It’s the holiday season, and in the spirit of giving, our Industry Forecast edition of Leisure Group Travel is wrapped full of special surprises.

We preview both ABA and NTA shows with an insider’s perspective from local tourism professionals on what to do while you’re in Cleveland and St. Louis.

In “High Touch to High Tech,” we go under the hood of three of the group travel industry’s tech leaders to learn how they are using innovative online platforms to simplify the process of planning and organizing group trips.

We help you discover new holiday travel destinations, starting with this month’s cover story – spectacular Switzerland. Penned by our European correspondent, Don Heimburger, it explores the country’s holiday markets and rich religious heritage. Staff writer Miles Dobis profiles five Midwestern holiday destinations that may not be on your radar. Contributing writer Sue Arko gives us an inside look at the classic Rose Parade, while associate publisher Dave Bodle reports on holiday happenings at classic Southern hotels and resorts. Finally, Nancy Schretter offers up a slew of multi-generational family vacation spots that sparkle over the holiday season.

Digital Edition of December Leisure Group Travel Powered By

Group Intentions Results

Thanks to everyone who participated in our 2016 Group Intentions survey. The results of this survey helped us get a pulse on what’s happening on a grassroots level, and we were very pleased with the responses we received. What was most interesting to me personally was how your opinions stacked up against my perception of the industry. See how your trips stack up against your peer group on page 15. We plan to make this an annual occurrence, so if you missed it this year, watch for the 2017 survey.

More Goodies Inside…

This edition came wrapped with two additional publications. First is the annual Group Travel Director y. This st ate-by-state resource guide promotes group-friendly destinations, attractions, hotels and service providers from coast to coast with descriptive listings, destination showcases and placement ads. Keep this at your desk-side when you’re planning your next journey!

Also inside is the inaugural Indiana Group Tour Planner. This cooperative effort with the team from the Indiana Office of Tourism Development and destinations around the state shines a bright spotlight on group-friendly destinations throughout the Hoosier State.

This project took six months from start to finish, and during the development of the magazine, our editorial team got the chance to traverse Indiana from north to south, east to west. In the process, we uncovered a lot of unique, fun tour ideas. I hope you enjoy this publication and that it spurs new trip ideas. An effort like this simply would not be possible without a strong partnership, and Indiana embodies that wholeheartedly.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank you for your readership. This December starts my 18th year publishing Leisure Group Travel magazine. What a long, winding road it’s been. What a wonderful opportunity it’s afforded me to meet new friends and communicate the values of group travel to the world.