on the record ❖
On The Record Searching for New Itineraries FOLLOWING ARE ANSWERS from Leisure Group Travel readers who responded to the question: What are you looking for when you’re shopping for new tour itineraries? What can CVBs do different or better with their sample itineraries? DeSIrée oZbUrN
larry larSeN
What I look for is something unique, something that even if our chosen destination is the same as a local competitor, our itinerary stands out and it’s apparent we have put much thought into each travel day. I also look for a tour that offers something for everyone. In other words, there needs to be a feature of the tour that appeals to a variety of age groups of men, women, history buffs, art enthusiasts, nature lovers and our die-hard shoppers. I prefer to add something in our tours for those who enjoy diverse cultures, cuisine and local wines when available. I look closely at which tour gives our travelers the best value for their money. As far as sample itineraries, the ones that stand out are the ones I read and don’t have a million questions. I like lots of details included in the itineraries complemented by photos and maps.
years since the bank did away with my position. We have been doing cruises to Alaska, Hawaii and the Rhine and do dinner/theater one-day trips. I have people wanting one- and two-night trips, so I am looking to do more of those in 2012 instead of the 10-12day trips. Our people like factory tours or any kind of tours the area offers. I am also looking for some different oneday trips. We are in Bradley, Ill., which is about 50 miles south of Chicago, so we can do trips to Indiana, Wisconsin or Michigan. We would like new ideas. When I was at the bank, different areas would send out itineraries and I would like to see more of these sent out.
Desirée L. Ozburn, 1st Vice President
Bradley, IL
Jan Coleman Jan & Carl’s Tours
First State Bank Shannon-Polo Shannon and Polo, IL
I have been planning and escorting trips for 38 years. I worked for a bank and did group travel there for 33 years, and my husband and I have been doing trips the past five 10 February 2012
Action, Excitement, Celebrity. I’m no longer interested in a simple destination itinerary—I want unique and fun. Bob Cline U.S. Tours Parkersburg WV
charlotte bIrchmore
My specialty is African heritage tourism. It can be difficult to get accurate aspects, but it seems that most itineraries go out of the way to avoid some sites that are quite obvious. Even when I ask about details about specific locations, often no one can elaborate. So seldom is help readily available. The end result is that there is not enough black history in a region to warrant bringing a tour to that location. Barbara Morris, President & CEO Black Coutours Chicago, IL
I am always looking for something a little bit off the beaten path. It needs to include some of the tried-andtrue attractions, too, of course, but the “something different” is what attracts me. When I see an itinerary, I want to see enough detail so I can judge how a trip is going to flow. I like flexibility with a trip provider. If I know of a particular feature, I like to be able to include that without a big fuss. I love a “can do” attitude. I don’t always know the geography of a new place, but I expect the trip provider LeisureGroupTravel.com