FEBRUARY 2009
New Orleans Embraces Voluntourism Go Green!
Sustainable Travel Goes Mainstream
Top 10 Religious Travel Trends A Premier Tourism Marketing publication www.leisuregrouptravel.com
CANADA’S WINTER
wonderland IS WAITING... In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, a magical winter wonderland is revealed when you travel aboard the Snow Train Express and stay in Fairmont accommodations as spectacular as the mountains themselves. Visit the jewels of the Rockies – Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, all beautifully decorated for the holidays. In the world-renowned resort town of Banff, enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson and learn about Ammonite, a rare gemstone found only in Alberta.
Canada’s Winter Wonderland 7 Days • 9 Meals from $1749*
Other spectacular Canadian Rockies programs available all year:
Canadian Rockies by Rail 10 Days • 15 Meals from $2899* Save $100 per person on 4/13/09 departure
Resorts of the Rockies Stay overnigh Chateau Lake t at the famous Louise.
11 Days • 15 Meals from $2849*
Call your local District Sales Manager or 1.800.852.5655 for more information.
www.collettevacations.com CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-027 *Starting rates are per person, land only, based on double occupancy. Call for air rates from your gateway. Pricing is valid at time of print.
Vol.19, No. 1
February 2009
Contents
COVER STORY
midwest: minnesota’s mall of america by randy mink . . . 34 This shopper’s paradise continues to refresh itself and plans to expand.
FEATURES
international: top 10 religious travel trends by kevin j. wright . . . .18 on our radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 west: palm springs goes green by elana andersen . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 on our radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 midwest: on our radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 south: new orleans embraces voluntourism by melinda hughey . .40 on our radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 northeast: factory outlet malls by randy mink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 on our radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
COLUMNS
on my mind by jeff gayduk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 on tour by marty de souto, ctc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 on technology by john kamm, ctp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 on board by cindy bertram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 on green tourism by brian t. mullis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 on shopping by carolyn j. feimster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 on marketing by mike marchev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
ON THE COVER: Nickelodeon Universe. Mall of America® has the largest variety of entertainment options under one roof.
18
Vol.19, No. 1 February 2009 Editorial & Advertising Office
621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com
Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com
NEWS AS IT HAPPENS • PERSPECTIVE • TOOLS
Breaking News
LGT Online Exclusives This month on LeisureGroupTravel.com, go behind the scenes at Palm Springs’ Living Desert as publisher Jeff Gayduk gets up-close and personal with giraffes. Managing editor Randy Mink reports on airline luggage restrictions and surcharges
There’s always something happening on LeisureGroupTravel.com, and that starts with our Breaking News section. Relevant information is posted frequently on the following topics:
for the winter ski season and updates readers on smoking policies aboard cruise lines. Also, read more about Northeastern outlet malls and factory stores.
• Attractions • Destinations • Cruises • Tours & Packages • Associations • Niche Travel • Hotels & Resorts • Transportation When something breaks in the industry, you can count on LeisureGroupTravel.com to be there!
Have you Experienced Plan It? Complete tools for research and booking your next group trip
We’ve made online research and booking a snap, with the creation of Plan It! Scroll down the left side of LeisureGroupTravel.com and uncover hot links to
@ Search our database of travel articles for fresh ideas and inspiration @ Web tools for currency conversion, direction and guidance
@ Product and brochure request from group-friendly suppliers @ Online group hotel booking engine
@ Access to over 150 sample tour itineraries
Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com
Senior Editor – John Kloster john@ptmgroups.com
Senior Editor – Elana Andersen elana@ptmgroups.com
Director, Design & Production – Kerry Loudon
kerry@ptmgroups.com
Regional Sales Managers International – Richard Haymaker P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 richard@ptmgroups.com
Western Midwest/Online Sales – Theresa O’Rourke P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 theresa@ptmgroups.com
Midwest/Great Lakes/PA – Jim McCurdy P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 jim@ptmgroups.com
Northeast – Ellen Klesta P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 ellen@ptmgroups.com Southeast – Hutson Lambert
P 228.452.9683 • F 228.452.6370 hutson@ptmgroups.com
Southern – Dolores Ridout P/F 281.762.9546 dolores@ptmgroups.com
Florida & Caribbean – Prof Inc.
P 813.286.8299, proftampa@aol.com
West – Dick Faust P 310.373.9604 • F 310.373.8760 dick@ptmgroups.com The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.
Leisure Group Travel (ISSN-1531-1406) is published
bi-monthly by Premier Tourism Marketing, Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations. Other travel-related suppliers may subscribe at the reduced rate of $12.00 per year. The regular subscription price for all others is $18.00 per year. Single copies are $4.95 each.
Send Address Change to:
Premier Tourism Marketing, Inc. P.O. Box 609, Palos Heights, IL 60463
A
publication
All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
2WaQ]dS` c\W_cS b]c` Sf^S`WS\QSa [WZSa OeOg T`][ eVS`S g]c [WUVb Sf^SQb
5S]`UWO ]TTS`a b]c` U`]c^a []`S bVO\ Xcab U`SOb aV]^^W\U VWab]`g O\R QWbg ZWTS BVS abObS Wa TWZZSR eWbV W\Q`SRWPZS ac`^`WaSa :WYS bVS PWUUSab ^]^cZObW]\ ]T YO\UO`]]a ]cbaWRS ]T /cab`OZWO Ob bVS 9O\UO`]] 1]\aS`dObW]\ 1S\bS` BVS e]`ZR¸a ZO`USab ^WSQS ]T Sf^]aSR U`O\WbS Ob Ab]\S ;]c\bOW\ >O`Y /\R []`S bVO\ # b`SSa PZ]][W\U Ob bVS 7\bS`\ObW]\OZ 1VS``g 0Z]aa][ 4SabWdOZ BVS QS\bS` ]T bVS A]cbV 5S]`UWO Wa V][S b] bVS e]`ZR¸a ^`S[WS` ^OaaS\US` OW`^]`b O\R bVS \ObW]\¸a b]^ `ObSR VWUVeOga [OYW\U g]c` b`OdSZa SOag O\R Q]\dS\WS\b 2WaQ]dS` SdS\ []`S ]T bVS c\Sf^SQbSR RSZWUVba 5S]`UWO V]ZRa T]` g]c` b]c` U`]c^ 1]\bOQb ca b]ROg O\R PS ac`S b] OaY OP]cb bVS \Se 5S]`UWO >SOQV 5`SSb ^`]U`O[
B] abO`b bVS X]c`\Sg dWaWb 3f^Z]`S5S]`UWO ]`U b]c`a ]` QOZZ " " '$ " &
on my mind O
jeff gayduk
Set the Stage for 2009 LAST JUNE, WE UNVEILED a new
competitors play lip service to these
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
look to Leisure Group Travel, with a
markets, opting to take the easy road
In the December edition of Leisure
more inviting layout, cleaner destination
promoting advertorial.
features and enhanced interactive sec-
This year’s American Bus Associa-
Group Travel once again we pulled out the crystal ball and predicted the future
tions to the magazine. This February’s
tion conference, held Jan. 7-12 in Char-
of this market. We’re now out of the
edition marks phase two of the redesign
lotte, N.C., gave us a sneak peak at the
gate in ’09 and reconfirm our stance -
as we now have enhanced our destina-
year ahead in group travel. Noticeably
2009 will be a year fraught with chal-
tion coverage to provide full regional
this year’s conference was more docile
lenges, and there are equally as many
coverage of the entire U.S. in each edi-
than years past with light foot traffic on
opportunities for the savvy and strong-
tion, while also taking a bigger stab at
the trade show floor and a high number
stomached willing to fight.
niche & affinity travel – the driver of
of last-minute cancellations from tour
group interest in the next decade.
operators and bus companies. NTA ex-
Like anything else, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve, and these modifications not only help us keep up with the times, but also present some leading indicators and sector expertise from experts in their fields. For example, this
Mark my words. When the industry emerges from this recession, the land-
The future holds many opportunities for the savvy and strong-stomached.
edition covers eco-friendly travel, leading off with an insightful column from
perienced similar issues with its show in
scape of the group market will be for-
Brian Mullis of Sustainable Travel Inter-
November. This continuation indicates
ever changed and business plans must
national, along with “green” destina-
more pressure on small operators with
be altered to keep up with changing
tion coverage on Palm Springs and Mall
shrinking staffs to reserve a week out of
times and customers. It’s our business
of America. Additionally, special inter-
the office to hear new product pitches.
to help make your business grow and
est topics (shopping this edition) are covered both in columns and destination coverage. This enhancement to our coverage is
prepare you for the future. We’re preBUSINESS IS TAKING PLACE
pared for our future - now is the time
Spend a few minutes talking with show
for you to be as well.
participants and you’ll quickly realize
at the core of our mission here at
that it’s not all doom and gloom. New
Leisure Group Travel. I started the
tours ARE being booked. There is in-
Happy Traveling,
magazine with a firm belief that all the
terest from operators, albeit with a de-
destination knowledge in the world is
gree of “trading down” in quality,
Jeff Gayduk, Publisher
worthless if a planner doesn’t under-
inclusions or trip duration. Destina-
jeff@ptmgroups.com
stand the mechanics of organizing a
tions and hotels report occupancy levels
great group trip, have the tools to thrive
that are quite palatable
in any market economy and have a firm
(outside major tourist
understanding of the new market fun-
markets, which seem to
damentals that affect consumer interest.
be suffering the most).
We’ve continued to develop the edito-
And some people, dare
rial side as niche & affinity groups rush
I say, are doing fine!
Despite macro-economic figures that indicate otherwise, Jeff is approaching 2009 with great optimism. Anytime he sees a glass that’s half empty, he swallows the contents, then refills it.
into the group travel industry, while 6 February 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
cz uif ujnf uifz svo pvu pg uijoht up ep-
^ROcÂŞVV LO LKMU RYWO
Uif Ijmupo Ifbe boe Cmvggupo bsfb jt gvmm pg qsjtujof cfbdift boe mvti mboetdbqft up sfgsfti bozpof xip wjtjut/ Zfu jo boe bspvoe uijt jtmboe sfusfbu- zpvĂ–mm Ă&#x;oe b tvsqsjtjoh wbsjfuz pg bdujwjujft up qmfbtf kvtu bcpvu boz hspvq/ Ebz.usjqt xjuijo fbtz sfbdi jodmvef uif ijtupsjd boe obuvsbm bsfbt pg Tbwboobi- Dibsmftupo- boe Cfbvgpsu/ Boe xjui obuvsf xbmlt- ejoofs boe epmqijo dsvjtft- tipqqjoh- bsut- Mpxdpvousz dvjtjof- Hvmmbi upvst- Ibscpvs Upxo boe uif mjhiuipvtf- fdpupvsjtn- boe npsf- Ijmupo Ifbe jt b xpoefsgvm qmbdf up foufsubjo hspvqt pg bmm ljoet/ :SO`\ []`S Ob 6WZb]\6SOR7aZO\R ]`U ]` QOZZ & # ! !!%!
IJMUPO IFBE JTMBOE ÂŚ CMVGGUPO EBVGVTLJF JTMBOE
03/16E/:9 6=B3:
27A1=D3@ B=C@A
6=:72/G 7<< =13/<4@=<B
>/@9 :/<3 6=B3: AC7B3A
VWZb]\VSORPSOQVeOZYV]bSZ Q][ &&& &"! " !$
RWaQ]dS` b]c`a Q][ &&& &" ' %
VWVWZb]\VSOR Q][ & " ! '&'%
VWZb]\VSOR^O`YZO\SV]bSZ Q][ &"! $&$ #%
Hsfbu hspvq sbuft boe dpnq qpmjdz" Xbml up uif cfbdi- tipqqjoh ' sftubvsbout/ B cfbdi hfubxbz zpvs hspvq xjmm usfbtvsf"
Bggpsebcmf hspvq upvs qbdlbhft gps dpbtubm Tpvui Dbspmjob boe Hfpshjb/ Ofx Dvmjobsz- Hvmmbi Ifsjubhf boe Ivc.O.Tqplf Upvst bwbjmbcmf/ Nfncfs pg OUB boe BCB/
Sfopwbufe jo 3119 gfbuvsjoh vqhsbefe bnfojujftgsff.gpsn qppm- HspvqfsĂ&#x2013;t ' Dpnqboz pdfbogspou sftubvsbou boe pvs mfhfoebsz cfbditjef Ă&#x201C;Ujlj IvuĂ&#x201D;/ Gsff npupsdpbdi qbsljoh"
Dpowfojfoumz mpdbufe nje.jtmboepvs bmm.tvjuf ipufm gfbuvsft gvmm.tj{fe ljudifot- ipu csfblgbtu cvggfu- dpnqmj. nfoubsz ijhi.tqffe joufsofu boe tfbtpobm cfbdi tivuumf tfswjdft/
1=;4=@B 7<< A=CB6 4=@3AB 03/16
6/;>B=< 7<< 67:B=< 63/2
Q][T]`bVWZb]\VSOR Q][ & # ! "
Xbml up uif cfbdi- tipqt boe sftubvsbout jo uif ifbsu pg Ijmupo Ifbe" Gfbuvsft ifbufe pvuepps qppm boe dpnqmjnfoubsz csfblgbtu/
VWZb]\VSOR VO[^b]\W\\ Q][ &"! $& %'
Ijmupo Ifbe jt uif qfsgfdu mpdbujpo gps zpvs ofyu hspvq fwfou/ Btl bcpvu pvs hspvq boe upvs qbdlbhft"
>/:;3BB= 2C<3A =13/<4@=<B @3A=@B
@3A=@B?C3AB 67:B=< 63/2
^OZ[Sbb]Rc\Sa Q][ &&& #$& '###
`Sa]`b_cSabVWZb]\VSOR Q][ & & $ $"'
Dvtupnj{fe qbdlbhft jodmvejoh bddpnnpebujpotsftpsu bdujwjujft- upvst- cpbujoh- gvmm.tfswjdf nffujoh gbdjmjujft boe npsf/ Xbufsgspou tipqqjoh boe ejojoh bu Tifmufs Dpwf Ibscpvs ' Nbsjob/
Hspvq tubz boe qmbz qbdlbhft- jodmvejoh mpehjoh- dpogfsfodf gbdjmjujft- hpmgufoojt- xbufs tqpsut boe npsf/ Xbml up sftubvsbout boe tipqqjoh/
Uijt jt opu bo bmm.jodmvtjwf mjtujoh pg uif bddpnnpebujpot ps tfswjdft bwbjmbcmf jo uif Ijmupo Ifbe Jtmboe bsfb/ Jogpsnbujpo jt qsppgfe gps bddvsbdz- cvu opu hvbsbouffe/
Dpoubdu Csfoeb Djbqboob- Tbmft ' Nbslfujoh Nbobhfs- bu pvs Wjtjups ' Dpowfoujpo Cvsfbv/
hspvqupvsAijmupoifbejtmboe/psh Ă&#x2019; qi/ 911.634.4484- fyu/ 479
on tour O
marty de souto, ctc
Once Upon A Time ONCE UPON A TIME there was a
America. Here your group can visit
Louise and other locations with leg-
country that fell on hard times. No one
famed Notre Dame Basilica, built in
endary hotels built by Canadian Pacific
wanted to go anywhere; they just
1656, shop the underground city (and
in the 19th century in its westward push
wanted to curl up by the fireside at
thus stay out of the cold) and enjoy
across the continent. Another recom-
home with loved ones and wait for the
French cuisine at fine restaurants.
