing those resources is groundbreaking. That, to me, is the future, and that’s how our members integrate and spread out our economic impact more broadly — by getting our dollars into the hands of entities that benefit from those dollars. The Meaningful Travel Map is the future, and it’s why we need to support Tourism Cares in this expanded and evolving mission they’re adapting.

ASSANTE: We are all innovators. Because of social media, we can all share authentic experiences and all learn from each other. I can’t point to one person or company that’s driving the change.

PAM INMAN

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“Our tour operators, in order to stay relevant, have to reinvent themselves. So more than 50% of our tour operators now do FIT.” SEPTEMBER 2019

PANTUSO: There are a lot of people looking at how the traveler is changing. They’re more demanding, younger, and they want to be more active than the prior generation in the same category. That individual is much more connected and engaged on social platforms. So the innovators are putting themselves in the mindset of that customer. The larger operators have more capacity because of their depth of knowledge and research about customer spending patterns. So a lot of folks in the industry follow what the larger companies are doing.

I also hear countless anecdotal stories about people who experiment and add new things to their trips. Those who are focused on the customer — and serving the customer — are the most innovative.

ASSANTE: The student travel industry is somewhat limited in when they can travel, as travel dates are determined by school year calendars, school testing dates and spring breaks. So they often are traveling when lots of other students are in popular destinations, like D.C., New York, Paris or Florence. But we have seen an effort to work with educators to change dates to take advantage of lower rates during shoulder season or off-peak periods. Another factor they may consider when looking at overcrowded destinations is the safety and risk management factors and how to manage students during these peak periods.

There are so many wonderful and undiscovered destinations, attractions and

TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS ARE BEGINNING TO THINK ABOUT LEVERAGING THEIR BUSINESS TO MAKE POSITIVE IMPACTS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

Courtesy Visit Anaheim

Many people believe that major tourist destinations around the world are becoming overcrowded. What are your members doing to deal with the crowds now, and what can the travel industry as a whole do to address the situation in the long term?

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AMERICAN HISTORY experiences in the world. As an industry, we can build awareness of them and work together to share them through social media, word-of-mouth and even through our own travel. Try something new.

MISSISSIPPI MUSIC

SOUTHERN CHARM

PANTUSO: New York City right now is looking at implementing a congestion pricing program to reduce traffic and congestion. I don’t see that as a tourist problem — it’s a problem of size, space and the number of people who live there.

But it has an impact on travelers in the city. The same thing is happening in D.C. The council is looking at the possibility of doing some kind of congestion pricing scheme.

I’m hearing our tour operators talk about changing times a little bit. School groups come here [Washington] by the tens of thousands in the springtime — March, April, May and early June. More and more operators are beginning to work with schools to have the same experience in February. They get lower rates, and it’s a lot easier to get around. You cover more ground in the same period of time. They’re trying to shift the time of year or even shift the time when they visit a particular venue.

Go see something at night instead of going from nine to five when all the other groups will be there as well.

INMAN: What the operators are doing is looking at some of the lesserknown sites and starting to package things that are just as intriguing, beautiful and interesting, but off the beaten path. Or they’re choosing shoulder season to do their packaging.

Sustainability is very important. We have a speaker coming to Travel Exchange who is going to talk about how tour operators can make sure their tours are more sustainable as their visitors come into an area. Some of them will use public transportation in a city rather than their own transportation.

So they’re trying to do things to alleviate any damage done.

CARYLANN ASSANTE

“There are so many wonderful

DALE: We’re in the process of

For planning assistance contact,

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and undiscovered destinations, putting together our next five-year strategic plan, and sustainability and attractions and experiences in overcrowding will become a central focus for how we adapt and make the world. As an industry, we sure we don’t destroy an industry. Our members today are talking about placcan build awareness of them es like Machu Picchu. If we know that Tuesday through Thursday are peak and work together to share them days, how can we structure our itineraries and experiences to go in shoulder through social media, word-ofseason or not on those prime days?

Or in Dubrovnik, there are six cruise mouth and even through our ships in port on a particular day, so let’s structure our itineraries so we’re not own travel. Try something new.” adding to the overcrowding.

We’re having success, but how do we manage our success? We believe that through the DMO [destination marketing organization] community and partnership we have with them and the government, which needs to be in this conversation, we can be responsible in managing this success. Our membership is sensitive to the fact that they need to do some coordinating, planning and collaboration. It’s not going to be easy because it’s a big issue. But we need to be part of that conversation.

SEPTEMBER 2019

DISCOVER • EXPLORE • ENGAGE

MANSION TOURS ANDREW JACKSON: BORN FOR A STORM EXHIBIT SHOPPING INTRODUCTORY FILM WAGON TOURS CAFÉ

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SOCIAL IMPACT IS GAINING A FOOTHOLD IN TRAVEL DECISIONS

By Brian Jewell he way you travel can make a positive difference in the life of someone you’ve never met.

Very often, conversations about travel center around places: “Where are you going? What are you going to see?” But in each of those places are people. And how travelers and tourism companies interact with those people can play a powerful part in shaping their communities — for good or for ill.

In recent years, thought leaders throughout the tourism industry have begun working on projects to help ensure that travel brings only good to residents of popular destinations. The power of tourism is often expressed in terms of economic impact, but these leaders have introduced the concept of “social impact.” Success, they say, isn’t just about how much money travelers spend in a destination. It’s also about the impact travelers make on the community while they’re there.

To help you appreciate the power of your travel habits to shape the future of the places you visit, we talked to six pioneers in the movement toward socially responsible travel. These tour operators, hotel consultants, nonprofit leaders and destination marketing executives shared their stories of inspiration and offered ideas on how you can make a positive difference as you travel throughout the world.

G ADVENTURES: ‘A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE’

Many travel planners know G Adventures as a small-group tour company with a catalog of engaging experiences in places all around the world. But the company’s mission is bigger than just running trips.

“G Adventures is a social enterprise,” said national sales manager Jeremy Brady. “Our primary focus is to take travelers into destinations with local guides to further educate people and help them become better citizens while also knowing that their travel dollars make an impact. Our goal is to ensure we’re creating opportunities and livelihoods in the places we visit. We want to bridge the divide between tourists and locals.”

The company accomplishes this by evaluating each component of a trip to make sure the funds spent stay in the local community. They work with locally owned hotels and encourage travelers to eat in small local restaurants.

They also have a nonprofit foundation that helps create tourism-related opportunities in destina-

Courtesy G Adventures

GROUPS TRAVELING WITH G ADVENTURES GET AUTHENTIC ENCOUNTERS WITH LOCALS IN THE PLACES THEY VISIT, SUCH AS THIS WOMEN’S ADVOCATE IN NEPAL.

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Take in Awe-Inspiring Gardens & Fountains as the Hues of the Season Emerge.

tions they take trips to. In Peru, for example, they helped establish a restaurant in a remote area of the Sacred Valley of the Inca.

“There were a lot of travelers going through the area, but the local communities were suffering,” Brady said. “We wanted to cut down on the drive, because there were no restaurants between the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. So we found a stop and trained locals with a culinary expert. We trained locals to be servers. We get beautiful food that’s grown locally, and we’re creating livelihoods and opportunities.”

Brady said groups can bring this commitment to social impact when they travel by working with travel providers in advance to make sure they are working with local entrepreneurs and supporting the communities they visit.

G A D V E N T U R E S .C O M

WARREN GREEN AND ASSOCIATES: ‘COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE ’

Born in South Africa, Warren Green has spent much of his career in hotels, restaurants and game reserves throughout Africa. In 2009, he launched his own consulting company, Warren Green and Associates, to help address a need he saw for sustainable practices in safari destinations.

The company works with game reserves and safari camps to create environmentally sustainable practices. But Green also guides them in helping to preserve and enhance the human communities in these remarkable natural landscapes.

“If you think about the pillars of sustainability, most people consider commitment to the environment,” he said. “But you also have to have a commitment to the people you find in that environment. The protection of culture and development of culture is important to tourism.”

One of Green’s clients, the Bush Camp Company, operates a small game lodge in Zambia. The lodge’s owners have identified ways to support the local indigenous communities by digging wells and building schools.

“From their schools, they have employed future staff,” Green said. “I met a guy last year who came from a secondary school they had set up and funded. He was in his early 20s and has a dream of becoming the best safari guide in Africa. He’s very proud to say that the lodge found him at the school. Now he has developed into a fantastic guide.”

Another client in Tanzania helped an aspiring entrepreneur fund a small tour business in his local village. The company now takes travelers to explore a vibrant community they never would have visited on their own and treats them to a multicourse traditional lunch prepared by locals.

Green said travel planners should look for partners who support nonprofits in the places they visit and ask how many locals are being employed there.

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JORDAN TOURISM BOARD: ‘EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES’

In a region of the world known for both abundant oil reserves and frequent conflict, Jordan has neither. So tourism is a critical part of its economy, and leaders of the Jordan Tourism Board are focused on connecting visitors to social enterprises and authentic encounters with locals.

In early 2018, the tourism board partnered with Tourism Cares to launch the Meaningful Travel Map, a project that highlighted a dozen social enterprises where travelers can make long-term, positive impacts on small communities.

“We’re looking for ways for local communities near iconic sites to get a part of the tourism dollars,” said Malia Asfour, executive director of the Jordan Tourism Board North America and one of the visionaries behind the Meaningful Travel Map. “If you go into a less populated area 10 kilometers away from an iconic site, the local village can benefit from you going there and having a meal.”

SEPTEMBER 2019

The Meaningful Travel Map highlights numerous business and co-ops that are owned by women. When travelers visit, shop, eat and stay at these places, it gives local women economic leverage they wouldn’t have otherwise.

“Tourism dollars are helping to educate more women,” Asfour said. “When you give a skill to a woman, you feed a village, and you’re empowering communities. These women are putting their kids through college and learning skills they didn’t have before.”

Asfour said wherever they go, groups can support local communities by avoiding souvenir shops that sell goods mass-produced in China and, instead, buying goods made by local artisans. And she suggested that travel planners contact tourism boards in advance to learn more about social impact opportunities in the places they visit.

SAFARI LODGES IN AFRICA ARE WORKING WITH LOCAL POPULATIONS TO TRAIN YOUNG PEOPLE FOR CAREERS IN TOURISM.

G O L O C A L J O R D A N .C O M

TREADRIGHT FOUNDATION: ‘CONCERTED EFFORT’

Courtesy Warren Green & Assoc.

With a portfolio that includes Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and 25 other tourism and hospitality brands, the Travel Corporation is one of the world’s largest and most influential travel organizations. In 2008, the company launched its philanthropic arm, the TreadRight Foundation, and continues to be its sole funder.

TreadRight focuses on three pillars of sustainability: people, planet and wildlife.

“Our primary goal is to make travel matter,” said Shannon Guihan, TreadRight’s programs director. “We want to work with suppliers and brands to make sure guests on our trips or cruises appreciate how impactful their purchasing decisions can be.”

