The Group Travel Leader September 2023

THE GUIDE BUYER’S

ARTS & CULTURE ISSUE

FirstAmericansMuseum

NationalCowboy&WesternHeritageMuseum

OklahomaCityNationalMemorial&Museum

In Oklahoma City, you’ll be met with history, charm and wonder. Discover new perspectives and stirring experiences in the Modern Frontier.

FirstNational

Outdoors MOBILE IS FOR

Pick your path and pace. Explore our natural oasis.

BY BRIAN JEWELL

Few things excite me more than being surrounded by inquisitive minds. I love learning new things — that’s a big part of why I love travel.

I also love meeting people who can teach me things I didn’t know before. So when I have the opportunity to spend time with smart people who are passionate about travel, I’m all in.

That’s how I felt this summer at Marketing College. Organized by the Southeastern Tourism Society, this annual event gathers travel professionals from the South and beyond who are eager to learn how to succeed in the travel industry. They

EDITOR’S MARKS

COURTESY STS

spend a week in June on the campus of Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, being taught by “professors” with expertise in a variety of tourism and marketing topics.

Marketing College has been going on for decades, but by all accounts this year’s event was one of the best ever. It featured 323 students, including 152 first-year students (a new record), as well as 87 second-year students and 84 third-year students who finished the program and received a Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) certification.

I served as one of the 27 professors at the event, sitting on a couple of panels and teaching a third-year course titled “Group Travel Dos and Don’ts.” It was one of the most enjoyable things I have done at a tourism event in a long time.

What excited me so much wasn’t necessarily teaching, although I always enjoy that. Rather, it was getting to know the students and professors. Spending time with a few hundred tourism pros who are eager to learn and a few dozen professors with generous spirits left me energized. And it made me feel optimistic about the future of travel.

No matter where you are in your tourism career, I hope you’ll keep looking for new opportunities to learn. And if you find yourself at a gathering of eager travel students, there’s a good chance I’ll be there with you.

SAFE TRANSPORTATION IS A SIMPLE STEP AWAY

SALEM, Ohio As group travel continues to grow, a younger segment of the population is discovering the value of traveling with friends and family on organized trips. Aboard today’s motorcoaches, they find amenities like free Wi-Fi, bring-yourown-device on-board entertainment and first-class seating. As travel planners embrace these and other changes to motorcoach travel, they are finding new and younger members.

For millennials and boomers alike, motorcoach travel can be an economical option. The number of passenger miles per gallon of gas makes it a greener way to travel. It also allows travelers to avoid airport security hassles and enjoy the scenery rather than fight traffic. And, it allows travelers to get to know their fellow travelers.

Most importantly, motorcoaches are among the safest modes of transportation. Most motorcoach operators take pride in safety, but it is the travel planner’s responsibility to ensure the transportation company they choose is safe and reliable. Fortunately, there are easy ways for planners to check out companies before they sign a contract and take a group on tour. Before you choose a bus company, you’ll want to know that:

• It’s authorized to operate. All commercial bus operators that carry passengers across state lines must have a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number and be authorized to operate

by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

• It regularly inspects, maintains and repairs its fleet for safety. Every company should perform regular inspections of all its buses, complete required maintenance and repairs and ensure that all safety equipment is present and working properly.

• It hires well qualified, properly licensed drivers. All its drivers should have good safety records, be medically fit to drive and obey all safety laws and regulations.

Fortunately, tour planners can research any bus company by downloading the convenient SaferBus mobile app at fmcsa.dot. gov/lookbeforeyoubook

FMCSA is charged with maintaining safe operating conditions for all interstate motorcoach companies in the U.S. Its outreach includes many group travel association gatherings, including those of the Group Travel Family of Brands. There are sessions on motorcoach transportation safety at all our travel conferences: Select Traveler Conference, Boomers In Groups, African American Travel Conference, Going On Faith Conference and Small Market Meetings Conference. To learn more visit grouptravelfamily.com or call 800-628-0993.

SEE CEDAR RAPIDS WITH SMALL MARKET MEETINGS CONFERENCE

SALEM, Ohio Readers of this magazine who plan meetings, conventions and conferences may be interested in a fun familiarization tour to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that’s being hosted by Cedar Rapids Tourism in conjunction with the Small Market Meetings Conference (SMMC), September 27-29.

“We enjoy helping meeting planners discover new and exciting destinations and venues,” said Janine Emanuel, SMMC manager. “Cedar Rapids offers a wide selection of lodging, is affordable and is strong on delivering hospitality.”

To apply for this meeting planner event, visit smmconf.com or call Emanuel at 800-628-0993.

COURTESY CEDAR RAPIDS TOURISM

A farm dinner in Cedar Rapids

NEWPORT AQUARIUM TO HOST BOOMERS IN GROUPS EVENT

SALEM, Ohio — One of America’s premier aquariums will welcome delegates of the Boomers In Groups Conference this November when the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky, kicks off the event as opening night sponsor. Delegates to the November 6-8 conference will also visit the Ark Encounter, one of the country’s most popular attractions.

Groups that visit the Newport Aquarium discover the wonder of the underwater world. It displays thousands of the world’s most exotic aquatic creatures, from playful penguins and rare white alligators to sharks and stingrays. Visitors can walk across a rope bridge inches above a tank full of sharks or meet baby animals that are growing and changing in the new Hatchling Harbor.

“We are excited to include dinner at the Newport Aquarium to the Boomers In Groups lineup of showing our travel planners a great time,” said Jennifer Ferguson of the Group Travel Family of Brands, parent company of Boomers In Groups.

Boomers In Groups, an organization of group travel planners, has been helping its members plan better trips for over 15 years. During this year’s annual conference, group travel planners will spend two nights at the Cincinnati Airport Marriott, visit the Ark Encounter, enjoy dinner at the Newport Aquarium, attend seminars and network with their group travel peers.

Group tour planners can register for the conference online at boomersingroups.com or by calling 800-628-0993

COURTESY NEWPORT AQUARIUM

“The Savannah FAM was my first, and I just loved it. We experienced lots of interesting places, they fed us very well, and the interactions with the other attendees and leaders was so valuable. We were even privileged to meet Paula Deen and family at her restaurant, and that was such a treat!”

— JACQUE LEDERMAN AGELESS ADVENTURES

Savannah FAM highlights, clockwise from left: One of Savannah’s 22 historic squares; Paula Deen welcoming the group; Cockspur Island Lighthouse; the group onboard a trolley

ONSITE IN SAVANNAH

TRAVEL PLANNERS DISCOVERED SAVANNAH’S

SAVANNAH’S PORT IS THE

THIRD BUSIEST

in the United States, but don’t let its hard-working harbor fool you; Savannah is also the belle of the Southeast.

That’s what 15 readers of The Group Travel Leader discovered on a four-day familiarization trip hosted by Visit Savannah. The group travel planners experienced the haunting historic charm imbued in the city’s cobblestone streets, cemeteries and scenic squares. They also saw what makes Savannah a breath of fresh air: River Street, with its bars, restaurants and massive cargo ships drifting by; leisure-friendly Tybee Island and its marine life; and lively downtown shopping districts full of local art and tasty treats. Along the way, seriously good eats, from soulful Southern classic buffets to upscale fine dining, fueled full days of touring.

Here’s the FAM itinerary, a good source of ideas for your next group adventure in Savannah.

ALL PHOTOS BY RACHEL CRICK

1 Day

• ARRIVE IN SAVANNAH

• TOUR LAUREL GROVE AND BONAVENTURE CEMETERIES

• DINNER AT THE LADY AND SONS

RESTAURANT

After settling in at various hotels in Savannah’s Historic Landmark District, travel planners gathered for a motorcoach and walking tour of three of Savannah’s famous cemeteries. The group visited Laurel Grove South, an African American cemetery, then headed to nearby Laurel Grove North, the final resting place of Savannahians including Florence Martus, the city’s “Waving Girl.” At Bonaventure Cemetery, made even more famous by the hit film “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” the group visited graves of important and legendary Savannah figures. The day ended at The Lady and Sons, a downtown restaurant owned and operated by chef Paula Deen and her two sons. Deen made a surprise appearance. She welcomed the group, talked for a few minutes and took selfies before the planners dug into a hearty and delicious family-style meal of fried catfish, macaroni and cheese, Deen’s famous cheddar biscuits and other Southern comfort foods.

Deen posing for pictures with FAM attendees

Bonaventure Cemetery

A restaurant on Savannah’s historic River Street

The Savannah skyline at sunset

• HISTORIC SAVANNAH CITY TOUR

• CONGREGATION MICKVE ISRAEL

• LUNCH AT THE PIRATES’ HOUSE

• ANDREW LOW HOUSE MUSEUM

• AMERICAN PROHIBITION MUSEUM

• GOSPEL DINNER CRUISE

Day 2 was equal parts leisure and education. After breakfast at their hotels, the planners took a historic tour of the city by trolley with Old Savannah Tours. At the historic synagogue Congregation Mickve Israel, they learned about Savannah’s Jewish heritage. At lunch, they enjoyed more hearty cuisine with a Southern buffet at the Pirates’ House, a historic restaurant a block from the Savannah River. Afterward, the tour stopped at the Andrew Low House Museum and explored the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Savannah’s impressive French Gothic Catholic church. Next, they took a guided tour of the American Prohibition Museum, the first and only museum focused on the Prohibition in America. Later, at Savannah’s newest hotel, the Cambria Hotel Savannah Downtown Historic District, travel planners got a taste of Savannah’s famous Leopold’s Ice Cream during an ice cream social. A gospel dinner cruise with Savannah Riverboat Cruises ended the day with a Southern buffet, a lively gospel choir and a sunset along the Savannah River.

A family-style Southern meal at Lady and Sons

Driving by the Savannah Theatre on a trolley tour

Colonial Park Cemetery

Paula and Bobby Deen with the teams from Visit Savannah and The Group Travel Leader

A buffet meal at the Pirate’s House

Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist

Paula and Bobby Deen posing with a FAM attendee

A historic Torah scroll at Congregation Mickve Israel

HISTORIC SAVANNAH CITY TOUR

Old Savannah Tours takes visitors around the city in open-air trolleys with by charismatic drivers who know all about Savannah’s 22 squares, streets and historic buildings. They tell stories about everything from Savannah’s founding in 1733 to its most famous ghosts. Historical re-enactors step on board from time to time, portraying famous Savannahians like Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts.

THE PIRATES’ HOUSE

A Savannah staple since 1753, the Pirates’ House was once an inn. The shutters at this local treasure are painted the city’s signature shade of “haint blue” to ward off spirits. Inside, nautical items and placards with the pirate’s code decorate walls. The restaurant’s popularity can be attributed to offerings like its Southern lunch buffet stocked with mouth-watering favorites such as fried fish, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens and mashed potatoes.

AMERICAN PROHIBITION MUSEUM

The American Prohibition Museum, located in the City Market in the downtown historic district, is the only museum in the country dedicated to exploring Prohibition. Mannequins, murals and historic artifacts help tell the multifaceted story of the temperance movement, Prohibition and its eventual repeal. Ironically, a group can top off its visit with options like a boozy cocktail or a cocktail-making class.

GOSPEL DINNER CRUISE

Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers a variety of cruises aboard its massive, four-deck paddlewheeler. On the gospel dinner cruise, a lively gospel choir sings soulful tunes as passengers see the city at sunset and fill up on a Southern buffet stocked with favorites like shrimp and grits. There’s drinks and dancing on the upper deck as the riverboat glides along the Savannah River.

Lafayette Square

A Juliette Gordon Low re-enactor

An exhibit at the American Prohibition Museum

Chippewa Square A Charles Middleton re-enactor

Touring the American Prohibition Museum

3 Day

• OLD FORT JACKSON

• CAPTAIN DEREK’S DOLPHIN ADVENTURES

• LUNCH AT THE TYBEE ISLAND

WEDDING CHAPEL

• PIN POINT HERITAGE MUSEUM

• SAVANNAH HISTORY MUSEUM AND SIEGE OF SAVANNAH

• FAREWELL DINNER AT 45 BISTRO

On Day 4, the group headed to Tybee Island. There, at Old Fort Jackson, a musket-wielding re-enactor in a full Confederate uniform gave a rundown of the fort’s history and showed the group how to fire a cannon. Then, it was out on the water for a dolphin tour with Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventures. A catered Mediterranean lunch from Zunzibar was served at the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel and Grand Ballroom, which was created as the set for the 2010 film “The Last Song.” After lunch, it was back to Savannah to visit the Pin Point Heritage Museum, which preserves the region’s Gullah-Geechee culture. At the Savannah History Museum, a lively re-enactment of the Revolutionary War’s Siege of Savannah, included a musket-firing demonstration. The day ended with an elegant dinner at 45 Bistro.

Enjoying the sunset on the gospel dinner cruise

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

A scoop of Leopold’s Ice Cream American Prohibition Museum

A cannon firing demonstration at Old Fort Jackson

Congregation Mickve Israel

A history lesson at Old Fort Jackson

— LAURA BARKER CITIZENS TRI-COUNTY BANK

A dolphin jumping over waves

OLD FORT JACKSON

This restored 19th-century fort protected Savannah during the War of 1812 and was also used during the Civil War. Today it’s a National Historic Landmark and living history site. Re-enactors clad in period costumes teach visitors about the fort’s history, the daily lives of the soldiers who were stationed there, medicine in the 19th century and military strategy. They also demonstrate cannons, muskets and other 19th-century weapons.