mended source is Canada’s national rail-
next calamity to come knocking on their door. If the above scenario sounds famil-
road system known as VIA, which TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS
operates rail/motorcoach combined
May brings the Canadian Tulip Festival
trips.
iar, maybe it’s time you give them what
in the nation’s capital, Ottawa. The fes-
Finally, the West Coast port of
they want – some trips closer to home,
tival originated in 1953, commemorat-
Vancouver is an attractive city with its
some trips to places where they feel
ing a gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs given
Stanley Park totem poles and nearby
safe, some trips that could include the
to Canada by Queen Juliana of the
Victoria on Vancouver Island, reachable
whole family, and even some trips from
For safe, close-to-home trips, consider the scenery and cities of Canada.
which they could scurry home quickly and easily if the going gets rough. Often in our search for challenging, interesting and appealing trip offerings, we tend to think that farther away is somehow always better. I know I’m often guilty of that kind of thinking, es-
Netherlands at the end of World War
by ferry. Highlights in Victoria include
chewing a trip to the state next door
II. The gift was a thank you for keeping
high tea at the famed Fairmont Empress
for my latest trips to Russia, Brazil and
Holland’s exiled royal family safe at
Hotel, opportunities to shop for fine
Italy. But perhaps now is a good time
Government House during the war and
English bone china and the renowned
to look to our neighbors – perhaps to
to recognize the role Canadian troops
Butchart Gardens.
Mexico to the south or Canada to the
played in freeing the Netherlands from
north, both of which have a lot of ap-
German occupation. Festival highlights
interest for nearly every type of group—
peal but places we may be overlooking
include concerts, cabaret nights and
young or old, active or more sedentary,
because they’re always “there.”
tulip viewing along the Rideau Canal.
motorcoach traveler or rail buff. Con-
Canada is appealing to Americans –
All in all, Canada has something of
Calgary is home to July’s Calgary
sider our neighbor to the north, give
it’s seen as safe, clean and English-
Stampede, complete with Chuckwagon
yourself nine to twelve months’ lead
speaking (even if part of it is French-
Races, agriculture and livestock exhibits,
time to promote the trip properly and
speaking). And, if you’re thinking of
and the Rodeo and Grandstand Show.
go for it! It may be your best trip yet.
Canada for your group, you’re in luck
Calgary is the portal to the Canadian
because Canada has a wealth of special
Rockies, where motor-
festivals and activities year-round to
coach trips are available
tempt the visitor. February brings Que-
from such companies as
bec City’s Winter Carnival, a two-week
Globus, Collette and
celebration of snow, ice and winter
Brewster, a well-known
sports. A visit to Quebec would be
Canadian operator.
paired nicely with nearby Montreal,
Overnights are recom-
largest French-speaking city in North
mended in Banff, Lake
8 February 2009
Marty is founder and chair of the travel industry training program at Berkeley City College in Berkeley, California, where she teaches all aspects of group travel. You can reach her by e-mail at josemarty@yahoo.com. For information on her latest book, How To Plan, Operate and Lead Successful Group Trips, click on Premier Tourism Marketing’s educational web site, groupuniversity.com. LeisureGroupTravel.com
on technology O
john kamm, ctp
MP3s: Bits of Musical Magic MOST OF US HAVE A music artist,
usually through earphones. Both are as
necessary. The result is more of a CD-
genre or song that we are passionate
easy to use as a toaster.
quality sound.
about. Somewhere between Tommy
The iPod is hardly the only choice
Crave your CDs? No worries. Poke
Edison’s wax cylinder phonograph and
for MP3 playback – there are dozens
one into the CD drive on your laptop
the iPod a technological miracle oc-
of MP3 players to choose from but
or computer running iTunes and you
curred, enabling us to keep our fa-
none seem to have the slick user inter-
can rip (record) it into your MP3 li-
vorites close – enjoying them
face of the iPod. Once the files are
brary. For best results Google “iTunes
anywhere, anytime.
loaded to the player, the player can be
bit rate” for iTunes import settings in-
attached to the AUX jack on your car
formation.
In the 1980s consumers began adopting digital Compact Disks (CDs); they
stereo or home stereo (or on the bus
Love your LPs? Google “rip
hold considerably more information
PA) so you can play your favorites
records to mp3” for suggestions.
about the music to be reproduced com-
through a better sound system. Many
There are several software applica-
pared to vinyl LPs; bottom line – better
Of the many MP3 players, none have the slick user interface of the iPod.
sound and a more durable medium. Enter the current standard for making music portable, the technology known as MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 or the more familiar MP3. MP3s are about one-tenth the size of a CD file (song), but the compacted file size
TVs in hotel rooms now have RCA
tions that will record the songs in dig-
comes at a price. The encoding process
stereo inputs for video players and
ital format and help eliminate
“throws out” some of the information
games, so carry some patch cords and
scratches, enhancing the quality of the
about the music so the quality is not
plug in your MP3 player.
sound; there are turntables that plug
quite as high. The bass is not as boom-
into the USB port of your computer to
ing, the Diva not as shrill. But, in many
BUY ON AMAZON
feed the audio signal to the recording
playback environments, the loss of de-
iTunes is a great way to shop for fa-
software.
tail is not discernable.
vorites and new artists but consider
Benefits? High-quality sound repro-
We all have music that we love;
clicking over to Amazon to make the
special songs that we consider the
duction, flexible distribution, durabil-
buy. Songs and albums are usually less
soundtrack of our lives. MP3 technol-
ity, supported by a huge range of
expensive, the bit-rate of the files gen-
ogy enables us to keep the music play-
playback devices. So, let’s play!
erally higher. Bit-rate determines the
ing in convenient, imaginative and
It doesn’t get any easier than iTunes
quality of playback, the higher the bit-
economical ways.
and an iPod. The former is an applica-
rate the better. iTunes standard format
tion (www.apple.com/itunes/download)
is 128 kbps (kilobits
that will run on almost any computer.
per second), fixed rate.
It will sync the files between your com-
Amazon’s format is 256
puter and your iPod and provide an In-
kbps, variable. The lat-
ternet storefront to a vast collection of
ter keeps the file size at
music, movies and other electronic con-
a minimum but packs
tent. The iPod is a small piece of
in more information
techno-candy that plays the MP3 files,
about the music when
10 February 2009
John Kamm is a former tour operator and CEO of TourTech Systems, Inc., developers of TourTools®, the most popular tour reservations solution in North America. Visit www.tourtools.com for more information.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on board O
cindy bertram
Cruise Industry Looks Ahead IN 2008 THE CRUISE industry not
the industry. The introduction of the
our onboard product, including offering
only launched new ships but classes as
Yacht Club, with private-access suites
more dining choices, menu enhancements and new entertainment options.”
well, including the much-awaited
with their own pool, lounges and butlers
Celebrity Solstice. Moving into 2009,
on our mega, Fantasia class ships brings
the lines are weathering the challenges
a new experience level for our guests.”
of the economy, repositioning ships and
Many lines are refocusing on offering departures from different U.S. ports. Celebrity Cruises has introduced new
focusing on continual enhancement of
RIVER CRUISING
cruise vacations from Baltimore and
the onboard experiences by introducing
In the river cruise segment, Uniworld
Charleston, for instance. In April, Carni-
new amenities and options.
Boutique River Cruise Collection in
val Cruise Lines launches a new home
2009 is launching two new ships, the
port, Baltimore, with year-round cruises.
dustry remains positively focused.
River Beatrice and River Tosca. Presi-
Carnival’s Terry Thornton said, “An ex-
Showcasing the value of cruising as well
dent Guy Young said, “The decision to
pansion of our close-to-home cruising
as programs to help agents are strong
Cruise lines this year will continue to launch new ships and upgrade amenities.
Despite the recession, the cruise in-
steps the lines have been initiating. Dan Hanrahan, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises, said, “The financial markets have certainly been tumultuous, but people are still vacationing. They see it as a birthright. They may bypass a home im-
deliver two new ships in 2009 is purely
program brings Carnival ships closer to
provement project, or may not buy a
based on the growth that the river cruise
our guests. This allows them to drive to
new car right now, but they still want to
industry is experiencing in general and
the homeports and avoid the hassles and
take their vacations. And considering
Uniworld in particular. Because all of
cost of air travel.”
the value of a cruise vacation, we're
the major river cruise shipyards are
bullish on the cruise industry. We can't
booked through at least 2010, yes, it is
perhaps summarizes it best: “We believe
say it's recession-proof, but we believe
more difficult to get a new build on the
there's demand among people who want
it's recession-resistant.”
books, but this is obviously a testament
to travel closer to home, but also ample
to how popular river cruising has be-
demand from people who want to visit
come.”
other parts of the world. And cruising is
Introducing new ships has been a mainstay of the cruise industry and 2009 is no different. Celebrity’s
Carnival Cruise Lines continues to
Celebrity Cruises’ Dan Hanrahan
not only the ideal way to see and experi-
Equinox, Royal Caribbean Interna-
focus on enhancing the shipboard expe-
ence them, but it also represents an in-
tional’s Oasis of the Seas, MSC Cruises’
rience. Terry Thornton, vice president,
credible value over land-based
Splendida, and Carnival Cruise Lines’
marketing and planning, said, “Carnival
vacations.”
Carnival Dream are among the ships
has launched the Evolu-
being launched.
tions of Fun program for
Richard Sasso, president and CEO of
our eight Fantasy class
MSC Cruises, said, “We indeed are fo-
ships, investing $250 mil-
cusing on both the hardware and soft-
lion to completely renew
ware. Our fleet will consist of four
these great ships. We are
classes of vessels – classic, mid-size, large
also working hard to im-
and mega. We have the youngest fleet in
prove many aspects of
12 February 2009
Cindy Bertram has 15+ years of cruise expertise in sales, marketing and training, with an MBA from Loyola University Chicago. She can be contacted at cindy@ptmgroups.com.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
UNSURPASSED DESTINATIONS Unbelievable value Cruising at its finest is surprisingly affordable with Holland America Line’s special fares. Timeless ports, plus unspoiled, lesser-known locales come together in creative itineraries that offer true explorers uncompromised elegance.
