Leisure Group Travel Magazine

December 2024 - Sponsored by American Bus Association
Turn the pages of Leisure Group Travel Magazine and discover a world of possibilities for your next group adventure. Because every journey is better when shared.

Leisure Group Travel Magazine

December 2024 - Sponsored by American Bus Association
Turn the pages of Leisure Group Travel Magazine and discover a world of possibilities for your next group adventure. Because every journey is better when shared.

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Celebrating Tourism as We Head Into 2025

It’s hard to believe we are almost five years removed from the world shutting down thanks to the COVID-19 virus.

The pandemic and its disastrous effects on the travel industry feel like it took place in 1920 as opposed to 2020, considering the incredible strides tourism has taken since then. Heading into 2025, tourism statistics indicate the market is expected to see steady growth with a projected size of around $11.94 trillion.

Congratulations. We made it through to the other side.

This year-end edition of Leisure Group Travel celebrates that prosperity with our annual Titans of Tourism issue.

We shine a spotlight on three leaders in the tourism industry who share their insights on the changes and trends within their organizations and how they affect our industry at large. LGT also interviews Fred Ferguson, the new president and CEO of the American Bus Association, who offers his thoughts on ABA’s strategies for the present and the future.

This issue also sees the debut of the New York Itinerary Guide, which shows off the Empire State’s many marvelous regions. From New York City to the Catskill Mountains, New York has something for everyone. As does this guide, which includes 11 informative itineraries and a feature story that contains a multitude of excellent ideas for tour operators.

Our annual edition of the Indiana Group Tour Planner has also returned. In this guide, we find some of the finest walkable historic districts in the state along with some of its most vibrant theaters and concert halls.

Finally, this issue includes the latest edition of Group Travel Destinations, our annual compendium of domestic tour destinations that tour guides find invaluable. GTD showcases the newest group-friendly attractions, restaurants and experiences from across the country and brings them to you in an easy to digest format.

It’s going to be another good year. Thanks for joining us on this ride.

Jason Paha – Chief Editor

Download the December Edition of Leisure Group Travel - Sponsored by American Bus Association

Leisure Group Travel Features & Columns

Discover captivating destinations and immersive experiences tailored for group tour operators in our Features & Columns section.
Titans of Tourism 2023

The 2024 Titans of Tourism

These Titans of Tourism help guide and shape our industry in numerous ways, from supervising associations and building communities, to developing innovative tools and creative applications for existing practices.
Hackberry General Store

Kitsch and Kicks on Arizona’s Historic Route 66

Small towns have preserved the heyday of automobile travel. For nostalgia-seekers who like cruising in the past lane, this is the ultimate Southwestern road trip.
ABA's Fred Ferguson

ABA’s New Bus Driver

An Interview with Fred Ferguson, President and CEO of the American Bus Association.
Niagara Falls

Outdoor Attractions in New York: Exploring Heritage, Culture and the Great Outdoors

From dazzling skylines to Adirondack peaks, uncover New York’s rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking natural landscapes.
The historic Rothrock Mill Bridge in Corydon. Photo by Steven W.

Walkable Indiana Historic Districts

The Indiana historic district has the perfect blend of old-time atmosphere, well-preserved landmarks and retail fun
ABA's Fred Ferguson

Hoosier State Harmonies: Hot Spots for Entertainment

Vibrant Indiana theaters and concert halls, from intimate clubs to grand amphitheaters, showcase a burgeoning music and theater scene

Destination Showcases

Explore meticulously crafted itineraries and spotlighted showcases, designed to inspire and guide group tour operators towards unforgettable journeys.
Blues at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis

St. Louis Travel Groups Uncover Adventures

South Dakota: Iconic Landmarks

South Dakota

Atlantic City skyline

Atlantic City

Hackberry General Store

Tibbits Opera House: Your Year-Round Entertainment Extravaganza

Spearfish Canyon-Roughlock Falls

Black Hills and Badlands

Dudy Noble in Starkville

Sioux Falls

Group Travel Destinations

2025 GTD Cover

Charting the Future of Group Travel: Trends and Destinations for 2025

With 2025 rapidly approaching, the group travel industry continues its strong recovery from the pandemic, and destinations across the country are feeling optimistic. Domestic travel is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2025, fueled by a renewed interest in local experiences. In this issue of Group Travel Destinations, we explore this trend, featuring new and upcoming group-friendly attractions, restaurants, and experiences across the U.S. and Canada. America’s world-class cities also draw attention, with museums, exceptional dining, and walkable cultural districts attracting millions of visitors each year. We hope GTD serves as a valuable resource in planning your unforgettable 2025 journey.