CAPTAIN DEREK’S DOLPHIN ADVENTURES

Groups can see plenty of dolphins in their natural habitat on a dolphin tour with Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventures. Each of this Tybee Island-based company’s tours starts slowly, as captain and crew humorously narrate the journey and point out dolphins as they surface in the bay. The boat then heads farther out to sea, giving passengers views of Tybee Island beaches and the Cockspur Lighthouse. As a grand finale, the captain creates large waves for playful dolphins to jump over, creating an excellent photo-op.

PIN POINT HERITAGE MUSEUM

The center of the Gullah-Geechee community of Savannah is known as Pin Point; one of its most famous former residents is Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The Pin Point Heritage Museum comprises four buildings that were once the A.S. Varn and Son Oyster and Crab Factory. The museum explores language, ways of life and culture of the Pin Point community through the lens of the factory where Atlantic blue crabs and oysters were processed, as well as the people who worked there.

45 BISTRO

This fine dining restaurant and bar is on Broughton Street inside the Marshall House, one of Savannah’s most famous historic inns. Its menu includes delicacies like locally caught seafood, filet mignon, brick-oven roasted chicken, refreshing salads and decadent desserts. Groups can dine in a private room and enjoy the restaurant’s exceptionally friendly service.

Pin Point Heritage Museum

A cargo ship passing Old Fort Jackson

An up-close dolphin sighting

“I loved the gospel cruise and riverfront area. The city tour was wonderful and filled with Savannah’s varied history.”

“The educational aspect of the trip was exceptional. We acquired a wealth of information about Savannah’s rich history, vibrant culture and attractions. The guided tours were informative and the guides engaging.”

— CLAUDIA DUNNE BOCA EXPRESS TRAVEL

•

•

The group’s final stop in Savannah was the historic Massie Heritage Center, which operated as a school from 1856-1864 and from 1865-1974. During the Civil War, it was used as a hospital for Union soldiers. Highlights include a three-dimensional miniature model of the city of Savannah, complete with an interactive laser show. In a museum classroom, the group got a lesson in the history of education. The heritage center also has exhibits on architecture in Savannah, maritime history, and enslavement and emancipation. On the way to the airport, the group stopped in Pooler just outside the city for brunch at Henry’s, a diner with classic breakfast and lunch fare.

Gathering at 45 Bistro

• MASSIE HERITAGE CENTER

BRUNCH AT HENRY’S IN POOLER

DEPART FOR HOME

The Massie Heritage Center’s classroom

Searching for dolphins

A steak dinner at 45 Bistro

A cargo ship on the Savannah River

ARTS & CULTURE ISSUE

ART CENTERS HIGHLIGHT THE BEST OF A DESTINATION

BY CARRIE MCLAREN

Arts centers enliven communities across the country. They showcase the talents of local creators, preserve history and keep stories alive for future generations. Many regional art centers offer experiences for group tours, which help people learn about the communities they visit so they can take those stories and memories home with them.

Here’s a look at eight arts centers throughout the United States.

Abbeville Cultural and Historic Alliance ABBEVILLE, LOUISIANA

The Abbeville Cultural and Historic Alliance is home to the Vermilion Arts Center, the Acadian Centre Acadien and Abbeville Cultural and Historic Alliance. The art center’s rotating and permanent exhibits tell the area’s history. A photography collection at The Acadian Centre Acadien depicts Le Grand Derangement, the expulsion of Acadian families from Nova Scotia in 1755 that led many to settle in Louisiana. The Abbeville Cultural and Historic Alliance highlights local history and artists but is best known for its celebration of the area’s French heritage, with its giant omelet celebration every November. The Confrerie D’ Abbeville welcomes groups to see how a 5,000-egg omelet is made in a 12-foot skillet.

ABBEVILLEMUSEUMS.COM

Augusta Heritage Center

AUGUSTA, WEST VIRGINIA

The Augusta Heritage Center explores the traditions, customs and folklore of the eastern region of West Virginia with summer camps and conferences where master artists teach traditional dancing, bluegrass instruments and storytelling.

Throughout the year, the center hosts concerts by bluegrass musicians, square dancing and weekly Pickin’ in the Park events. Its cooking classes focus on skills like canning and creating dishes from local, fresh farm foods. The center’s goals are to bring folk arts education to underserved communities so that everyone can be exposed to new experiences and to create a more inclusive and culturally rich society by preserving and celebrating cultural traditions.

The annual Augusta Festival, a juried craft fair of regional artisans, foods and traditional entertainment, also hosts the West Virginia Open Fiddle and Banjo Contest..

AUGUSTAARTSANDCULTURE.ORG

The Arts Center at Duck Creek

EAST

HAMPTON, NEW YORK

Located on an 18th-century homestead on Montaukett ancestral territory and indigenous land, The Arts Center at Duck Creek features arts and local history programming from May to October. The property’s 19th-century barn was previously owned by abstract artist John Little, who used the space during the 1950s as his art studio and a gathering place for fellow artists in the Hamptons. Its annual music series celebrates varied genres including contemporary jazz, Western classical and Indigenous music. While some events require reservations, all programming is free.

DUCKCREEKARTS.ORG

A culinary workshop in Abbeville

COURTESY ABBEVILLE CULTURAL & HISTORICAL ALLIANCE

Ely Arts and Heritage Center ELY, MINNESOTA

The Ely Arts and Heritage Center tells the stories of the state’s mining past in the city’s historic Pioneer Mine buildings. While the mines have been closed since 1967, the heritage center offers tours of the Shaft House during the summer months. Former miners and their relatives serve as tour guides so groups hear first-hand stories about the mines and those who worked in them. In the winter, the Shaft House has exhibits and photos of Ely’s iron mining history. The center also hosts the annual Ely Winter Festival, with beginner snow-carving classes for groups and the public. Groups can also schedule weekend-long adult art camps throughout the year. The center’s annual juried art exhibit features artists from Ely and northeast Minnesota.

ELYARTSANDHERITAGE.ORG

Key West Art and Historical Society

KEY WEST, FLORIDA

As stewards of four museums, the Key West Art and Historical Society tells the stories of the island’s history from many perspectives. Groups can tour the Tennessee Williams Museum, which honors the playwright who called the island home for 30 years, and the Fort East Martello Museum, a civil war fort and tower built to protect the island from a Confederate sea assault. The Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters tells maritime tales dating back to 1848. The Key West Museum of Art and History at the Custom House is a national landmark that details the island’s people, events and artists. Each location also has rotating exhibits of regional art, architecture and history. Popular events like Happy Hour with the Historian are a fun way for groups to learn more.

KWAHS.ORG

Palos Verdes Art Center

PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA

Located just outside of Los Angeles, the Palos Verdes Art Center and Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education welcome visitors to admire the works of local artists and photographers. The Studio School, an on-site art education facility, offers classes for groups. The Artists’ Studio and Gallery is a showcase for local artists, whose work is sold in

BY CAROL TEDESCO, COURTESY KEY WEST ART & HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

Key West’s Fort East Martello

the adjacent gift shop. Popular events include the annual South Bay area’s Bromeliad Association Annual Show and Sale and the South Bay Orchid Society’s annual fall show and sale.

PVARTCENTER.ORG

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

SAN ANTONIO

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center preserves San Antonio’s deep history of Latino culture and history. One way it does so is by hosting the nation’s longest-running Latino film festival, which will celebrate its 45th year in 2024. At the center, visitors can delve into stories of the past at the on-site Latino bookstore and attend a monthly Latino author series. In its 42nd year, the arts center also hosts the annual Tejano Conjunto Festival, a five-day event with authentic foods, live music and dancing to celebrate Latino culture.

GUADALUPECULTURALARTS.ORG

A NATION OF ADVENTURE

ONE NATION. ENDLESS ADVENTURE.

COURTESY GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

A dance at Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio

COURTESY GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

Stokes County Arts Council

DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA

Part of the local arts council, The Arts Place is both a shop and an educational space in downtown Danbury, North Carolina. The store showcases rural art and is home to North Carolina-made food, books and music. It also offers group classes on topics like knitting, stained glass, barn quilt painting and ceramics. Adjacent to Arts Place is an arts market featuring 150 local artists and crafters. The council’s Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) Group performs regularly in the community. The council also has an ice cream and coffee shop, another way to welcome visitors to experience small town life in North Carolina.

STOKESARTS.ORG

On view November 11, 2023-March 3, 2024

Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds is the first museum exhibition to showcase Pablo Picasso’s landscapes. It is also the first ever Picasso solo exhibition to visit Mississippi. This collection of nearly 30 works presents a rare and wonderful exploration of Picasso’s landscapes. Learn more at msmuseumart.org.

Junior Appalachian Musicians Group

The Arts Place in Danbury

PHOTOS COURTESY STOKES CO. ARTS COUNCIL

A Stokes County artists market

Pablo Picasso, Spanish, (1881-1973), The Village of Vauvenargues, April 29–30, 1959. Oil on canvas. 21 5/16 x 25 9/16 in. Fundación Almine y Bernard Ruiz-Picasso para el Arte, Madrid. Image © FABA.

Photo: Hugard & Vanoverschelde Photography. © 2023 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Courtesy American Federation of Arts

This exhibition is organized by the American Federation of Arts with guest curator Laurence Madeline, with the exceptional support of the Musée national Picasso-Paris. The exhibition is generously supported by Monique Schoen Warshaw. Additional support has been provided by Betsy S. Barbanell, Lee White Galvis, Clare E. McKeon, and Stephanie R. La Nasa. Its presentation in Jackson, MS, is sponsored by the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation, Trustmark, Visit Mississippi, and Butler Snow. Support for the accompanying publication provided by Furthermore: a program of the J.M Kaplan Fund.

Whether it’s learning about the natural world in Decatur and Gulf Shores, the past and future of space exploration in Huntsville, visiting sights where Rock ‘n Roll hits were made, or the history of the Civil Rights Movement, we can supply you with itineraries for several group tours. Trouble is...deciding which tour to take first. We’ll keep adding to the list, you just keep coming for new adventures. Visit www.alabama.travel

To learn how your group can experience Alabama, contact Shawna Faniel at shawna.faniel@tourism.alabama.gov or 334-353-1907

ILLINOIS

By Claire Hannum

Home to lush green cornfields, historic escapes and world-class urban architecture, Illinois has something for every traveler’s interests. From the bustling energy of Chicago to the tranquil trails of Shawnee National Forest and the winding grooves of Route 66, the Midwest is at its best on a trip to the Prairie State. The only hard part is deciding where to start. Here’s what you won’t want to miss.

Shawnee National Forest preserves 289,000 acres of untouched Illinois wilderness.

POPULAR DEMAND

THE FIELD MUSEUM

The sparkling gem of Chicago’s robust Museum Campus is the Field Museum of Natural History. The museum’s most famous resident, Sue, is the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever found. In 2018, the museum also welcomed a life-sized cast of a titanosaur, the largest dinosaur known to have existed. Alongside the dinosaurs, the museum’s immersive exhibits explore ancient cultures, scientific discoveries and wild creatures great and small. Those looking for more education can troop over to the museum’s neighbors, the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, the oldest planetarium in the country.

SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST

Groups can get out into the great outdoors at Shawnee National Forest. This southern Illinois escape between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers is 289,000 acres of pristine, untouched wilderness. Peaceful hiking trails crisscross the park, leading to breathtaking waterfalls, panoramic vistas and, on a lucky day, a peek at a bald eagle or two. The park’s Garden of the Gods is adorned with rugged sandstone formations and overlooks with postcard-perfect views.

HISTORIC SPRINGFIELD

History is around every corner in Springfield, where Abraham Lincoln lived and worked and where he was laid to rest. Groups can explore the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, tour the former president’s home and visit Lincoln’s tomb. As Illinois’ capital, Springfield is home to the Old Illinois State House, where Lincoln made many of his most famous speeches in the mid-1800s. The statehouse is closed while it undergoes renovations, but even its facade is magnificent on its own and worth admiring. For another type of architectural exploration, the Dana Thomas House is a stunning Frank Lloyd Wright creation built between 1902 and 1904.

COURTESY USDA FOREST SERVICE

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

Lincoln’s Springfield home

PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT SPRINGFIELD

BY MARTIN BAUMGAERTNER, COURTESY FIELD MUSEUM

Autumn on the lake in Shawnee National Forest

Sue the T rex at the Field Museum

ARTS & CULTURE

UP AND COMING

HOOF IT + SIP IT IN GALENA

This one-of-a-kind experience combines wine, goats and the great outdoors for an unforgettable afternoon. Located on a family-run farm in the historic town of Galena, Hoof It + Sip It invites guests to take a guided walk-through forests and prairies, wine in hand, as friendly goats follow on the path. After the walk, visitors can enjoy tastings from local vineyard and winery Fergedaboudit.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COFFEE TRAIL

Travelers who start their day with a piping-hot dark roast will love this trail of 27 coffee shops dotting Southern Illinois’ 21 counties. Featuring cafes with charming names like Cup of Joy, Common Grounds and Around the Corner, each stop on the tour is a peek into a Southern Illinois community and a way to start exploring the region’s local culture.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM EXPERIENCES IN JUST ONE CLICK

Travelers want rich, authentic, and meaningful experiences. As travel professionals, we need to ensure we use travel as a force for good.

Discover hands-on cultural experiences, impact organizations, sustainable products and more through the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map.

Explore meaningful travel at tourismcares.org/meaningful-map

PHOTOS COURTESY GALENA COUNTRY TOURISM

Pictured: Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to explore the preservation of the traditions, languages, and art of Alaska’s Native People through statewide collaboration and education.

Hoof It + Sip It in Galena

ROUTE HISTORY METAVERSE EXPERIENCE

As the starting point of Route 66, Illinois has long honored the history of the great American road trip. Route History, a museum and visitors center in Springfield focused on Black history along Route 66, takes that to a whole new level using augmented reality and virtual reality to recreate the experience of traveling with a Green Book — the iconic travel guide that advised Black road trippers in the Jim Crow era on which towns and establishments were welcoming and which were not. It’s a glimpse into what the famous highway was like for Black travelers from the 1930s through the 1960s. The museum worked with local partners in each location along the experience to ensure it is as accurate and insightful as possible.