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To that end, TreadRight operates more than 50 sustainability and social impact projects in 26 countries. Many of these projects not only improve local living conditions but also create opportunities for the Travel Corporation’s customers to connect with the culture. In Florence, the organization helped a local heritage weaver set up an e-commerce platform. They also assisted her in making her studio space group-friendly, and today Trafalgar and Insight Vacations groups visit her during their tours in Italy.

Similar work is underway in Jordan. Travel Corporation CEO Brett Tollman attended the Tourism Cares event in Jordan last year and was so moved by one of the social enterprises he saw that he directed TreadRight to help fund improvements and consulting projects there. And several of the company’s brands added extra nights to their Jordan itineraries in order to take travelers to these out-of-the-way places.

“It’s a gargantuan effort,” Guihan said. “I work directly with the product teams and go to their travel manager training sessions. It’s deeply engrained in the organization from top to tail. To weave something like this into an itinerary takes a very concerted effort at all levels.”

T R E A D R I G H T.O R G

A LOCAL JORDANIAN WOMAN WELCOMES VISITORS TO THE IRAQ AL AMIR CO-OP, ONE OF THE SITES ON THE MEANINGFUL TRAVEL MAP OF JORDAN THAT IS SUPPORTED BY THE TREADRIGHT FOUNDATION.

TOURISM CARES: ‘DIRECTLY BENEFIT LOCAL COMMUNITIES’

Courtesy TreadRight Foundation

Since the early 2000s, Tourism Cares has been an industrywide nonprofit that organizes travel companies for service projects around the U.S. But in recent years, its vision has expanded, in terms of both geography and impact.

“We have 160 companies at our table, some of the biggest companies in travel,” 16411 Group Travel Leader ad Sept 2019.qxp_Layout 1 7/23/19 2:20 PM Page 1 said chief impact officer Paula Vlamings. “How do we leverage that to have an impact and do good in the places we’re bringing travelers?”

To that end, Tourism Cares has begun putting more emphasis on helping tourism leaders understand the power of travel to improve the lives of people around the world. After its successful event in Jordan in 2018, the organization held a similar summit in Puerto Rico this year, and it is planning another for Columbia sometime next fall.

“The demand for purpose-driven, authentic travel is growing,” Vlamings said.

“Travelers want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. So we want to educate them about how to do that and how to have more of a local experience so they’re interacting with the community more directly.”

Along with that direct experience comes more direct economic benefit. Vlamings said worldwide, only about 10% of tourist dollars stay in the local communities that travelers visit, and Tourism Cares wants to help increase that percentage.

“We want to directly benefit local communities and local suppliers,” Vlamings world-renowned garden I historic mansion tours said. “So we’re helping people understand scenic tram tours I shopping how their tourism dollars can have a local “Breathtaking. A treasure impact.”

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SEPTEMBER 2019

CRAFT YOUR OWN

GROUP ADVENTURE IN HATTIESBURG, MS

VISIT ANAHEIM: ‘REACHING OUT’

Like all destination marketing organizations around the country, Visit Anaheim in Southern California works to promote the city as a destination for meetings, conventions, group tours and individual vacations. But in the past few years, it has also noticed that organizations coming to town are asking for ways to get involved in the local community.

“We’ve seen this trend: All conventions are looking more and more to do something to give back to the community,” said president and CEO Jay Burress. “So now, we’re really encouraging all our groups to look at what they can do to give back.”

To assist in that mission, Visit Anaheim has begun taking steps that aren’t a normal part of a CVB’s function.

“We’ve really made an effort to find out about local nonprofits and opportunities for giving back and making an impact here,” Burress said. “We’ve started being proactive and reaching out to them to learn about them.

We’ve developed a database of who they are and what to do. Now, when someone calls us for information about service projects to do with their teams, we can match them with those organizations.”

The CVB also created its own nonprofit, Visit Anaheim Cares, to fundraise for and support many of the community organizations contributing to positive change around town.

“We can’t all have philanthropic bank accounts,” Burress said. “But we can all have philanthropic hands.”

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HBURG ZOO

V I S I TA N A H E I M .O R G

MUSEUMS

GROUP-FRIENDLY Courtesy TreadRight Foundation

VARIOUS TOURS OPERATED BY THE TRAVEL CORPORATION COMPANIES VISIT A HERITAGE WEAVER’S WORKSHOP IN FLORENCE, ITALY.

SHOPPING

ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS Whether it’s outdoor fun, our bustling live music scene, or blowing a glass ornament, Hattiesburg, MS, has something for every group. Plan an outing at the Zoo or soak in history at our military history museums. Shop ‘til you drop downtown or taste a creation from our craft breweries.

Dive into a culinary delight at one of more than 200 locally-owned eateries.

Courtesy Visit Anaheim

Let our office help you plan your next HBURG adventure.

Contact us now at cvbsales@visithburg.org.

VISIT ANAHEIM HAS PARTNERED WITH NUMEROUS LOCAL NON-PROFITS TO CREATE SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR VISITING GROUPS. GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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SEPTEMBER 2019

FIVE ENTREPRENEURS DISCUSS HOW THEY BUILT THEIR TOUR COMPANIES

By Eliza Myers very thriving tour company started with an idea. That idea differed from one entrepreneur to another, but at the heart of each was how to share a love of travel with others.

Successful tour operators don’t need elaborate marketing strategies to attract customers. They don’t know the one elusive social media secret that allows them to sell out each tour. Instead, these tour companies simply listen. They listen to trends and to their travelers for which direction to take the company next.

Everyone can learn some useful business lessons from how these five tour operators grew their group business from the ground up.

ROYAL TOURS AND TRAVEL

About 35 years ago, a group of people in Smithfield, Virginia, needed someone with a background in history to lead a tour. They asked a retired history teacher, and she enjoyed the experience so much that she started Royal Tours and Travel. Several years ago, another retired history teacher, Donna Adams, took over the company.

“During my years in education, I had taken kids overseas to Europe and different places,” said Adams, owner and president of Royal Tours and Travel. “Travel is in my blood. Now, because I plan all the trips, I know all the history and details of every place we visit. I’ve done the research myself. That makes a huge difference. I’ve seen people who just go by the itinerary when they lead tours. If I plan a trip, I’m calling to find out everything that happens once I walk in the front door of an attraction.

People will say, ‘You’ve been here before.’ But I haven’t. I’ve just researched it well.”

Adams books trip ranging from a three-day women’s trip to Abingdon, Virginia, to a seven-day exploration of Iceland. Her biannual mystery tours sell out months in advance. Sometimes she will receive calls from people trying to reserve a spot on them before she has even planned them.

She said part of her success is understanding her niche. She plans trips primarily for senior citizens, which she says these days are asking for extra comforts during tours.

“People want to be treated special,” said Adams. “They want to go to great restaurants. They don’t want a crowded motorcoach. I don’t pack my buses by choice. I like my folks to be able to get up, play cards and talk with one another. The motorcoaches also have electrical outlets and Wi-Fi.” Adams’ marketing strategy includes an up-to-date website, social media, brochures and, most importantly, treating her travelers like family. New members trickle in on their own through word-of-mouth.

Recently, one client brought in eight new people through a recommendation.

“You really have to have a passion for travel and really love people,” said Adams. “Your primary response has to be wanting to make people happy.”

R OYA LTO U R S L L C . N E T

Courtesy Trips

BOUTIQUE TOUR OPERATOR TRIPS HAS MADE A NAME FOR ITSELF WITH HIGHLY RATED GROUP TRIPS TO KENYA, AMONG OTHER DESTINATIONS.

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STAR DESTINATIONS PRESIDENT CATHY GRETEMAN CUSTOMIZES TRIPS TO DESTINATIONS AS FAR AWAY AS THE UNITED ARAB EMERITES.

Courtesy Star Destinations

BREAKAWAY TOURS

When Charlene Troggio and Chris LaCivita decided to partner and start Breakaway Tours in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, they began small with a trip to the Ice Capades.

“We planned it in two weeks and thought, ‘Hey, this is easy.’ Turns out it’s not,” said Troggio, laughing. “We’ve gradually grown over the years.

We’ve been in business 27 years. We plan about 200 trips a year, with about 75 day trips and the rest between two and six overnights.”

The company operates a travel agency that brings in 15% of the business.

About 75% of the rest of their business is retail with preformed tours, and the rest comes from preformed groups calling and asking for custom-made tours.

When Troggio and LaCivita started the business, they were using typewriters and landlines. To keep up with technology, Troggio said the company simply adapted one change at a time.

“It’s just constant change in the tour business,” said Troggio. “In the early days if you had a problem, the driver had to look for a pay phone.

Now everyone has a smartphone.”

In addition to changing technology, the team has also worked to stay on top of changes in traveler preferences. Troggio remembers when clients wanted every minute of the day planned. Now she works to add in free time and adventurous options for boomers.

“We try to go to travel shows like ABA, Travel South and Heartland to stay current,” said Troggio. “I recently hired my granddaughter, who helps with the technology. You just have to try to keep ahead of it.”

Breakaway Tours uses a variety of methods to market their tours, including social media, website posts and direct mail. The company plans a huge travel show each spring with vendors and approximately 600 potential customers.

“The biggest way we get new people is word-of-mouth,” said Troggio.

“Sometimes, groups will come out of our retail travelers. One traveler came to us and said their church would like to see a religious site with us. You have to keep your eyes and ears open; then they come.”

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If staff members of Star Destinations receive a phone call at 11 p.m., they know to answer the phone. It might be a group in trouble. Based in Carroll, Iowa, Star Destinations sends groups all over the world. The company prides itself on being available for groups for every step of the tour.

“Our travelers have comfort knowing they can always call and there is someone to help them,” said Cathy Greteman, president of Star Destinations.

Star Destinations started in 1984 in the student market. The company transitioned to leisure groups as the staff learned the preferences of the adult group market. The company started customizing tours to fit the needs of each group. Greteman finds that this model has helped develop a large and loyal base of group leader customers.

“Many times people will be surprised we don’t have a travel catalog,” said Greteman.

“We don’t because we want our program to be SEPTEMBER 2019

unique and special for that group. Group leaders will start with one or two trips a year. Once they understand they are getting something unusual, they will eventually start doing three or five trips a year with us. As long as the group leaders understand their customers, we can create a quality product for them.”

Star Destinations will partner with the group leader to provide marketing materials and presentations for potential travelers. Greteman and her staff regularly plan both visual and face-to-face presentations to convince members to sign up for a tour.

Another way Star Destinations has stayed relevant over the years is by understanding the changing preferences of travelers.

“We are really strongly into the boomer market,” said Greteman. “I have discovered boomers are a little more independent travelers, but they love the group experience. Once you get them on a quality group experience, they are ready to come back for more. They like time on their own, a little adventure and nice accommodations. Meals aren’t just a meal but more of an event.”

Star Destinations doesn’t spend much effort in marketing beyond social media and involvement in several travel organizations. The tour operator primarily focuses on presenting a quality program.

