DELIVERING BUSINESS ESSENTIALS TO NTA MEMBERS JUNE 2017

Take … a hike Adventure and beauty abound in North American parklands PAGE 20

LA: CITY OF STARS PAGE 26

PARTNERS IN PRIME TIME PAGE 14

MID-ATLANTIC ALLURE PAGE 40

Montana’s Glacier National Park A Journey of Long Ago, Four Stories Not Far Away

San Francisco Plantation Laura: A Creole Plantation

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Oak Alley Plantation Houmas House Plantation

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Exit 179 Louisiana 51 Baton Rouge 44 Exit 182

22 New Orleans 10 70 Exit 194 55 942 Exit 206 61 10 641 3125 3188 3089 51 44 61 54 637 18 44 3125

640 61 44 3213 3127 18 3127 20 18 3127

Only a short drive from New Orleans, these historic plantations, gardens and restaurants of Plantation Parade symbolize the wealth and culture of Louisiana’s past. Come tour, dine, sleep and enjoy the full richness of Plantation Parade. Call for itineraries or visit: www.PlantationParade.com June 2017

A yes-fly zone: Jorge Cazenave (Cazenave Argentina) casts a fly rod in Argentina’s Futaleufu River. To learn about Cazenave’s South American fishing tips—and get ideas for tours throughout Latin America—turn to page 48. Features Compass 32 Deep South The old is new again in Savannah New places to dine, play and dream in Dallas Culture, cultivation and celebration in Shreveport Venture outdoors in Kissimmee Reflect on the journey for civil rights in 20 Birmingham 40 Mid-Atlantic U.S. North American National Parks First-rate attractions in America’s first state From Québec and Newfoundland to Alaska and Montana, Elizabeth adds its own flavor to Big Apple itineraries coastal sites managed by Parks Canada and the U.S. National Park Service showcase whales, glaciers and whole lot more. Ocean City celebrates new tribute to Harriet Tubman Make time for play time in Rochester History abounds in Pennsylvania’s cities and small towns

48 Latin America Hook, line and South American sinker A trio of exotic spots Ready to run? 26 Cuatro quests in Mexico City Spotlight: Los Angeles Italy While the popularity of “La La Land” has brought renewed interest 50 in Los Angeles, the city has always been a top spot for themed Italian treasures can include buried ones tours that showcase Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Italy adds up, theme after theme

NTAonline.com 1 NTA BOARD OF June 2017 | Volume 44, Issue 5 DIRECTORS

NTA President Executive Committee

Pam Inman [email protected] Chairman Jay Smith Editorial Sports Travel and Tours [email protected] Editor Bob Rouse [email protected] Senior Writer Pat Henderson [email protected] Vice Chair J. Chris Babb Writer Gabe Webb [email protected] The Group Tour Company Contributors Kendall Fletcher, Julie P. Heizer, Jeff Quire, Doug Rentz, The Signal Group [email protected]

Graphic Design Jeff Quire Secretary Paul Larsen Advertising Ed-Ventures [email protected] President, NTA Services Inc. Kami Risk [email protected] Account Executive/Eastern U.S. & International Beth Engel [email protected] Immediate Past Chair Justin Osbon Account Executive/Western U.S. Kelley Burchell [email protected] Image Tours Account Executive/Central U.S. & Canada Bond Milburn [email protected] [email protected]

Production Manager Ashley Fish [email protected] DMO Director Billing Inquiries Mary Catherine Dorsett [email protected] Kelly Dean Ottawa Tourism [email protected]

PLANNING AHEAD Tour Supplier Director To view the 2017 editorial calendar, visit NTAonline.com/advertising. NTA members can Jodi Danyluk submit tour product information or editorial queries to [email protected]. And for Norwegian Cruise Line advertising information, call +1.859.264.6559. [email protected]

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER ISSUE OCTOBER ISSUE Directors DESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS Misha Jovanovic Coastal California New England Misha Tours Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, [email protected] Great Lakes New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Edita Krunic Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Great Plains Select International Tours Wisconsin Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, [email protected] Southwest U.S. South Dakota Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas China Jim Magrath Delta Air Lines Eastern Europe Vietnam [email protected] Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, City Spotlight: Nashville, Tennessee Slovakia, Slovenia Frances Manzitto SPECIAL COVERAGE City Spotlight: Denver Visit Clarksville Music Destinations and Attractions [email protected] SPECIAL COVERAGE Guide: Theaters and Broadway Shows Museums Dennis McDonnell DEADLINES Guide: Museums Alaska Coach Tours Space: Aug. 4 | Material: Aug. 14 [email protected] DEADLINES Space: June 2 | Material: June 12 John McGlade Euro River Cruises [email protected]