Feeding goats at Hoof It + Sip It

A cappuccino stop on the Southern Illinois Coffee Trail

A Galena goat encounter COURTESY SOUTHERN IL COFFEE TRAIL

OVERNIGHT SENSATIONS

THE GRADUATE EVANSTON

The Evanston iteration of this growing collection of personalized campus hotels is packed with originality and charm. Every detail is chosen to evoke Northwestern University nostalgia, but the property is just as delightful for travelers who have never set foot on the school’s campus. With homey wood floors, eye-popping wallpaper and plush vintage furniture, the hotel’s vibe combines the cozy warmth of academia and the mismatched charm of a bed and breakfast — all within the infrastructure of a well-run, large hotel.

AERIE’S RESORT

The sprawling Aerie’s Resort in Grafton has beautiful views of the Mississippi River, a winery, outdoor dining with live music and a newly added trend-setting thrill ride. Illinois’ first-ever alpine coaster, with 3,000 feet of track, winds through the resort’s lush landscape. Travelers can twist and turn through summer greenery or fall’s changing foliage. The resort’s zipline and sky lift allow groups to experience Grafton’s natural beauty from every angle.

MEMORABLE MEALS

MALDANER’S

A Route 66 staple in Springfield, Maldaner’s has been around since 1884. Every dish on the menu is made with farm-fresh ingredients, and one of its most popular dishes is its take on the legendary Illinois horseshoe sandwich. This open-faced delicacy, created in 1928 at a local hotel, combines thick toast, a hefty piece of meat, French fries and a rich cheese sauce. If travelers want to try one, Maldaner’s is the place to do it.

ANJU ABOVE

Anju Above, a farm-to-table eatery in Bloomington, is known for small plates with international influence. Its vibrant, buzzy atmosphere is the perfect setting for groups to try a variety of dishes, from Korean pork buns and sushi to pizza. Anju Above’s ingredients are sourced from Epiphany Farms, a 75-acre local fixture focused on regenerative farming and sustainable crops.

COURTESY THE GRADUATE EVANSTON

The Graduate Evanston

Maldaner’s in Springfield

The alpine coaster at Aerie’s Resort

PHOTOS BY RYAN DONNELL, COURTESY MALDANER’S

COURTESY ILLINOIS OFFICE OF TOURISM

THE WEST:

Revolutionary War re-enactors fire a cannon in Yorktown, one of three destinations in Virginia’s Historic Triangle.

DESTINATION ALONG THE ATLANTIC

VIRGINIA’S HISTORY BEGAN AT ITS BEACHES

BY TOM ADKINSON

Open a U.S. history book, and Virginia is there. Open a science book or a landscape architecture book, and Virginia is there. Open just about any book about American culture, and Virginia is there.

You get the picture. And the region that borders the state’s Atlantic beaches, the Chesapeake Bay and the banks of the James and York rivers is a rich cultural library that can be used to develop an itinerary for the path from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach. You can showcase indigenous and Colonial history, book an excursion on a three-masted schooner, peek into the world’s largest naval base, look deep into outer space or simply kick back with a relaxing walk along the beach.

“Virginia is America’s history,” said Jim Coggin, tourism sales manager for the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, with a dose of state pride and perhaps a dash of hyperbole. “Everything that has happened in the U.S. has a connection here. There’s no more historic state that has shaped the U.S. than Virginia.”

FIRST LANDINGS

A granite cross at the Cape Henry Memorial, a spot in Virginia Beach administered by the National Park Service, helps set the stage. Here, in 1607, colonists landed who would establish the first permanent English settlement in North America.

They moved up the James River to create Jamestown, but the first landing site was notable 174 years later when citizens of a nation about to be born watched as a French fleet defeated a British fleet in the Battle of the Capes, the precursor of the British surrender at Yorktown that ended America’s Revolutionary War.

The Jamestown Settlement, the American Revolution Museum and Colonial Williamsburg are three perennially popular major attractions in the region. The group-friendly America’s Historic Triangle ticket makes access easy. A visit to the Busch Gardens Williamsburg theme park is a modern-day complement to the historic attractions.

“As group travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, tour operators are seeking meaningful and unique experiences,” said Victoria

Cimino,

CEO of Visit Williamsburg.

The Jamestown Settlement has special appeal for active groups. They can explore a Paspahegh Native American community and help scrape out a dugout canoe, board replicas of the three square-rigged ships that delivered the first colonists to Jamestown and try on 17th-century armor (it’s heavy and awkward) as they imagine life in a colonial English fort from 1610-1614.

The American Revolution Museum, which opened in 2016, is a sister attraction operated by the JamestownYorktown Foundation. Visitors see the smoke and feel the retort of a flintlock rifle demonstration at a re-created Continental Army encampment and feel the roar of cannons in the “Siege of Yorktown,” a 12-minute presentation on a 180-degree screen.

HISTORY RE-EXAMINED

Quieter pursuits await at Colonial Williamsburg, which will mark its centennial in 2026. This not-for-profit educational institution is the world’s largest U.S. history museum — 301 acres of the original city, 89 original buildings, 515 reconstructed buildings, plus lodging, modern resort amenities and restaurants with history-influenced menus.

While Colonial Williamsburg focuses on a specific era, it is not frozen in time. It is ever changing.

For instance, have you ever wondered what happens after artifacts are uncovered at an archaeological dig, which are common sights at Colonial Williamsburg? That will change in 2025 when the Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center opens.

“This facility [will allow] us to show guests a side of archaeological research that most people don’t see — the process of discovery inside the lab,” said Jack Gary, director of archaeology.

Two highly visible sites are proof of Colonial Williamsburg’s vitality as a tour component. One is the Bray School, and the other is First Baptist Church.

The Bray School operated from 1760 to 1774 and is the oldest extant building dedicated to educating Black children in the U.S. It was hiding in plain sight on the edge of the College of William and Mary campus and was moved to the historic district earlier this year. It is Colonial Williamsburg’s 89th original structure.

A video that explains the importance of the Bray School is clear about its origin, noting that the school was “founded for a deeply flawed purpose — directing enslaved students to accept their circumstances as divinely ordained.” Programming in the building is expected in 2024.

Nearby is a ground-level outline of another important structure, First Baptist Church. The building dates to around 1803, which is notable enough, but its true significance is that it was the first permanent home of a congregation founded by free and enslaved Black people. It was created in secret in 1776. Colonial Williamsburg is building a replica church targeted to open in 2026, the congregation’s 250th year. When complete, it will expand the story of Black worship experiences in colonial times and beyond.

A Native American interpreter at Jamestown Settlement

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COURTESY JAMESTOWN-YORKTOWN FOUNDATION

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The reconstructed Virginia capitol at Colonial Williamsburg

A farm kitchen at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Colonial Williamsburg

Inspire Wonder

With two National Parks, remarkable historical sites, outstanding arts & cultural venues, and more, Prince William County, Virginia will spark your group's curiosity on their next trip.

MARINERS AND MORE

Just a few miles south, Newport News and Hampton offer more to see and experience.

A good start is the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News, designated by Congress as “America’s National Maritime Museum.” It is a treasure of model ships, wooden figureheads, nautical paintings, small watercraft from around the world and a major exhibition about one of the most famous battles in naval history — the first engagement of ironclad ships, the Monitor and the Merrimac.

Two other destinations in Newport News let guests stretch their legs and commune with nature. The Virginia Living History Museum serves as a trip through Virginia’s outdoors, from the coast to the Appalachians. You won’t see them all, but there are 250 animal species here. Other elements include a science museum, an aquarium and a planetarium.

For time in nature, there’s Newport News Park and its 7,780 acres of woodlands, lakes, trails and Civil War fortifications. A step-on guide can be arranged for talks about various topics.

Hampton offers yet another way to experience this part of Virginia aboard the Hampton Queen excursion boat, which began tours this year. Its two-hour itinerary includes Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base; Fort Monroe, the largest stone fort in the U.S.; and Hampton University, founded in 1868 to educate the formerly enslaved. Back on land, Fort Monroe and the Hampton University Museum, the oldest Black museum in the U.S., are recommended tour stops.

“The Hampton University Museum is a treasure that more people need to visit,” said Bruce Newton, vice president of tourism for the city of Hampton.

SAILORS AND ARTISTS

One of the most photogenic sights in this part of Virginia, the American Rover, is in Norfolk. The three-masted schooner departs from downtown Norfolk for daytime and sunset trips on the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. Passengers can lend a hand to set the distinctive red tanbark sails or take a turn at the helm.

The 149-passenger Victory Rover, a sister vessel, specializes in cruises that focus on Naval Station Norfolk. Its main cabin is air-conditioned main cabin and the bow and top deck have open-air seating.

A ship that doesn’t move, the USS Wisconsin, is another major attraction. It is the largest and last battleship the U.S. Navy built and groups can tour it on their own or have guided tours of the command and control facilities or the engine room. The Wisconsin served from World War II through the First Gulf War.

The gigantic battleship is part of Nauticus, a maritime discovery center on the downtown waterfront.

While the Wisconsin is a symbol of crushing power and strength, the Perry Glass Studio at the Chrysler Museum of

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Norfolk’s Battleship Wisconsin

Waterfowl at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News

COURTESY NNTDO

COURTESY VISIT VIRGINIA BEACH

COURTESY VISIT HAMPTON

A cruise on the Hampton Queen

Virginia Beach’s Cape Henry Lighthouse

life. at your pace.

Your group can enjoy relaxing days on the water or a stroll down quaint cobblestone streets. Uncover the simple pleasures of window shopping in the square, or take a bite out of our world-class food and drink scene. Dig into the history of America’s earliest settlers, or experience a day in the life of one. It’s all waiting for you in Williamsburg. Plan your trip at visitwilliamsburg.com.

Art offers delicate beauty and fragility. Narrated glassmaking demonstrations are scheduled every day except Monday. The experience makes visitors want to see other glass art displays in Norfolk, which, according to VisitNorfolk, has more free art glass to see than any other city.

Scheduling a visit to the Perry Glass Studio will allow more time to be spent at the Chrysler. Its collection includes more than 30,000 paintings, sculptures and other pieces, and although not everything is on display, there are 50 galleries to see.

BOARDWALK AND BEYOND

An attraction as simple as sand and surf is at the heart of itineraries that include Virginia Beach, the state’s most populous city, home to nearly half a million people. Tour groups take full advantage of the city’s three-mile-long Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

“Many tour operators schedule extra free time in Virginia Beach to let their guests enjoy the boardwalk,” said Jim Coggin of the city’s CVB. “They will start a day’s itinerary a bit later in the morning or offer a full afternoon for leisure.”

A favorite spot for individual or group photos is the 24-foot-tall King Neptune, a bronze statue on the boardwalk at 31st Street. King Neptune is a gateway to Neptune

A DAY OF AWE AWAITS

Time flies when you visit the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Northern Virginia. Explore the Museum’s vast and iconic collection, and you’ll feel like you’ve earned your wings. Free admission, parking $15.

King Neptune on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Festival Park, and he points the way to four boardwalk stages that offer nightly entertainment in summer months.

Virginia Beach experiences include boating excursions aboard the Atlantic Explorer or the Atlantic Scout with the Virginia Aquarium to see what Coggin said is the East Coast’s largest population of bottlenose dolphins. Less common than dolphin sightings, but considerably more dramatic, are sightings of migrating whales during winter months.

Another popular group attraction is the Military Aviation Museum, one of the world’s largest private aircraft collections. Its collection of aircraft from World War I and World War II includes a bright red Fokker DR1 triplane like the one the Red Baron flew in World War I, a Curtiss P-40 with a snarling Fighting Tiger paint job on its nose and a PBY Catalina flying boat.

Visiting with pilots who fly these planes and mechanics who work on them is a special part of box lunch programs. It’s even possible to arrange a flight in one of the vintage biplanes to soar over the boardwalk, look inland to the Virginia farmland or peer over the Atlantic to the distant horizon. Some tour operators book a flight and then organize a contest or a drawing to select the lucky passenger.

Considering all that awaits groups in this compact portion of Virginia, you might think there would be nothing to add, but you’d be wrong. The visitor industry here is already looking ahead to 2026.

Did you immediately figure out why?

2026 is America’s 250th birthday; count on special celebrations to mark the occasion.

VIRGINIA.ORG

SHOW ME ST. LOUIS TRENDING MEETS HISTORIC IN THIS DESTINATION CITY

BY CYNTHIA BARNES

The Gateway to the West is a great place to get your group together.

Most first think of St. Louis as home to the iconic Gateway Arch and baseball’s Cardinals, 11-time World Series champs. But the Mississippi River city is also home to enough museums, music, activities and amenities to satisfy the most ravenous of culture vultures.

A dozen Native American tribes lived in the region when French fur trappers arrived in 1764, and archaeology buffs must visit Cahokia Mounds, in nearby Collinsville, Illinois. St. Louis gained prominence as the jumping-off point for the 1803 Lewis and Clark expedition. By 1900 it was the nation’s fourth-largest city, with wealthy residents vying to endow their home with the sophisticated cultural trappings of the East Coast.

“We have such a depth of culture here it’s unbelievable,” said Catherine Nevill, vice president of communications at Explore St. Louis. “People are incredibly friendly and proud of the city. It really leaves a lasting impression.”

Here are some things your group can enjoy in St. Louis.