“Our goal isn’t for Star Destinations to shine,” said Greteman.

“Our goal is for the group to shine. You don’t see our name in a lot of the materials we make. It’s all about them.”

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U.S. TOURS

Courtesy U.S. Tours

U.S. TOURS IS THE LARGEST SELLER OF KENTUCKY DERBY PACKAGES IN THE GROUP MARKET.

For Bob Cline, CEO and founder of U.S. Tours, running a tour company has had its bumps along the way. Opened in 1996, the company, based in Vienna, West Virginia, thrives with two affiliated tour companies and has received several awards for innovation from the American Bus Association. Cline remembers all that success came with a lot of on-the-job learning.

“My mom always said I was a slow learner,” said Cline. “I’m a survivor, and here I am today in spite of all the stumbles I’ve had along the way. A way to explain our recent business growth is that I learned how to run a business.”

Rather than going along with what everyone else was doing, Cline always chose originality, which benefited his company by setting it apart in style. U.S. Tours’ signature events blend history with travel fun. For example, where else could groups watch a Johnny Cash-themed concert in a prison or explore Hawaii on an Elvis-themed trip?

“Innovation and humor are a major part of a lot of our trips,” said Cline. “I’ve always believed in alternative ideas. The boomer market is different. If you aren’t looking for alternatives to what you did last year, you simply won’t have a business next year.”

U.S. Tours focuses on staying up-to-date on technology and marketing with social media, print advertising, trade shows and research. The company’s sales team helps hunt down new opportunities, both face-to-face and otherwise. Many opportunities come from happy clients looking for more business.

“We are the largest seller of the Kentucky Derby in the group tour market,” said Cline. “It is a different program than anyone else does.

U S TO U R S . B I Z

TRIPS

TRIPS CUSTOMERS ENJOY A HOLIDAY TOUR IN EUROPE.

Courtesy Trips

Brian Doughty, owner and president of Trips, says his No. 1 marketing strategy is happy customers.

“It’s old-school thinking to take care of the customers you’ve got,” said Doughty.

“We really focus on taking care of the customers who work with us because we appreciate their trust in us. We make sure those loyal customers are taken care of every time. We want them to come back over and over again, so it just M Y R T L E B E A C H O C E A N F R O N T makes sense.”

Based in North Hollywood, California, Trips focuses on building relationships with its clients, as well as encourages relationships among the group leaders themselves.

“We have created a family of group leaders that all know each other,” said Doughty. “That lends itself Voted most accommodating by tour groups. “Best in Hospitality” by Myrtle Beach Hospitality to a nice camaraderie. We host events where we can Association. Featuring 6 oceanfront pools (with hot tubs and heated pools), fitness center, and all meet for a long weekend somewhere. They all do complimentary Hampton “On the House” hot breakfast buffet. different tours in different years and love when they get to go on tour with one another.”

• Group rate: 10 rooms or more Doughty says he also fosters old and new relation• Complimentary room (1 per 20 paid rooms; not available June 1st – September 9th) ships at the Select Traveler Conference, which is the • Complimentary motorcoach parking main marketing event the company sponsors.

• Luggage handling available The 20-year-old company began with an emphasis on • Dinner & Show packages available tours to Italy. Gradually, it diversified to tours all over the world to build a substantial portfolio of destinations.

“It was very time-consuming because you want to make sure what you create works,” said Doughty. “We are well known for our Kenyan safaris, Cape Cod, Montana, Europe and many, many other places.” www.Hampton.com Trips helps group leaders make their members or call 877-946-6400 and comfortable traveling overseas by relaying plenty of ask for our Sales Department information about the destination before the trip.

1801 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle “The more the travelers know about a destination, the Beach, SC 29577/843-946-6400 better time they will have there,” said Doughty. “They are far happier when they come prepared than if not.”

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IT PAYS TO HAVE A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE

By Rachel Carter ravel insurance can be complicated. Group travel can be complicated. Put them together? Even more complicated. But ultimately, it’s about two things: “protection and peace of mind,” said Scott Adamski, head of U.S. field sales and licensing for AIG Travel.

When it comes to travel insurance, the biggest mistake travelers make is “not selecting coverage or not buying it after their initial deposit,” Adamski said.

Most carriers have an early purchase window for travel insurance policies, usually 10 to 14 days after putting down a deposit on a trip. While most companies sell policies up to 24 hours before departure that cover medical treatment, evacuations and trip interruption during travel, buying the policy early often comes with perks, like AIG’s pre-existing condition waiver that applies to the traveler, the traveler’s companion and people who are not traveling.

Nearly all insurance companies also give consumers a grace period of 10 days or so that allows them to cancel their policy for a full refund, said Daniel Durazo, director of marketing and communications at Allianz Global Assistance. Travelers should use that time to carefully read the policy and fully understand what it does and does not cover.

“I’d say the biggest mistake is that they assume travel insurance will cover absolutely anything that might happen to cause them to cancel their trip,” Durazo said. “It’s important that people read what they’re buying so they understand all the coverage and benefits and how it works.”

To help make sense of the complicated world of group travel insurance, we spoke with several companies that offer coverage in the group market. Here’s an overview of the various kinds of insurance you should consider for your groups.

TRIP CANCELLATION

“The No. 1 reason people buy travel insurance is for trip cancellation protection,” Durazo said.

Trip cancellation coverage varies from company to company, so understanding that portion of the policy is vital. Most policies cover cancellations due to illness of the traveler or family members named in the policy, a death in the family, military or legal obligations, work relocation and more.

Trip cancellation under Seven Corners’ RoundTrip Elite plan has about a dozen covered “triggers,” including one for terrorism. If a terrorist incident occurs in the destination country within three days of departure, you can cancel your trip, said Justin Tysdal, CEO of Seven Corners, a travel insurance company based in Carmel, Indiana.

TRAVEL INSURANCE CAN OFFER ESSENTIAL PROTECTION AGAINST UNFORESEEN EMERGENCIES ON THE ROAD, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH-PRICED TRIPS TO FOREIGN DESTINATIONS.

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COLLETTE OFFERS A “CANCEL FOR ANY REASON” INSURANCE POLICY ON TRIPS TO ITALY AND ALL OTHER DESTINATIONS IT SERVES.

Collette has been offering Travel Protection plans for more than 20 years, and “ours is unique in the industry,” said Jeff Roy, executive vice president of revenue management and pricing for Collette. “It’s a combination cancellation waiver and on-tour insurance product.”

On average, Collette tours run $8,000 to $10,000 per couple and last 10 days to a month. Travelers typically purchase their trips eight to 12 months before they travel, a big window with a lot of opportunity for things to go wrong.

“Like any purchase, if you buy a car, you want to insure it; if you buy a house, you want to insure it; if you spend $10,000 on a trip, you want to insure it,” Roy said.

Collette’s Travel Protection plans have two parts: Part A is trip cancellation, which is completely held by Collette; Part B is the underwritten insurance policy that provides medical coverage and other protections during travel.

Collette travelers who buy the plan can cancel for any reason they want — “They can say, ‘I’m having a bad hair day,’” Roy said — up to the day before departure. Travelers simply call Collette’s reservation line to cancel and get a full refund in the form of original payment — not a voucher — minus only the cost of the Travel Protection fee.

“It’s very unique in the industry; most companies don’t do something like this,” he said.

Courtesy Collette

TRIP INTERRUPTION

Trip interruption steps in to cover incidents that cut a trip short or otherwise disrupt travel. In addition to covering things like natural disasters, Seven Corners’ policies have a political evacuation benefit in case “all the sudden, it turns south, and you need to get out,” Tysdal said.

Collette operates on seven continents, and “there’s all kinds of wacky stuff that happens in the world,” Roy said. Iceland’s volcanic eruption in spring 2010 grounded tens of thousands of flights over the course of a month and stranded millions of passengers. Even if the airline offers a hotel voucher, which it may not, trip interruption coverage can provide travelers $100 a day for food expenses.

AIG Travel’s Travel Guard suite of programs includes Silver, Gold and Platinum plans, all of which include trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. But in September, the company is rolling out a suite of new a la carte options, such as a “pet bundle” that allows travelers to cancel a trip if their pet becomes ill or dies before departure. Another is the Name Your Own Family option that allows travelers to choose who to list as family members, such as a relationship partner or a close friend — anyone you would want to be with while they’re sick.

“So I could name a person that wasn’t related to me, and they would be treated the same as family,” Adamski said.

MEDICAL COVERAGE

Domestic travelers typically don’t need emergency medical and emergency transportation coverage because their domestic health insurance plans will cover those services. But “whenever you travel outside the country, you need to

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Courtesy Allianz Global Assistance

have emergency medical and emergency transportation,” Durazo said.

One person who bought an AIG Travel policy had a medical issue out of the country. He spent seven weeks in the hospital there, then got clearance to fly and during the flight out of the country, experienced a different medical emergency.

“We had to get him to another hospital in another country, where he spent another seven weeks,” Adamski said. “That was $400,000.”

Durazo puts it bluntly: “Emergency medical coverage and emergency medical transportation are the ones that could bankrupt you.”

Some people may assume that if they travel to a country with universal health care, they don’t need travel medical insurance, which is not true and could jeopardize them both physically and financially.

As more countries see their health care systems burdened by incoming international tourists who leave without paying their medical bills, more governments are requiring travelers to show proof of medical insurance before they can enter.

Dubai in the United Arab Emirates requires proof of coverage to enter, as does Cuba, which now sells its own form of travel insurance to those who arrive without it. Japan is considering similar policies after it has been left with millions of dollars of unpaid foreigner hospitalizations.

In some countries, hospitals will ask patients to pay their bill before they leave, which could leave travelers scrambling to come up with thousands of dollars.

In addition to covering bills, travel medical insurance provides 24-hour assistance and a medical team that consults with doctors and helps manage the traveler’s care while they’re sick.

TRAVEL PLANNERS SHOULD CAREFULLY READ INSURANCE POLICIES BEFORE BUYING THEM TO ENSURE THEY KNOW EXACTLY WHAT EVENTS ARE COVERED.

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“That can be daunting to navigate a health care system in a foreign land where you don’t speak the language,” Durazo said.

The other piece of medical coverage goes beyond financial concerns to emotional ones, Tysdal said. Once, Seven Corners had a woman and a child who were in an auto accident in Eastern Europe. The child was fine, but the woman had to have emergency surgery. Seven Corners booked her husband’s plane ticket and got him to the airport, “but it’s still a 10-hour flight.” The company arranged for someone from the U.S. Embassy to go to the hospital and stay with the child for those 10 hours. Another insurance benefit is the return of a minor child where in a situation such as that one, Seven Corners would handle the arrangements and cover the cost to return a child home.

“Those types of things are probably the most emotional,” Tysdal said.

“Things like lost baggage protection and trip interruption are usually more of a financial consideration and an irritation, but the most important are overall health and well-being.”