10-Day Northern Europe June 22, 2009 ms Eurodam from Copenhagen Inside from
12-Day Mediterranean July 26, 2009 ms Oosterdam from Barcelona Inside from
1,249
$
1,399
$
7-Day Roundtrip Alaska August 29, 2009 ms Amsterdam from Seattle Inside from
9-Day Mexico, Sea of Cortez October 1, 2009 ms Veendam from San Diego Inside from
15-Day Circle Hawaii October 8, 2009 ms Zaandam from San Diego Inside from
Europe Transatlantic October 17, 2009 ms Oosterdam from Barcelona Inside from
Caribbean Western February 28, 2009 ms Ryndam from Tampa Inside from
$
699
$
799
1,399
$
1,299
$
1,299
$
Call us to book your next group getaway. Ask U.S. Tours for suggestions on pre & post cruise tours, group airline seats, private motorcoach transfers, and any other special services. (888) 393-8687 2819 Murdoch Ave. Parkersburg, WV 26101 sales@ustours.biz
3PACIOUS %LEGANT 3HIPS s 'RACIOUS !WARD 7INNING 3ERVICE 7ORLDWIDE )TINERARIES s %XTENSIVE !CTIVITIES AND %NRICHMENT 0ROGRAMS s 3OPHISTICATED &IVE 3TAR $INING
Sample fares are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy in the minimum categories. Airfare is additional. Fares are in US dollars and include non-discountable amounts. Taxes are additional. Additional sailings and rates available. Amenities based on double occupancy and may vary per ship & sailing date. Offers are subject to availability and may be altered or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.
on green tourism O
brian t. mullis
Trends in Sustainable Travel and Tourism DESPITE CURRENT ECONOMIC
friendly products and processes. Fifty
movement is made up of consumers and
conditions, sustainability is still a hot
percent said they would be more likely
travel companies who donate time and
topic of conversation in the business
to use an airline if they knew it took
financial resources to positively impact
world. It can be described as operating
the initiative to offset carbon emissions,
the cultures and environments they visit.
a business by making use of ecosystems
used newer, more fuel-efficient jets or
Voluntourism is a form of travel philan-
and resources in a manner that satisfies
implemented recycling programs.
thropy in which travelers take part in
current needs without compromising
Another significant trend in the
the needs of future generations. Many
tourism industry is the increase in the
community projects. As sustainable business practices
argue that unsustainable business activ-
availability of carbon offsets to address
gain momentum, the zero waste move-
ities are largely responsible for the dete-
greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon off-
ment is positioned to revolutionize the
rioration of the environment, the
setting is the process of mitigating the
concept of waste disposal. The goal of
increasing pressure on preservation of
net carbon emissions of an individual or
zero waste is to minimize, if not elimi-
indigenous cultures and the increase in
Airlines, hotels and tour operators are taking the lead in sustainable business practices.
economic inequality. Fortunately, more and more business, governmental and non-profit leaders understand that drastic changes must occur in order to prevent global disaster. If there is one industry that is taking a lead in achieving a more sus-
organization, either by reducing their
nate, the need for landfills. In the ac-
tainable way of operating, it is the
own emissions through solutions like
commodations sector, at least 30
travel and tourism industry and in par-
increasing energy efficiency or traveling
percent of a hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solid waste can be
ticular the airline, accommodations and
more thoughtfully, or through invest-
sorted for reuse and recycling and as
tour operator sectors. This is no sur-
ments in carbon offset projects. Money
much as an additional 50 percent can
prise since tourism heavily depends on
generated from the sale of offsets is
be composted.
destinations being able to provide trav-
used to support renewable energy devel-
The green movement is no longer a
elers with authentic experiences in pris-
opment such as wind and solar power,
fad â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s become part of consumer and
tine environments.
as well as reforestation, which helps to
corporate culture. Early adopters who
Engaging in sustainability initiatives
reduce greenhouse gas. Driving, flying,
actively integrate sustainable business
provides travel and tourism companies
using electricity or generating waste all
practices into their operations will reap
with a way to distinguish themselves
produce carbon dioxide emissions,
the benefits while others risk the possi-
from their competitors while helping
which contribute to global warming.
bility of being left behind.
expand their market reach. A vast sec-
Airlines, hotels and tour operators are
tor of the public demands the imple-
taking the lead in offer-
mentation of sustainable and efficient
ing carbon offsets to
operations. In a recent survey by the
their customers.
Travel Industry Association and Y Part-
More travelers are
nership, more than half of American
giving back to destina-
adults said they would be more likely
tions by engaging in
to select an airline, rental car or hotel
what is referred to as
that uses more environmentally-
travel philanthropy. This
14 February 2009
Brian T. Mullis co-founded Sustainable Travel International (STI) in 2002 with the mission of promoting responsible travel and facilitating the travel and tourism industry's move toward sustainability. The STI website is sustainabletravelinternational.org.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on shopping O
carolyn j. feimster
Shopping Centers as Tourist Draws SAVVY GROUP TRAVEL planners
There are national group-friendly
will help your clients plan their visit.
know that shopping and dining are the
shopping programs that offer multiple
top two activities of the visitor market
locations, such as America’s Premier
with a customized letter that can be co-
and therefore include shopping in their
Shopping Places (APSP). Besides terrific
branded with the group planner’s logo,
itineraries or, at the very least, provide
shopping and dining, many offer histor-
a coupon book, directory, logo gift item
free time to shop. Some even develop
ical/cultural opportunities, museums
and brochures for special exhibitions,
tours with a full day for shopping.
and a variety of annual events. All
museums, etc.
However, in today’s competitive re-
APSP centers are part of a nationwide
Some centers offer welcome packets
Other programs for the group travel
tail environment, group planners have
incentive program, Premier Passport,
market include spouse programs, meet-
the opportunity to take the shopping
which provides visitors with special
and-greets, receptions and behind-the-
activity to the next level and make it a
savings. To access the Passport, visit
scenes tours. A new program being
shopping and dining “experience.”
americasshoppingplaces.com, click on
developed at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Many centers have developed programs
Travel planners can customize the shopping experience for their groups.
that offer more than just the typical coupon book and dining voucher and will work with planners to customize the shopping experience. Shopping centers have become more creative and are now leveraging their offerings with other entities. In North-
Premier Passport, download and print.
west Florida, The Sandestin Alliance
Some APSP centers offer commission-
Street Performer” – many of these enter-
has been formed and includes four
able packages. They can be viewed and
tainers work year-round at the property.
in Boston is a “Day-in-the-Life of the
hotel/resort properties and four shop-
purchased, along with other packages
To expand their offerings, centers will
ping centers. This allows creative pack-
from around the country, on
partner with nearby attractions. A New
ages to be built on demand for group
shopamericatours.com.
planners to purchase as a commission-
York package combines South Street Seaport and the NYC Police Museum.
able product or to develop creative
ADVANCE PLANNING
shopping itineraries that include incen-
Travelers appreciate having information
To find the centers most active in the visitor market, check with the DMO in
tives from a collection of centers. Itiner-
to plan activities in advance of their
the destination. Also, meet with the cen-
aries offer a variety of shopping,
trip. They want to know the shopping
ters that participate in shows such as
including outlets, brand names from a
center layout, available stores (espe-
NTA, SYTA and ABA. You will find
lifestyle center, a village-type outdoor
cially those unique to the destination),
many centers willing to offer your clients a true “shopping experience.”
center with unique local merchants and
the discounts, dining options and what
a traditional specialty center. All four
events are scheduled.
centers offer not only discounts but
Work with the center’s
also a variety of experiences such as
tourism/marketing de-
complimentary tastings of Florida
partment so you can ac-
wines made from local fruits. Log on to
cess complimentary
sandestination.com, click the travel
images, logo and text for
trade tab and select from a list of pro-
a brochure. This, along
grams.
with the center’s website,
16 February 2009
Carolyn J. Feimster, SCMD, is owner/ president of CJF Marketing International. The company develops programs to enhance the marketing, tourism development, economic development and productivity of shopping centers and retail districts. Contact: 718-757-8489, carolyn@cjfmarketinginternational.com. LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: international
kevin j. wright
Top 10 Religious Travel Trends
The president of the World Religious Travel Association looks at 2009, proclaimed the Year of Faith Tourism
Travelers contribute manpower on missionary trips.
IN RECENT YEARS THE religious
as Lourdes (France) witnessed a
National Tour Association (NTA) has
tourism and hospitality marketplace
record-breaking number of visitors.
seen its member tour operators in-
has evolved from a rather obscure
Many destinations, attractions and
crease their religious programs; 35 per-
niche market into an attention-grab-
events in North America also experi-
cent of them now offer religious tour
bing, $18-billion global industry. In-
enced a year of growth in faith-based
product. More operators will roll out
deed, faith-based travel today is in the
tourism.
(and/or expand) religious travel pro-
midst of a remarkable growth spurt.
What can we expect in 2009 for the
International travel by Americans
religious travel and hospitality market-
for religious purposes has doubled over the past five years and according to a
place? Consider the top 10 trends: More tour operators will debut reli-
grams in 2009. More travel agencies will become involved in selling to religious groups and travelers. The increase in tour op-
recent study by Menlo Consulting, this
gious travel programs. In the past five
erators offering religious programs (see
trend is expected to continue for an-
years, formal religious travel programs
previous trend) will result in a greater
other five years. Destinations such as
have been introduced by large tour op-
number of travel agents entering the
Israel, Jordan and Palestine enjoyed
erators like Trafalgar Tours,
faith tourism marketplace because
some of their best tourism years ever in
Mayflower Tours (Faithful Holidays)
there is more product available to sell.
2008. European pilgrimage sites such
and the Globus family of brands. The
18 February 2009
Cruise lines will devote more efforts LeisureGroupTravel.com
and products towards the faith-based market. Cruise companies are major beneficiaries of the recent growth in religious tourism, and more faith-based groups are choosing cruising as their preferred choice of a “fellowship vacation.” Companies such as Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Monarch Classic Cruises and Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises have recently debuted or expanded ports of call in the Holy Land. Missionary travel and volunteer vacations will continue to surge in popularity. The number of people taking a “vacation with a purpose” has doubled in the past five years to two million Americans. One of the major drivers of this marketplace in the coming years
Cruise lines will devote more efforts and products towards the faith-based market.
will be travel agents. Although agents have traditionally steered clear of selling this type of vacation, more of them will begin offering missionary travel
fast-growing leisure group travel mar-
developed stellar reputations for their
and volunteer vacations due to in-
ket as well.
expertise in pilgrimage travel; these in-
creased assistance from wholesalers
Monasteries and retreat guesthouses
clude companies such as 206 Tours,
such as MTS Travel, Raptim Travel
will welcome an increase in visitors. As
Group IST (Journeys Unlimited and
and Lifetree Adventures.
2009 will be a year most likely filled
Regina Tours) and Unitours. In 2009
Tourist offices/boards and conven-
with uncertainty and increased anxiety
and beyond, we’ll see religious tour op-
tion and visitors bureaus will devote
across the world, many people will be
erators expanding their leisure product
more resources and personnel towards
searching for a place that provides sol-
offerings, from cruising and local get-
developing the faith-based travel mar-
ace and serenity. As a result, monaster-
aways to faith-based attraction visits,
ket. As religious group travel and
ies and retreat guesthouses are gearing
African safaris and volunteer vaca-
events continue to develop into a vital
up for a possible record-setting number
tions. In summary, we’ll see more reli-
source of new revenues and visitors,
of visitors; about 2.5 million North
gious tour operators debut leisure
we’ll see a growing trend of destination
Americans embark on a retreat each
travel programs – and we’ll see more
management organizations hiring a
year. To meet the growing demand,
of them cross-sell their various reli-
specific person or setting up a depart-
more publications are coming out on
gious and leisure travel products.
ment to oversee the religious market.
places of solitude and inspiration. This
One model is the Bahamas Ministry of
includes my guidebook, Europe’s
their products, services and sales/mar-
Tourism, which has a dedicated direc-
Monastery & Convent Guesthouses:
keting efforts to the religious market.
tor of religious travel in Linville John-
A Pilgrim’s Travel Guide (Liguori
Museums, amusement parks and the-
son. A second trend will include CVBs
Publications).
aters already welcome religious groups.
and regional tourist offices devoting
Religious tour operators will ex-
Attractions will further customize
However, many such attractions take
more resources towards attracting and
pand their product offerings into
the market for granted and do little to
developing not only the religious con-
leisure travel. Many leading religious
further draw people of faith. As the
ventions and meetings market but the
tour operators in North America have
potential of the religious marketplace
LeisureGroupTravel.com
February 2009 19
international
becomes more apparent, we’ll begin to see a change in how attractions cater to faith-based groups. Religious groups will continue to
million attendees today. Churches and faith-based organizations will launch travel programs in ever-increasing numbers. Approxi-
gather – no matter what the year
mately 50,000 of the 400,000 churches
ahead brings. If there is one tradition
and religious organizations in America
that cuts across all religions, it is this:
possess some kind of travel program.
people of faith like to gather. To look
One of the hottest trends in faith com-
at it another way, “community” lies at
munities is the hosting of a travel pro-
the very core of many faiths and reli-
gram (also known as “travel
gions. For this reason, it comes as no
ministry”). There is much greater
surprise that the religious market rep-
awareness in religious circles about the
resents about 16 percent of the meet-
benefits of combining faith, fun and
ings industry and is estimated to be
fellowship through travel. This aware-
twice the size of the business meetings
ness is being driven by expanded media
market. According to the Religious
coverage on the topic, growth of reli-
Conference Management Association
gious travel guidebooks, and the in-
(RCMA), the religious meetings mar-
crease in travel companies marketing
ket has grown from 4.4 million atten-
and selling directly to churches and
dees in 1994 to an estimated 15
faith-based organizations. LGT
20 February 2009
The Pyramids at Giza
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on our radar: international
OBERAMMERGAU PACKAGES Virgin Vacations offers the following Europe itineraries that package the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play: Music and Passion with Oberammergau a 12-day program that visits Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Oberammergau, the Black Forest and Rothenburg; from $3,789. Highlights of Germany with Oberammergau a nine-day program that visits Munich, Oberammergau, the Black Forest, Frankfurt and includes a Rhine River cruise; priced from $2,979. Northern Italy, Switzerland and Oberammergau a 10-day program that includes Milan, Lake Maggiore, Switzerland, the Black Forest and Wurzburg; from $3,469. [888-937-
Munich will be included on many 2010 Oberammergau itineraries.
8474, virginvacations.com] Land of the Bible 9 days from
Lisbon, Santarem, Fatima, Santiago de
TRAFALGAR LAUNCHES
$1,975, visiting Tel Aviv, Caesarea,
Compostela, Burgos, Lourdes and Paris;
NEW RELIGIOUS SERIES
Haifa, Acre, Tiberias, Capernaum, Kib-
departures June-October.
Trafalgar’s 2009 Journeys of Faith and
butz Nof Ginosar, Kursi, Jordan Park,
Spirituality brochure details five new
Nazareth, Jericho and Jerusalem; depar-
days from $1,995, visiting Rome, Assisi,
itineraries visiting the most inspirational
tures May-October.
Siena, Florence, Padua and Venice; de-
and holy sites in Israel, Italy, Greece,
Poland and Pope John Paul II 8 days
A Journey through Christian Italy 10
partures June-October.
Turkey, France, Spain and Poland. The
from $1,225, visiting Krakow, Wadow-
lineup includes:
ice, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska,
person, based on double-room occu-
Auschwitz, Czestochowa and Warsaw;
pancy.