THE ZMD

Five of the city’s best cultural attractions are part of the Zoo Museum District. Three of them, the city’s art and history museums and its zoo, are in Forest Park. It became the city’s cultural epicenter when, in 1904, both the World’s Fair and the Summer Olympics were held there. “Dedicated to Art and Free to All” is carved on the facade of the grand Beaux-Arts palace of the St. Louis Art Museum. One of the most comprehensive art collections in the country, the museum contains Egyptian mummies and works of European masters including Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse and Picasso.

BY JUDD DEMALINE PHOTOS COURTESY EXPLORE ST. LOUIS

“Our space is so accessible,” said Meredith Wilson, who coordinates group sales for the museum. “Not only our location and the facilities, but also our entire staff from the gallery attendants to the information desk, we are very approachable and eager to welcome everyone.”

Also free and in Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo is at the forefront of animal conservation and was among the first to display animals in enclosures that resemble their natural environments. Today the zoo is home to more than 16,000 animals from 500 species, and many of them are endangered. Don’t miss a peaceful stroll through the

Galleries at the St. Louis Art Museum feature work by Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse and Picasso.

BY MCELROY FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

Bird Garden, located between the Bird House and the 1904 World’s Fair Flight Cage.

History lovers will want to make a stop at the Missouri History Museum. Originally built as the first national monument to Thomas Jefferson, the free museum explores the story of the city from its founding to the present day. And take a moment to admire the Art Deco Jewel Box, a graceful iron and glass greenhouse with floral displays and a reflecting pool.

Fifteen minutes from Forest Park, the Missouri Botanical Garden, also part of the ZMD, spreads across 79 acres and is considered one of the world’s top botanical gardens.

“Every day is different,” said Catherine Martin, senior public information officer for the garden. “Cherry blossoms and bulbs in the spring, water lilies and vibrant blooms all summer. Spectacular fall foliage and in winter, the snow truly transforms the garden. And it’s always 85 degrees in the Climatron!”

Adjacent to the gardens, Tower Grove Park is also worth a visit.

The area between Forest Park and the botanical gardens, called “the Hill,” is a place to relax after touring, home to classic St. Louis culture. Italian immigrants began to arrive in the 1880s, joining the Irish, German and African-American enclave that had sprung up near the city’s highest point. Home to baseball great Yogi Berra, the Hill was also the birthplace of St. Louis-style pizza. Square-cut and graced with gooey Provel cheese, the savory pie originated in 1964 at the first Imo’s Pizza, still family-owned and now a successful regional chain.

The city’s signature appetizer, toasted ravioli, is said to have been invented at Charlie Gitto’s. It’s available there as well as at the neighborhood’s other Italian eateries. For dessert, try gooey butter cake, a favorite found all over the city.

GRAND CENTER

Old and new St. Louis converge at Grand Center. Lauded by Forbes magazine as “America’s most exciting emerging arts district,” the neighborhood is halfway between the Gateway Arch and Forest Park, and its half-mile radius is filled with music, arts, food and fun. The ornate vaudeville palace Powell Hall — now home to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra — is wrapping up a $100 million renovation, while Compton Avenue is aiming to make itself the Music Row of the Midwest. Scott Joplin, Chuck Berry, Josephine Baker, Nelly and Tina Turner all hail from St. Louis, and the city enjoys a rich musical legacy.

Grand Center is also putting itself on the culinary map. Two-time James Beard Award nominee Rob Connoley — whose family has been in the region since the 1830s — updates traditional Ozark cuisine at Bulrush. And although St. Louis is synonymous with beverage behemoth Anheuser-Busch, Urban Chestnut Brewing serves up carefully crafted small-batch brews in its Grand Center biergarten.

St. Louis-style pizza

Forest Park

The iconic sign at Imo’s Pizza

SIGHTS ABOVE BELOW Group Fun

DOWNTOWN SPORTS SCENE

Embark on a journey that combines history, architecture, and breathtaking views.

Elevate your visit to St. Louis with a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch. Plan a unique excursion and experience panoramic views from 630 feet, guaranteed to make memories that reach new heights.

Experience the city’s charm from a unique perspective.

Embrace the beauty of the mighty Mississippi River aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Surround yourself with the stunning skyline and historical landmarks on a variety of cruises perfect for your group.

Email or ca our sales team to book your group!

groupsales@gatewayarch.com 314.923.3080

The Cardinals aren’t the only winning team in town: the St. Louis Blues finally brought home the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup in 2019. The Blues play at the Enterprise Center; fans of the other kind of blues will want to visit the National Blues Museum and perhaps enjoy a show at Broadway Oyster Bar. The newest game in town is St. Louis City SC, a Major League Soccer team that’s playing their inaugural season in 2023. The newly constructed 22,423-seat CityPark stadium and its adjacent mixed-use campus adds further appeal to the bustling downtown, which is anchored by historic Union Station. Admire it all from 200 feet in the air by taking a spin on the St. Louis Wheel, where 42 climate-controlled, six-person gondolas offer 360-degree views of the city’s skyline.

A gallery at the National Blues Museum

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A St. Louis City SC soccer game

The Wheel at St. Louis Union Station

BY AMBER LANWERMEYER

Experience the recently renovated St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum and bear witness to the stories of those who survived one of history’s darkest chapters. For more information on group travel, contact Megan Sheets with Visit Missouri at Megan.Sheets@ded.mo.gov

STUNNING STATE PARKS

CONSIDER THESE ALTERNATIVES TO CROWDED NATIONAL PARKS

BY KATI HYER

From Acadia to Zion, national parks have a reputation for adventure — and crowds.

Sometimes the size and popularity of marquee national parks can make them difficult for groups to visit. But that doesn’t mean that group travelers must miss out on the scenery and geological features that make them famous.

Around the country, a number of state parks have the same stunning landscapes that make their national park cousins famous. This sampler of underrated alternatives let groups skip the lines and see sites as stupendous as those at the national parks near them.

ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK CALIFORNIA

Don’t let the crowds at Joshua Tree National Park poke holes in your desert landscape plans.

Instead, head nearby to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Its rugged vistas, colorful desert plant life and miles of trails are an attractive alternative for groups seeking an environment that is both desolate and mysterious.

“Anza-Borrego Desert State Park provides the solitude people crave,” ranger Joshua Ertl said. “Our vast desert wild spaces make the entire park feel a little off-the-beaten path.”

From February to April, wildflowers and cactuses bloom. “The hardier cactus blooms are equally beautiful,” Ertl said. “They are a beauty that was a hard time coming.”

California’s largest state park has many points of interest, including Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail, Fonts Point and The Slot. “The Nature Trail is a must-do,” Ertl said. It is a palm tree oasis. From there, Fonts Point can be reached

COURTESY CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

California’s Anza-Borrego Desert State Park preserves a landscape similar to that of Joshua Tree National Park without the crowds.

by four-wheel drive vehicle. Miles of start stone ridges called the Borrego Badlands stretch in front of this part of the park. Sunrise and sunsets are particularly picturesque.

Finally, hikers can lace up for The Slot.

“The trail traverses through a really narrow sandstone canyon,” Ertl said. “You have to turn sideways and use creativity to move through it.”

PARKS.CA.GOV

MOUNT SAN JACINTO STATE PARK CALIFORNIA

There’s no argument: Yosemite National Park is breathtaking. But for different visual stunner, try California’s Mount San Jacinto State Park.

“This park is for the adventurer, the extremely experienced hiker and the nature lover,” interpreter Nick Garduno said.

A beach at Maine’s Roque Bluffs State Park

ROQUE BLUFFS AND CAMDEN HILLS STATE PARKS MAINE

America’s easternmost national park may call itself the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, but Acadia National Park doesn’t corner ocean views and idyllic coastlines. Two fabulous alternatives, Maine’s Roque Bluffs and Camden Hills state parks, have access to water, fishing, (bracing) swimming, sea kayaking, hiking and lots of wildlife.

“Roque Bluffs is a good option because of the geology,” Andy Cutko, director of Maine’s Parks and Lands, said of the Downeast park, just south of Machias. Roque Bluffs’ 300 acres border the coast of Englishman Bay. “It has a lovely beach with a combination of sand and cobble,” said Cutko. “It’s a great place to stretch out. You’ll never find crowds there like you do in others in Maine.”

An hour west of Acadia, energizing mountaintop hiking and sailing experiences are possibilities at Camden Hills State Park.

“It has a mountain you can drive to the top of and get a panoramic view of Penobscot Bay,” Cutko said. “It offers miles of trails and campsites. And Camden is a charming town with lots of shops, restaurants and very charming, quaint things.”

MAINE.GOV/DACF

Mount San Jacinto was California’s first state park. It forms the western border of Palm Springs and is known for its granite and alpine peaks. Hiking, guided tours and vistas are accessible to everyone from die-hard outdoors adventurers to those with mobility restrictions.

“The wilderness is very rustic and wild,” Garduno said. “For people looking for extreme adventuring, we have 55 miles of trails and five peaks over 10,000 feet. The north face of our mountain is one of the steepest escarpments in North America. It’s a sheer wall of granite.”

Birding, bouldering and wintertime snowshoeing are just a few other draws. And there is an option that requires no gear. Group tours can park in Palm Springs and snag tickets for the Palm Springs Aerial Tram, the world’s largest rotating tram car. In minutes, they will be ascending 8,500 feet to the park’s Long Valley entrance, taking in peaks and valleys along the way.

“The tram will bring you up to amazing vistas,” Garduno said. “To be able to see panoramic views and stand atop the tallest state park in California, that’s the way to get in.”

At the summit, there’s plenty to do, taking in the sights from observation decks, dining in the cafeteria, drinks in the bar and hiking nature trails.

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COURTESY MAINE BUREAU OF PARKS AND LANDS

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Wildlife at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Mount San Jacinto State Park

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LAND OF THE YANKEE FORK STATE PARK IDAHO

Planners can strike it rich in Idaho’s Land of the Yankee Fork State Park. The park in the Sawtooth Mountains — about four hours southeast of Boise — ticks the boxes for a Rocky Mountain National Park experience. Groups can be immersed in history, vast expanses and wildlife.

“We’re an undiscovered treasure,” said Idaho State Parks and Recreation’s Chelsea Chambers. Three ghost towns from the Idaho gold mine boom sit within the park, which makes it part outdoor mecca, part historic site.

A visit to the long-abandoned town of Bayhorse, about a half hour’s drive from the visitor center, is a must, says Chambers. “I’m a history dork so I definitely recommend stopping by Bayhorse.”

The other two settlements, Custer and Bonanza, are also maintained by the park.

“These sites tell the story of Idaho’s early days,” Chambers said. “You could spend days here and not see everything.”

The park, surrounded by national forest, is also a starting point for hundreds of miles of hiking and motorsport trails. “A lot of people bring their UTVs and ATVs and drop off from there,” Chambers said. Recently annexed to the park is the Challis Hot Springs, a historic thermal bathing destination.

Travelers visiting the park often see bighorn sheep, eagles and other mountain wildlife.

PARKSANDRECREATION.IDAHO.GOV

GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK UTAH

Utah’s Goblin Valley State Park is a treat for groups looking for alternatives to Zion National Park. It is named for the hoodoos (sometimes alien-like, sometimes mushroom-shaped, always interesting) sandstone formations that locals call “goblins.” Like Zion, erosion played a big role in making Goblin Valley an outdoor playground begging to be explored.

“One of the best things to do in the park is hike in the valley,” assistant manager Brooke Wetherell said. “It’s three square miles of free roam hiking, so you can get away from others if you want, and every visit is a unique experience.”

There’s a cave to explore, disc golf to play and sights to see in different areas of the park.

The goblins and geologic formations can make for exciting rappelling, canyoneering, climbing and exploring. And, Goblin Valley, like Zion National Park, is known for its night sky. Goblin Valley’s claim to fame is literally stellar—it has earned the gold-tier International Dark Sky Park designation.

“We allow people to come at night to view the stars and occasionally hold interpretive events regarding the night sky, including full moon hikes,” Wetherell said.

To learn about group programs at the park, it’s best to call in advance.

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A yurt in Utah’s Goblin Valley State Park

A historic structure at Idaho’s Land of the Yankee Fork State Park

storic tours, beautiful views, and ique shopp g!

Get away from it all to

Kentucky State Parks

Whether for 20 or 400, we will help you find the perfect environment. Take advantage of knowledgeable interpreters at one of our 17 state resort parks for a personalized tour or hike during your visit to discover what makes Kentucky so unforgettable.

TONTO NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK ARIZONA

A lot of people love geology. Not so sure? Just ask the 4.7 million people who visited Grand Canyon National Park last year. To get away from those crowds and see a different kind of geologic marvel, head north of Phoenix to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.

The natural bridge at the park’s center is 400 feet long and 183 feet high, the world’s largest of its kind.

“We have the world’s largest, naturally formed travertine bridge, so we draw a diverse group of people coming into the park,” park manager Katie Ferguson said. “There’s a lot of different options. We have a paved park that will take you to four different points that are ADA accessible and good for people who don’t necessarily want to hike.”

Gowan Trail is another popular option.

“Gowan Trail will hike you down a quarter mile to an observation deck where you can view the bridge and waterfall,” Ferguson said. “That’s the experience most people want.”

Other park trails can round out the trip. Waterfall Trail is a short hike, only 105 steps.

“It’s my favorite trail and a must-see,” said Ferguson. “It gives you an understanding of how the travertine is formed. The water has dissolved limestone in it and as it runs over things, it grows about an inch every year.” AZSTATEPARKS.COM

walk Th rough

Historia

before your very eyes. Come and discover it for yourself.