MEDICAL EVACUATION POLICIES CAN COVER TREATMENT AND TRAVEL NECESSITATED BY INJURIES SUSTAINED IN ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BIKING WHILE ON A TRIP.

Courtesy Collette

MEDICAL EVACUATION

Emergency medical evacuation may conjure images of daring mountaintop rescues, but it really means emergency medical transportation. And it’s not uncommon.

“We do an evacuation every day,” Durazo said.

A traveler could have a heart attack while in a remote region without good emergency medical facilities, or fall and break a hip during a cruise in rough seas and need to be transported, sometimes by air ambulance, which can cost from $20,000 to $100,000. Air transport companies are not obligated to fly a person

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SEPTEMBER 2019

from Point A to Point B without payment upfront.

“The air ambulance companies don’t turn on their engines until they have money in hand,” Adamski said.

And, Roy said, even if a traveler doesn’t need to be evacuated per se, but broke a leg in five places and needs to fly home in a roomier first-class seat accompanied by a nurse, Collette’s insurance covers that.

GROUP TRAVEL

Arguably, a group leader benefits the most from every person in their group having travel insurance, but group leaders can’t require their travelers to buy travel insurance. The group leader can buy a bundle of policies on behalf of their travelers, but each of those policies covers only individual group members. There is no policy available that covers the entire group.

Group leaders and travel providers should offer travel insurance to their customers, encourage them to buy it and explain the benefits of doing so — and also buy coverage for themselves.

“It’s important to offer an insurance option for the group,” Adamski said.

“It’s protection for them and peace of mind not only for the travelers but also for the group leader.”

If you’re a travel provider leading a group of 40 people in Europe, and one of them becomes ill or gets injured, what do you do? Do you stay back with them? Do you take on the burden of managing their care, navigating the health care system and relaying information to their family back home?

“You have 39 other people that are planning to have a good experience; we take that burden away from them if they buy the insurance,” Adamski said.

“Group leaders need to understand these things happen, and they happen more frequently with groups,” he said, especially with longer trips or older travelers.

Insurance also improves customer service. If a customer has to cancel a trip at the last minute, “I don’t want to be the one to tell them they can’t get your money back,” Durazo said. “Why would I want to take on that customer service burden when you can offer travel insurance, and the insurance company will give you your money back?”

Both AIG Travel and Allianz Global Assistance work with group tour operators to help them select and offer plans to their customers. Offering these plans also means the travel provider could get an additional revenue stream from fees from offering policies to their customers, Durazo said.

A group plan from Seven Corners can have up to 15 people under a single retail travel medical plan. If the group is larger than that, it will need to register as a census. Still, under that type of group plan, each person has their own individual policy. For a Seven Corners group plan, the purchaser must show how the group members are related to one another. Whether it’s a mission trip, a student group or a sightseeing tour, they need to prove that each member of the group is going on the same trip.

But, if a group leader wants a policy to cover a whole group rather than individual travelers, “that’s not really a travel insurance policy; that’s more of a commercial line of insurance,” Adamski said.

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DESTINATIONS SERVE UP FREE-TIME OFFERINGS FOR GROUPS

By Rachel Carter or travelers, there are plenty of reasons to go with a guided group: The group leader does all the groundwork, makes all the plans, books all the arrangements. In a group, travelers meet new people and make new friends, sometimes for life.

Sometimes, however, people need a break. With groups seeing more active boomers, millennials and multigenerational travel, there’s a rising demand for group leaders to build free time into their itineraries. And that means CVBs are working to help group leaders help their customers make the most of their free time.

Here are six examples of cities around the country that are helping tour groups make the most of free time.

THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA

Thomasville is a small town in southwest Georgia that’s known for its historic architecture: large Victorian houses and plantation-style antebellum homes. The city is a popular getaway destination for groups that want to experience history — and maybe, buy some while antique shopping.

“When I’ve worked with large groups, at some point everybody needs a break, and they want to explore and discover by themselves,” said Bonnie Hayes, tourism manager for Thomasville Visitor Center.

Thomasville has offered Downtown Dollars for at least 15 years. Group leaders can buy Downtown Dollars from the visitor center and give them to their travelers to use — like dollar-for-dollar cash — at 125 downtown restaurants and stores.

The program addresses several needs for groups. First, a town of 19,000 people doesn’t have many places that can feed a group of 50. Second, it ensures people are fed without having to move them around.

“They can give them these Downtown Dollars, and people can go and find a restaurant, whichever restaurant they want, whenever they want, and their meal is covered,” Hayes said.

Downtown Dollars also work at Thomasville’s boutiques and antique shops, so someone can skip lunch and shop instead.

Thomasville also offers a self-guided historic walking or driving tour that features about 85 historic properties, and people can pick up a tour booklet or download the Thomasville mobile app to follow it.

On the app or website, the “Plan Your Visit” tool allows visitors to select their interests to build and map out an itinerary for a free morning or afternoon.

“It provides the opportunity for a group to break away and experience something different, and then the best part is when they get back together later that day or night and talk about what they discovered,” Hayes said.

T H O M A S V I L L EG A .C O M

By Debbie Franke, courtesy Explore St. Louis

EXPLORE ST. LOUIS ENCOURAGES TRAVEL ORGANIZERS TO PLAN FREE TIME AT ITS BEAUTIFUL FOREST PARK.

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GROUP TRAVELERS WITH FREE TIME TO SPEND IN MILWAUKEE OFTEN FIND THEIR WAY TO MADER’S RESTAURANT, A FAMOUS GERMAN EATERY.

Courtesy Visit Milwaukee Courtesy Visit Milwaukee

ST. LOUIS

“It used to be that no one had free time — everything was so scheduled,” said Renee Eichelberger, director of leisure travel sales for Explore St. Louis. “Nowadays, people have so many varying tastes, the operators have adjusted.”

To help group travel leaders with free-time ideas, Explore St. Louis provides sample itineraries and a group tour planner, “but a lot of it is that conversation we have with them at trade shows,” she said.

St. Louis is home to several neighborhoods and entertainment hubs that naturally lend themselves to visitor exploration. Forest Park is a 1,300-acre park where travelers find many of the city’s cultural attractions, including the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum and the St. Louis Science Center, all with free admission. There’s also a boathouse where people can rent pedal boats, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Motorcoaches can also drop off at multiple locations in the park, so even if it’s not 100% free time, “it gives them an opportunity to have more flexibility,” Eichelberger said.

In downtown, the MX district is chock-full of restaurants and home to the National Blues Museum, and the compact area works well for people with mobility issues.

Delmar Loop is a funky neighborhood where visitors can shop at record stores and local boutiques and eat at local restaurants like Blueberry Hill and Fitz’s Root Beer.

In the Central West End, visitors will find sidewalk cafes, antique stores, the World Chess Hall of Fame and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

In December, the new St. Louis Aquarium will open at Union Station, which is also adding three restaurants and a 200-foot observation wheel. There, groups can stay at the renovated 576-room St. Louis Union Station Hotel and watch a laser light show beamed onto the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the depot’s Grand Hall.

E X P L O R E S T L O U I S .C O M

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

CHALK THE WALK ARTSPLOSION IS ONE OF MANY VIRGINIA BEACH EVENTS THAT TRAVELERS CAN ENJOY DURING FREE TIME.

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Courtesy BeachStreet USA

Courtesy Explore St. Louis

YOUNG VISITORS ENJOY A GAME AL FRESCO AT THE WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME IN ST. LOUIS.

The Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau is seeing increased demand for free time in group travel, “especially with the active boomers and the millenials,” said tourism sales manager Jim Coggin. “The traditional seniors, they still want to have their hand held, but we’re finding there is a trend for free time, and we often put that in our itineraries, as there’s no better destination than Virginia Beach to have free time.”

That’s because nothing lends itself to whiling away the hours quite like sitting by the beach, watching the waves and smelling the salt air.

Virginia Beach’s 3.5-mile-long boardwalk features a separate bike path for strolling, rollerblading and biking. There, visitors will find nightly entertainment during the summer months on four oceanfront stages, as well as outdoor restaurants and vendors offering bike and surrey rentals, and an array of nautical sculptures, including the 24-foot-tall King Neptune bronze statue.

Before groups arrive, the CVB gives group leaders a list of free-time ideas to pass along to their customers. That allows visitors to start planning how they want to spend their free time ahead of time.

“We definitely encourage our tour operators to make sure they allow for free time, and we normally will give the tour operators some suggestions,” Coggin said.

The CVB will sometimes break suggestions down by category. Adventure-seekers may want to try Top Golf, iFLY or axe-throwing; those who want rest and relaxation may be interested in spas and shopping. The CVB also takes into consideration where the group is staying and recommends activities that are easy to get to from their hotel by taking an Uber or taxi or even walking. The city’s hop-on/hop-off trolley system also runs May through September.

V I S I T V I R G I N I A B E A C H .C O M

SEPTEMBER 2019

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

GROUPS CAN PLAN THEIR VISITS TO VIRGINIA BEACH TO COINCIDE WITH MAJOR FESTIVALS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. Courtesy VBCVB

Though most group itineraries are still booked up, Saundra Robertson, tourism sales manager for Louisville Tourism, is seeing an increase in group travel leaders building in free time.

If a group is staying downtown, Robertson points them to Fourth Street Live, a blocklong entertainment complex with restaurants, nightlife and attractions, including the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, where visitors can do tastings or take mixology courses. Just south of Fourth Street Live, travelers can spend their free time shopping at local boutiques in the SoFo district.

On Main Street in downtown, Museum Row and Whiskey Row include the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, the Kentucky Science Center, the Muhammed Ali Center, the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, the KMAC Museum and the Frazier History Center, as well as the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Travelers can buy the Main Ticket, which includes admission to any six of those attractions.

LouLift is the city’s free hop-on/hop-off shuttle bus that runs through downtown and can take people out to Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby; the NuLu district, short for New Louisville; or Butchertown to check out restaurants on East Market Street, the Copper and Kings brandy distillery and Butchertown Grocery. People can also explore on a bike from the LouVelo bike-share program.

Robertson gives group travel leaders maps of downtown and tells them about the visitor center’s free guided downtown walking tours that showcase area history and architecture, arts and culture, Whiskey Row and the Civic District.

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Discover The Huntington #

1 TION

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NASA Visitor Center

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See the world’s largest collection of space artifacts and explore the fascinating future of space travel!

Group Tours Available Pasadena Adjacent huntington.org

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

Celebrate the 2019 50th anniversary of the moon landing in Huntsville, Alabama - where it all started with Dr. Wernher von Braun and his rocket team!

Huntsville, Alabama • (800) 637-7223 www.rocketcenter.com

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MANY LOUISVILLE VISITORS USE FREE TIME TO SAMPLE SPIRITS AT JIM BEAM URBAN STILLHOUSE.

Louisville Tourism can also provide the brochure for the Muhammad Ali Footsteps of Greatness self-guided tour, which takes people through Ali’s life and legacy, including his childhood home, his high school, the Ali Center and his gravesite.