Jim Warren, CTP Anderson Vacations PUBLISHED BY NTA SERVICES, INC. Email: [email protected] [email protected] COURIER (USPS 602270, ISSN 0279-4489)(Vol. 44, Issue 5) published 10 times a year by NTA Services, Inc., 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350, Lexington, KY 40509. Periodicals Postage Paid at Lexington, Kentucky, and Tracie Wingo additional mailing offices. Subscription rate is $60 per year. Globus POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Courier, 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350, Lexington, KY 40509. [email protected] COURIER is the official licensed publication of NTA®, an international trade association of the packaged travel industry. Copyright© 2017, NTA Services, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any way or by any means, electrical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission of Courier, Directors at Large except for quotations made for purposes of a review. All inquiries should be sent to Courier magazine, 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350, Lexington, KY 40509, +1.859.264.6559. Additional subscriptions can be purchased by calling +1.859.264.6559. Printed in USA. Lydia Grieg-Hansen Advertising rates are available upon request. For a change of address, subscribers may notify Courier Destination Southwest directly, by email or letter. [email protected]

COURIER’S MISSION STATEMENT Courier aims to facilitate member-to-member partnering by spotlighting member product and Dean Jacobberger destinations worldwide, to provide information on current industry trends and issues, and to inform Visit California members about NTA initiatives, events and benefits. [email protected]

Christian Van Meter Courier is printed on 100% recyclable material Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group [email protected]

2 June 2017 June 2017

4 From the Editor 13 Tourism Cares for Oakland Oakland played host to the first Resources 6 Voices of Leadership project in the City Tourism series of 51 Courier’s Guide to NTA Tour giveback events that Tourism Cares Operator Receptive Services is organizing in 2017. Three NTA Business staff members share their thoughts 8 InBrief on volunteering and the city. Community IPW highlights busy stretch for NTA 60 Meet the Members 14 Partners in prime time staff, members | Welcome aboard | Visit Wheeling, WV | Scenic Safaris ’Tis the season for NTA Meet-ups Collaborative NTA event sponsor- ships build business for the partner- 62 New Members 10 Relating to Government ing organizations, and they make While the U.S. government works on Travel Exchange and Contact more 63 Ad Index/NTA Events Calendar a comprehensive infrastructure and enjoyable, engaging and affordable transportation package, improve- for all members. Learn what goes 64 AfterWords ments are still being made throughout into making successful partnerships. A recent trip to three California the country thanks to the FAST Act. parks—Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings 17 3 questions with NTA Chairman and Canyon—reminded Courier designer 12 NTA members represented on CEO Jay Smith Jeff Quire of the majesty of U.S. the U.S. Travel and Tourism Jay discusses his Just Bring One national parks and how important Advisory Board challenge, how it can put money in they are to travelers from around A group of 30-plus tourism profes- members’ pockets and its impact on the world. sionals, including representatives from Travel Exchange in San Antonio. many NTA members, are part of an advisory board that makes proposals 18 What’s On regarding travel industry issues to the Burn, baby burn, Reno artferno | U.S. commerce secretary. Miami museum movin’ on up

Courier has used images existing in the public domain or made available from sources including, but not limited to, Flickr and Wikimedia Commons under a Creative Commons Attribution Generic License. The full text of the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License is available at bit.ly/1gDYjzM. Images used may have been altered by cropping or adjusted for contrast, saturation, size, color, clarity or otherwise digitally manipulated to meet design specifications. Courier’s use of Creative Commons and public domain images does not constitute or suggest the licensor’s explicit or implied endorsement of Courier, its content, staff, contributors, advertisers or any other use by Courier.

Your group will love our inlets. And our outlets. Waterfront cruises. Dining. Museums. Maritime history. Now you can add Norfolk Premium Outlets – Opening Summer 2017 – to the many attractions your group will enjoy in our waterfront city. Contact Melissa Hopper, Associate Director of Tour & Travel, to plan your next trip today! 1-800-368-3097 | visitnorfolktoday.com