To learn about guided tours, contact: 1.800.361.3360 visitlaredo.com

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Tonto Bridge over Pine Creek in Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

BUYER ’ S GUIDE

BUYER ’ S GUIDE

FOR THE GROUP TRAVEL INDUSTRY

THE GUIDE BUYER’S

PUBLISHED BY THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER INC.

GROWTH IS GOOD GROWTH IS GOOD

NEW BLOOD AND FRESH IDEAS ARE EMERGING FOR GROUP TRAVEL

CARYLANN ASSANTE, CEO, STUDENT AND YOUTH TRAVEL ASSOCIATION (SYTA)

TERRY DALE, PRESIDENT AND CEO, UNITED STATES TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION (USTOA)

CATHERINE PRATHER, PRESIDENT, NTA

PETER PANTUSO, PRESIDENT AND CEO, AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION (ABA)

Consumer inflation seems to be leveling off, and travel demand is returning to normal levels. What do your members expect for 2024 in terms of sales, pricing, expenses and profitability?

DALE: Sales are very, very robust. My expectation when we go out in October for our annual survey is that we’ll exceed 2019 as far as sales. That’s remarkable, considering what the industry went through. Everyone is very optimistic. The thing about inflation is that it appears consumers are willing to put off buying the new refrigerator or leasing the new car, but they’re not putting off travel.

PRATHER: Our NTA tour operators are telling us that 2023 sales have been very robust and stronger than they anticipated. Yet the high costs throughout their supply chains have caused profit margins to lag behind sales growth. Tours are priced 10% to 12% higher than pre-COVID, but their costs are 30% to 50% higher.

For 2024, most are anticipating a very good year based on advanced bookings. But volatility and cost from suppliers tend to be a challenge and a wild card. Some report seeing a normalizing of price increases to 3% to 5%, like pre-COVID, but this is not across the board.

PANTUSO: Everybody has realized over the last couple years that they have to increase prices. There’s no way of getting around it. Inflation has moved the dial, as has demand. From a bus operator’s or tour operator’s perspective, they’re all in the same position. They saw a great resurgence in 2022 and 2023, and they’re hopeful that it continues in the same way into 2024. They’re realizing that you can’t give your product away, and you have to price it accordingly.

The big excitement for a lot of people for next year and beyond is the hope that internationals might be back in the American market more than they were the year before.

TERRY DALE

“The thing about inflation is that it appears consumers are willing to put off buying the new refrigerator or leasing the new car, but they’re not putting off travel.”

ASSANTE: Our research shows that members are optimistic about reaching 75% of pre-pandemic bookings for 2024 if the current environment does not change or get worse in terms of airline costs, delays and cancellations. We went to using more air travel because of the motorcoach and driver shortage, but now we are seeing challenges with bookings, because it’s impossible to rebook 50 students on different flights without a chaperone.

We are seeing 30% higher prices for all aspects of travel. We are also seeing bookings in secondary destinations instead of larger cities like New York, Chicago and Washington. Ultimately, this is a very price-sensitive market.

TODAY’S TRAVEL LEADERS ARE LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BRING A YOUNGER AND MORE DIVERSE CUSTOMER BASE AND WORKFORCE INTO THE TOURISM INDUSTRY.

“They still have less staff but are working to do more with less and to do it more effectively.”

Now that the pandemic and the worst of the staffing crisis are behind us, where should the group travel industry focus its attention in the next few years?

PRATHER: My immediate reaction is that I don’t think the staffing crisis is behind us. Perhaps the worst is behind us, but it’s still an untenable situation. I hear across the board that tour operators continue to work two to three times harder to create itineraries, and I know our DMO suppliers are working just as hard. To help with this, at NTA we’re focused on training and mentoring those new to our industry. And we’re looking at how we can help members understand, be prepared for and capitalize on technology such as artificial intelligence. We already have tour operators using AI to come up with clever names for their tours.

DALE: Everywhere I travel, I still hear that staffing is the issue. The challenge in training and recruiting continues to be a real problem. And diversity, inclusion and equity continue to be a big challenge for us. To get a more diverse workforce and customer base will take time and perseverance. When I look at the audience at USTOA, it’s predominately white. We have a long way to go when it comes to bringing in more diverse partners. But that will take time.

ASSANTE: Our members are looking at their customer management and booking systems — upgrading their technology and looking for more efficient ways to build itineraries, keep directories of their suppliers and enable students and families to book direct with them. They still have less staff but are working to do more with less and to do it more effective-

ly. They are looking for short-term opportunities in destinations that add value to their trips — a unique experience like music, cooking or culture.

PANTUSO: They’ve got to focus on the basics, which is always critical. It’s about customer service, creating added value, giving customers something they can’t do easily on their own. Talk to the customer, see what they want, what they need and what their interests are. And we always have to differentiate ourselves from the person who goes to Google to figure out what to do on their own. That’s the value of group travel.

There’s a growing need for new travel buyers in our industry. How is your organization planning to reach new buyers, and how might they be different from the typical buyers we’re used to seeing?

ASSANTE: Our buyers are educators, and we’re seeing a shift from the traditional, older male teacher to a younger, more diverse group of educators. Many of them rely on technology instead of face-to-face meetings. They’re harder to reach, and they use social media to gather information and referrals. So, our members are constantly trying through email and social media to reach educators. Technology is a really important part of the sales process now.

We have seen a lot of new tour companies after the pandemic. Teachers thought about whether they wanted to keep teaching in a classroom, and many of them started travel companies so we have had our best growth ever in tour operator memberships.

PANTUSO: If I had a plan, I wouldn’t share it publicly, because that would be the golden egg. The question is, who are the buyers that are out there? We spend a fair amount of time internally trying to work with our members to find the new buyers. We want to go beyond the traditional tour operator or coach operator. There are a lot of other people out there sending people in groups, but they’re not tours.

PRATHER: We have identified a number of paths for new buyers, and we’re looking at ways to redefine

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the traditional tour operator. We want operators who exemplify our mission and core values. We do have to be open these days, especially after COVID and the entrepreneurial spirit that followed. There were a lot of new businesses that came on board.

It’s so encouraging that everywhere you look there is wide-ranging diversity. I do think our industry is open, and I hope our industry will be one of the first to be as diverse as the world around us. And a lot of that goes back to staffing — ensuring the jobs we offer are well paying jobs that have a path forward and attract diverse audiences.

DALE: This was a key topic at our recent board meeting in Seattle. I don’t have the answers at the moment, but we’re sensitive to the fact that we need new buyers. Even though business is strong right now, we have to figure out what the channel is and how we work with it. The travel advisor will continue to be key to our success. But we are sensitive to the fact that we need a pipeline of these new buyers, and we’re going to figure it out.

Environmental issues are a growing concern among many Americans, especially millennials and Gen Z. How can the tourism industry, which is fundamentally energy-intensive, take meaningful steps toward sustainability?

PANTUSO: On our website, we have a study we have done twice now. It shows motorcoach travel as being the most environmentally friendly form of transportation when measured on a per-person basis. There’s no cleaner way to travel than by putting 30 to 50 people on a motorcoach. So, we have a great story to tell — we just have to do a better job of telling it.

When you look at the engine requirements put in place by the EPA, with the low-sulfur and low-emissions fuel that’s now required, and the continuing upgrade of new technology, there are places where the air coming out of the engine is cleaner than the air going in.

PETER PANTUSO

“We want to go beyond the traditional tour operator or coach operator. There are a lot of other people out there sending people in groups, but they’re not tours.”

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ASSANTE: We are looking at it from the responsible traveler perspective and hoping to educate our younger travelers on the impact of their trip on a destination — how to interact with local communities and how to engage and be responsible while in another person’s community. That can include things like being aware of how loud you’re talking and the kind of language you’re using. Should you ask someone for permission to take their picture? That’s being sensitive to the places they’re visiting.

DALE: I believe we’re the only association in the U.S. that has done two totally dedicated sustainability summits, both of which took place in Norway. Next year we’re going to do it in Singapore. I think that demonstrates how we need to address sustainability. What came out of the first Sustainability Is Responsibility Summit was that there were actionable items that our members could implement. Some of them differ from member to member. But our goal is for everyone to recognize that their journey is going to be different. Our responsibility is to provide these concepts, and they can take them and apply them to their companies.

PRATHER: NTA learned from a recent survey that 97% of our tour operators and clients are seeking more meaningful travel experiences. They define this as connecting with local communities, supporting local businesses and leaving a destination better than they found it. We have worked on playing that back to our operators, suppliers and DMOs.

I always try to talk about Tourism Cares, because I think they have an important role to play in sustainability and meaningful travel. People can use them as a resource. They have the Meaningful Travel Map, and I hope suppliers and DMOs will work to get those kinds of experiences on the map. Growing that will help tremendously.

“97% of our tour operators and clients are seeking more meaningful travel experiences. They define this as connecting with local communities, supporting local businesses and leaving a destination better than they found it.”

CATHERINE PRATHER

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SEE CHANGE SEE CHANGE

BRIAN JEWELL EXAMINES WHAT HE TERMS A “TRAVOLUTION”

By Brian Jewell

American culture is changing, and travel is changing with it. Both culture and travel have been disrupted during this current decade, and the disruption has been traumatic at times, causing pain that was especially acute for those of us working in tourism. As we move forward, it’s worth asking: Which of the phenomena that we see in travel right now are aftershocks of the trauma we’ve been through recently and which indicate a deeper cultural change?

I have spent a lot of time this year thinking about those questions. I took a deep dive into the data, read the research and interviewed experts inside and outside of tourism.

I found there are indeed cultural movements afoot that are bigger than the pandemic. Some of them, I believe, will affect our industry in profound ways.

I call it a “travolution.” Here’s what it looks like.

A GROWING NEED FOR AFFORDABILITY

If you have traveled anywhere in the past couple years, you already know that the cost of travel is higher than it has ever been. High prices may be good for travel vendors but as costs rise, they impact who can travel and where they’re able to go.

Several factors are behind the high price of travel. The inflation felt in nearly every area of life has certainly played a role. Economists tell me annual inflation has hovered around 9% since the pandemic recovery began in earnest, although there are signs it is starting to level off.

Another factor is chronic understaffing. Travel businesses, like many other companies, have struggled to find and retain good workers. An issue even before the pandemic, staffing became a fullblown crisis in 2021. When travel companies are short on employees, they have to raise wages to retain workers and attract new ones.

Record-high demand is also in the mix. After the vaccine rollout in 2021, Americans began traveling voraciously to make up for lost time. That return to travel picked up momentum in 2022 and has continued into 2023. The intensity of post-pandemic travel enthusiasm is helping drive costs higher.

Inflation, understaffing and high demand are a sure recipe for rising prices. But there’s more to this story because the cost of travel was outpacing inflation before the pandemic began.

Let’s look at hotel prices, which are a good proxy for the overall cost of travel. According to data from STR and Cushman Wakefield, the average daily rate at U.S. hotels rose from $106 in 2012 to $131 in 2019 — a 24% increase in seven years that went far beyond the rate of inflation over the same period. And that trend continues: The average daily rate hit $148 in 2022 and is projected to be around $152 this year.

Such a price increase affects people in real ways. A survey released in December 2022 by online travel trade publication Skift showed that 34% of Americans expected to spend less on travel in 2023 “because of the high price of travel products.”

Those high prices are even more dramatic in some of the country’s most popular destinations. TravelPulse found that the average daily rate in October 2022 for hotels in Nashville, Tennessee, was

OVERCROWDING AND OVERPRICING IN POPULAR DESTINATIONS ARE PROMPTING MANY TRAVELERS TO LOOK FOR LESS-TRAVELED ALTERNATIVES.

$225. New York was $255. Austin, Texas, was $255. High prices and high demand are producing an unsustainable situation. People flock to high-profile destinations and pay top dollar to get there. But when they arrive, they find these places crowded, understaffed and expensive.

I discussed this issue with Bruce Poon Tip, the visionary founder of tour company G Adventures, on a recent episode of our podcast Gather and Go. He had a fascinating perspective.

“Famous destinations are no longer tourist destinations,” he said. “They’re run closer to theme parks. You line up in rows just like you would a ride at Disney. So, people want to go more and more remote.”

I think he’s right. In some places, it’s becoming difficult for tour groups — or even middle-class families — to visit during peak season. As major cities and high-profile destinations become increasingly crowded and more expensive, some travelers will look for less costly alternatives.

“Famous destinations are no longer tourist destinations. They’re run closer to theme parks. You line up in rows just like you would a ride at Disney. So, people want to go more and more remote.”

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Lonely travelers can find community in shared adventures, such as hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park.

BRUCE POON TIP

PODCAST WITH BRUCE POON-TIP

A GROWING NEED FOR COMMUNITY

There’s a loneliness epidemic in America, and it has implications that are troubling for our society. For the group travel industry, at least one of them has a silver lining: as loneliness grows, so does the value of community in travel.

Americans have fewer friends and social connections than they ever have before. The pandemic forced people home for months and added rocket fuel to the work-from-home revolution. But our isolation predates the pandemic. Families have been scattering around the country for several generations. Participation in churches and other civic institutions is lower than it has been in decades. And technology dependence — especially among millennials and Generation Z — is making it harder to build and maintain real-life friendships.

Last year, insurance company Cigna released a study demonstrating the depths of this problem. It found that 58% of Americans meet the clinical definition of loneliness. That included 41% of people over the age of 65 — a demographic most often associated with loneliness — and a staggering 79% of those ages 18-24.

This is not just a problem, it’s a full-blown crisis. And although it’s certainly a larger issue than the travel industry can solve on its own, we do have a role to play. In an increasingly digital world, travel is an inherently analog experience and those shared travel experiences build incredible bonds between people and accelerate the natural pace of friendship.

