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Searching for New Itineraries

January 31, 2012 by  
Filed under Departments, The Magazine

In the On the Record column, readers of Leisure Group Travel responded to the query: What are you looking for when you’re shopping for new tour itineraries? What can CVBs do different or better with their sample itineraries?

Desiree Ozburn of First State Bank Shannon-Polo (Ill.) said, “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.”

Kay Schreiber of Kay’s Tours said, “I am always looking for something new and different…whether it is a new itinerary or a new attraction or even a hotel with something new and different to offer.”

Download the Full Magazine Leisure Group Travel Feb 2012

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Keeping Up-to-Date in a Tech-Savvy World

January 31, 2012 by  
Filed under Columns, The Magazine

dave bodle

Dave Bodle

With more than 25 years in the travel industry I’m one of those grumpy old men who grumbles about “how the industry has changed.” Although many families still sit around the kitchen table to make vacation decisions, now they’re doing so with a laptop and viewing online brochures, discount travel websites and purchasing e-tickets. Gone are the days of paper airplane tickets and requesting vacation brochures from destinations. How do these changes impact the group segment and specifically its marketing component?

Years ago a dear friend told me the tour & travel industry is still high touch, not yet high tech. Tour operators do business with suppliers they know. National, regional and state marketplaces are critical to the industry. Relationships are born and nurtured. Likewise, group leaders regularly trust their members to tour operators they know and trust.

Download the Full Magazine Leisure Group Travel Feb 2012

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Shopping Shouldn’t Be a Nuisance on Tour

January 31, 2012 by  
Filed under Columns, The Magazine

tn_Marty Photo

Marty Sarbey de Souto

All too often we may hear from well-meaning folks that shopping on tour is a waste of time – that the men don’t like standing around waiting while the women dilly dally in the shops, that shopping is superficial, that folks can shop at home – no need to come on tour to shop, and so forth. I beg to differ. Most folks love to shop while on tour, within reason, of course.

Why do they enjoy shopping? First of all, they enjoy bringing things home for themselves – things that remind them of the trip or the specific place where they bought it. Second, they like to shop for others – for friends and family for future birthdays, holidays, wedding presents, showers and the like. Third, they know that bringing something home to others shows thoughtfulness, friendship and affection. Fourth, the things you bring home from other places are often something you could never get at home, whether at the mall, your favorite big box store or your hometown elegant gift shop.

Download the Full Magazine Leisure Group Travel Feb 2012

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It’s More Than Just Buying

January 31, 2012 by  
Filed under Columns, The Magazine

Carolyn Feimster

I love February. Why? Because that is when Leisure Group Travel focuses on shopping – not only my favorite activity but the favorite of many of your clients, too.

Your clients want to shop…that has been established. Now, what can your company do to make their shopping experience something special and more enjoyable?

To remain competitive, shopping and dining venues around the country are working hard to provide exclusive experiences to entice the group market to their centers. Your business is just as competitive, so to stay ahead of the curve, you should take advantage of the special opportunities available.

Download the Full Magazine Leisure Group Travel Feb 2012

Check out the Digital Flipbook Version below:

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