Anyone who collects six passport stamps from 44 locations on the Urban Bourbon Trail can claim a free T-shirt at the visitor center.

G O TO L O U I S V I L L E .C O M

Courtesy Louisville Tourism

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

Free time is “a must-have with certain demographics,” said Brian Hutchings, group tour and convention sales manager for Visit Milwaukee. However, most of the time, “you’re still seeing a fairly tight itinerary.”

When he’s talking with group leaders at trade shows, Hutchings always proposes incorporating free time, but many are still hesitant, mostly because they’re afraid of losing their people.

Milwaukee’s free downtown light-rail streetcar, The Hop, started running last year, connecting riders to most of the downtown area and adjacent neighborhoods, like the Historic Third Ward and East Side.

Within a two-block area in Walker’s Point, visitors can experience the Clock Shadow Creamery, an urban cheese factory; visit Purple Door Ice Cream, which uses the creamery’s milk; and take a class and a bite at Indulgence Chocolatiers before checking out the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.

The group sales team often recommends visiting Bradford Beach, driving by beer-baron mansions along Lake Drive, walking along Old World Third Street and checking out the RiverWalk, which connects three distinct riverfront neighborhoods: downtown, the Historic Third Ward and Beerline B. Sculpture Milwaukee brings world-class art to residents and visitors alike with sculptures along Wisconsin Avenue. There, people can take guided tours of 22 artworks by 20 artists or follow self-guided tours using a mobile app or a printed map.

On visitmilwaukee.com, the MyTrip feature allows travelers to build their own itinerary, shopping-cart style, and map it out to maximize their free time.

Visit Milwaukee has long offered meeting planners a discount booklet to give attendees to use at restaurants and attractions during their free time. This year, for the first time, Visit Milwaukee is also giving that booklet to tour operators for their groups.

V I S I T M I L W A U K E E .O R G

PHILADELPHIA

318 Howard Street • Greenwood, Mississippi 662.453.2114 • thealluvian.com

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Philadelphia’s group travel market gets a lot of students and seniors, and “that kind of crowd tends to keep most of their itineraries pretty tight,” said Jim DePhilippo, tourism sales manager for the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

However, the city does attract quite a few day-trip groups, and based on the need to keep costs down, “there is definitely a feeling to give them free time to do whatever they SEPTEMBER 2019

GROUP TRAVELERS CAN USE DOWNTOWN DOLLARS AT SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS THROUGHOUT THE CHARMING BUSINESS DISTRICT IN THOMASVILLE.

Courtesy Thomasville Visitor Center

want and providing them information about what they can do,” he said.

When the CVB gets a specific request, DePhilippo tries to zero in on the group’s needs and interests to provide relevant options for their free time. He steers them to the CVB’s online itineraries or the official visitors guide for ideas, including walking tours.

“We have so many [attractions] here [that] it’s not so much having something to do, it’s deciding what direction to go and what to do,” he said.

History buffs may want to explore the Old City/Society Hill area.

Foodies can’t go wrong with a visit to the Historic South Ninth Street Italian Market for Italian-influenced fare. People love to explore Rittenhouse Square, both the historic public park and the surrounding neighborhood. And Benjamin Franklin Parkway, dubbed “Museum Mile,” is home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum and the Barnes Foundation.

Historic Philadelphia runs Independence After Hours, which takes guests to the historic City Tavern for an 18th-century-inspired dinner and a visit by Thomas Jefferson, after which the group “sneaks” into Independence Hall.

Philadelphia offers tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes. Dating to 1893 and housed in a National Historic Landmark building, the Reading Terminal Market delivers both shopping and an experience. After undergoing a $400 million redevelopment, the Fashion District opens in September with 840,000 square feet of retail space housing national and local stores and restaurants.

D I S C O V E R P H L .C O M

PLAY AND GET AWAY ON THE

NORTHSHORE

Visit St. Tammany Parish and bring your appetite for great Louisiana cooking, and for living.

Come paddle the bayou, pedal the Tammany Trace, tour Honey Island Swamp, do the Dew Drop, toast the town at Abita Brewery or Pontchartrain Vineyards, and indulge your sweet tooth at The Candy Bank.

Less than an hour from New Orleans, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Baton Rouge.

8 0 0 - 6 3 4 - 9 4 4 3 • w w w. L o u i s i a n a N o r t h s h o r e . c o m /g r o u p s GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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SEPTEMBER 2019

EVEN THE SMALLEST TRAVEL GROUPS NEED WEBSITES TODAY

By Eliza Myers n today’s world, many consumers decide what to eat, what to wear and where to go based solely on their impressions of a company’s website. Googling an unknown company is the first step for many people when hunting information.

If a company doesn’t have a website, many consumers worry the organization is not legitimate. Or if they see a website that is out of date, they will often wonder if the poor quality of the website reflects the company’s low standards.

According to a 2019 study by HootSuite, average internet users spend more than six hours a day online, and the pressure has never been greater for travel professionals to not only have a website but also have one that stands out in the crowd.

WHY A WEBSITE?

In the past, group travel leaders and small tour companies have been able to capture the attention of the senior market without much of an online presence. However, with boomers and younger travelers entering the group travel market, websites are a must-have rather than an optional addition to a travel program.

You should consider your website a virtual storefront for your travel program. The website introduces your company’s contact information, helps market your program and builds long-term loyalty for your brand.

Some travel planners simply provide their members with links to the webpages of the tour companies they do business with. But this isn’t nearly as effective as having your own website. And when your travelers start looking at those tour companies’ websites online, they’re more likely to start booking with those companies directly instead of traveling with you.

You should use your website to show your program’s personality, specialties and qualifications. Use inviting travel photos, professional website templates and engaging content. You might not be able to fit your company’s list of credentials into a quick face-to-face pitch to a potential client. But you can lay out your program’s superiority point by point.

Potential travelers unsure about your company can feel more confident in purchasing after they review your group’s previous itineraries, travel photos and testimonials. Easy-to-use website widgets also allow potential clients to book trips with you 24/7 rather than having to find time to call you by phone.

NO MATTER HOW SMALL YOUR TRAVEL ORGANIZATION IS, BUILDING A SIMPLE WEBSITE IS A MUST FOR GROWING SALES AND COMMUNICATING WITH CUSTOMERS.

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CHOOSING A PLATFORM

ONLINE SERVICES SUCH AS WIX.COM OFFER BEAUTIFUL TEMPLATES AND EASY DRAG-AND-DROP TOOLS TO HELP NOVICES DESIGN EFFECTIVE WEBSITES.

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Just 10 years ago, small businesses considered creating a website either too expensive or too technically intimidating. Today, people can create websites with relative ease and for a fraction of the cost after making a few key decisions.

First, decide which you will invest more of: time or money. The more time you put to setting up the website yourself, the less you will end up paying.

Third-party travel agency websites such as Voyager Websites and Passport Online provide a mostly hands-off way for travel agents and other travel professionals to construct a website. For these options, you will have little control of the site’s design and content. If your site has content that also appears on other organizations’ sites, it could lower your search engine optimization (SEO) ranking, which determines where your site shows up in online search results. But if you know you won’t have time to write website content yourself, this might not matter. For those with the least amount of time and a larger budget, these platforms can work well.

Another option, website builders, offers easy-to-use templates with modern designs and more flexibility. Wix and Squarespace can help those who are less tech savvy create a website that has a unique look, without the duplicate content. These platforms don’t require any previous coding knowledge. Wix even offers templates specifically for travel agencies that can be altered for an individual look.

For those wanting full control of every aspect of the website, a Content Management System (CMS) option like Wordpress or Drupal will provide the most cost-effective website. If you are up for a challenge and create a CMS website yourself, you will pay only around $10 a month for hosting services. However, you may need to purchase plug-ins for certain functions,

SEPTEMBER 2019

such as the ability for visitors to buy tours online.

To craft a professional website that looks and functions the way you want using a CMS, be prepared to learn some code and spend a lot of time tinkering with the website on the back end of the site. These platforms also have template options with travel themes, which cost extra.

If you have the budget, you can hire a designer to create your website on a CMS platform to your exact specifications. This will save time, though you may have to continue to work with a developer to update and change the website.

WEBSITE MAKEOVER

To ensure that your virtual shopfront makes a positive first impression, think through your website’s design.

Start by looking at websites for similar travel, and make notes on what you like and dislike about each.

Once you have a few ideas, think about how to incorporate the style of your tours into the design. For example, if you offer luxury tours, you’ll want to choose fonts, colors, photos and text that reflect those types of tours. Budgetconscious tour companies should highlight the travel deals.

No matter your program’s travel type, understanding some basic design techniques can help your website shine. Start with color by choosing two or three hues to focus on, ideally using at least one color from your logo.

Novice designers will sometimes use too many contrasting colors, like blue with orange to make web pages pop.

However, more subtle color combinations, such as multiple shades of the same color, flow better on the page. If you can’t figure out a good color scheme, online resources such as colorcombos.com can help generate coordinating colors.

Show restraint when choosing fonts for your website.

Though it may be tempting to use only a calligraphic-type font and other exciting styles, legibility should always be your first consideration. Some designers choose a variant of one font family for more visual interest, without making the page feel cluttered.

Captivating, high-resolution photography can often sell a trip better than words. Ask for high-resolution photos from travel providers before a trip, take photos during the trip or ask for photos from your members after the tour.

Once your initial site design is complete, gauge its accessibility to visitors. Ask a few people to browse the website for feedback. If they have trouble finding something, move the information to a more obvious place.

One of the most front-and-center pieces on the website should be a call to action that prompts the user to sign up for either a mailing list or individual tours. Keep these callto-action links in noticeable locations or create a pop-up that asks website visitors to register for more information.

NUTS AND BOLTS

Though you can throw together an attractive website that functions well, an understanding of analytics and SEO can elevate your website’s usefulness. Sign into Google Analytics to determine how many people have visited your website, your bounce rate, how many pages were viewed per session and the average session duration.

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TRAVEL PLANNERS CAN INCREASE A SITE’S EFFECTIVENESS BY CONTINUALLY UPDATING IT WITH FRESH, HIGHQUALITY CONTENT.

Each piece of information reveals how visitors interact with your website. For example, if your bounce rate is higher than 50%, that is an indicator that people aren’t willing to stick around and explore your site. You can dig into why that bounce rate might be high by reflecting on your site’s ease of navigation, slow page loads or irrelevant content. Sometimes there isn’t an easy answer to why analytics show a particular number. Test different website changes to see if they help or hurt your analytics.

Another helpful metric to check on Google Analytics is how many people view your website on the desktop versus the mobile phone. Many websites that read well on a desktop fail to impress on a phone. Check your website on your phone to see if your website reads well or if it needs some visual tweaks.

Besides regularly checking your Google Analytics, a basic understanding of SEO will aid your website’s searchability on Google and other search engines. A perfect website is useless if no one can find it. SEO can become complicated quickly, but a few basic tips can enhance searchability.