Missionary Journey of Paul 11 days from $2,020, visiting Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kusadasi, Thessaloniki and Meteora; departures May-September.
departures May-November. Catholic Portugal, Spain & France 12 days from $2,225, visiting
All prices listed are land-only, per
Sightseeing highlights include visits to the birthplace of Jesus and the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth; the Church of the Nativity, Wailing Wall
EUR OPE GROUP SALES TIP #9 UROPE
and Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem; Auschwitz in Poland; the Basilica and Grotto in Lourdes; the Vatican; and the
TIP # 9 - Publish Your Tours Write articles (including pictures), detailing your most recent trips, and send them in to local newspapers, magazines and trade publications of regions where your travelers reside. This is a low-cost way to promote your services and provide testimonials to future clients.
14th century monasteries perched high atop towering rocks in Meteora, Greece. [866-544-4434, trafalgartours.com] FAITH TRAVEL INSURANCE PLAN Travel Guard has launched a new travel insurance offering – the Faith Travel
For Europe group information, call (800) 964-3170
Plan – developed to appeal to the growing religious travel market. The plan is a
22 February 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
TEL AVIV CELEBRATES Tel Aviv is marking its 100th anniversary with year-long celebrations that kick off April 4 with a massive concert in Rabin Square, complete with multi-media experiences and performances by international stars, the New Israeli Opera and Israel Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Zubin Mehta. Founded in 1909 on sand dunes as a garden suburb of ancient Jaffa, Tel Aviv quickly burgeoned into a metropolis, styling itself as "the first Hebrew city in A classical concert at Tel Aviv's Mann Auditorium: the Israel Philharmonic, solo singers and a visiting choir.
two millennia." By the 1930s, architects escaping the Nazis were creating the wealth of Bauhaus buildings that gave Tel Aviv its unique look and caused the "White City" to be designated a UN-
novel approach to meeting the travel in-
covered trip for any reason, up to 48
surance needs of travelers embarking on
hours prior to departure.
mission trips, pilgrimages, volunteer va-
*Cruise, airline, and
cations, conferences and retreats. In addi-
tour operator default
tion to enhanced coverage options, the
coverage
Faith Travel Plan features specialized
Included in the plan is
concierge services to help customers who
a Faith Traveler’s 24-
may feel “out of their element” traveling
hour hotline with spe-
to religious destinations around the
cialized concierge
world.
services giving religious
The plan includes:
travelers convenient ac-
*Trip cancellation coverage up to
cess to worldwide reli-
$100,000 – High coverage limit if over-
gious destination
seas travel must be canceled for reasons
information, urgent mes-
such as sickness of religious pilgrimage
sage relay to friends and
traveling companion or financial default
worship leaders, and pre-
of mission tour operator.
trip health and safety ad-
*Children under age 17 at no additional charge *Medical evacuation – Medical cover-
visories. Emergency assistance services offer an around-the-clock
age (whether traveling in religious
travel hotline for finding
groups, individuals or families) that in-
alternative flight options,
cludes evacuation and transportation to
rebooking flights, replac-
the hospital of choice or home in the
ing lost travel docu-
event of an unforeseen incident.
ments, and making hotel
*Cancel for any reason – The Faith
and rental car reserva-
Travel Plan reimburses up to 50 percent
tions. [800-826-1300,
of the trip cost if the insured cancels a
travelguard.com]
LeisureGroupTravel.com
ESCO World Heritage Site. By the turn
February 2009 23
international
of the 21st century the city had become home to dozens of world-class restaurants, a fashion scene that combines Milan, Tokyo and New York, and a wealth of cultural institutions. "If Jerusalem is our Washington, D.C.," said Arie Sommer, Israel tourism commissioner for North and South America, "then Tel Aviv is our New York, the center of business, entertainment and all the excitement associated with a big city that is also a beach resort on the Mediterranean." Plans to revitalize the Shlomo Lahat Promenade, the long boardwalk stretching along the Mediterranean shoreline, have been announced. The estimated Qumran: The community buildings, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were written.
$75-million project will expand the promenade to 8½ miles all the way along the coast from Bat Yam through Jaffa and Tel Aviv to Herzliya. Upon
completion, the walkway will connect
considered the third most important
several of the city's parks and boast
site for Christian pilgrims to the Holy
new restaurants and
Land and holds significance in the
shops. [goisrael.com]
Jewish tradition as the place where the Children of Israel crossed the Jor-
HIKES IN THE HOLY LAND
dan River when they entered Canaan.
Israel has inaugurated the new Pil-
[goisrael.com]
grim's Route, a trail enabling travelers to hike to its Christian holy places.
ANOTHER SIDE OF ORLANDO
Along the route leading from
Christian groups in Orlando, Fla., will
Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, tourists
find 4,500 square feet of hands-on ex-
can visit the site that recalls the New
hibits, interactive media, games and
Testament parable of the Good
video presentations at Wycliffe Dis-
Samaritan, the Qumran caves and the
covery Center (formerly WordSspring
point in the Jordan River believed to
Discovery Center) on the campus of
be where Jesus was baptized by John
Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Ex-
the Baptist.
hibits and videos focusing on the his-
The Good Samaritan site, located
24 February 2009
tory of the Bible, world cultures and
just off the highway leading from
languages, and ongoing work of Bible
Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, is home to
translations are designed for both
a Byzantine church built about 1,700
children and adults. A cafe is open for
years ago. The mosaic floor of the
lunch, and there is a gift shop. Tours
church was recently reconstructed by
of Wycliffe headquarters are available.
archaeologists. In addition, the bap-
[407-852-3626, wycliffe.org/
tismal site, located near Jericho, is
wordspring] LeisureGroupTravel.com
Vim
aYgaYf]n]b[ YldYf]YbWYg
]b Vi`_"
For an unforgettable group vacation that can forge
After providing extraordinary travel experiences for
everlasting memories and treasured bonds between
more than 80 years, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re experts on the grandeur
fellow travelers, you can count on the Globus
that prevails around the globe. To arrange a group
family of brands to deliver what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for.
vacation with us call 866.821.2752.
GLOBUS EMERALD ISLE
11 Days, $1,999 land only Dublin, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Killarney, Waterford
COSMOS NIAGARA FALLS & WASHINGTON DC
7 days, $1,129 land only New York City, Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, Washington DC
AVALON WATERWAYS FLAVORS OF BURGUNDY & PROVENCE
11 Days, $2,209 land/cruise only* Paris, 7-night cruise from Chalon-sur-SaĂ´ne to Arles, Nice
888 (-0#64'".*-: $0. (30614
*All prices quoted are per person, cruise/land only, double occupancy. Air-inclusive pricing is available. Additional restrictions may apply.
on location: west O
elana andersen
Palm Springs: Seeing Green in Action
Ecotourism thrives in the desert
communities of
Southern California
Hiking tours show how the native Cahuilla people revered the natural environment.
A COMMUNITY-WIDE PLEDGE to be
able practices that include the introduc-
Community list of action steps is widely
responsible stewards of the environment
tion of green industries and greening
distributed at area stores, visitor centers
has moved the City of Palm Springs to
technologies. The nation's largest turbine
and online.
adopt a new plan with focused action di-
wind farm is at the west end of the
rected at becoming a totally sustainable
Coachella Valley, and agricultural and
GREEN ACTIVITIES FOR TRAVELERS
community. The plan’s vision defines
recreation businesses, including many
Elite Land Tours offers a series of tours
programs and projects that fall under the
golf courses, are participating in water-
that focuses on various aspects of eco-
privy of city government, such as reduc-
shed projects that feed back into the nat-
businesses and sustainable practices.
ing the city's use of water by 50 percent
ural underground reservoirs. The
“Going Green,” for example, visits one
and energy by 20 percent within four
adoption of traditional Native American
of the largest lavender farms in the U.S.,
years. It also provides tools and incen-
philosophies and practices with regard to
where visitors learn about the attributes
tives for local residents, businesses,
protecting natural sustainable habitats is
of Certified Organic farming. The tour
tourism and recreation entities, and edu-
also widely promoted.
continues to a managed nature sanctuary
cational institutions to achieve ambitious
Palm Springs has kicked off a public
green initiatives and become a zero-waste
awareness program designed to inform
other indigenous wildlife survive in the
community.
visitors and residents about ways to be
harsh desert terrain. “Ultimate Power
green in their personal lives and in the
Trip” travels through the fields of a wind
community. Its Pathways to a Sustainable
farm and offers an up-close view of the
Throughout the desert region other communities are participating in sustain26 February 2009
where coyote, bobcat, bears, deer and
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on the side
The Best of Palm Springs
F
FABULOUS PALM SPRINGS FOLLIES
PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
Now in its 18th season, this dance, song and comedy revue
Soar to the heights of Chino Canyon via the world’s largest
is packed with show-stopping entertainment. The three-
rotating tramcar and be awed by the expansive views and
hour, vaudeville-style extravaganza showcases music and
scenic wonders of the Coachella Valley. From the Valley
dance from the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s and is performed by a
Station to the Mountain Station (at 8,516 feet), the ascent
renowned company of high-stepping Long Legged Lovelies
of Mt. San Jacinto takes about 10 minutes. Recreation at
and Follies Gentlemen, plus a lineup of celebrated guest
the top ranges from playing in the winter snow to hiking
stars and special acts. What sets the Follies apart from other
wilderness trails in summer. Facilities include several look-
shows is that its company is made up of seasoned Broad-
out stations, the Peaks dining room and casual Pines Cafe,
way-to-Hollywood performers who just happen to range in
and the Lookout Lounge, which offers a full bar service.
age from 55 to 80+ years. The Follies’ 10-shows-a-week
There are gift shops at both the Valley and Mountain sta-
season runs from October through May. November and De-
tions. [888-515-8726, groups 760-325-1449,
cember are reserved for the Follies Yuletide production with
pstramway.com]
a cast of Candy Cane Girls, a distaff Santa and her admirers, strolling bands of carolers, dancing penguins and a
DESERT SHOPPING
cheery Hanukkah bear. Add spectacular sets, glittery cos-
Palm Springs’ Palm Canyon Drive, the city’s main prome-
tumes and dazzling special effects to ensure a lively way for
nade, is lined with shops and boutiques, art galleries, an-
your group to celebrate the end of the year. [Box office,
tique stores, and a diverse collection of eateries, many
760-327-0225; groups, 800-967-9997; psfollies.com]
offering outdoor dining. It is also home to the historic Plaza
Palm Springs Follies
Theater and the Fabulous Palm Spring Follies, Palm Springs Walk of Stars and Palm Springs Desert Museum with its well-stocked museum store. Every Thursday the drive is transformed into Villagefest, a pedestrian bazaar with more than 200 arts and craft vendors, food carts, live music and other entertainment. [760-322-7799, palmcanyondrive.org] Palm Desert’s famed El Paseo, an upscale shopping street, has 300-plus stores, art galleries and restaurants. Tucked between the exclusive boutiques are shops that offer a surprising number of affordable treasures. [palm-desert.com]. Other shopping centers in the neighborhood include Westfield Shoppingtown, One Eleven Town Center and Desert Crossing Shopping Center. The River at Rancho Mirage is a high-end, 30-acre waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment center. [760341-2711, theriveratranchomirage.com] Outlet shopping is located in Cabazon, 15 minutes west of Palm Springs. More than 150 quality branded stores are found at Desert Hills Premium Outlets and Cabazon Outlets. [premiumoutlets.com, cabazonoutlets.com]
LeisureGroupTravel.com
February 2009 27
west O
power generated by the giant whirling
native Cahuilla people had a special re-
blades. Commentary covers the interna-
spect for the land and the ways they took
tional history of wind power and its role
care of the environment as part of their
in providing electricity today and in the
effort to survive. The canyons and associ-
future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Falconry Educational Tourâ&#x20AC;? pro-
ated resources are sacred to the Indians
vides insight into the fragility of birds of
and are historically important to scien-
prey habitats and various recovery pro-
tists and nature lovers. Visitor centers are
grams and sustainable practices. Elite
found at the trailheads at each location.
Land Tours offers many other itineraries
[indian-canyons.com]
with sustainable themes. Most tours last
Green Friday in downtown Palm
one to four hours. [760-318-1200,
Springs is held the last Friday of the
elitelandtours.com]
month and features extended store hours
Indian Canyons Hiking Trails and
until 8 p.m. Merchants who display the
Tahquitz Canyon Hiking Trail are
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green Friday Palm Springsâ&#x20AC;? logo offer
ranger-led interpretive hikes that explain
special discounts and also feature infor-
the landscape, the flora and fauna, and
mation and goods that are environmen-
the Cahuilla legends associated with the
tally sensitive. Other activities on Green
canyons and natural springs. Each trail is
Friday include seminars and displays
about one mile, and the tour lasts 90
showcasing alternative vehicles, eco-art,
minutes. Commentary explains how the
building materials and other green products. There are refreshments, entertainment and a treasure hunt. Green Friday is sponsored by Main Street Palm Springs Business Association. [760-322-7799, palmcanyondrive.org]
& 8A<JK@:
The Living Desert, located in Palm Desert, is a park and museum dedicated to the interpretation, conservation and protection of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fragile desert ecosystems. The grounds offer views of indigenous wildlife including many endangered species, a botanical garden, natural history museum and nature preserve. The Living Desert University (LDU) is a premier environmental learning center offering classes and seminars. [760-3465694, livingdesert.org]
LGT
.U 4 B O + B D J OU P 4 U B U F 1B S L B OE 8J M EF S OF T T
PLAN IT! t 8P S M E T -B S H F T U 3P U B U J O H 5S B N t -V O D I F P O B O E %J O O F S 1 B D L B H F T t 4 Q F D J B M (S P V Q %J T D P V O U T
Palm Springs Tourism: 800-347-7746, palm-springs.org Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities: 800-967-3767, giveintothedesert.com
Visit leisuregrouptravel.com for complete resources.