Consider the results of a recent survey of 2,000 American travelers by Exodus Travel. It found that

BY JAMIE ORILLION, COURTESY LAFAYETTE TRAVEL

Louisiana’s bayous provide a scenic alternative to crowded tourist hotspots.

77% of respondents have made lifelong friendships when traveling. Twenty-five percent reported making a best friend on the road. And 71% believe travel can deepen existing bonds.

As lonely as they are, Americans are starting to wake up to the power of travel — especially group travel — to create much-needed community. On a recent episode of our podcast, I spoke with Ian Kynor of Contiki, a tour company that serves the 18-35 age group, about this element of the travel experience.

“The group experience is significantly powerful for our travelers,” he told me. “A community is formed through travel. And especially coming out of the last few years of the pandemic, the opportunity to get out of the virtual space and forge new relationships face-to-face is immensely powerful.”

As Americans grapple with the loneliness epidemic, our industry can position itself to help them create and nurture meaningful relationships.

“The group experience is significantly powerful for our travelers. A community is formed through travel. And especially coming out of the last few years of the pandemic, the opportunity to get out of the virtual space and forge new relationships face-to-face is immensely powerful.”

IAN KYNOR

Young Americans are increasingly finding value in group travel experiences, such as equestrian encounters in Kentucky.

COURTESY GEORGETOWN SCOTT CO. TOURISM

PODCAST WITH IAN KYNOR

Travelers increasingly want to see diversity reflected in their group makeup and destination activities.

An Outer Space Exploration

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A GROWING NEED FOR DIVERSITY

There’s a growing emphasis on diversity in American culture today, and it’s changing what travelers want from the places they visit and the people who take them there.

America has always been a diverse place, but people from minority backgrounds have often gotten less than their fair share of American culture and the American dream. Although that has been changing slowly for several generations, events over the last few years have accelerated the pace of change.

One result of this change is that many travelers — and especially millennial and Gen Z travelers — are bringing a diversity mindset to their travel buying habits. They want to dig beneath the surface of the places they visit and learn about the underappreciated people who make them special. They see culturally authentic experiences as essential elements of travel. And they want their travel dollars to support communities that have been traditionally marginalized.

An online minority travel community called Nomadness recently released a study of 5,000 American travel enthusiasts. They found that 93% of minority travelers prefer to use local vendors and entrepreneurs of color while traveling. The average age of respondents was 43.

This is good news. But the not-so-good news is that the travel industry has some work to do in delivering the kind of diversity consumers want. Most tour groups tend to patronize well-funded businesses instead of community-based startups. And there are tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs of various races all over the country who often struggle to get traction in a crowded marketplace.

Tourism diversity advocate Stephanie Jones told me on a recent episode of our podcast that much comes down to destination marketing organization not being aware of their cities’ own diversity.

“A lot of DMOs don’t even know who the Black stakeholders are within their destinations,” she said. “They’re leaving out marketing diverse tourism products and experiences that inbound travelers are often seeking to have. Those authentic experiences often exist in off-the-beaten-path communities.”

There’s a moral argument to be made for increasing the participation of diverse communities in the tourism industry. And there’s also a business argument.

Consulting firm Accenture surveyed 2,700 airline, cruise and hotel customers last year and found that 31% of respondents were “likely” or “extremely likely” to switch to a travel provider that emphasizes inclusion and diversity. For younger travelers, the rate rose to 49%.

Travelers will increasingly seek opportunities to explore and support minority communities in the places they visit. If your organization isn’t delivering the level of diversity they’re looking for, they will happily take their business to someone who can.

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“A lot of DMOs don’t even know who the Black stakeholders are within their destinations. They’re leaving out marketing diverse tourism products and experiences that inbound travelers are often seeking to have. Those authentic experiences often exist in off-thebeaten-path communities.”

A CHANCE FOR CHANGE

Affordability, community, diversity — the need for all three is a very real part of our culture right now. And culture is going to change travel. But I also believe that travel can help change the culture.

That’s good news, because modern culture is a mess. We’re surrounded by people struggling with financial instability. Depression, anxiety and loneliness are causing a significant mental-health crisis. And growing political polarization, racial tensions and mistrust in institutions is straining the fabric of our society to its breaking point.

But if I have learned anything during two decades in tourism, it’s this: Travel can be more powerful than we realize. Meaningful travel experiences can open people’s minds and change their hearts.

No matter what role you play in the travel industry, your work is much more than a way to visit cool places or pay the bills. Your position in tourism gives you the power to create travel opportunities that transcend financial constraints. You can help people find community and grow friendships. And you can build bridges between people of different backgrounds and political persuasions.

Can travel singlehandedly fix what’s broken in our culture? Probably not. But on our trips, in our businesses and in our communities, we can help nudge it back in the right direction.

That’s a travolution I can believe in.

in travel will require destination marketers to go off the beaten path in pursuit of authentic experiences.

STEPHANIE JONES

PODCAST WITH STEPHANIE JONES

How many experiences you can fit into your itinerary?

WORK SMARTER WORK SMARTER

ONLINE RESOURCES OFFER INDUSTRY EDUCATION

By Rachel Crick

In an industry that spans the globe and changes constantly, group travel planners have difficult jobs. Staying on top of industry trends, dealing with shifting norms and making itineraries exciting for groups is enough to keep any planner busy.

The good news is there’s an ever-expanding library of online educational resources designed for those in the travel industry. To stay in the know and boost their businesses, group travel planners should look for on-demand educational resources on these easy-to-access platforms.

TOURPRENEUR

Designed to give tour operators and travel professionals a sense of community and belonging, Tourpreneur is a travel community and online platform started in 2019. Its long list of educational resources helps its participants work smarter, not harder.

“Tourpreneur is a whole ecosystem of DMC partners, travel agents, content creators, influencers, guides and tour managers,” said Mitch Bach, partner at Tourpreneur. “Anybody and everybody who wants to be connected to that process of creating and delivering experiences.”

With a blog, newsletter, Facebook community, software and business directories and a podcast, Tourprenuer’s free resources are extensive. The Tourpreneur Tour Business Podcast features a new conversation every week with a different industry leader, tour operator, authors and other insightful figures. Topics range from crafting travel experiences to the nuts and bolts of a tour business. One recent episode explored using neuroscience to better design tours.

In addition to the free resources, there are paid tiers which give access to more in-depth knowledge. For a small monthly fee, the Core Membership offers access to an even more extensive library of resources, such as a video and document library. The Tourpreneur Plus membership, the most immersive and personalized package, gives tour operators access to business coaching, including weekly meetings with the Tourpreneur team and guest coaches.

“We created paid options in order to value our time because demand was so high,” Bach said. “But you can spend your life with just our free resources and Facebook community and podcasts and get so much value for it.”

Bach is also the co-founder and CEO of TripSchool, a training organization which offers additional courses, certifications and resources for group travel planners.

tourpreneur.com

A GROWING ECOSYSTEM OF ONLINE EDUCATIONAL TOOLS CAN HELP TRAVEL PLANNERS AND TOUR COMPANIES IMPROVE THEIR STRATEGIES, SALES AND OPERATIONS.

ARIVAL

Founded in 2017, Arival is a research and events company for the tours, activities and attractions industry. Though Arival’s primary audience is local tour operators, many travel professional can benefit from their wide range of online educational resources.

“What we’re finding is that a lot of travel professionals, whether they’re doing it on their own or through a third party, are working with these types of operators and trying to identify the best things to do in destinations,” said Stephen Joyce, vice president of content at Arival. “They should absolutely work with these operators and can use these resources.”

Arival offers research products, in-depth research reports on specific components of the travel industry, as well as consumer surveys and reports on an annual basis. These give insights into important industry trends. Guides provide practical instructions surrounding specific subjects. The “Booking System Guide,” for example, walks operators through all the steps from project planning to choosing vendors.

Arival has webinars addressing topics such as “Google Things to Do” and best practices for SEO. New webinars typically run each month, and there’s also an extensive library of past webinars. An upcoming e-learning toolkit called “Get Connected” is designed to help tour operators connect and distribute their products and is slated to be released this month.

While some guides, reports and webinar tools are available with the Insider Free membership, an Insider Pro membership gives users access to the library of all past webinars, all reports and even additional roundtable strategy sessions. arival.travel

GUEST FOCUS

Guest Focus, which was once called Be A Better Guide, is a coaching platform founded in 2015 to help startup and medium-sized tour operators and travel professionals grow their businesses. It does this by promoting a simple idea: Keep the guest at the center of everything you do. Guest Focus, in addition to offering coaching, accountability calls, virtual bootcamps and video training, has a number of free resources anyone can take advantage of.

Guest Focus has two free workbooks available for download on its website. Since many tour operators lack sales and marketing training, they may struggle to put their tours into words, but the workbook “Irresistible Tour Descriptions” helps them sell their tours by teaching them to craft appealing summaries. Some tour operators lack a specialized education in business, but Guest Focus’ “Definitive Guide to Growing Your Business” workbook gives them a step-by-step plan to grow their tour business while always keeping the guest in mind.

Another free resource for tour operators from Guest Focus is its extensive collection of YouTube videos. Videos on topics ranging from how artificial intelligence can help tour operators to optimizing conversion rates are available online. A final resource that is offered to tour operators and travel professionals is a free, 45-minute strategy call to discuss their business with an experienced coach. It’s a good way for a growing tour business to get a second set of eyes on their business and some new ideas flowing.

Something all these resources have in common? They’re all highly actionable.

“Our Guest Focus resources are super practical,” said founder Kelsey Tonner. “We never create anything, whether it’s a video, workbook, session or a program that at the end of it you don’t have clear next steps of how you’re going to apply this in your tour business. That practical, actionable advice is the biggest priority.” guestfocus.com

STEPHEN JOYCE

KELSEY TONNER

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRAVEL ADVISORS

The American Society of Travel Advisors, or ASTA, is an association of and advocacy organization for travel professionals. Its origins can be traced back to 1931, making it one of the oldest travel organizations. It promotes professionalism and selling travel and has no shortage of online resources for travel professionals to further their businesses and careers.

ASTA offers a series of trainings and certifications for travel professionals. They can purchase and complete a wide range of online courses. These cover topics related to professional development, such as public speaking, media relations and customer service, as well as industry-specific training, like working with hotels and sales tactics for destination weddings. Some of these courses are available at no cost, while the rest are $200 or less with member pricing. These can give a travel professional additional credibility, as well as extra insight on running their business.

ASTA also offers a series of webinars for travel professionals. Members have access to a video library of past webinars, where they can quickly learn about relevant, trending industry topics. These often feature experts from various parts of the travel industry. Their video library has additional interviews with travel professionals, perspectives

RESOURCES FROM US

The Group Travel Leader offers several free educational resources for travel planners in multiple formats, whether they’d prefer to listen to a podcast on the go or get materials sent straight to their inbox.

Gather and Go Podcast

The Group Travel Leader’s podcast Gather and Go is designed to help travel planners improve their trips and boost their sales. In these twice-monthly podcast episodes, The Group Travel Leader’s executive editor, Brian Jewell, sits down with industry experts for engaging discussions on planning and leading better trips. Travel news, tips and hot takes on relevant travel issues are also explored in each episode. Listen to Gather and Go on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Learn more at grouptravelleader.com/podcast

E-Books

The Group Travel Leader’s e-books are in-depth guides about the nuts and bolts of the group travel industry, making them an essential resource for every group travel planner. For a comprehensive guide on the ins and outs of travel planning, “Group Travel Toolbox” gives planners ideas, tips and tricks in a quick and easyto-read format. It touches on subjects such as picking the right hotels, must-have apps for travelers and travel tools business owners should take advantage of. “The Buyer’s Guide” delves into the travel industry, with an in-depth look at travel trends, up-and-coming destinations, and the challenges and opportunities in the industry. These e-books are free and updated yearly, making them an invaluable resource to group travel planners. They can download these resources at grouptravelleader.com/toolbox and grouptravel leader.com/buyersguide

E-Newsletters

Planners can think of The Group Travel Leader’s e-newsletters as highlight reels of its publications, delivered directly to their inboxes. The Group Travel Minute highlights destination articles, relevant news and important updates in the industry and at the Group Travel Leader; it’s perfect for planners pressed for time. For bank and alumni group travel planners, Select Traveler has an accompanying newsletter, Select Traveler Minute. Faith-based group travel planners can catch up on all they need to know from Going on Faith with Faith Travel Minute. They can subscribe to these emails at grouptravelleader.com/subscribe

THINK SMALL THINK SMALL

IT’S TIME TO REDISCOVER THESE TERRIFIC TOWNS

There’s more to small towns than low prices.

By Brian Jewell

In tourism, big cities and popular destinations tend to attract a lot of attention. And although high-profile places have plenty to offer, some travel benefits are found more often in smaller places.

Smaller destinations often offer savings, with hotel rates and restaurant prices substantially less than those found in top-tier cities. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In smaller towns and cities around the United States, group travelers can find cultural encounters, natural attractions, extraordinary experiences, VIP access and other benefits that larger places can’t match.

Read on to learn more about the benefits smaller destinations offer, and some places that exemplify them.

CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS: LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA

Louisiana is legendary for its Cajun and creole cultures. And while many people travel to New Orleans in search of Cajun encounters, the more historic and authentic representations of Cajun culture are rooted in Lafayette, a city of about 121,000 residents located 130 miles west of New Orleans.

“We are Cajun, which is short for Acadian,” said Eugenie Mitchell, vice president of tourism sales for Lafayette Travel. “The Acadians settled in south Louisiana in the mid-1700s, and the largest population settled in the Lafayette area. We are still a French-speaking community today. We have the Cajun food, music and culture. Culturally, we’re very diverse and very rich.”

