Leisure Group Travel Magazine
February 2026Turn 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
February 2025Turn 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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Taste is the Destination
The February edition of Leisure Group Travel delves into travel tourism’s popularity with our Faces of Culinary Tourism interview series. This month’s Faces brings together four standout tour leaders who are shaping how travelers experience destinations through flavor. Their insights reveal a clear shift: travelers are no longer content to simply see a place. They want to taste it and cook with it, whether that happens in a private kitchen, a historic village or a neighborhood where recipes have been passed down for generations.
That pursuit of deeper connection also runs through our piece on Heritage Clubs International, which continues to refine its mission around education and tangible value for Group Travel Club Directors. With its flagship Peer Group event set to evolve in a big way in 2026, this issue explores how HCI is responding to the changing needs of group leaders while staying true to what has made Peer Group a must-attend event.
Finally, we turn our attention west, examining how proposed entrance fee hikes for foreign travelers at Utah’s national parks could create ripple effects throughout the state’s tourism economy, a reminder that policy decisions can influence travel in unexpected ways.
Faces of Food Tourism
Traditionally, February is LGT’s culinary month, so we went behind the scenes and shined a spotlight on some of the brightest voices in the food industry with our Faces of Food Tourism profiles. LGT interviews some of the leading culinary minds and learns about some of the best practices they can share along with the latest food industry trends.
Fans of religious travel will also appreciate this issue as LGT pays a visit to the holiest wonders in the world and highlights some of the best religious attractions for Bible study groups.
So, join us as we count down to 2027 and the many festivities that await us. The Semiquincentennial promises another chance to paint the town red, white and blue—only this time, with considerably more history to celebrate.
Jason Paha, Chief Editor
Leisure Group Travel Features & Columns
Discover captivating destinations and immersive experiences tailored for group tour operators in our Features & Columns section.
2026 Faces of Food Tourism
Leisure Group Travel sits down with six influential figures in the culinary world, each of whom is making an indelible mark on the landscape of food tourism.
Mississippi Culinary Tourism Blooms with Southern Flavor
A journey through Mississippi’s cities reveals award-winning chefs, regional flavors and culinary traditions deeply rooted in place.
Utah Tourism Sees Rocky Times Ahead
Entrance fee hikes for foreign travelers at Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks may create a ripple effect in the state’s economy.
Heritage Clubs International
Heritage Clubs International expands education, business connections and leadership development in Virginia Beach.
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Sample Itineraries & Destination Showcases
Three Days in Southern Indiana
Step into Southern Indiana’s fall charm, where historic river towns meet sweet traditions, steamboat history, and rolling wine country.
Frontier & Mountain West Experience Guide
Our guide presents a carefully curated list of attractions—each offering its own special charm, from awe-inspiring city views and historic landmarks to breathtaking natural beauty.
Atlantic City Serves Up Flavor, Flight, and Iconic Fun
This legendary city blends culinary creativity, signature festivals and classic seaside attractions into one unforgettable destination.
Discover Japan’s Past and Present with Collette
Destinations come alive when you go guided with the experts.
Savor Spring in Starkville
This lively college town’s spring events showcase the food, flavor and community spirit that make Starkville shine.
Music, Culture and Creativity Converge in Meridian
Meridian delivers a walkable, culture-rich getaway in the heart of the South.
A Century of Hope: Discover the History and Heart of Boys Town
Visit the National Historic Landmark in Omaha, Nebraska, where Father Edward J. Flanagan’s vision continues to inspire generations
Climbing History: Ride the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
From a mule ride to a $100 million modernization, the world’s highest cog railway continues to carry travelers to the summit of America’s Mountain.
February 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.
America 250 Guide
Route 66 Tour Planner
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Why Culinary Experiences Matter for Group Travel
Culinary experiences have emerged as a pivotal element of the journey, transcending mere dining to become central to the cultural exploration and bonding moments that define group excursions. Recognizing this shift, Leisure Group Travel is proud to present a special edition dedicated to the burgeoning realm of culinary tourism, aimed at group travel planners seeking to enrich their itineraries with unforgettable taste experiences.
Culinary tourism offers a unique lens through which travelers can connect with the essence of their destinations. It’s not just about savoring exotic dishes; it’s about immersive experiences that weave together the history, culture, and social fabric of locales through their food. This edition delves into why integrating culinary experiences into group travel is not just a trend but a necessity for creating meaningful, engaging, and memorable journeys.
We explore the growing desire among travelers to participate in authentic, local food-related activities – from farm visits and cooking classes to food festivals and street food tours. These experiences provide opportunities for group travelers to bond over shared meals, discover new flavors, and gain insights into the local way of life, making their trip more enriching and enjoyable.
Moreover, this focus on culinary tourism responds to the increasing demand for sustainable and responsible travel options. Culinary experiences often promote local produce, traditional cooking methods, and support for local communities, aligning with the values of modern travelers who seek to travel with purpose and impact.