NTAonline.com 3 FROM THE EDITOR

Bob Rouse Editor 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350 Lexington, KY 40509 USA +1.859.264.6548 [email protected] Where in the World is ? Prior to attending Destination Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., HAPPY JUNE to half of you. NTA’s Kami Risk (left) and Doug Rentz connected with I say that after digesting NTA’s most recent communications Newseum’s Roxana Rivera, who is holding the Courier survey, which revealed detailed information about Courier issue that spotlights the Distinguished Dozen gold winners, readership. As I obsessed read over the numbers, I learned including … Newseum! that a whopping 77 percent of NTA members read this magazine. That’s humbling. with senior writer Pat Henderson as your skillful guide. Pat I was further humbled when I saw that 50.6 percent read also gives us a la-la-lavish look at Los Angeles, shining in the the editor’s letter—this page. I should be flattered, given that City Spotlight on pages 26–29. a mere 20 percent of people in the United States pick up a And the popular Compass section includes Gabe Webb’s newspaper. But 50 percent, compared to 77 percent, seems exploration of the U.S. Deep South, on pages 32–38, and the like a steep drop-off. Mid-Atlantic U.S. states, on pages 40–46. You can also take a Still, the report is impressive. Two-thirds of you read the trip through Latin America, pages 48–49, and over to Italy on Compass and What’s On sections, which detail member desti- page 50. nations and tour product. And an almost equal percentage of I mentioned the well-read business section earlier. I think you read the business section, which is a pleasant surprise. you’ll enjoy “Partners in prime time,” a story about your NTA And sure, a lot of members read this page—including you, I colleagues who have teamed up to make Travel Exchange and know—so I’m thinking I could take a page from NTA Chair Jay Contact more engaging. It starts on page 14. Smith’s “Just Bring One” book and ask that you implore just Look, I don’t want you to think I’m all wrapped up in one non-reader to peruse this letter. (Just Force One!) That this 50 percent thing. The glass is half-full, right? And who would bring me to 100 percent. knows—maybe the stat really means that every NTA member In the meantime, you can read about Jay’s recruitment reads this page … with one eye covered. That’s probably it. campaign on page 17. I know that a very high percentage of you will want to read Write on, this issue’s big feature on national parks, starting on page 20,

June Courier Destination Index Alabama 36 Michigan 24 Alaska 22 Montana 22 Argentina 48 Nevada 18 Costa Rica 48 New Jersey 42 Delaware 40 New York 44 Ecuador 48 Newfoundland Florida 19, 37 & Labrador 25 Georgia 32 Pennsylvania 31, 46 Indiana 24 Peru 48 Italy 50 Québec 21 On the cover: Los Angeles 26–29 Texas 34 Hundreds of miles of hiking trails wind through Montana’s Louisiana 34 West Virginia 60 Glacier National Park, taking Wisconsin 24 Maryland 42 visitors to scenic spots such Mexico 49 Wyoming 60 as 5,395-foot Tinkham Peak. Photo: NPS/Jacob W. Frank

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NTA WAS FOUNDED ON ADVOCACY. You can trace the association’s roots with a straight line back to a meeting in 1951, when a dozen tour

operators came together to combat federal reg- Three Massachusetts men meet with their senator. From left: ulations that would’ve crippled an industry that John Tavano, Yankee Leisure Group; Sen. Elizabeth Warren; was just gaining traction. Together, they succeeded. John Yonce, Tourism Cares; Jay Smith, Sports Travel and Tours. Fast forward six decades, and NTA members still gather to have their voices heard regarding legislative issues. In March, Academic Travel Abroad says taking part in DCH also is con- travel professionals from across the United States—325 people sistent with her company’s core beliefs. from 42 states—met in Washington, D.C., for Destination “It’s important for our team to participate and lend our Capitol Hill. The industry’s premier fly-in event gives attendees voices in support of the industry’s top legislative priorities,” a chance to educate policymakers about the power of travel and Poffenberger says. “When we send a team up to the Hill to showcase it as one of America’s strongest economic sectors. lobby with NTA colleagues, we get to live out a core part of “National travel and tourism policies sculpt an economic our mission statement, which is to contribute meaningfully impact in the United States and beyond, and advocacy at this to our world, our field and our community.” event is important to me running my own company,” says Jay Mark your calendar for March 21–22, 2018, and join us in Smith, 2017 NTA chair and owner of Hatfield, Massachusetts- Washington next spring at Destination Capitol Hill. A new based Sports Travel and Tours. administration is in place, and by working together, we can Prior to the 305 meetings held at the U.S. Capitol with ensure travel will continue to be a powerful economic engine elected officials, attendees were prepped on legislative for the United States. priorities that are critical to the security and economy of the United States. NTA annually partners with U.S. Doug Rentz is the director of communication and marketing Travel Association and Destination Marketing Association for NTA. International on the two-day program, and this strength in numbers has a greater impact when attendees walk the halls 2017 NTA Legislative Priorities of Congress. “I’m there to meet and work side by side with other NTA In a 2017 survey, NTA members identified the following priorities when asked what issues are top of mind for them this year: members to advocate for our industry but also to network • National park funding and build relationships with other travel professionals,” says • Modernizing airport infrastructure Paul Larsen of Ed-Ventures in Rochester, Minnesota. “We each • Expanding the Visa Waiver Program carry the message that travel continues to drive the economy.” • Transportation Security Administration programs The key issues set by U.S. Travel are consistent with NTA • Surface transportation funding members’ priorities, and Chase Poffenberger of D.C.-based