28 February 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on our radar: west O
ALASKA Alaska kicked off its 50th Anniversary of Statehood celebration on Jan. 3, the date its Declaration of Statehood was signed and launch of a year-long schedule of anniversary events. Many events are organized by local communities and posted on their events calendars. Others are noted on the state’s website: alaskatravel.com. Highlights include: Alaska History Walk: A Journey of Statehood 1867-2009, an outdoor exhibition on display in downtown Anchorage on Seventh Avenue between E & F streets. It is comprised of eight columns featuring 16 bronze placards showing historic photos and inscriptions that chronicle Alaska’s history from the time of its purchase from Russia. A 50th An-
The Mesa Historical Museum’s new exhibit is attracting baseball fans.
niversary of Statehood time capsule is located at the end of the History Walk. The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center honors the state’s golden an-
that represents its view of the statehood story. The panels are part of an exhibi-
niversary with the opening of a new
tion that travels the state throughout
four-story, glass-walled exhibition space
the year.
on May 20. Its inaugural exhibition, entitled Gold, features the 56-pound Nor-
ARIZONA
mandy Nugget, a gold-plated room and
Play Ball: The Cactus League Experi-
a stash of gold doubloons retrieved
ence just opened at the Mesa Historical
from a sunken Spanish galleon. Life in
Museum. The exhibit celebrates the his-
Alaska Leading to Statehood, another
tory of professional baseball in Arizona
featured exhibition, recalls the 1950s
from the sport’s barnstorming days be-
through photography, school year-
fore statehood, researched to be as early
books, the statehood ballot and other
as 1909, to the inauguration of the Cac-
memorabilia. [907-343-6173, anchor-
tus League in 1947 and up to present
agemuseum.org] Alaska Railroad is celebrating the
day. The interactive exhibit focuses on the legendary boys of summer who re-
state’s golden anniversary by offering all
ported for spring training in the Ari-
who celebrate their 50th birthday in
zona desert. Play Ball features a
2009 with a free ride on its Anchorage-
“knothole” fence; an infield complete
to-Fairbanks Denali Star train. [907-
with vintage dugout, sky mural and
265-2494, alaskarailroad.com] A 50th Anniversary Quilt is the re-
photo opportunity; interactive souvenir, concession and ticket booths; and a
sult of a statewide project in which
three-dimensional bus depot. Baseball
every city and town was invited to sub-
fans and history buffs will have the op-
mit a quilt panel with a scene or image
portunity to set their sights on never-be-
LeisureGroupTravel.com
February 2009 29
on our radar: west O
fore-seen items gathered from private collections of Arizonans who knew the likes of Ted Williams, Sandy Koufax and Willie McCovey. [480-835-7358, playballexperience.com] The first phase of CityCenter of CityNorth, the largest mixed-use development in Arizona history, just opened in the affluent Northeast Valley of Phoenix. Retailers in the High Street neighborhood include Alessi, GUESS, Talbots, White House | Black Market, Chico’s and Verde Maison. In the fall of 2010, The Boulevard neighborhood will open, featuring Macy’s, Arizona’s first Bloomingdale’s and Phoenix’s first Nordstrom. [480-355-0202, citycenterofcitynorth.com] The Musical Instrument Museum in Pop music culture enthralls guests at the new GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles.
Phoenix is set to open in early 2010. With musical instruments from every country in the world, MIM will pay homage to the history and diversity of
major regions: Europe, United States
instruments and introduce museum
and Canada, Latin America, Oceania,
media presentations, just opened in L.A.
guests to their varied and unique
Southeast Asia, East Asia, Central and
Live, the downtown Los Angeles sports,
floors of dynamic and interactive multi-
sounds. MIM will be an engaging, en-
South Asia, Middle East and Africa.
entertainment and residential district.
tertaining and informative experience,
Live performances in an intimate audi-
The 32,000-square-foot facility explores
in which the uninitiated and the knowl-
torium will make MIM a center of
all forms of music, the creative process,
edgeable will feel welcome. Museum
world music performance. [themim.org]
art and technology of the recording
both the musical similarities and differ-
CALIFORNIA
music’s GRAMMY Award. There are
guests will gain an appreciation for
process, and the history of recording
ences among divergent cultures, coun-
The Sports Museum of Los Angeles
artist profiles, films, timelines, memora-
tries and ethnicities through
(SMLA), with one of the largest and
bilia, a 200-seat soundstage and a mock
state-of-the-art exhibits. Integrated
broadest collections of sports memora-
studio where visitors can experience the
audio and video experiences will enable
bilia and collectibles in the world, re-
actual recording process, with industry
guests to appreciate the sounds of in-
cently opened in downtown Los
experts leading the way through mixing
struments from around the world as
Angeles, just south of STAPLES Center
and producing. [213-765-6800,
well as to see these instruments played
and L.A. Live. The 30 galleries cover
grammymuseum.org]
in their cultural contexts.
football, basketball, baseball, golf, ten-
The museum will display about
Berkeley is home to the oldest of the
nis, biking and other sports. What
University of California campuses, often
5,000 instruments, from the exquisite
makes the museum unique is that the
considered to be America’s most liberal-
heirlooms of royal courts to hand-
collection belongs to just one
minded community and, thanks to culi-
crafted pieces passed down through
person–museum founder and CEO
nary whizzes like Alice Waters and her
generations. Some will have been played
Gary Cypres. [888-540-8223,
contemporaries, recognized as the birth-
by famous artists. The collection will be
sportsmuseumla.com]
place of modern American food trends
organized into galleries representing 30 February 2009
The GRAMMY Museum, with four
and cuisine. A visit to the Shattuck AvLeisureGroupTravel.com
enue neighborhood, more fondly called
enjoy their complimentary Wacky
Gourmet Ghetto, offers foodies a sub-
Quackers, yellow-billed duck whistles,
lime experience. Within a few blocks
as they quack at pedestrians. The vehi-
there are more than 23 specialty food
cles, built from the ground up, are mod-
emporiums and eateries, none with
eled after the DUKWs that carried
chain names, and all focused on provid-
troops and supplies during WWII. The
ing the highest quality foods. There are
ticketing and boarding location is at
bakers, cheese makers, confectioners,
Fisherman’s Wharf. Discounts are avail-
and other artisan food specialists, plus a
able for groups of 20 or more. [415-
variety of coffee, tea and wine mer-
922-2425, sanfranciscoducks.com]
chants. Dining options range from ca-
The San Diego Zoo’s Harry and
sual cafes specializing in regional ethnic
Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey opens
cuisines to gourmet pizzerias, organic
this spring. The $44-million, seven-acre
vegan menus and, of course, Waters’ ex-
habitat will feature Asian elephants, a
traordinary prix fixe menu at Chez
California condor, sloths, snakes and
Panisse. A fun option for a group’s first visit
rodents, as well as life-size replicas of animal species that dotted the Southern
to Gourmet Ghetto is to take a tasting
California landscape more than 10,000
tour with epicurean concierge Lisa Ro-
years ago. A herd of eight elephants will
govin. Groups from six to 40 guests are
roam a 2.5-acre exhibit that will include
led on a culinary adventure with tasting
a 120,000-gallon pool, gentle rolling
at each stop. [415-806-5970,
hills and the Conrad Prebys Elephant
inthekitchenwithlisa.com] While in
Management Facility, where visitors can
Berkeley, other unique tasting experi-
see keepers and veterinarians at work
ences are found at Scharffen Berger
with the animals and tour the facility
Chocolate [510-981-4066,
for educational and interactive experi-
scharffenberger.com] and Takara Sake
ences. Additional highlights of Elephant
USA [510-540-8250, takarasake.com].
Odyssey include a tar pit replication,
Both of these companies offer produc-
fossil dig, children’s play area and a tun-
tion tours and tastings. For more infor-
neled walkway through a herd of ele-
mation about Gourmet Ghetto and
phants. [619-231-1515,
Berkeley sights, contact the Berkeley
sandiegozoo.org]
CVB: 800-847-4823, berkeleycvb.com. Ride The Ducks, the amphibious tour operator, has just made a big
HAWAII During Hawaii’s 50th Anniversary of
splash in the San Francisco tourism in-
Statehood this year, each island will in-
dustry. The 90-minute sightseeing tour
corporate special activities in annual
includes about 60 minutes on land and
events as well has host ceremonial
30 minutes on the water. It winds
events on relevant national holidays and
through the city’s historic streets and
Hawaii’s Admission Day, Aug. 21. “50
neighborhoods, splashes down into Mc-
Voices of Statehood,” a series of radio
Covey Cove and “quacks” along the
and television vignettes that will be
bay. Sights along the route include Fish-
aired throughout the year, features a di-
erman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Ghirardelli
verse selection of presenters from across
Square, Union Square, SOMA, AT&T
the state, many of whom participated in
Ballpark and Bay Bridge. Passengers
the statehood debate 50 years ago and
LeisureGroupTravel.com
February 2009 31
on our radar: west O
The National Folk Festival in Butte, Mont. brings a jubilant and dizzying feast of the deeply traditional folk arts. express their personal perspective on
show the evolution of the annual Albu-
the issues then and now. The USS
querque International Balloon Fiesta
Hawai’i, the first commissioned subma-
from its inaugural flight in 1972 to
rine name for the state, will be honored
today’s world-famous event. The 2009
on Memorial Day at Pearl Harbor.
Fiesta dates are Oct. 3-11. [505-768-
[statehoodhawaii.org]
6020, balloonmuseum.com]
MONTANA
Albuquerque opens at a new location
The National Atomic Museum in Butte is host to the annual National
this spring as the National Museum of
Folk Festival, July 10-12, 2009 and
Nuclear Science and History. The
July 9-11, 2010. This is the country's
$10.5-million facility will offer exhibits
largest and most prestigious celebration
on both the technical side of nuclear
of traditional American folk arts and
science and its historical development.
attracts renowned performers and arti-
The 30,000-square-foot building will
sans in various genres of music, dance,
be adjacent to the Sandia Science and
crafts and storytelling. The three-day
Technology Park in southeast Albu-
event is free and offers ongoing enter-
querque. It will house 13 permanent
tainment on seven main stages. The an-
major exhibits. The museum’s historical
nual festival has been held in various
aircraft and military vehicle collection
locations since its founding in 1934.
will be displayed on nine acres sur-
This is the first time it is being held in a
rounding the building. [505-245-2137,
Western state. [800-735-6814,
atomicmuseum.org]
buttecvb.com, nationalfolkfestival.com]
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express light rail system has expanded
32 February 2009
NEW MEXICO
and now travels between Belen, south
The 2009 featured exhibition at the In-
of Albuquerque, to Santa Fe. This new
ternational Balloon Museum in Albu-
service offers travelers a convenient
querque is A Fiesta Patchwork: Images
way to visit the state’s two main cities
Through Time. Artifacts and photos
and attend popular festivals like the LeisureGroupTravel.com
Bernalillo annual Labor Day weekend
Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his
which later housed the Hertzberg Cir-
Wine Fest. Local transit and shuttle
late wife Janey, the museum will show-
cus Museum. An enclosed bridge will
services to popular sights and event ven-
case art, artifacts and interactive ex-
connect it to a new building with two
ues serve the Rail Runner stations.
hibits that tell the story of the American
more floors of exhibits and an event
Group and senior rates are available.
West, with emphasis on South Texas
Pavilion. [888-365-7472,
Tickets are available online and at sta-
and San Antonio. The main building is
briscoemuseum.org]
tions. [866-795-7245,
the landmark 1930 Carnegie Library,
nmrailrunner.com] OKLAHOMA The Cherokee Nation’s Cultural Tourism Department has completed the second and final renovation to the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill. The entrance to the museum store and all-new grand atrium is framed by three tall columns, remaining signatures of the former 1850 Cherokee Female Seminary, the first institution of higher learning for women west of the Mississippi. The Cherokee Heritage Center, which sits on a 44-acre complex, was established in 1963 by Chief W.W. Keeler to house tribal historical documents, photographs and exhibits. The living village was inaugurated in 1967 and the museum and gift shop followed in 1974. The center also features the Tsa-La-Gi Ancient Village
WELCOME TO A CITY THAT HAS TALES FOR YOUR EARS & TREATS FOR YOUR EYES. WHERE THE SOUNDS OF SAX & TRUMPET IN BRICKTOWN MEET THE COLORS OF CHIHULY GLASS IN THE OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART. COME SEE AN ART SCENE THAT’S MAKING WAVES. AND A CITY THAT’S MAKING HISTORY. SMOOTH & EASY. STIRRING & SOULFUL.
and Adams Corner Rural Village. The Cherokee Nation is a federally recognized tribe of more than 280,000 Cherokee citizens, with its capital located in Tahlequah, Okla. Employing more than 6,500 people, Cherokee Nation’s annual economic impact in Oklahoma and surrounding areas is more than $1 billion. [888-999-6007, cherokeeheritage.org] TEXAS The Briscoe Western Art Museum opens in 2010 along San Antonio’s Riverwalk, within easy walking distance of the Alamo and other attractions.