Writing original quality content will always raise your site’s SEO standing; duplicate content can harm it. This is one reason some travel planners choose to create their website’s travel content despite the time involved.

Finding keywords and title tags that relate to the topic can also help Google categorize what each of your webpages are about. To include these keywords, ask yourself what words you would type into a search engine if you were looking for this information online.

Though this only brushes the surface of SEO development, you can read many other tips online.

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SEPTEMBER 2019

SHOWS World’s Largest Quilting Membership Organization

Detail: KABOOM! by Tere D’Amato

BRING YOUR GROUP, JOIN THE FUN! QUILT EXHIBITS 500+ quilts, including special exhibits and AQS quilt contest

CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & LECTURES Instruction for all levels and interests from the industry’s top quilters. See special kids’ programming exclusively at the Lancaster Show at The Nook.

SHOPPING & DEMONSTRATIONS Huge merchant mall and AQS Learning Center

VENUES & DATES 2020

SPRING 2021

Daytona Beach, FL February 26–29

Daytona Beach, FL February 24–27

Lancaster, PA – Downtown March 25–28

Branson, MO March 24-27

Paducah, KY* April 22–25

Paducah, KY* April 21–24

Lancaster, PA – The Nook August 5–7 Grand Rapids, MI August 19–22 Charleston, SC 92 September 30–October 2 TRAVEL LE ADER

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KEEP THE CONTENT COMING

Running an effective website requires you to create good, original content such as articles and blog posts on a regular basis. The purpose of this content goes beyond increasing your site’s SEO. Providing pertinent information to your members promotes your image of authority, generates new traffic to your site and increases loyalty to your program.

Refrain from only posting articles that try to sell something. The reader will quickly loose interest in your website if that is all it has to offer. Think of your website as a long-term strategy to share information about yourself, your company and other tidbits that might interest your customers.

To start, think about what your members might be interested in. If your travel program is part of a larger organization, like a church, post about a Bible passage that stood out to you, or spotlight a mission organization your church supports. Posts like these can be integrated into your website and sent out in monthly emails to encourage more traffic to your website. Anything that keeps your company on travelers’ minds will benefit you when your clients start to think about their upcoming travel plans.

You should also post on travel topics. Posts relating to destinations and travel tips can solidify your image as a travel expert. These types of posts are more personal in nature and might live on a blog section of your website.

Blogs now integrate easily into websites and provide a continual stream of content.

A post of a traveler raving about a recent trip can make a significant impact on potential customers. Words of praise about a recent tour will have more weight if they come from someone other than you. Though they take some planning, testimonial posts on your website create positive content and are virtual word-of-mouth recommendations.

Ensure that your customers can easily access your website posts by emailing monthly newsletters with links to the articles, posting the links to social media and allowing easy ways to sign up for more information.

The thought and work you put toward a new and revamped website will repay you threefold in time. Your customers will feel even more confident when clicking on your latest tour after visiting your sleek, easy-to-use, up-to-date website.

LEARN MORE AT QUILTWEEK.COM SEPTEMBER 2019

TOUR OPERATORS DIRECTORY AdVance Tour and Travel LLC

PO Box 489 Ozark, MO 65721 800-346-7706 Kim Vance, CTIS, ACC kim@advancetourandtravel.com www.advancetourandtravel.com AdVance Tour & Travel is thinking outside the box. We specialize in customizing that itinerary with activities that are created just for your group, allowing you and your customers to truly Advance Beyond the Ordinary.

We pride ourselves on great customer service, firstrate tours, quick proposal turn around and same day answers to all of your questions. You will receive great customer service and satisfaction when you travel with AdVance Tour & Travel.

Brilliant Edventures

Two Locations: St. Simon Island, GA and Battle Ground, WA 912-434-3088 Elaine & Tim Moulder elaine@brilliantedventures.com www.brilliantedventures.com Brilliant Edventures is a full service wholesale tour operator specializing in customized group tours for adults and students. No matter what your unique trip idea is, we can make it a reality. From themed adventures, mystery vacations to educational and performing tours, we have done it all! Make your trip memorable for your group with an exciting, one-of-a-kind itinerary, our signature Tour Tool Book and 24/7 tour support.

Call us today for a complimentary proposal.

DeNureTours

71 Mount Hope Street Lindsay, Ontario, K9V 5N5 855-268-6101 Jessica Bullock jessicabullock@denuretours.com www.denuretours.com DeNureTours is a Canadian company with nearly 60 years of experience. We own deluxe motorcoaches, offering you a complete package - an inclusive itinerary, coach, driver and tour director.

Our tours feature a kaleidoscope of experiences that create a more meaningful trip. Sharing the world … Inspiring travel.

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

American Journeys International

7120 Kendarbren Drive, Suite 722 Jamison, PA 18929 215-598-8690 Bruce Rickert br@amjourneysintl.com www.amjourneysintl.com/ American Journeys International assists Active Adults, Student, and International Inbound Groups with tours throughout North America. As a Receptive Tour Operator we provide full tour package trips, including: attraction, meals, tour guides, hotel accommodations and transportation (buses, trains, Airfare) for your group’s travel. Contact us for a no-obligation proposal today.

Central Holidays Group Travel Experiences

250 Moonachie Road, Suite 300 Moonachie, NJ 07074 866-613-5599 Adam Greis groups@centralholidays.com www.grouptravelexperiences.com Since 1972, we have been custom-designing group tours to fulfill the distinctive needs of a special audience based on budget, the desired length of travel and the itinerary’s included features. Our experienced and knowledgeable destination specialists are ready to plan your next group program in Europe, Africa, West Asia, or Latin America.

Joy Tour & Travel

9674 Cincinnati-Columbus Road West Chester, OH 45241 513-777-8221 Greg Wingham info@joytours.com www.joytours.com We have specialized in domestic and international group travel itineraries since 1985. Let us plan your group’s travel with unique tours that are sure to please! Visit our website for custom, scheduled and guaranteed itineraries. Our affiliation with TAP gives us strength in numbers. Let us put “JOY” in travel!

Aventura World

250 Moonachie Road, Suite 308 Moonachie, NJ 07074 760-212-0779 Ian Scott info@aventuraworld.com www.aventuraworld.com A valued leader in the group travel marketplace since 1972, Aventura World is focused on elevating group travel beyond traditional sightseeing to delivering culturally rich, interactive, and in-depth destination experiences every time. The company is known for providing excellent client service, destination expertise, and meticulously planned tour and travel packages.

Be Native Tours

One East Sheridan, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73104 405-767-8925 Morgan Prim morgan.prim@chickasaw.net www.benativetours.com Tour the very best of America’s heartland with Be Native Tours. Groups of all sizes can experience pre-built and customizable tours to America’s most exciting and thriving destinations. Rich in culture and natural beauty, don’t wait to book your trip to explore the south-central United States with Be Native.

Collette

180 Middle Street Pawtucket, RI 02860 800-222-5679 Jim Edwards jedwards@collette.com www.gocollette.com The experts in guided travel for more than 100 years, Collette is committed to giving you more of what makes guided travel special. Group hometown pick-up, industry leading travel protection and tour pacing, seasoned full-time tour managers; plus, all the must-see inclusions, high-quality accommodations, and memorable experiences.

With marketing support and a dedicated team, we can help you fulfill every travel dream.

Reformation Tours, LLC

P.O. Box 854 Belleville, IL 62222 800-303-5534 Rowena Drinkhouse info@reformationtours.com www.reformationtours.com Reformation Tours specializes in Christian-history inspired tours to Europe. Our clients include churches, Bible colleges, Christian schools, travel agencies, and family groups. Our newest division is www.Mayflower400tours. com, with tours to the UK, Netherlands and New England to commemorate the upcoming 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower. We are members of NTA and the Faith Travel Association.

Country Travel DISCOVERIES

13416 Watertown Plank Road, Suite 200 Elm Grove, WI 53122 855-744-8747 or 262-923-8120 groups@countrytraveldiscoveries.com www.countrytraveldiscoveries.com/groups Our unique, handcrafted, off-the-beaten-path tours give groups a stellar travel experience and leaders peace of mind. Discounts on dozens of land, rail, cruise, international, and agricultural tours, custom/private-label options for larger groups, insurance, coop promotions and other benefits make planning, selling and enjoying the trip of a lifetime a snap!

Twin Travel Concepts

451 Eichybush Road Kinderhook, NY 12106 917-575-6600 Nicholas Calderazzo, CTP nick@twintravelconcepts.com www.twintravelconcepts.com Creating effortless group travel experiences!

The Northeast is our backyard and playground - from NY City and throughout New England; From Pennsylvania and New Jersey down to Washington DC. Fun, affordable, and unique itineraries - checkout our website for ideas. We are also a TAP Partner!

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TRAVEL INDUSTRY DIRECTORY CRUISES

Emerald Waterways

ALABAMA

CALIFORNIA

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

COLORADO

Visit Colorado Springs

One Financial Center, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02111 833-571-9845 David Lubchansky david.lubchansky@emeraldwaterways.com www.emeraldwaterways.com Recognized for innovative itineraries, contemporary design and exceptional value for money, our ‘Star-Ships’ on Europe’s and Asia’s rivers offer a premium river cruise experience, superior comfort, delicious dining and topnotch service, all included in the price.

1 Tranquility Base Huntsville, AL 35805 800-637-7223 Tom White tom.white@spacecamp.com www.rocketcenter.com The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is the largest spaceflight museum in the world, showcasing the past, present and future of human spaceflight.

The Rocket Center serves as the Official NASA Visitor Center for Marshall Space Flight Center and Tennessee Valley Authority and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

40 Presidential Drive Simi Valley, CA 93065 800-410-8354 Melanie Salvesen msalvesen@reaganfoundation.org www.reaganlibrary.com The Reagan Library is one of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations. Tour through the actual Air Force One that flew seven U.S. presidents.

View a full scale replica of the Oval Office. Touch an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall. Also home to President and Mrs. Reagan’s memorial site.

515 S. Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719-685-7635 Floy Kennedy floy@visitcos.com www.visitcos.com Colorado’s Pikes Peak region is full of new wonders, unique tours, delectable food, pristine mountain scenery and unforgettable adventures. Home to more than 60 attractions and activities, including Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain and Garden of the Gods Park, Colorado Springs is sure to inspire a memorable visit.

CRUISES

ARKANSAS

COLORADO

DELAWARE

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Eureka Springs CAPC

One Financial Center, 4th Floor Boston, MA 02111 844-425-6076 Groups Department usgroups@scenicusa.com www.scenicusa.com Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is the leader in truly allinclusive, luxury river cruising. From complimentary drinks all day, all shore excursions & private events… the list of inclusions is long. Enjoy your river cruise on our state-of-the-art Space-Ships - which include up to 6 dining venues, WiFi throughout, and a private balcony on the majority of our cabins. Scenic provides an unmatched travel experience for your clients.