Groups can begin their Cajun immersion at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, where the Acadian Cultural Center tells stories of the Acadian people, their dialects, their music, their food and more. Another popular site nearby is Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folk Life Park. Dozens of buildings from the time of the French Acadians are preserved at this historic site, and historic interpreters help visitors understand the Cajun lifestyle and how they interacted with the Native Americans who lived in the area.

From there, the immersive experience can take a tasty, tuneful turn with authentic Cajun culinary and musical experiences like crawfish tours, cooking classes and live Cajun and zydeco music.

“From Wednesday through Sunday, there are free concerts in the street, or you can go downtown on Friday nights and hear some great Cajun music,” Mitchell said. “Groups can also do Cajun and zydeco dance lessons. It’s a great way to learn about the culture, and then you can feel confident to step out on the dance floor after you have learned a little more.”

lafayettetravel.com

LAFAYETTE OFFERS TRAVELERS OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE THE SOURCE OF CAJUN CULTURE AND CUISINE.

UNIQUE

EXPERIENCES: GAHANNA, OHIO

Gahanna, Ohio, is a 10-minute drive from downtown Columbus, but its vibe couldn’t be more different. Quaint and colorful, Gahanna is a peaceful and welcoming place. It’s fragrant too, because this town of 37,000 is the Herb Capital of Ohio.

That’s not just a marketing ploy. The state legislature awarded Gahanna the designation in 1976, after a group of ladies from the local historical society developed a reputation for educating locals and visitors alike about how to cultivate, harvest and cook with herbs. The designation took hold, and now herbs are at the center of Gahanna’s identity.

“A lot of our parks have herbs, and around our Ohio Herb Center herbs are planted everywhere,” said Lori Kappes, executive director of Visit Gahanna. “People love to walk around and see the beauty of the herbs. A lot of people don’t realize how beautiful they are.”

Groups visiting Gahanna almost always stop at the Ohio Herb Center, where in addition to browsing exhibits and merchandise they can arrange to have lessons and hands-on experiences in the historic Nafzger-Miller House.

“They’re taking in a lecture in our parlor and getting a tour of our grounds and gardens,” said Ohio Herb Center coordinator Amanda Ferguson. “They’re learning everything to do with herbs, like harvesting them, preserving them and making tea and food. We had a mystery tour this year where people got to learn about using herbs in old folk remedies.”

Groups can also plan to visit during the annual Herb Day each May or stop in at one of nine local restaurants with specialty drinks listed on the city’s Herbal Cocktail Trail.

visitgahanna.com

Why the crown?

Indianola is not only home to the King of the Blues and the museum that tells his awe-inspiring story, but it’s also a place full of other music history with storied Club Ebony that saw the likes of Count Basie and James Brown perform.

It’s the perfect setting for great food and shopping, and simply soaking in the best of small-town charm and hospitality to make you feel like royalty.

AUTHENTICITY AND ACCESS: GEORGETOWN, KENTUCKY

There are innumerable reasons to visit Kentucky, but for many visitors, the top three are horses, bourbon and the outdoors. And although the state’s larger cities offer some elements of each, indulging in all three requires spending time in one of the state’s smaller destinations.

That’s why Georgetown, a town of about 37,000 located 12 miles north of downtown Lexington, is perennially popular with groups.

“We have something in all of the key attraction categories,” said Lori Saunders, executive director of Visit Georgetown. “You can experience Kentucky fully right here in our destination. And we can arrange some hands-on things at our venues that you can’t get at other places around the state.”

400 Second Street, Indianola 662-887-9539 | bbkingmuseum.org

Those VIP experiences include the chance to feed a champion thoroughbred at Old Friends, a retirement farm for racehorses, or to tour the cider mill at Evans Orchard and see how cider is pressed using vintage equipment.

COURTESY VISIT GAHANNA

Paddling through a Lafayette swamp

COURTESY LAFAYETTE TRAVEL

An interactive experience at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna

An alligator on Lafayette’s Lake Martin

A shrimp dish at Lafayette’s Pour Restaurant

B.B. KING MUSEUM

GLASSTOBERFEST

And then, there’s bourbon.

“We arrange bourbon tastings that aren’t your normal bourbon tastings,” Saunders said. “I can do one right downtown in the middle of the street in a beautiful Victorian setting. Or we can do one in the gardens of Ward Hall, our beautiful Greek antebellum home.”

Like many other small towns, the tourism staff at Visit Georgetown can handle these arrangements directly, so there’s no need for tour planners to work through a receptive operator or other third party. Saunders and staff know who to call for the best group experiences.

“We have a couple of chefs who can teach you to create some Kentucky foods,” Saunders said. “They can do everybody’s favorite, the Hot Brown, and we have one who makes an absolutely amazing Kentucky mac and cheese.” georgetownky.com

NATURAL APPEAL: ST. GEORGE, UTAH

In the southwest corner of Utah, St. George is home to just under 100,000 people. But the city, along with the smaller towns that surround it, attracts visitors from far and wide to see stunning natural surroundings, including Zion National Park.

“Zion gets about 4 million visitors a year,” said Leslie Fonger, destination development manager for the Greater Zion Convention and Tourist Office, which represents St. George and numerous nearby towns. “You have canyons, powerful rocks in white, pink and gray. The Virgin River runs through it. People in the canyoneering community come a very long way to do various hikes through Zion.”

PHOTOS COURTESY GEORGETOWN SCOTT CO. TOURISM

Old Friends Farm

Exploring Zion is just one of the options for groups that want to make the most of southwest Utah’s beauty. Four state parks accessible from St. George have their own scenic sites, including Snow Canyon State Park, with its slot canyons and lava dunes. A variety of outfitters can provide everything from e-bikes to horseback rides, guided hikes and more, so even the least-experienced traveler in the pack can have a great time.

And although there are plenty of traditional hotels, some of the most memorable overnights aren’t spent indoors.

“There are a number of outfits that do glamping,” Fonger said. “You can glamp in a covered wagon, in a teepee or in an Airstream trailer. We have lots of star-watching options. And some of the camps have chefs that come in and do the cooking for your group.” greaterzion.com

FOCUS ON FUN: WISCONSIN DELLS, WISCONSIN

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, has more hotel rooms than residents. That’s because this town of 6,500 is focused on fun.

It all started in the late 1800s when a landscape photographer named H.H. Bennett began distributing photos he had taken of the dells, or sandstone bluffs, along the Wisconsin River. The photos became so popular that visitors from Chicago and beyond started traveling to the area to see the Wisconsin Dells for themselves.

From there, the destination ballooned in popularity.

“We’ve become the quintessential road trip destination,” said Leah Hauck-Mills, communications manager at the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau. “Many generations

Pinstripes combines made-from-scratch Italian/American cuisine with private spaces, bowling lanes, and bocce courts that can be customized to accommodate outings of any size. Whether it’s a sports team, student tour, free independent travelers, or an adult travel group, we enjoy catering to visitors and travelers who seek a fun and unique experience!

have come to Wisconsin Dells for their honeymoons, all the way now to bringing their kids, grandkids and great grandkids.”

The families — and groups — that come to this central Wisconsin town will find an abundance of fun things to do. The river and its sandstone bluffs are still a prime attraction, showcased on boat excursions that range from leisurely sunset cruises to adrenaline-pumping jet boat tours.

And the area’s man-made attractions have proven even more popular.

“We are the waterpark capital of the world,” Hauck-Mills said. “There are over 200 water slides in the area. We have America’s largest outdoor waterpark, Noah’s Ark Waterpark, and Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. And we were just certified with America’s largest natural waterpark at Land of Natura.”

Groups that would rather stay dry can choose more leisurely activities, including magic shows, circus performances and horse-drawn tours through the Lost Canyon.

wisdells.com

A sunset cruise in Wisconsin Dells

COURTESY GREATER ZION CTO COURTESY GREATER

Horseback riding in Utah’s Snow Canyon State Park

A hike in Zion National Park

NORTHBROOK, IL · SOUTH BARRINGTON, IL · OAK BROOK, IL · CHICAGO, IL · EDINA, MN · WASHINGTON DC · BETHESDA, MD OVERLAND PARK, KS · CLEVELAND, OH · HOUSTON, TX · FORT WORTH, TX · SAN MATEO, CA · NORWALK, CT

BUYER’S GUIDE DIRECTORY

ALABAMA

Huntsville/Madison County CVB

500 Church St. Northwest, Ste. One 256-551-2204 Huntsville, AL 35801

Pam Williams pam@huntsville.org huntsville.org/groups

Let the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau help you make your group’s journey run as smoothly as possible.

No matter what your group’s interests, our itineraries are a great way to ensure an enjoyable, comprehensive trip through the Huntsville area.

ALABAMA

Sweet Home Alabama

401 Adam’s Ave. Montgomery, AL 36104 334-353-1907

Shawna Faniel

Shawna.Faniel@tourism.alabama.gov alabama.travel

Whether it’s exploring our unique nature, the past and the future of space exploration, sites where Rock ‘n’ Roll hits were made, history and impact of the Civil Rights Movement or simply enjoying Madi Gras the original way, ALABAMA has so many experiences to offer. Now…YOU decide where to start!

ALABAMA

CALIFORNIA

DELAWARE

INDIANA

Pinstripes

36 Hillsdale Mall San Mateo, CA 94403 281-608-2604

Miyako Joseph miyako.j@pinstripes.com pinstripes.com

Pinstripes’ 13 locations offer group friendly dining options, flexible seating, semi-private, private rooms for large groups and fun group activities including bowling and bocce ball. Whether you’re looking to feed a group of 20, a motorcoach of 50, or 300 people, our expert group planners will customize your group arrangements and take care of all our group needs.

CALIFORNIA

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

40 Presidential Dr. Simi Valley, CA 93065 805-577-4066

Tricia Legaspi tlegaspi@reaganfoundation.org

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. Also home to President and Mrs. Reagan’s memorial site and an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall. Tour meal and Docent-led tour group packages available.

CALIFORNIA

Visit Mobile

1 South Water St. Mobile, AL 36602 251-208-2013

Tom White, TMP twhite@mobile.org mobile.org

Mobile is a historic city on the Gulf Coast. Home of the original Mardi Gras celebration in the USA, you will discover a destination that will entertain your groups with true Southern tradition and hospitality. And don’t forget the fabulous, locally-owned dining establishments and their delicious, fresh caught seafood cuisine.

Visit Fairfield, California

2526 Mankas Corner Rd. Fairfield, CA 94534 707-330-3015

Christian Wentworth

christian@visitfairfield.com visitfairfield.com

Discover Northern California’s best-kept secrets in Fairfield

Located in the rolling hills of Northern California, 45 minutes from Sacramento and San Francisco and only 15 minutes from Napa Valley, Fairfield is home to a thriving wine country, delectable olive oil companies, outdoor adventures, and fun for all ages.

Visit Delaware

99 Kings Hwy. Dover, DE 19901 302-672-6834

Tina Madanat tina.madanat@delaware.gov visitdelaware.com/groups

Contact Tina.Madanat@delaware.gov to plan your next memorable Delaware group adventure and to learn about the enhanced Delaware Motorcoach Rewards Program.

GEORGIA

Visit Savannah

101 E Bay St. Savannah, GA 31401 912-644-6423

Anjuli King aking@visitsavannah.com visitsavannah.com

With its elegant Historic District, and festive delights like River Street and City Market, all wrapped in a unique coastal charm, it’s no wonder that Savannah is one of the top tour and leisure destinations in the U.S.

ILLINOIS

Visit Effingham

201 East Jefferson Ave. Effingham, IL 62401 217-342-5310

Jodi Thoele jthoele@effinghamil.com visiteffinghamil.com

More than just a vacation, you need a place to escape. To find perspective and room to breathe. With Kiki’s Paddleboards, you’ll find just that, and maybe even a little more… Find just what you need at www.visiteffinghamil.com.

Harrison County CVB

310 North Elm St. Corydon, IN 47112 888-738-2137 or 812-734-0065

Stacy Pirtle stacyp@thisisindiana.org thisisIndiana.org

Historic Corydon and Harrison County Indiana have a wide variety of group friendly attractions ranging from history, gaming, wineries, and soft adventure. We are also geographically in a great location only 2 hours from Indianapolis, Indiana and 30 minutes from Louisville, KY making us a great destination for a hub & spoke.

KENTUCKY

Ark Encounter

1 Ark Encounter Dr. Williamstown, KY 41097 800-721-2298

Eddie Lutz mail@answersingenesis.org arkencounter.com

Prepare to think bigger at the life-size Noah’s Ark at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. The world’s largest timber-frame structure features three decks of faith-affirming exhibits, a zoo with animals like lemurs, kangaroos, camels, and so much more.

KENTUCKY

Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission

101 North Depot St. Corbin, KY 40701 606-528-8860

Maggy Monhollen maggy@corbinkytourism,com corbinkytourism.com

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains amidst the peaceful grandeur of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Corbin is a delightful group tour destination. From our dining to shopping and one- of-a-kind attractions, we offer our groups an experience that is uniquely authentic.

BUYER’S GUIDE DIRECTORY

LOUISIANA

MASSACHUSETTS

MISSISSIPPI

Abbeville Cultural & Historical Alliance

Georgetown, KY 40324

844-863-8600

Bailey Gilkerson tourism@georgetownky.com georgetownky.com

Georgetown, Kentucky is located in the central part of the state and surrounded by bluegrass, black paddock fences, dry-stone fences, country roads and filled with small-town charm. Home to horse-centric attractions, free Toyota tram tour, historic downtown and just 30 miles from the Ark Encounter.

