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KBC Tour C ompany is an inbound tour company/receptive operator for Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin providing tour planning services, step-on guide service and sightseeing tours for groups of all sizes.
Markets: Markets include adults/seniors, students, specialty/niche markets and convention attendees - basically anyone coming to the area who wants to see and experience Milwaukee and the surrounding areas in the most positive way.
Tour Programs: KBC Tour Company provides touring options for the greater Milwaukee area as well as southeastern Wisconsin. We provide general overview tours as well as customized tours for special interests including, but not limited to: architecture, culinary, adventure, sports, educational and team building. The majority of tours are daytrips, but we will provide assistance with multi-day trips as well.
Owner, Kay Collins grew up in Lena, Wisconsin and graduated from University of Wisconsin-Stout with a BS degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management. Her professional experience includes hospitality/sales management experience with Marriott Corporation, The Grand Milwaukee Hotel, Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Milwaukee) and Lake Express. Kay has received her CTIS (Certified Travel Information Specialist) certification through IUPUI & American Bus Association and her CTA (Certified Tourism Ambassador) status through Visit Milwaukee. She lives in Wauwatosa with her husband, Mike.
“Milwaukee has so many positive attributes from its history and architecture to its beautiful lakefront and exciting new developments. I am very excited to have the opportunity to showcase Milwaukee to visitors, as well as residents – everyone is always pleasantly surprised by the city and all it has to offer. “ Here we catch up with Kay...
1. Tell us a little about your new endeavor….
I started KBC Tour Company because I always felt Milwaukee needed someone to really show off the city in a positive and enthusiastic way. There is so much wonderful history and architecture as well as incredible new additions to the city. People tend to have a perception of an old industrial beer making city and are always surprised at the progress Milwaukee is making and how beautiful the lakefront is. I really enjoy the surrounding area and all of Wisconsin, once again I am trying to shed the stereotypical image people have of the state and really show off its positive attributes.
2. What is your most sought after group travel market at this time?
Niche markets – people who have a specific interest whether it is culinary, architecture, art or sports. I prefer smaller manageable groups where they can get more personal attention and hands-on involvement.
3. How did you become involved in the tourism industry?
My degree is in Hotel/Restaurant Management from UW-Stout. I started in the hotel world in both F&B and Convention Sales and then made my way to the Milwaukee CVB as Group Tour Manager. From there I helped with the start-up of the Lake Express, a high-speed ferry crossing Lake Michigan between Wisconsin & Michigan. As a kid I was always studying maps and planning my family vacations throughout Wisconsin and the surrounding states uncovering the unusual places to visit.
4. What advice would you give to a group travel organizer to help them recruit travelers who have never traveled with a group before?
Find like interests and emphasize how stress-free it is to sit back and let the planner do the work. Get to know their personalities and preferences – do they need a lot of organization and “hand-holding” or are they more adventurous and like to explore a bit on their own? That will give you an idea of what types of trips they should take part in. Start out with short day trips to understand the dynamics of traveling with a group before committing to a lengthy tour. Also, there are so many examples of great friendships that have been made while people are on tour.
5. The group travel industry is a very people-oriented industry. How do you see technology affecting the personal nature of travel?
I believe technology has been extremely positive to the travel industry. People are finding out about new and different places just by searching on the internet – the amount of information is infinite. Plus there are so many shows on TV with the Travel Channel, Food Network, etc. which really make people think about going somewhere and exploring something beyond the ordinary – they may have seen someone walking the streets of an area they never even thought about visiting, but now they want to experience it to. However people still need someone to assist them with their itineraries and make them feel comfortable and safe. People still really need and enjoy the interaction with others. And when they get home, they post their photos/videos on their blogs, social websites, etc.
6. Since you’re not with the Milwaukee CVB anymore, you’re free to give biased advice. What’s the best German Restaurant in Milwaukee?
That’s a tough one. The toss-up is between Mader’s and Karl Ratszch’s – they both have great ambiance, good beer and excellent food. I am not loyal to one over the other. However when it comes to strudel, there is a Serbian restaurant in town, Old Town Serbian Gourmet House, that wins hands-down.
7. When you’re not in the office, where will we find you?
Out and about either walking or riding around trying to discover something new. I love trying new restaurants and pubs around the city and throughout the state.
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