Comments from Destination Capitol Hill 2017

“Knowing your congress- “If you’re a bit intimidated “Because I have par- person is as important by the thought of partici- ticipated in NTA’s event as knowing your banker. pating, have no worries; and made contacts and Going there in person, it’s structured where any- worked those contacts, year after year, shows one can do it. The legisla- now when I need some- the people I meet with that I’m serious tors and their aides are very respectful, thing, I know who to call and they know about being informed. If something hap- take notes and really listen. If we don’t who I am.” pens that turns the world upside down, I share our perspective, who will?” —Paul Nakamoto, Gray Line San Francisco; have contacts who can help me.” —Jerry Varner, Making Memories Tours; 2014 NTA Chair —Mark Hoffmann, CTP, Sports Leisure Washburn, Missouri; Vacations; Sacramento, California; NTA Advocacy Advisory Group member NTA Advocacy Advisory Group member

6 June 2017

BUSINESS

InBrief NEWS AND NOTES ABOUT YOUR ASSOCIATION AND THE INDUSTRY COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON IPW highlights busy stretch for NTA staff, members IPW Washington, D.C. (June 3–7) This international product showcase will be attended by NTA staff members Pam Inman, Catherine Prather, Morgan Maravich, Lin Wang and Beth Engel. On June 4, your asso- ciation will hold a Meet-up reception for NTA members and others at Arena Stage starting at 4:30 p.m.

TAP Dance Tucson, Arizona (June 11­–15) Pam Inman will be in Tucson for a fun week at this year’s Travel Alliance Partners conference, which will also be attended by many NTA members. NTA will hold a Meet-up reception June 4 during IPW. North American Skål Congress Toronto (June 15­–18) DMAI Annual Convention Morgan Maravich will join hundreds of tourism professionals, Montréal (July 11­–14) including Skål club leaders from around the globe, in Toronto This learning-focused event is geared for destination market- for the 2017 Congress. Maravich serves on the organization’s ing and management professionals. NTA will be represented board of directors. by Morgan Maravich.

Welcome aboard ’Tis the season for NTA continues to strengthen its benefits through the addition of cor- porate and strategic partnerships. Check out the following new part- NTA Meet-ups ners to learn how they can work for you and your business: Your association is conducting a series of Meet-up events again this year, and the next Corporate Partners one will take place in conjunction with IPW TourConnect Whether you are a supplier looking to find new tour in Washington, D.C. Meet-ups bring together operators or a tour operator looking to collect rates more efficiently, members and prospects in specific cities to TourConnect is an online network where you can meet and do busi- learn more about NTA, hear from association ness with travel partners. leaders and enjoy a couple of hours of infor- WeChat Marketing Agency, TMG The company offers a turn- mal networking. key WeChat marketing solution to help international brands target The Washington, D.C., event is scheduled Chinese outbound travelers. for Arena Stage on Sunday, June 4, starting Universal Air Travel Plan UATP’s Insider’s Club offers annual at 4:30 p.m. Drinks and light snacks will be travel protection coverage for travel professionals on industry-free, served, then at 6, the group will head over to reduced-rate or full-fare tickets on scheduled airlines, Amtrak trains the IPW opening event. or cruise lines. San Antonio, which will host Travel Exchange in December, will be the site of a Meet-up on Strategic Partners Thursday, Aug. 3. The event will take place at Destination Marketing Association International DMAI the Visit San Antonio offices (time TBD). is home to more than 4,400 professionals from nearly 600 If you are interested in attending either the destinations in approximately 15 countries. NTA’s partnership brings Washington, D.C., or San Antonio Meet-up, new educational offerings to our DMOs and contributions to the DMO Network, NTA’s new idea-sharing initiative. please RSVP by emailing headquarters@ ntastaff.com. Ontario Motor Coach Association With more than 700 members, Plans also are in the works for more OMCA is one of the largest travel- and tourism-related associations in Meet-ups, including one in Charleston, South Canada and is the voice of private-sector bus operators, inter-city bus lines, charter and coach tour companies in Ontario. Carolina in September or October. Please check NTA’s Tuesday newsletter for announce- To see the complete list of NTA strategic partners, go to ments regarding dates, locations and addi- ntaonline.com/partners. tional details.