VISITOKC.C OM
Named for cattle rancher and former LeisureGroupTravel.com
February 2009 33
on location: midwest
randy mink
Minnesota’s Mall of America
This shopper’s
paradise continues
to refresh itself and plans to expand
SINCE OPENING IN 1992, Mall of
New stores always await repeat visitors to Mall of America.
fall—at the height of the financial cri-
There are nearly 40 hotels within a 10-
America has reigned supreme as one of
sis—the parking lots were jammed to
minute drive, all offering complimen-
the Midwest’s blockbuster attractions.
capacity as MOA was enjoying some of
tary shuttle service to the mall and
Much more than a local or regional
the busiest weekends in its history.
mall, it’s a mega-magnet that draws
The mall counts 40 million visitors
tourists from across the country and
annually. It has an occupancy rate of 95
around the world.
percent and last year saw a 3.5 percent
Mall of America (MOA) is the prime reason that many travelers make the
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (less than two miles from MOA). The mall’s square design makes it easy to navigate. Department stores—
boost in sales. With business booming,
Nordstrom, Sears, Macy’s and Bloom-
MOA plans to double in size with a
ingdale’s—anchor the corners. Each of
trek to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Tourists
Phase II construction project costing
the four, three-level avenues connecting
account for four of every 10 visits and
more than $1 billion.
these stores has a distinctive look,
half the money spent in the mall. Despite the sour U.S. economy, the
First, the basics: Mall of America boasts more than 520 stores and 50
theme and color scheme. North Garden, between Sears and Nordstrom, is
nation’s largest retail and entertainment
restaurants, plus attractions like the na-
like a walk in the park, with trees,
complex under one roof continues to
tion’s largest indoor amusement park
lampposts, park benches and a string of
thrive. More than 30 new stores opened
and a world-class aquarium. It’s located
natural skylights. The other “streets”
last year, and the movie complex was
in Bloomington, only 15 minutes from
are West Market, South Avenue and
just updated. On several occasions last
downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis.
East Broadway. If a shopper spent 10
34 February 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
minutes browsing at every store, it would take more than 86 hours to complete a visit to this city within a city. Clothing stores dominate the landscape, ranging from familiar names like Old Navy and Banana Republic to high-end apparel purveyors like Brooks Brothers and Burberry. There are 33 stores that sell shoes, from Rockport and Bostonian to the new NikeStore and Italy-based Geox, creator of the “world’s first breathable shoe.” Minnesota has no sales tax on clothing and shoes. Mall of America’s Phase II project will double its size.
Most fun are the specialty shops. For out-of-staters hunting for souvenirs, Minnesot-ah! offers quality mementos of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, including
fans can treat their dolls to a new ’do at
Sportswear, the country’s leading seller
bags of wild rice, bottles of maple syrup
the Doll Hair Salon and enjoy a meal at
of skiwear. Other recent new entries on
and northwoods-motif sweatshirts.
the cafe, which overlooks Nickelodeon
the mall directory include Beadniks,
Lake Wobegon USA is an emporium
Universe theme park.
Frederick’s of Hollywood, Watch It
with books, videos and various curios
Mall of America just welcomed only
based on Garrison Keillor’s Prairie
the second U.S. outlet of Columbia
Home Companion radio shows about
on the side
(watches and sunglasses), Best Buy, Harley-Davidson (motorcycle acces
mugs, T-shirts, shopping bags and other
Green Before Its Time
logo merchandise at one of the three
Mall of America has been environ-
small-town life in Minnesota. The Vikings Locker Room draws football fans. And you can commemorate your
M
visit to this temple of consumerism with
Mall of America Gift Stores.
mentally friendly since the begin-
For the pampered pooch, Just Dogs!
ning, incorporating elements such
Gourmet is a bakery offering all-natural
as passive solar heating, an exten-
treats like the Peanut Butter Bone and
sive recycling program, and live
Tailhouse Cookie. Stock up on socks at
plants and trees to act as natural air
Sox Appeal or pick up a hermit crab at
purifiers. The mall:
the Hawaii Crab cart. QVC @ The Mall allows you to purchase much of the
same merchandise seen on QVC's television program.
recycles more than 60 percent of its waste – an average of 32,000 tons per year
recycles more than 2,400 tons of
does not use a central heating system; instead, the comfortable 70 degrees is maintained with 1.2
food waste to a local hog farm,
miles of skylights for solar energy,
which markets itself as an experience as
which equates to more than a mil-
residual heat from light fixtures
much as a store, made big news this
lion hog meals annually
and body heat from visitors.
The opening of American Girl,
past November. Besides finding a com-
converts restaurant fryer fat into
releases thousands of ladybugs in-
plete assortment of the brand’s dolls,
bio-diesel used to power MOA
side the building instead of utiliz-
outfits and accessories, American Girl
vehicles
ing pesticides on live plants
LeisureGroupTravel.com
February 2009 35
midwest
sories and apparel), Lacoste, Levi’s, Papyrus (greeting cards and stationery) and Australian-themed Gilly Hicks Sydney, an underwear brand from Abercrombie & Fitch. When it’s time to take a break from store-hopping, shoppers have a wide choice of restaurants—20 sit-down places and 30 dishing up fast food. Napa Valley Grille, Tucci Benucch and California Cafe are among the best. At stylish Twin City Grill, patrons step back to the 1940s, when meatloaf and The first-ever Nickelodeon theme park features meet-and-greets with favorite Nick TV characters.
mashed potatoes were the order of the day. Or try the signature blue cheesecrusted filet mignon. Mahogany paneling, period fixtures and vintage Minnesota photographs set the mood. Rainforest Cafe and Bubba Gump
ica include the walk-through Underwater Adventures Aquarium, the largest
also is on tap. For groups, Mall of America can
Shrimp Co. are popular theme eateries.
underground aquarium in the country;
provide a 45-minute orientation tour or
Or consider Tony Roma’s, Famous
LEGO Imagination Center; NASCAR
a 45-minute presentation on the busi-
Dave’s BBQ or Wolfgang Puck Ex-
Silicon Motor Speedway; A.C.E.S.
ness/marketing aspects of the mall, fol-
press. Quick options in two food
Flight Simulation; and Moose Moun-
lowed by a question-and-answer
courts include Arby’s, Burger King,
tain Adventure Golf.
session. Big with students and others is
McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell
The recently upgraded movie com-
and Great Steak & Potato Co. In the
plex, owned and operated by Mall of
teams of four to eight people get points
center of the mall, Nickelodeon Uni-
America, features 14 theaters, all with
for answering a series of questions relat-
verse has its own dining area, plus four
new seats. The two largest screens have
ing to the mall. Many group programs
shops with Nick stuff.
digital sound and image with 3D capa-
include a mall coupon book (a $9.95
Offering more than 20 rides, Nick-
the Mallquest Scavenger Hunt, in which
bilities. A 170-seat VIP theater offers
value). There’s a dedicated pickup and
elodeon Universe opened last spring,
individual tables so that guests (age 21
drop-off area for motorcoaches.
bringing the kids TV network’s touch
and over) can enjoy food and beverage
to the amusement kingdom previously
service.
known as the Park at MOA (and Camp Snoopy before that). The first-
Hundreds of special events each year
Whether it’s a busload of students or seniors, a family reunion trip or a girlfriend getaway, Minnesota’s Mall of
also entertain mall guests. Celebrities
America adds a crowd-pleasing touch to
ever Nickelodeon theme park features
come to perform or do book signings.
any travel itinerary. LGT
meet-and-greets with favorite Nick TV
You might catch a Food Network star
characters like SpongeBob
doing a cooking demonstration.
SquarePants, Patrick, Dora, Diego and
Mall of America’s Phase II develop-
Jimmy Neutron. Choose from such
ment calls for a four-level complex con-
rides as SpongeBob SquarePants Bot-
nected to the existing mall. The first
tom Plunge rollercoaster and Splat-O-
construction project, a Marriott Renais-
Sphere vertical drop. More than
sance hotel, begins early this year. Bass
30,000 live plants and 400 trees pro-
Pro will be an anchor store, and an
vide greenery for the park.
NHL-size arena for public ice skating is
Other attractions at Mall of Amer36 February 2009
PLAN IT! Mall of America: 800-879-3555, mallofamerica.com
Visit leisuregrouptravel.com for complete resources.
planned. A Great Wolf waterpark hotel LeisureGroupTravel.com
on our radar: midwest
ILLINOIS
aways brochure includes “Pretty in
The exhibition Tutankhamun: The
The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Edu-
Pink,” “Red Hat Hoot” and “Tour for
Golden King and the Great Pharaohs
cation Center will open April 19 in the
the Cure Day Trip” sample itineraries
opens June 27 at the Children’s Mu-
Chicago suburb of Skokie. The date co-
in Southeast Indiana. The bureau is
seum of Indianapolis, continuing into
incides with the anniversary of the 1943
promoting the Lawrenceburg area as a
October. It will present more than 130
Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the largest re-
hub-and-spoke headquarters for tours
treasures from the tomb of the cele-
volt by Jewish prisoners against the
visiting Cincinnati (20 minutes away),
brated pharaoh King Tut and other
Nazis during the Holocaust. The largest
Indianapolis and Louisville. The cost
ancient sites. On display will be
museum of its kind in the Midwest, the 65,000-square-foot facility will include an orientation film, audio testimony of Chicago-area Holocaust survivors and more than 500 artifacts, documents and photographs. The largest artifact will be a wooden, German-made train car of the type used to transport thousands of Jews to concentration camps during World War II. Other exhibits will focus on the neo-Nazi conflict in Skokie in 1977 and genocide around the world. A youth exhibition for ages 8-11 will examine issues like bullying, name-calling, prejudice and hate crimes. [847-9674800, ilholocaustmuseum.org] Harry Potter fans will finally have a chance to get a first-hand look inside the famous wizard’s magical world through Harry Potter: The Exhibition,
Dearborn County’s “Pretty in Pink” itinerary features hands-on activities at an art shop.
which will open at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago on April
of Tour for the Cure trips for
Tutankhamun’s golden sandals, jew-
30. The exhibition will run through
overnight groups includes a $1 per
elry, furniture, weaponry and statuary,
Sept. 7, showcasing the costumes and
passenger donation to the Vera
including the largest image of King Tut
props from the films in displays inspired
Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.
ever found – a 10-foot statue that orig-
by the Hogwarts sets, such as those
The bureau and participating
inally may have stood at Tu-
from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft
Lawrenceburg-area hotels match the
tankhamun’s mortuary temple and
and Wizardry, including the Gryffindor
$1 passenger donation, as does the
retains much of its original paint. One
common room and Hagrid's hut. The
day trip restaurant partner. The two-
of the four gold and precious-stone-in-
exhibition requires a timed-entry ticket
day “Pretty in Pink” itinerary features
laid canopic coffinettes that contained
and will be open for guests during regu-
Hillforest Victorian House Museum in
his mummified internal organs also
lar museum hours as well as each
Aurora, a tour and dinner at Ertel
will be exhibited. In conjunction with
evening until 9 p.m. during the Chicago
Cellars Winery in Batesville, Argosy
the exhibit, the museum in June will
run. [800-468-6674, msichicago.org]
Casino in Lawrenceburg, hands-on ac-
unveil its permanent $8-million Global
tivities at an art shop and greenhouse,
Perspectives exhibit, which will focus
INDIANA
and shopping at Lawrenceburg An-
on one culture every few years—the
Dearborn County Convention, Visitor
tique Gallery. [812-265-6999,
first being modern-day Egypt. [317-
& Tourism Bureau’s Girlfriends Get-
visitsoutheastindiana.com]
334-3322, childrensmuseum.org]
LeisureGroupTravel.com
February 2009 37
on our radar: midwest
downtown Kansas City, Mo. The entire project will be finished in 2011. MISSOURI St. Louis will host the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 14 at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Besides the 80th annual contest pitting the National League against the American League, events will inThe story of Iowa veterans is drawn from their own remembrances at the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.
clude All-Star FanFest, the Home Run Derby, Futures Game, All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game and free concerts. All-Star FanFest, the world’s
IOWA
tubing parks with miles of intercon-
largest baseball fan event, will take
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Mu-
nected rivers and such attractions as
place July 10-14 at America’s Center,
seum is a new addition to the Grout
the Master Blaster, a six-story uphill
offering more than 40 exhibits and ac-
Museum District in Waterloo. The en-
water coaster. When completed later
tivities. St. Louis Cardinals and Hall of
trance features a replica of the U.S.
this year, the year-round resort, located
Fame players will be on hand for auto-
Army Air Force North American P-51D
just east of Kansas Speedway, will fea-
graph sessions, and there will be clinics
Mustang fighter plane and a recreated
ture 1,800 hotel rooms, including wa-
and seminars. [fanfest@mlb.com, stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com, stlsports.org]
bow of the USS Juneau, the U.S. Navy
terfront cabins and "treehaus"
cruiser on which Waterloo’s five Sullivan
accommodations. Plans also include a
brothers fought and died during World
mile-long River Walk with destination
grocery stores in St. Louis, has opened
War II. The military museum
shopping, dining and entertainment op-
its fifth and largest store in Ellisville,
contains recreated Civil War-era rail
tions in a covered environment. The
Mo. Designed as a destination experi-
boxcars like the kind in which freshly
park's entertainment venues will be
ence, Straub’s Market and Cafe features
recruited Union Army troops from Iowa
connected by a state-of-the-art
an indoor-outdoor cafe, a bar and loft
were transported to areas of battle; a
Transportainment River System.
area with fireplace, a cooking school,
recreated World War I battlefield in-
[schlitterbahn.com]
wine cellar and private event room, plus
fantry trench; a tropical Spanish-Ameri-
A temporary gaming facility with
can War-style tent, similar to what U.S.