Group Travel Itineraries

Dudy Noble in Starkville

Experience Mississippi’s College Town

Bulldog Nation knows Starkville is Mississippi’s College Town. But it is also a historic town. An arts and music town. A shopping and dining town. An outdoor adventure town. Come to town for a great Southeastern Conference game. Stay for the Starkville experience.
MetroWest Boston

Three Days in MetroWest Boston

Just 30-45 minutes from Boston, MetroWest is full of charming New England towns, engaging activities, interesting arts and culture, and outdoor recreation. And at a fraction of big city prices, the central region makes a great hub for groups to explore all of Massachusetts.
2025 New York Itinerary Guide

I❤️NY Itinerary Guide

This carefully curated itinerary guide takes you on a journey through the state’s most captivating destinations, each offering its own unique charm and character.

Group Travel Destination Regional News Heading Into 2025

buffalo riverworks-photo by Randy Duchaine

Northeast - Mid - Atlantic

See Seven States at Rock City on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee tour

Southeast

The Victory Grill

Southwest

buffalo riverworks-photo by Randy Duchaine

Western

ColoradoOutdoorsVisitEstesParkColoradoOutdoorsVisitEstesPark

Frontier/Mountain West

SouthHavenLighthouse SouthHaven,Michigan

Midwest

Group Travel Destination Showcases

buffalo riverworks-photo by Randy Duchaine

Buffalo

Dudy Noble in Starkville

1000 Islands

Dudy Noble in Starkville

Baton Rouge

Dudy Noble in Starkville

Bellingrath Gardens

Family-ConcordBridge

Museum of the American Revolution–Not the Same Old Same Olde

Spearfish Canyon-Roughlock Falls

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Dudy Noble in Starkville

Prince Edward Island

Dudy Noble in Starkville

Toronto

Spearfish Canyon-Roughlock Falls

Lincoln, Nebraska

Dudy Noble in Starkville

Kennedy Space Center

Dudy Noble in Starkville

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Dudy Noble in Starkville

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

December Edition Special Sections

Dive into our Special Sections, where bespoke guides and tailored travel publications offer in-depth insights for group tour operators seeking the extraordinary.
2025 Indiana Group Tour Planner

Indiana Group Tour Guide

Plan your next group trip to Indiana with our free Indiana Group Tour Planner! Explore must-visit destinations, group-friendly activities, and resources for an unforgettable journey.
2025 New York Itinerary Guide

I❤️NY Itinerary Guide

This carefully curated itinerary guide takes you on a journey through the state’s most captivating destinations, each offering its own unique charm and character.

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Navigating Tomorrow: Our Industry Forecast Issue

In a world where travel and tourism are constantly evolving, Leisure Group Travel Magazine is thrilled to provide our forward-looking “Industry Forecast” issue. Understanding the future of travel is key to staying ahead in a dynamic and competitive landscape. This issue is dedicated to exploring the trends, innovations, and challenges that will shape the travel industry in the years to come.

Our focus is on delivering insightful analyses and predictions from leading experts and industry insiders. We delve into emerging technologies, evolving traveler preferences, and the economic factors influencing the market. Whether it’s the rise of eco-conscious travel, the impact of digital transformation on tour planning, or the changing face of destination marketing, this issue aims to provide valuable foresight for tour operators, travel planners, and industry professionals.

Additionally, we present case studies and success stories, showcasing how businesses are adapting to and capitalizing on these changes. From interviews with visionary leaders to in-depth reports on market shifts, we strive to equip our readers with the knowledge and tools necessary for future success.

The “Industry Forecast” issue is more than just a collection of predictions; it’s a roadmap for navigating the exciting and sometimes unpredictable journey of travel’s future. It’s an essential read for anyone looking to stay informed, inspired, and one step ahead in the world of travel and tourism.