121 East Van Buren, 3B/P.O. Box 522 Eureka Springs, AR 72632 866-782-9387 Karen Pryor, CTIS karen@eurekasprings.org www.eurekasprings.org Life in this Victorian Village brings one surprise after another. Around every corner you’ll find fine art, fine dining, shops to please all, historic architecture, unique lodging, spas to pamper and spoil you and events that attract guests, conferences, groups and tours year round. See what you’re missing at EUREKASPRINGS.ORG

5234 B Hwy 285 Antonito, CO 81120 575-219-3302 Corrine Williams groups@cumbrestoltec.com cumbrestoltec.com The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad follows 64 miles of untouched splendor. Experience the Authentic West much like those who journeyed along the same route almost 140 year ago. Enjoy an included hot lunch, group friendly facilities and friendly staff as you ride with us!

INTERNATIONAL

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

Niagara Parks

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

7400 Portage Road, P.O. Box 150 Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, L2E 6T2 905-356-2241, ext. 2 Jennifer Thomas, Manager, Domestic Tour & Travel Trade groups@niagaraparks.com www.niagaraparkstraveltrade.com Explore Niagara Parks and let our 56KM, four-season outdoor adventure museum create memories that last a lifetime. Discover exciting attractions, Feast ON certified restaurants, treasured heritage sites, family-friendly events, gardens and breathtaking views. There is always plenty to see and do at Niagara Parks.

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1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108 626-405-2100 Jane Sandmeier, Group Sales & Tours Manager tours@huntington.org www.huntington.org The Huntington is a world-renowned museum surrounded by 120 acres of breathtaking gardens, art galleries, & library, celebrating its Centennial! Treasures include a Gutenberg Bible, Shakespeare, Gainsborough’s newly restored Blue Boy, roses, desert, Japanese and Chinese Gardens. Enjoy Group Tours, Gift Store, Cafés & Tea Room. Open daily (closed Tues. & Holidays).

Tour Colorado

P.O. Box 4017 Durango, CO 81301 888-401-4330 Julianne Fredrick CTP, CTIS info@tourcolorado.org www.tourcolorado.org Tour Colorado Association bringing together Colorado destinations, attractions, lodgers and tourism based service providers as one statewide organization to market Colorado directly to domestic tour operators and packaged travel planners.

5105 Kennett Pike Winterthur, DE 19735 302-888-4971 Melissa Donnelly mdonne@winterthur.org www.winterthur.org/visit/tours/group-tours Discover an American Treasure! Winterthur’s preeminent collection of American antiques reflects both early America and the du Pont family’s life at this glorious estate. Enjoy tours of the house and spectacular 60-acre garden, special exhibitions, shopping, dining, and more.

GEORGIA

Visit Macon

450 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Macon, GA 31201 800-768-3407 Steven Fulbright sfulbright@visitmacon.org www.visitmacon.org The soul of Macon can be found in its’ beautiful architecture, rich musical heritage, thriving culinary scene, festivals, and thriving downtown. Centrally located, Macon is a convenient and affordable destination. Macon will make your next group tour a soulful experience.

SEPTEMBER 2016

TRAVEL INDUSTRY DIRECTORY ILLINOIS

INDIANA

KENTUCKY

KENTUCKY

meetNKY.com

123 N. Commerce Street Galena, IL 61036 815-776-9200 Justin Helle jhelle@visitgalena.org www.visitgalena.org Dripping with history, Galena Country is known for its well-preserved, 19th-century charm, picturesque landscape and welcoming community. This hidden gem is lush with rolling hills, rich in history and loaded with incredible outdoor adventure, shopping, and restaurants.

Galena Country Tourism

310 N Elm Street Corydon, IN 47112 888-738-2137 Stacy Pintle stacyp@thisisIndiana.org www.thisisindiana.org This is where Indiana truly began. Early settlers established the first state capitol, then stood their ground here for Indiana’s only Civil War. Experience natural beauty, from lush forests and wooded trails to rich caves. Sample some of our homegrown goodness and savor unique wines from area wineries.

Harrison County CVB

meetNKY | Northern Kentucky CVB

50 E. RiverCenter Blvd. Suite 200 Covington, KY 41011 859-261-4677 Erin Hoebbel ehoebbel@meetnky.com www.meetnky.com/meet/group-tour Located near the juncture of I-71, I-75 and I-74, getting into NKY is a breeze. Once you are here, there are experiences to fill all size itineraries for a broad range of interests including culture, history, entertainment, holidays, gaming, sports, adventure or bourbon. Just tell us about your group and we will customize a tour!

531 West Main Street Richmond, KY 859-626-8474 Lori Murphy-Tatum lmurphy@richmond.ky.us www.visitrichmondky.com Founded in 1789, when Kentucky was still considered America’s western frontier, Richmond has a rich history peopled with such legendary pioneer figures as Daniel Boone and Kit Carson. Located right off I-75, is in the heart of Kentucky’s lush bluegrass region.

Your group will have plenty of fun things to do in Richmond KY.

INDIANA

INDIANA

KENTUCKY

LOUISIANA

Amish Country of Northern Indiana

Shipshewana/LaGrange County Convention & Visitors Bureau

3421 Cassopolis Street Elkhart, IN 46514 800-262-8161 or 574-903-1148 Sonya L. Nash, CTIS/CTP sonya@amishcountry.org www.amishcountrytours.org Experience the popular Brown Bag Tour, Animal Encounters, Authentic Amish Backroads Experiences and Foodie Tours of the third largest Amish area in the nation including hands-on group exclusive fun!

See giant gardens planted in the shape of quilt patterns, have an Amish quilting bee, and shop hop to fabric stores on the Quilt Gardens Tour.

350 S Van Buren Street Shipshewana, IN 46565 260-768-4008 JoDee Hooley jhooley@lagrangecountycvb.org www.visitshipshewana.org We pride ourselves in crafting itineraries that offer insider tips, off-the-beaten path suggestions and customized tour planning for group planners from around the country. Let us help you discover the scenes and senses of Shipshewana, whether you’re planning a quick stopover, day trip or a multi-night stay, we can help!

INDIANA

KENTUCKY

ShelbyKY Tourism

Visit Richmond KY

Houmas House and Gardens

1011 Main Street Shelbyville KY 40065 502-633-6388 Chenelle Mcgee Coordinator@visitshlebyky.com www.visitshelbyky.com Take a behind the scenes farm tour in the Saddlebred Capital of the World. Your mouth will water in anticipation of Claudia Sanders Dinner House (created by the Colonel himself) or Science Hill after you peruse English antiquities at Wakefield-Scearce Galleries.

Sample the spirits at Jeptha Creed Distillery.

40136 Hwy 942 Darrow, LA 70725 225-473-9380 Jesse Lambert jesse@houmashouse.com www.houmashouse.com A short drive from New Orleans is Houmas House and Gardens. This historic estate boasts 38 acres of the South’s most beautiful gardens, three restaurants, a luxurious Inn and daily mansion tours. Spend the day or night and experience the Antebellum South.

KENTUCKY

LOUISIANA V I S I T P A R I S H

Dearborn County Convention, Visitor & Tourism Bureau

320 Walnut Street Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 800-322-8198 Sally McWilliams smcwilliams@visitsoutheastindiana.com www.toursoutheastindiana.com Located in Southeast Indiana along the Ohio River Scenic Byway, the Dearborn County Visitors Center provides itinerary planning assistance and tour coordination to the area. Activities include hands-on art & Gardening projects, historic site tours, progressive dinner, farm & markets tours. Tour for the Cure® travel rewards program.

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

American Quilter’s Society

5801 Kentucky Dam Road Paducah, KY 42003 270-898-7903 Michelle Thompson michelle.thompson@americanquiiter.com www.americanquilter.com American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek Shows will be held in Paducah, KY, Grand Rapids, MI, Charleston, SC, Daytona, FL, & Lancaster, PA in 2020 with Branson, MO being added in 2021.

Attendees will enjoy hundreds of quilts on exhibits, workshops, lectures, free demonstrations, and a huge Merchant Mall.

The Galt House Hotel

140 N. 4th Street Louisville, KY 502-569-4475 Lance George lgeorge@galthotel.com www.galthouse.com/meetings We are Legendary Louisville®. As the city centerpiece of Louisville, The Galt House Hotel is defined by graceful hospitality on a grand scale. Experience Louisville’s Only Waterfront Hotel™ as it’s reimagined through an $80 million renovation.

New Rooms Now Available | New Restaurants Opening Fall 2019

Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.

1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 411 New Orleans, LA 70123 504-731-7083 Angela Matherne angela@visitjeffersonparish.com www.visitjeffersonparish.com A world-class airport, two convention centers and 8,000 hotel rooms are next door to New Orleans in Jefferson. Meet where New Orleans plays!

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TRAVEL INDUSTRY DIRECTORY LOUISIANA

LOUISIANA

MISSISSIPPI

MISSOURI

Lafayette – Cajun Country

New Orleans Plantation Country

VisitHATTIESBURG

St. Joseph, MO Convention & Visitors Bureau

1400 NW Evangeline Trwy.

Lafayette, LA 70501 800-346-1958 Eugenie Mitchell eugenie@lafayettetravel.com www.lafayettetravel.com/groups Lafayette, Louisiana is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the Happiest City in America and it’s no mystery why. Their distinctive blend of food, music and culture has people from all over heading down south with a smile on their face.

671 Belle Terre Blvd.

LaPlace, LA 70068 985-395-2783 Wilma Harvey willma@visitnopc.com www.visistnopc.com Welcome to New Orleans Plantation Country. Out here, you will experience a diverse culture that is like no other.

Nestled among plantations and ancient live oaks are trails of Creole and Cajun heritages fused together creating the distinct Louisiana River Parishes culture.

Experience the unique architecture, outdoor leisure, intriguing spirituality, appetizing cuisine and learn the history of slavery in our region.

5 Convention Center Plaza Hattiesburg, MS 39401 601-296-7475 Paige Hunt cvbsales@visithburg.org www.visithburg.org Known has the Hub City, Hattiesburg, MS is conveniently located just a couple of hours from many southern destinations. Its group-friendly attractions, many of which are free, offer customizable packages to make your visit one-of-a-kind. HBURG signature events, creative shopping experiences, outdoor recreation, dining and music scenes ensure that groups will feel adventurously comfortable.

911 Frederick Ave. St. Joseph, MO 64501 816-233-6688 Jolene Dempster jdempster@stjomo.com stjomo.com As a thriving community made with uncommon character for over 175 years, you can easily spend a couple of days exploring St. Joseph. Some things you can’t learn from a history book; like seeing where the Pony Express began and Jesse James ended. We have what you’re looking for!

LOUISIANA

MISSISSIPPI

MISSISSIPPI

NEBRASKA

Visit Vicksburg

Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, Lafourche Parish

Ridgeland Tourism Commission

4484 Highway 1 Raceland, LA 70394 985-537-5800 Kellie Walters kwalters@lacajunbayou.com www.lacajunbayou.com Just about 45 minutes south of New Orleans is an authentic Cajun lifestyle unlike any other.