KENTUCKY

Kentucky Artisan Center

200 Artisan Way Berea, KY 40403

859-985-5448

artisancenter-blog@ky.gov

kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov

Featuring work from over 850 Kentucky-based artists and small businesses, shop the Bluegrass State’s largest selection of local products at the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, KY. Located conveniently off of I-75, the Kentucky Artisan Center makes the perfect stop for travelers and locals alike. Visit kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov to plan your visit today!

KENTUCKY

200 North Magdalen Sq. Abbeville, LA 70510 337-898-4114, 337-898-6600

Alison Miller director@vermilion.org abbevillemuseums.com

Museum and art gallery featuring historical artifacts and information on Vermilion Parish, rotating art exhibits, an exhibit on Abbeville’s Giant Omelette, an exhibit on the area in Nova Scotia where many of our Cajun ancestors came from, tourist information and more. Located in downtown Abbeville and near downtown restaurants and attractions.

LOUISIANA

Visit Lake Charles

1205 North Lakeshore Dr. Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-436-9588

Taylor Stanley sales@visitlakecharles.org visitlakecharles.org

Unleash the Joy in Lake Charles - Louisiana’s Playground. Prepare to embark on a journey as you ponder the delightful challenge of packing in as much joy as you can during your stay. From thrilling casino gaming to tranquil outdoor scenery, Lake Charles ensures that every moment is infused with joy.

LOUISIANA

Kentucky State Parks

500 Mero St., 5th Fl. Frankfort, KY 40601

502-892-3343

Paige Thompson

paige.thompson@ky.gov parks.ky.gov

Create your own experience with the overnight rooms, cottages and conference centers surrounded by the natural beauty and waterways of Kentucky State Parks. Each state park has spectacular locations for any type of meeting or event. Our affordable menus offer a variety of options that are sure to please your group. Enjoy golf, boating or lounging by a pool, lake or mountain view. Motorcoaches and vans park at no charge.

See Plymouth

4 North St. Plymouth, MA 02360 508-747-0100

Paula Fisher paula.fisher@seeplymouth.com seeplymouth.com

The Mayflower story began in 1620 when the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth Bay. Today the story continues with every visit to Plymouth Rock. This quaint seaside community with centuries of history is located midway between Boston and Cape Cod. Enjoy dining, shopping, museums, and seaside adventures. See Plymouth, America’s Hometown.

MISSISSIPPI

B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center

400 Second St. Indianola, MS 38751 info@bbkingmuseum.org bbkingmuseum.org

The radiant spirit of B.B. King shines brightly here. From its captivating films, fascinating artifacts and even his final resting place, the museum honors the sheer brilliance of this inimitable blues guitarist who kept his humility while being showered with love and accolades from all corners of the globe.

MISSISSIPPI

Visit The Northshore 68099 Hwy. 59 Mandeville, LA 70471 985-892-0520

Tanya Leader tanya@visitthenorthshore.com visitthenorthshore.com

The Northshore delivers world-class culinary flavors, thriving downtowns, aspirational adventures and plenty of outdoor recreation for many to enjoy.

The Northshore is less than an hour away from Baton Rouge, New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast and conveniently located near three interstates (I-10, I-12, and I-59).

Mississippi Museum of Art

380 South Lamar St. Jackson, MS 39201 601-960-1515

Ruthie Massey rmassey@msmuseumart.org msmuseumart.org

MMA always has a free exhibition on view. The current exhibition is inspired by Margaret Walker Alexander’s poem “This is My Century: Black Synthesis of Time” and explores ideas of ancestry, remembrance, movement, our shared humanity, and equity. Traveling exhibitions rotate and more information can be found on our website.

Visit Mississippi

P.O. Box 849

Jackson, MS 39205

601-359-3528

Karen Matlock kmatlock@mississippi.org

visitmississippi.org/group-travel

With attractions including casinos, beaches, lakes, nature trails, golf courses, historical sites and homes, factory-outlet shopping, music hotspots and more, Mississippi offers exciting locations for any group. Whether your trip is built around family, shared hobbies or interests, Visit Mississippi can help you develop an itinerary to make your trip truly extraordinary.

MISSISSIPPI

Visit Vicksburg

52 Old Hwy. 27

Vicksburg, MS 39183

800-221-3536 or 601-883-9939

Ashley Gatian ashley@visitvicksburg.com visitvicksburg.com

Vicksburg—located along the Mississippi River in west-central Mississippi—is home to rich history, engaging art, unique attractions, and abundant options for outdoor recreation. Here’s a closer look at what to see and do in the city known as “the key to the South” at www.visitvicksburg.com.

MISSOURI

Gateway Arch and Riverboats

11 North 4th St.

St. Louis, MO 63052

314-923-3048

Alicia Stellhorn groupsales@gatewayarch.com gatewayarch.com

Experience the perfect blend of history and adventure by bringing your group to the iconic Gateway Arch and Riverboat cruises. Immerse yourselves in the marvelous architecture of the Arch from 630-feet above, then cruise the mighty Mississippi, while enjoying panoramic views of St. Louis. A truly unique group outing awaits!

MISSOURI

NEBRASKA

OKLAHOMA

OREGON

Visit Joplin

602 South Main St. Joplin, MO 64801

800-657-2534

Kerstin Landwer klandwer@joplinmo.org visitjoplinmo.com

From the natural splendor surrounding the Grand Falls to the revealed wonders from beneath the surface at our Mineral Museum to our rich history depicted in public murals, the sights and the stories of Joplin await you in Southwest Missouri. Start planning your Joplin experience at VisitJoplinMO. com or call 800-657-2534.

MISSOURI

Visit Missouri

P.O. Box 1055 Jefferson City, MO 65102 573-522-5501

Megan Sheets megan.sheets@ded.mo.gov visitmo.com

Missouri. A Vacation with Personality. Friendly. Unassuming. Full of surprises. That’s me — Missouri. A destination with countless hidden gems. Are you ready to go? Let’s find your M-O and plan a vacation for how you like to operate.

NEBRASKA

Nebraska Tourism Commission

301 Centennial Mall South Lincoln, NE 68509

402-432-1384

Micheal Collins (CTIS) micheal.collins@nebraska.gov

visitnebraska.com/nebraska-grouptour-planner

Far from being “flat and boring with nothing exciting to do,” Nebraska offers thousands of group-friendly destinations, attractions, events and activities across its 77,000 square miles within the Great Plains Region in the central U.S. The Not-At-All What You Thought Nebraska Group Tour Planner will get your fresh ideas flowing.

Visit Lincoln

1128 Lincoln Mall, Ste. 100 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-434-5335

Kelsey Meyer kmeyer@lincoln.org lincoln.org

We believe it isn’t the place that makes the people—it’s the people who make the place, and we can’t wait to host your next group tour! Visit Lincoln will put together a tour that will keep you entertained and thinking about the next stop on your itinerary.

NEW JERSEY

Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism

777 West Cherokee St. Catoosa, OK 74015 877-779-6977

Melanie Bench melanie.bench@cn-bus.com visitcherokeenation.com

Visit Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, Okla. Explore the rolling countryside of northeast Oklahoma and get to know the largest tribal nation in the United States. Cherokee Nation boasts several cultural sites within walking distance on its cultural pathway throughout downtown Tahlequah. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the Cherokee Nation and plan your visit today at www.visitcherokeenation.com.

OKLAHOMA

Visit Atlantic City

1 Convention Blvd. Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-318-6097

Heather Colache heatherc@visitatlanticcity.com visitatlanticcity.com/group-travel

Live to Explore Atlantic City, New Jersey. A world of entertainment and unique experiences awaits your arrival. Enjoy tax-free shopping, the world-famous Boardwalk, award-winning dining for every taste, exhilarating gaming action, and live entertainment. Visit Atlantic City is delighted to assist you with planning your next group visit to our seaside destination!

OHIO

Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center & Tourism Info

5798 Co Rd. 77 Berlin, OH 44610 330-893-3192

Marcus Yoder director@amheritagecenter.com behalt.com

A stop at the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin, Ohio is a lesson in the faith & daily lives of the Anabaptists. This unique stop houses narrated tours of “Behalt,” a 265’ cyclorama depicting the history of the plain folk, optional schoolhouse & barn tour and a tourist information center.

Visit Claremore

400 Veterans Pkwy. Claremore, OK 74017 918-342-5357

Tanya Andrews

tanya.andrews@claremore.com visitclaremore.com

Located in the heart of northeast Oklahoma and on historic Route 66, we are surrounded by some of the most famous Mother Road icons, such as the Blue Whale and the world’s largest Totem Pole! Start your planning today with Visit Claremore’s team…the local experts for the best experience!

OKLAHOMA

Visit Oklahoma City 123 Park Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 405-297-8912

Sandy Price sprice@visitokc.com visitokc.com

Oklahoma City is where authentic Western heritage meets thriving modern metropolis. It’s a spirited city open to new ideas, continued growth and collaboration. For group tours coming to Oklahoma City, there are a variety of destinations to captivate every audience, no matter the individual taste.

Travel Portland

100 Southwest Main St. Ste. 1100 Portland, OR 97204

Josie Ratnayake josie@travelportland.com

travelportland.com/information-fortravel-professionals

Portland offers an experience like no other for your group. Spend time in beautiful gardens and parks then enjoy the renowned food scene. With plenty of tax-free shopping options and easy access to nature getaways, Portland is the perfect spot to get out and explore.

RHODE ISLAND

Collette

162 Middle St. Pawtucket, RI 02860 855-903-8687

Paul Holly pholly@collette.com gocollette.com

As the longest-running tour operator in North America, Collette is the company travelers can trust. Leading with integrity, Collette’s comprehensive travel protection plan, flexible tour pacing, and strong relationships within the travel space set it apart. Collette offers over 170 tours to all seven continents and five distinct travel styles, including small group touring and river cruises.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Myrtle Beach CVB

1200 North Oak St. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-916-7248

Sandy Haines sandy.haines@visitmyrtlebeach.com visitmyrtlebeach.com/groups

Myrtle Beach has something for every kind of group! From Tour & Travel groups to Meetings & Conventions, visitors will find an abundance of unique experiences that fit their needs. Whether your group is eating together, staying together, or playing together, Myrtle Beach is your mecca for making group memories!

BUYER’S GUIDE DIRECTORY

TENNESSEE

TEXAS

VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA

Pigeon Forge

135 Jake Thomas Rd. Pigeon Forge, TN 37868

800-285-7557

Mike Gwinn mike.gwinn@cityofpigeonforge.com pigeonforgetours.com

“Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge guarantees group-friendly variety, beauty, and fun. Visit PigeonForgeTours.com to learn more about what Pigeon Forge has to offer for your group.”

TEXAS

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

1000 George Bush Dr. West College Station, TX 77845

979-691-4069

Amy Raines amy.raines@nara.gov bush41.org

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is excited to welcome the A Spirit Can Ne’er Be Told…A Century of Aggie Football exhibit, through April 28, 2024. Additionally, Honor, Courage, Commitment: Marine Corps Art, 1975-2018 features powerful works of art from 15 Marine combat artists, through January 3, 2024.

Laredo CVB

101 Salinas Ave. Laredo, TX 78040 800-361-3360

Joel Vazquez

jvazquez@ci.laredo.tx.us visitlaredo.com

Whether it’s a sunny getaway, birding retreat, or a weekend escape exploring the vibrant region, find the best of Mexico and Texas in Laredo. A cultural hub known for its South Texas flair, Laredo offers year-round sunny skies, lively shops, a rich ecosystem, and endless history waiting to be explored.

VIRGINIA

City of Newport News, Tourism Division

13560 Jefferson Ave. (Visitor Center) Newport News, VA 23603

757-886-7777 or 888-493-7386

Zoe Posey poseyzu@nnva.gov

newport-news.org

Groups will enjoy breakthrough experiences in Newport News, Virginia! From museums and parks to events and dining, unique opportunities will engage and entertain. Located between Williamsburg and Virginia Beach, we have over 2,500 rooms and 60,000 sq. ft. of combined meeting space. Call us for your next stress-free group visit!

APPLY TODAY:

National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy. Chantilly, VA 20151

703-572-4118

Visitor Services Team

nasm-visitorservices@si.edu

airandspace.si.edu/udvar-hazy-center

A must-see for anyone visiting the greater DC area, the Center’s 3,000+ artifacts on display tell the story of human flight, from early ballooning to the latest images of the James Web Space Telescope. See Space ShuttleDiscovery, an Air France Concorde, an SR-71 Blackbird, and many more.

VIRGINIA

Visit Prince William County, Virginia

14420 Bristow Rd. Manassas, VA 20112

703-792-7060

Mark Kowalewski

mkowalewski@pwcgov.org

visitpwc.com

Just outside of Washington, D.C., Prince William County offers your guests to discover American history, outdoor adventure, and endless entertainment. Experience global cuisine at one of our many restaurants, try a local craft beverage on the Stines, Vines and Moonshine Trail, or hear a concert at our outstanding venues.

Visit Williamsburg

421 North Boundary St. Williamsburg, VA 23185

757-229-6511

info@visitwilliamsburg.com

visitwilliamsburg.com

Here in Williamsburg there’s never too much of a good thing, because there’s too many things to see, do, taste, and experience. Whether you’re a foodie, a golfer, a history buff, a shopaholic, an outdoor enthusiast or a thrill seeker - you’ll find what you came for.

LOUISIANA’S RIVER REGION FAM DECEMBER 8-12

Our friends at Louisiana’s River Parishes, Visit Kenner, Ascension Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Jefferson Parish and Louisiana’s Northshore are arranging a familiarization tour of the Louisiana cities and towns along the Mississippi River, and they’re inviting our travel planner readers to attend. The tour will take place December 8-12. Registration closes October 15 so go to grouptravelleader.com/LOUISIANA-CHRISTMAS-FAM/ to register for the chance to attend this FAM.