2,000 slots and 75 table games will
troops may have used in Cuba during
open later this year on the site of the
Straub’s, a fourth-generation chain of
fine foods from local and international purveyors. [636-779-8500, straubs.com]
the war; a cutaway section of a Korean
upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
OHIO
War-era F-86 Sabre Jet fighter plane,
at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City,
The Chelsea outlet division of Simon
where visitors may actually sit in the
Kan. Located in metro Kansas City’s
Property Group plans an August un-
cockpit; and a life-size recreated M-4
booming Village West area, the $705-
veiling of its Cincinnati Premium Out-
Sherman tank. [319-234-6357,
million development will include a 300-
lets, a 400,000-square-foot upscale
groutmuseumdistrict.org]
room hotel, a casino with 3,000 slot
outlet shopping center under construc-
machines and 140 gaming tables, and
tion in Monroe, north of Cincinnati, off
KANSAS
275,000 square feet of retail, dining and
Interstate 75. The 117-acre site in War-
In its first expansion project outside of
entertainment venues. The casino is a
ren County will comprise 120 outlet
Texas, water park giant Schlitterbahn is
joint venture between Kansas Speedway
stores featuring designer and name
building its fourth resort complex on a
and the Cordish Company, the devel-
brands similar in mix to other Chelsea
370-acre site in Kansas City, Kan. The
oper of the Kansas City Power & Light
properties. Stores will include Saks Fifth
village will be one of world's largest
District, a new entertainment hub in
Avenue Off 5th. [premiumoutlets.com]
38 February 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
WE DON’T HAVE PYRAMIDS IN COLUMBUS Columbus is full of great things, pyramids just aren’t one of them. Performing Arts
Music
Dining
Short North Arts District
Museum of Art
Downtown
Learn about all the great things Columbus has to offer at
ExperienceColumbus.com/tours or call 800-354-2657
on location: south O
melinda hughey
New Orleans Embraces Voluntourism
Tour groups do
their part to rebuild
the storm-damaged city.
Student volunteers in New Orleans get time to explore the French Quarter.
WHEN A HURRICANE CALLED
“In 2008 our festivals enjoyed record-
nating an instrument to a school band,
Katrina roared through the Crescent
breaking numbers.”
building a playground. We try very hard
City nearly three-and-a-half years ago, the devastation left in her wake
But that’s not all. Convention busi-
to match up the tour groups with a proj-
ness is booming. The city played host to
ect that suits them. It is a process for
prompted dire forecasts of a recovery
the American Heart Association (AHA),
sure.”
that might not occur for years, if ever. In
the most prominent citywide convention
those days and weeks following the na-
in 2008, for Scientific Sessions this past
are countless numbers of church groups,
tion’s worst-ever natural disaster, few
November. The AHA/American Stroke
student groups, leisure groups and con-
could have anticipated the outpouring
Association (ASA) International Stroke
vention delegates, not to mention offi-
of aid from volunteer groups converging
Conference was held last February. The
cials from some of the country’s leading
on the city armed with the desire to help
convention picture for 2009 looks even
tour companies and other hospitality
rebuild.
brighter.
and tourism entities. In April nearly 350
Today, thanks in no small part to
Yet for all the success stories, there
At the center of this wave of laborers
travel professionals convened for a full
that generous and continuous surge of
remains plenty of recovery work to be
day of badly-needed repair in Louis
manpower, New Orleans is flourishing,
done. “There is not a day that goes by
Armstrong Park as part of the Tourism
according to Lisa Holland, tourism sales
since Katrina that we don't get a request
Cares project, accomplishing more in
manager of the New Orleans Metropoli-
for a group to do some type of service
one day than the park's staff could have
tan Convention and Visitors Bureau.
project,” Holland said, “whether it be
completed in several months, according
gutting a home in the Ninth Ward, do-
to the organization's website.
“New Orleans is thriving,” she said. 40 February 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
And even though conditions
hours to spare and others can contribute
rebounded to near pre-Katrina volume,
throughout the city are steadily improv-
an entire day. We are here to help them
conventional leisure tour traffic has been
ing, the need for assistance is perhaps
find the right organization to meet their
slow to return, "but they are beginning
greater than ever because demand for
needs."
to pick up," Holland pointed out).
assistance in new disaster hot spots like
Holland said some hotels in the city
Ideas for service abound and are as
Galveston and Houston are stretching
have offered specially priced "Volun-
close as the voluntourism link on the
the volunteer pool thin. Holland main-
tour" packages. "We ask that groups
New Orleans Convention and Visitors
tains a lengthy laundry-list of local or-
contact us here at the CVB so we can
Bureau website's homepage [neworlean-
ganizations welcoming volunteers.
help them find a hotel to suit their
scvb.com or foreverneworleans.com].
"Group leaders calling about includ-
budget and needs. Hotels routinely let us
Group leaders can click on links that
ing a service project in their itineraries is
know when they can offer the best rates,
generate a comprehensive listing of vol-
a near-daily occurrence," Holland said.
so we work to match the groups and the
unteer opportunities not only in Greater
"Even fam trips are doing this. The
properties."
New Orleans, but throughout South
groups don't typically stay over any ad-
While most tour companies are not
Louisiana and areas demolished by Hur-
ditional days, but they will include some
currently listing "voluntour" itineraries
of their budgeted time to give back to
in their catalogs, Holland said sample
the area. It has truly been incredible. I
itineraries combining volunteer activities
Lisa Holland, Tourism Sales Manager,
would say 80 percent of the leisure
with more traditional touring elements
New Orleans Metropolitan CVB,
groups are offering this to their mem-
are available by contacting her at the
800-748-8695, ext. 5053;
bers. Some groups have a couple of
bureau. (While convention traffic has
lholland@neworleanscvb.com. LGT
LeisureGroupTravel.com
ricanes Rita and Gustav as well. For further information, contact
February 2009 41
on our radar: south O
ALABAMA To celebrate the Year of Alabama History campaign in 2009, the Alabama Tourism Department has published the 94-page brochure Historic Alabama: A Guide to Landmarks and Events. It gives insight into the history of 163 towns and cities across the state and features more than 700 museums, events and historically significant sites. The publication features Civil War and Civil Rights sites, places of aviation and space exploration, Native American civilizations, and remnants of pioneer life in Old Alabama Town in Montgomery, Pike Pioneer Museum in Troy and Huntsville’s Constitution Village, the
American Idol is the latest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
birthplace of Alabama. Special emphasis is being placed on historical attractions and museums in the 2009 Alabama Vacation Guide. [800-252-2262,
show. [disneyworld.com] Disney’s Wide World of Sports at
to the grounds and museum will be free; there will be a charge for the simulators
Florida’s Walt Disney World has an-
and IMAX movies.
yearofalabamahistory.com,
nounced plans to build a 160,000-
[nationalinfantryfoundation.org/
alabama.travel]
square-foot bowling stadium, which
museum]
FLORIDA
seating and a restaurant. When not
KENTUCKY
The television and pop culture phenom-
being used for tournaments, the sta-
As the first major addition to the Ken-
enon American Idol debuts in January
dium would be open to the public. It is
tucky Horse Park’s International Mu-
as the newest attraction at Disney’s Hol-
expected to open in early 2010 and
seum of the Horse since its opening in
lywood Studios theme park at Walt Dis-
host the 2011 United States Bowling
1978, the new Arabian horse galleries
ney World Resort in Florida. Guests will
Congress Open Championship.
will open this fall. The expansion,
be able to experience the challenge of
[407-939-4263, disneyworldsports.com]
funded by the Purebred Arabian Horse
will include 100 lanes, stadium-style
auditioning, the rush of performing on stage or the thrill of judging the per-
Trust and American Arabian horse comGEORGIA
munity, will increase the Lexington mu-
formances. The experience will include
The new National Infantry Museum
seum’s permanent exhibition space by
an audition process in which guests per-
and Soldier Center at Patriot Park opens
nearly 30 percent. The museum will re-
form in front of a Disney’s Hollywood
March 20 on a 200-acre campus linking
ceive collections of art and artifacts
Studios producer for the chance to be
Fort Benning and Columbus. Galleries
from the Arabian Horse Trust and Ara-
cast in the theme park show. If shown to
in the 190,000-square-foot museum will
bian Horse Owners Foundation. A spe-
have that star quality during the screen-
tell the Infantry story from pre-Revolu-
cial exhibit in 2010, A Gift from the
ing process and after backstage prepara-
tionary days to the present. Featured
Desert: The Art, History and Culture of
tion—working with a vocal coach, hair
will be a 3-D IMAX theater, simulator
the Arabian Horse, will be featured in
and makeup—it’s lights and showtime
attractions and themed restaurant. The
the museum’s changing galleries. Run-
for the lucky guest in front of a live au-
campus will include a World War II
ning from June 1 through the Alltech
dience and panel of judges. Performers
Company Street, Memorial Walk of
FEI World Equestrian Games (Sept. 25-
with the highest number of votes will
Honor and seven-acre parade field for
Oct. 10), it will be the most comprehen-
compete in an end-of-day grand finale
Infantry school graduations. Admission
sive exploration ever of the significance
42 February 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
of the horse, and particularly the Ara-
designed to create interaction between
tion. The exhibition presents original
bian horse, on Near Eastern cultures.
tour guides and their passengers while
artwork, including drawings and car-
The 2010 Games at the Kentucky Horse
informing visitors of the city’s unique
toons, plus puppets and props. The cur-
Park mark the first time the event has
culture. Contact Lisa Holland at 504-
rent major exhibition (through July 5),
been held outside of Europe. [800-678-
566-5053 or at lholland@neworlean-
Raoul Dufy: A Celebration of Beauty,
8813, kyhorsepark.com]
scvb.com. [neworleanscvb.com]
features the artist's colorful paintings
The Louisville Convention & Visi-
and his equally celebrated textile de-
tors Bureau has introduced its first fam-
MISSISSIPPI
signs, used by leading French dress de-
ily reunion planning kit, entitled “A
The Mississippi Museum of Art in Jack-
signers. American Masters of the
‘How to’ Planning Guide for Family Re-
son presents Jim Henson’s Fantastic
Mississippi Gulf Coast (April 11-July
unions & Gatherings in Louisville.”
World, an exhibition running from Dec.
12) examines the works of such artists
Since many reunion planners start plan-
19, 2009, to March 14, 2010.
as George Ohr and Walter Anderson.
ning at least one to two years ahead, the
The show offers a rare glimpse into the
[601-960-1515, msmuseumart.org]
48-page, full-color kit includes a two-
imagination and creative genius of the
year, step-by-step planning guide and
creator of Kermit the Frog, Big Bird and
NORTH CAROLINA
timetable, sample itineraries, sample
hundreds of other characters. The Mis-
The Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast CVB
worksheets, and forms and other useful
sissippi native expressed his ideas
offers a new group planning kit called
tips. The CVB’s planning assistance in-
through a variety of visual forms, clever
“Follow the Leader.” It showcases His-
cludes sending a lead to local hotels for
dialogue, songs, comic bits and anima-
toric Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure
sleeping and meeting rooms, one Louisville souvenir per attendee, one complimentary visitor guide per room blocked on peak night and a local vendor list for customized family reunion Tshirts, entertainment, photographers, decorators, caterers, etc. [800-626-5646, ext. 471, gotolouisville.com] LOUISIANA The New Orleans CVB has announced the launch of the “NOLA Destination Fun Kit,” an innovative and interactive learning tool designed specifically for motorcoach tour participants. Tour operators are encouraged to notify the CVB of future motorcoach groups visiting the city. Tour escorts will be mailed an informational package that will include a “Jazzed about New Orleans” music CD and a “Forever New Orleans” promotional video, plus an Official Visitors Guide and the CVB’s Motorcoach Rules and Regulations brochure. The CVB will also deliver the “NOLA Destination Fun Kit,” a set of New Orleans trivia questions and prizes LeisureGroupTravel.com
February 2009 43
on our radar: south O
museum’s collections. Exhibits draw heavily on the 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg. Included are a simple wooden door marred by the bullet of a Union soldier, diaries and letters written by battled-scarred soldiers for their frightened families, and weapons on display for the first time in more than a decade. The exhibit Fredericksburg at War tells the personal stories of Fredericksburg residents shattered by war, focusing on the aftermath of the Battle of Fredericksburg. Also on display is a rare collection of historic money, both paper and coin, in the vault of the bank formerly at this location. Galleries above the main lobby feature objects that depict the area’s Replica of Titanic’s Grand Staircase in Pigeon Forge.
20th century history. [800-260-3646, fredericksburgareamuseum.com] WEST VIRGINIA
Beach and Wrightsville Beach. Content
Black Bear Jamboree, Miracle Theater
Harpers Ferry and surrounding commu-
includes descriptions of area attractions,
and WonderWorks on the north end of
nities will celebrate the Sesquicentennial
guided tours and cruises, maps and cli-
Pigeon Forge. The attraction will display
of John Brown’s Raid this year with
mate information. Attractions include
hundreds of priceless Titanic artifacts in
more than 65 events from April to De-
the Battleship North Carolina, historic
20 galleries on two decks that will also
cember. The sesquicentennial is among
house museums and beaches. The guide
contain replicas of the Grand Staircase,
the American Bus Association’s Top 100
also provides theme itineraries and de-
a first-class suite, a third-class cabin and
Events in North America in 2009. Most
tails on group-friendly accommodations
a Marconi wireless room. Each visitor
activities will be in Harpers Ferry Na-
and restaurants, festivals/events and
will receive a boarding pass bearing the
tional Historical Park and Jefferson
group services provided by the CVB.
name of a real Titanic passenger or crew
County. John Brown, an abolitionist, at-
[866-266-9690, ext. 113,
member and will be able to touch an
tacked the federal arsenal in Harpers
cape-fear.nc.us] .
iceberg, experience the chill of 28-degree
Ferry in 1859 to secure arms and muni-
water, sit in an actual life boat, “steer”
tions to free area slaves. Brown was cap-
TENNESSEE
the ship and send an SOS message.
tured, tried for treason against the
Titanic Pigeon Forge, a towering ship-
[titanicpigeonforge.com,
Commonwealth of Virginia and hanged.
shaped museum/attraction devoted to
mypigeonforge.com]
The raid was a failure but made Brown
the world’s best-known ocean liner, is
a martyr. At the Jefferson County Mu-
coming to East Tennessee. Christening
VIRGINIA
seum in Charles Town, groups can see
of the 30,000-square-foot structure that
Fredericksburg, home to some of the
the wagon that carried Brown to his ex-
will resemble the romantic, ill-fated
most devastating battles in Civil War
ecution and desk from his jail cell.
cruise ship will be in the spring of 2010.
history, has opened the Catherine W.