This unapologetic culture is all up and down the Bayou and is filled with outdoor experiences like fishing and swamp tours, Cajun food and music, and festival celebrations. Where Cajun runs deep.

1000 Highland Colony Parkway Suite 6000 Ridgeland, MS 39157 601-605-5252 Mina Thorgeson mina@visitridgeland.com www.visitridgeland.com Visiting Jackson’s two new museums? Stop in Ridgeland while you’re here and enjoy our 150+ restaurant options, boutique shopping and outdoor recreation. We are just outside of Jackson, Mississippi off the Natchez Trace Parkway (National Park). We are the perfect pass through spot between Memphis and New Orleans or Dallas and Atlanta.

52 Old Highway 27 Vicksburg, MS 39183 1-800-221-3536, 601-883-9939 Ashley Gatian ashley@visitvicksburg.com www.visitvicksburg.com Visitors can relive history by visiting Vicksburg’s historic homes, churches, museums and the Vicksburg National Military Park. From four world-class casinos to some of the most fascinating historic sites, Vicksburg offers an authentic Southern experience you don’t want to miss.

Just be sure to leave some time to check out our live music scene, eat at one of our signature restaurants and browse our boutiques and antique shops.

3 Landmark Centre 1128 Lincoln Mall, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-434-5335 Kelsey Meyer kmeyer@lincoln.org www.lincoln.org/visit/tour Lincoln, Nebraska offers the excitement of a big city and the serenity of the countryside all in one place. Whether your stay is one day, one week, or longer, the tours the Lincoln CVB will put together for you will keep you entertained. History, Food, Adventure, Agritourism… Lincoln has it all!

LOUISIANA

MISSISSIPPI

MISSOURI

NEW JERSEY

The Alluvian

Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau

Louisiana’s Northshore/St. Tammany Parish Tourist & Convention Commission

68099 Hwy. 59 Mandeville, LA 70471 800-634-9443 Tanya Leader, V.P. of Sales tanya@louisiananorthshore.com www.louisiananorthshore.com/groups Louisiana’s Northshore, aka St. Tammany Parish, is one hour from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Casinos. Explore Honey Island Swamp, hold baby alligators at Insta-Gator, kayak Cane Bayou, feed giraffes at Global Wildlife Center, or have a tour and tasting at Abita Brewery.

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318 Howard Street Greenwood, MS 38930 662-453-2114 or 866-600-5201 Lindsey Uithoven luithoven@thealluvian.com www.thealluvian.com The Mississippi Delta. The South’s South.

This fertile land has been the muse of the great Southern writers. It is a mythic place with a powerful hold over locals & visitors alike. Here, within the historic Delta town of Greenwood, Mississippi, is where you’ll find The Alluvian.

230 South Main Street St. Charles, MO 63301 636-946-7776 Greg Maxon gmaxon@discoverstcharles.com www.discoverstcharles.com Founded in 1769, St. Charles is the oldest city on the Missouri River. The fourteen-block Nationally Registered Historic District features over 120 specialty shops and restaurants. The brick paved street leads the way to Missouri’s First State Capitol, the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum, and the Foundry Art Centre.

Cape May Group Tours

1048 Washington Street Cape May, NJ 08204 609-224-6030 Sue Gibson, CTIS sgibson@capemaymac.org www.capemaymac.org Take the Trouble Out of Touring! When you’re planning a trip to Cape May, NJ, Cape May MAC offers you a one-phone-call solution. All tour offerings are interchangeable and adaptable to fit your group’s schedule and needs. Let us arrange your visit to Cape May with tours, meals, shows, theater, boat tours, nature tours and much, much more!

SEPTEMBER 2016

TRAVEL INDUSTRY DIRECTORY NEW JERSEY

OHIO

OKLAHOMA

Tour Atlantic City

Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau

Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism

2314 Pacific Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-449-7151 Heather Colache, Tourism Account Director hcolache@meetac.com www.touratlanticcity.com Atlantic City, the East Coast’s original place to play! Championship golf courses, world renowned entertainment, vibrant nightlife, the latest casino games and a shopper’s paradise with discount outlet shopping. Experience Atlantic City with an endless array of options.

NEW YORK

Madison Square Garden All Access Tour

PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia useum of Art Book Now M | 215-684-7863

627 Wheeling Avenue, Suite 200 Cambridge, OH 43725 800-933-5480 Dixie Lacy groups@visitguernseycounty.com www.visitguernseycounty.com Cambridge/Guernsey County is conveniently located at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and 77 in Southeast Ohio. Our attractions offer affordable, unique, educational and hands-on experiences. We have many exciting themed itineraries for your group.

Choose from several different itineraries or let our sales manager create a custom itinerary just for you!

777 W. Cherokee Street Catoosa, OK 74015 877-779-6977 Cynthia Vandenameele cherokee.tourism@cnent www.visitcherokeenation.com Nestled in 66,000 acres of beautiful countryside in northeast Oklahoma, Cherokee Nation offers a variety of customized tour options for every adventurer. Immerse yourself in the rich history, art and thriving culture of the largest tribe in the United States. Go to VisitCherokeeNation. com and plan your trip today.

PO Box 7646 Philadelphia, PA 19101-7646 Driving Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130 215-684-7863 Shari Feldman groupvisits@philamuseum.org www.philamuseum.org Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and catch a worldclass exhibition or get to know the masterpieces that live year-round in the Museum’s 200+ galleries. Discover stunning architectural spaces and period rooms see van Gogh’s Sunflowers, and explore the only Museum dedicated to Rodin outside France. Kids under 12 are always free!

OHIO

OKLAHOMA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Destination Cleveland

Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department

Hampton Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort

4 Pennsylvania Plaza (7th Avenue between W. 31st and W. 33rd Streets) New York, NY 10001 212-465-6055 Tourism Sales tourismsales@msg.com www.msg.com/travel Tour the World’s Most Famous Arena! Go behind the scenes at the home of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, be transported to a live event through virtual reality technology and learn about the most iconic moments in The Garden’s nearly 150 year history!

334 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44114 216-875-6607 Jane Tougouma jtougouma@destinationcle.org www.thisiscleveland.com/groups Cleveland offers world-class amenities without the worldclass ego. From grabbing a front row seat to an immersive film experience of Rock Hall induction ceremonies to taking an interactive approach to art at the Cleveland Museum of Art to enjoying a performance by the internationally recognized Cleveland Orchestra, groups can quickly fill an itinerary. Destination Cleveland staff offers free planning assistance and resources to help make tours unforgettable.

900 N Stiles Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73104 405-990-1087 Todd Stallbaumer todd@travelok.com travelok.com/group Oklahoma, land of what’s new. Keep us on your radar in 2020 as we celebrate a new Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center location in Oklahoma City and the OK POP Museum in Tulsa. And in 2021, we’ll celebrate the Bob Dylan Archives and American Indian Cultural Center openings.

1801 South Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 877-946-6400 or 843-946-6400 Corrie Sanchez corrie.sanchez@hilton.com www.hampton.com This top-ranked Myrtle Beach hotel by TripAdvisor. com was named “Best in Hospitality by Myrtle Beach Hospitality Association. Features 6 oceanfront pools (with hot tubs and heated pools), fitness center, complimentary “On the House” continental breakfast, plus inviting guest rooms and suites overlooking 300 feet of breathtaking beach.

NEW YORK

OHIO

PENNSYLVANIA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Experience Columbus

Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau

Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Travel Alliance Partners, LLC

PO Box 293 Pittsford, NY 14534 585-308-9802 Lisa Doerner / Executive Director marketing@travelalliancepartners.com https://www.tapintotravel.com/ Travel Alliance Partners, LLC (TAP), a corporation owned by quality North American tour operators, takes pride in establishing valuable partnerships with its Travel Buyers. TAP Partners create new and exciting experiences that meet ever-changing travel tastes. Visit tapintotravel.com to learn how to offer Guaranteed Departures and earn commissions.

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

Experience Columbus 277 W. Nationwide Boulevard, Suite. 125 Columbus, OH 43215 614-222-6146 Roger Dudley rdudley@experiencecolumbus.com www.experiencecolumbus.com/tours As the fastest-growing city in the Midwest, new things are always happening in Columbus. Bring your next group tour to Ohio’s capital and you’ll find a city full of experiential tours, great food, friendly people and dedicated travel professionals to make your job easy.

300 Greenwood Road Kennett Square, PA 19348 484-840-7213 Courtney Babcock courtney@brandywinevalley.com www.brandywinevalley.com Nestled in southeastern Pennsylvania, Chester County’s Brandywine Valley’s scenic landscape encompasses an alluring mix of recreation, charming main street towns and culturally-driven attractions. With so much to do in a close-knit vicinity, including the world-famous Longwood Gardens, it’s a natural destination for all things group tour.

1200 N Oak Street Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-916-7248 Sandy Haines sandy.haines@visitmyrtlebeach.com myrtlebeachgroups.com The Myrtle Beach Area of South Carolina is known for our wide sandy beaches and even wider variety of options to keep groups entertained. Fabulous weather greets your guests all year long, so any time is the perfect time to plan your trip to the Grand Strand!

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TRAVEL INDUSTRY DIRECTORY TENNESSEE

VIRGINIA

WEST VIRGINIA

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad

4580 Rachel’s Lane Nashville, TN 37076 615-889-2941 Tina Goodrow grouptours@thehermitage.com www.thehermitage.com Groups are graciously welcomed to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. The home of the 7th president is a 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark and ranked as the third-most visited presidential home. From the Greek Revival-style mansion and lush gardens to the informative museum, groups of all sizes will have something to enjoy.

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PO Box 1607 Williamsburg, VA 23187 888-868-7593 Group Reservations group.reservations@jyf.virginia.gov www.historyisfun.org History is fun at Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown livinghistory museums that tell the story of our nation’s beginnings through film, gallery exhibits and living history in outdoor re-created settings. Visit historyisfun.org or call 888-593-4682.

315 Railroad Avenue Elkins, WV 26241 304-636-9477, ext. 109 Chase Gunnoe chase.gunnoe@mountainrail.com www.mountainrail.com The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers seasonal train rides for motor coach groups, organizations, and retreats each April through November. Contact us about our train excursions, local attraction packages, and overnight options.

WISCONSIN

The Fireside Dinner Theatre

1131 Janesville Avenue Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 800-477-9505 Jean Flynn jean@firesidetheatre.com www.firesidetheatre.com Exciting professional musicals, memorable dining, spectacular gift shops, Klopcic Family hospitality and fabulous service make The Fireside a complete destination in itself or the perfect complement to any Wisconsin tour. Caring for groups for over 55 years, a visit to Wisconsin’s #1 motorcoach attraction is more than you’d ever expect!

PUBLISHED BY THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, INC. 301 East High Street Lexington, KY 40507 (888) 253-0455 www.grouptravelleader.com

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SEPTEMBER 2016

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