Groups can also visit the Jefferson
It is a $25-million project of Cedar Bay
Jones McKann Center at the Fredericks-
County Courthouse, where he was tried,
Entertainment, the parent company of
burg Area Museum & Cultural Center.
and the site where he was executed.
the Titanic attraction in Branson, Mo.
The new center joins the existing Town
[johnbrownhf.com, wvtourism.com]
Home port is a site on the Parkway near
Hall in exhibiting and interpreting the
44 February 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: northeast O
randy mink
Outlet Malls Appeal to Tour Groups
Frugal shoppers with fashionable tastes know the
secrets of buying factory-direct
VF Outlet Center in 1974 became the first multi-tenant manufacturers’ outlet center.
SHOPPING CONSISTENTLY RATES
their favorite brand, whether it’s Nike,
PENNSYLVANIA
high as a tourist activity, and everyone
Coach or Ralph Lauren Polo. A typical
Reading claims to be the “Original Out-
likes a bargain. So it’s natural that
department store will have only a small
let Capital of the World” because VF
Northeastern tour itineraries carve out a
area devoted to that label.
Outlet Center in 1974 became the first
few hours for motorcoach groups to
America’s first outlet stores popped
multi-tenant manufacturers’ outlet cen-
browse in one of the many factory out-
up at textile and shoe mills along the
ter. The granddaddy of them all, VF is
let malls that dot the landscape from
Eastern Seaboard. Often located in base-
located on the site of the former Berk-
Delaware to Maine.
ment or storage areas, they gave manu-
shire Knitting Mills, which was once the
facturers a chance to dispose of
largest hosiery mill in the world and op-
and the desire for designer apparel and
over-runs or damaged items. Multi-
erated from 1908 to 1975.
housewares never seems to waver. Out-
tenant outlet malls really took off in the
The company’s original VF outlet
let stores, owned and operated by the
1980s as consumers became more aware
store opened in 1970 in the east end of
manufacturer or designer, yield dis-
of designer labels.
the mill as a means of disposing of sur-
Americans love their brand names,
counts of 20 to 70 percent off regular
Shopping malls love motorcoach
plus hosiery, along with other apparel it
retail due to the elimination of the mid-
groups and provide all kinds of perks,
made, including Vanity Fair (VF) lin-
dleman. To sweeten the pot, some states
from tours and meet-and-greets to small
gerie, sleepwear and robes. A drop cloth
have no sales tax on clothing—or no
gifts and money-saving coupon books.
separated it from the factory machines.
sales tax at all. Aside from low prices, outlet shoppers can find an entire store filled with 46 February 2009
Here is a sampling of outlet malls in the Northeast:
Today the historic complex boasts 450,000 square feet with more than 75 stores, including the VF flagship store, LeisureGroupTravel.com
which sells VF brands like Vanity Fair, Lee, Wrangler, Nautica, Healthtex and JanSport. [vfoutletcenter.com] Getttysburg Village, with more than 70 outlet stores, offers a non-historical diversion for groups coming to town to relive the Civil War. Enjoying the Main Street ambience at this Gettysburg address, they can drift among stores like Carter’s, Puma, Bass and Harry & David. The center has a 10-screen cinema and on-site Country Inn & Suites by Carlson. [gettysburgvillage.com] DELAWARE
Manchester Designer Outlets boasts the best concentration of upscale outlets in Northern New England.
Rehoboth Beach, a favorite summer getaway for residents of the Washington, D.C. area, is a year-round mecca with tax-free shopping. (There is no sales tax
area’s heritage. [premiumoutlets.com]
on anything in Delaware.) Tanger Out-
Opening this spring across the street from L.L. Bean is Freeport Village Sta-
let Center’s 130 stores are spread across
NEW YORK
tion, a new shopping and dining com-
three locations, all just a mile from the
The Hudson Valley’s upscale Woodbury
plex with such stores as Calvin Klein,
wooden boardwalk that has lured East
Commons Premium Outlets makes a
Van Heusen and Brooks Brothers. The
Coast vacationers for generations.
popular day excursion from New York
site will be the new home of the L.L.
[tangeroutlet.com/rehobothbeach]
City. Offering 220 stores, it ranks as one
Bean Outlet Store. [freeportusa.com]
of the largest outlet centers in the world. NEW JERSEY Atlantic City Outlets, The Walk is a dy-
[premiumoutlets.com] Tanger Outlets at the Arches, the hot
Kittery, Maine’s other outlet mecca, is just over the border from New Hampshire, about 55 miles north of Boston.
namic retail/entertainment district cover-
new mall on Long Island, opened in Oc-
Scattered among 15 malls and shopping
ing eight city blocks, stretching along
tober in Deer Park with a 16-screen cin-
villages stretching more than a mile on
Michigan Avenue between the conven-
ema, ice rink and stores like Carter’s,
either side of U.S. Route 1, just five min-
tion center and Boardwalk-casino dis-
Gap, Kate Spade, Le Gourmet Chef,
utes from the ocean, are more than 120
trict. A shopping paradise for visitors to
Timberland, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th
outlet stores. [thekitteryoutlets.com]
the East Coast’s biggest gaming resort,
and Nieman Marcus Last Call. [tanger-
The Walk features 100 stores and
outlet.com/deerpark]
restaurants. [acoutlets.com] Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, lo-
VERMONT Manchester Designer Outlets boasts the
MAINE
best concentration of upscale outlets in
cated off the Garden State Parkway in
Main Street in Freeport, one of Maine’s
Northern New England. In Manchester
Tinton Falls, just opened in November
two outlet capitals, is anchored by the
Center, a commercial area one mile
with 120 designer and name-brand
L.L. Bean flagship store, which put the
north of picturesque Manchester Vil-
stores, including Ann Taylor, Brooks
historic coastal village on the map.
lage, names like Tumi, Escada, Armani,
Brothers, Burberry, Calvin Klein and
More than 100 brand-name retailers,
Coach and Brooks Brothers are found in
Kenneth Cole. Themed courts in a vil-
plus dozens of other specialty stores,
clusters of attractive, colonial-style
lage setting, using symbols like the
have turned downtown Freeport into a
buildings that blend in tastefully with
beach ball, beach umbrella, sandcastle,
giant mall, many occupying old homes
surrounding historic homes. [manches-
kite and sailboat, pay homage to the
and storefronts.
terdesigneroutlets.com] LGT
LeisureGroupTravel.com
February 2009 47
on our radar: northeast O
The U.S. Capitol: A focal point of pride and pageantry. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Tiffany’s, and sit on the bench along
The Capitol Visitor Center in Washing-
the East River where Woody Allen and
ton, D.C., the largest project in the U.S.
Diane Keaton watched dawn breaking
Capitol’s 215-year history, has opened
in Manhattan. Tours are led by actors
its doors. Located underground on the
and actresses, and clips of scenes high-
east side of the Capitol, the facility is
light the locations. Other tours include
roughly three-quarters the size of the
“Sex and the City Hotspots,” “Sopra-
building itself. Exhibition Hall has rare
nos Sites” and “Central Park Movie
documents and a touchable model of
Sites.” [212-683-2027,
the Capitol dome. Two orientation the-
info@screentours.com,
aters show the 13-minute film Out of
screentours.com]
Many, One. The smaller House Theater
Lincoln Center, the world’s largest
and Senate Theater, each decorated to
performing arts complex, is undergoing
evoke the respective legislative cham-
a dramatic transformation as major re-
bers, present 10-minute films about
development unfolds across its 16-acre
each body of Congress as well as live
campus. Revitalized public spaces, new
feeds from the House and Senate when
restaurants, and striking new theaters
they are in session. The center has two
will start to emerge in early 2009. Be-
gift shops and a 530-seat restaurant.
ginning in May, events are planned
[202-226-8000, visitthecapitol.gov]
throughout 2009-2010 for the center’s 50th anniversary. Visits can be tailored
48 February 2009
NEW YORK
to the interests and needs of individual
On Location Tours has introduced the
groups. Tour guides give a behind-the-
“New York TV and Movie Sites Clas-
scenes look at what makes the center
sics” tour, a three-hour guided bus
tick, including information about the
tour to movie filming locations in New
transformation under way. A look-in at
York City. Passengers see the subway
a rehearsal is included wherever possi-
grate where Marilyn Monroe’s skirt
ble. The “Meet the Artist” package
goes flying in The Seven Year Itch, visit
takes place in one of the intimate theater
the brownstone where Holly Golightly
spaces and includes a private perform-
and Paul Varjak live in Breakfast at
ance and talk by an opera singer, musiLeisureGroupTravel.com
cian, dancer or actor who shares insights
David Wills House in historic down-
about his or her art. [Guided tours, 212-
town Gettysburg will celebrate its grand
875-5370; group packages and tickets,
opening, offering visitors a museum ex-
212-875-5190; lincolncenter.org]
perience that tells the story of Lincoln
PENNSYLVANIA
Wills’ home was the center of the im-
and the Gettysburg Address. David In revitalized downtown Hershey, the
mense clean-up process after the Battle
M.S. Hershey Foundation has opened a
of Gettysburg and where President Lin-
new $23.5-million museum called The
coln put the finishing touches on the
Hershey Story, The Museum on Choco-
Gettysburg Address. The museum will
late Avenue. It honors the life and
Chocolate fans flock to Hershey.
legacy of Milton S. Hershey, spotlight-
feature original artifacts and two films: Battle Ground to Hallowed Ground,
ing the company and the town he cre-
early Milton Hershey chocolate novelty,
which explores Cemetery Hill’s transi-
ated. Visitors can take a class in the
guests can experience warm drinking
tion from a Union army defensive posi-
Chocolate Lab, where they use raw in-
chocolate from around the world in the
tion to the site of the national cemetery;
gredients, chocolate and various tools
tasting area. [800-242-4236,
and A Brief But Immortal Speech,
to learn about geography, history, eco-
hersheystory.org]
nomics and science in a hands-on envi-
In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s
ronment. In Cafe Zooka, named for an
200th birthday on Feb. 12, 2009, the
LeisureGroupTravel.com
which investigates the meaning of the Gettysburg Address. [866-486-5735, mainstreetgettysburg.org]
February 2009 49
on marketing O
mike marchev
Chumming for Business OUR CURRENT ECONOMIC status
fickle game of sales. Before throwing
mosphere that may be hanging low in
has stimulated all forms of behavior.
your "sales" line hither and yon into
your marketing environment.
From screaming uncontrollably at no
unfamiliar territories attached to a
one in particular from the safety of our
hope and a prayer, why not do a little
to call your attention to. Once the
driver's seats to drinking one or two al-
chumming?
chumming part of the strategy is com-
Oh! And one more important point
coholic beverages over the legal limit to
The question now becomes "what
pleted, you do not "go for the jugular."
systematically approaching the market-
can I offer to interest my prospects?”
If presented properly (spelled sincerely)
place with a healthy dose of reality-
(Notice I purposely did not refer to
the rest of the sale should unfold quite
based thinking, people are reacting to
your future customers as "fish." Here
nicely all by itself. If you are half the
the daily negative news reports in vari-
is where the analogy ends.)
person I think you are, "to know you is
ous ways. There are probably no fewer than 1,000 options to choose from when faced with uncertainty. Many are more attractive than others. I came up with one last week that may be an old practice on some docks in the bay, but I be-
to like you."
Devise friendly strategies that will break down the “me against them” atmosphere.
lieve it has merit in your particular line of work. Chumming. Chumming is a fishing term that in-
THINK CREATIVELY
Chumming will get you known.
Only the imaginations of you and your
Your personality will get you liked. Liking you will culminate with a sale.
volves feeding the "target audience,"
employees can answer this one, but I am
which I suppose can be equated to
wagering that you will not come up
"greasing the wheel." I suppose it can
short with possibilities. Here are a few
there, I want you to envision the clos-
be equated to "teasing" the prospects
ideas to stimulate your thinking:
ing frames of the Andy Griffith TV
O Ladies Night At the Office
ing down a dirt road whistling on the
in that they receive a genuine and safe reward resulting with a familiarity and comfort level. The fisherman cuts bait into small pieces and generously tosses the (free) food over board, thereby attracting the fish into the immediate area. This draws the unassuming "prospects" into a designated area where the fisherman can eventually take the next step, which in-
O Lunch & Learn Sessions
O Invitation to An Event …. Any Event O A Free Special Report
O An Industry-Specific "White Paper" O A Subscription To Your Company Newsletter
O A Copy of A Pertinent Article
O A Meaningful Gift
volves the actual activity of…fishing. With much of the credit going to the
I am sure you can
practice of "chumming," before too
come up with more
long the fisherman will soon be filleting
"chum." Anything and
his catch. And that, ladies and gentle-
everything that will sim-
men, is how the fishing game works.
ply help break down the
And so it goes with you and the 50 February 2009
Now for you baby boomers out
Show where Andy and Opie are walkway to their favorite fishing hole. Their fishing poles are in one hand while a bag of chum is in the other. Hold that thought. And start whistling. Chumming just might be what you need to get focused on that next big one. Mike Marchev is the author of the sales book titled Become The Exception. He is currently working on a new series of business-building Special Reports, the first one being “More-On Marketing.” You can sign up to receive Mike’s weekly motivational marketing message by going to www.marchev.net.
"me against them" atLeisureGroupTravel.com