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INSIGHTS ON U.S. LEGISLATIVE ISSUES AND INDUSTRY TOPICS

The road to an infrastructure package

THROUGHOUT DONALD TRUMP’S 2016 359 to 65 in the House and 83 to 16 in the current and future needs of citizens presidential campaign, and follow- the Senate, consisted of $305 billion in and visitors by creating the National ing his election and inauguration, a funding over five years: fiscal years 2016 Advisory Committee on Travel and plan for an infrastructure package has through 2020. Tourism Infrastructure. This group pro- been discussed frequently. High-speed Among the wide variety of surface- vides recommendations to the trans- rail, highway improvements and other transportation authorization and fund- portation secretary and is made up of travel-related focal points have been ing, the FAST Act focused on improving a wide variety of highly qualified travel tossed around, but no exact plan has mobility on America’s highways. The act and tourism representatives, including been released. At a time when the U.S. authorized (through September 2020) many from NTA-member companies. transportation system is often touted as the Highway Trust Fund, which is a This committee provides a channel for broken and crumbling, infrastructure is source of funding for most of the bill’s stakeholder input on vital transporta- a focus that Democrats and Republicans programs. As a part of this highway- tion and infrastructure decisions. alike, representing both urban and rural centric focus, the FAST Act created The FAST Act also took into consider- constituents, can support. funding programs to maintain critical ation the level at which tourists rely on Secretary of Transportation Elaine transportation projects that are aimed various transportation means by creat- Chao also has not yet released many at decreasing congestion in certain ing improvements and enhancements details of an infrastructure plan. The areas so that drivers can utilize high- to intermodal transportation. With fixes few comments Chao has made while ways that are safer and less congested. and funding planned to roads, high- giving talks or interviews since her ways, bridges, walkways and bicycles Senate confirmation in January describe lanes, traveling to and within tourism a Trump administration-led infrastruc- centers is simpler and safer, making for ture package that will 1) focus on speed- a more enjoyable visitor experience. ing the process for government-funded While the details and timing of a projects and 2) offer incentives for Trump administration infrastructure public-private partnerships. package remain unsettled, it is vital that Secretary Chao has stated that the NTA remains engaged in the political infrastructure plan will be unveiled process and continues to show the eco- later in 2017, meaning it is likely that nomic importance of tourism and the the Trump administration will con- rate at which the nation’s infrastructure tinue to prioritize health care and tax system is utilized for travel, and to point reform before directing attention to out where improvements or changes are bit.ly/2qAlybM infrastructure. still needed. While Washington awaits a compre- Travel and tourism play an important hensive package from the administra- role in the lives of Americans and to tion, infrastructure and transportation this country’s economy. As plans for a improvements are still being made CC FLICKR/AOTARO: multibillion-dollar infrastructure plan throughout the country. In December While concentrating on road improve- come together, through both the admin- 2015, then-President Barack Obama ments, the legislation also created istration and Congress, investments in signed the Fixing America’s Surface improvements for bridges, bicycling improving the way people travel here Transportation Act into law. The FAST and walking. This means that projects will continue to have a positive effect Act was the first time in over a decade address not only roadway and highway on the tourism industry. that Republicans and Democrats had improvements, but also other modes of come together in a bipartisan compro- transport that affect and better the lives Signal Group is a Washington, D.C., mise to provide long-term funding for of millions of Americans. lobbying firm retained by NTA to advise surface transportation throughout the Aside from highway funding, the members about travel-related issues and United States. The bill, which passed FAST Act also took into consideration legislation.

10 June 2017 VISIT

TYBEE

NTAonline.com 11 BUSINESS

The U.S. Travel and Tourism U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board Advisory Board The following TTAB members are serving the 2016–18 term: • George Aguel, president and CEO, Private sector professionals propose industry solutions Visit Orlando to the commerce secretary • Theodore Balestreri, president and CEO, Cannery Row Company BY JULIE P. HEIZER, NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM OFFICE, • Helane Becker, managing director, Cowen and Company U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE • Bruce Charendoff, chief public policy officer, Sabre Holdings • Henry Cruz, senior partner, CrossBrook THE U.S. TRAVEL AND TOURISM Advisory 2003, and because of the department’s Organizations Board serves as the advisory body to the need for ongoing advice from industry • Todd Davidson, CEO, Travel Oregon • Brad Dean, president and CEO, Myrtle Commerce Department on matters relat- representatives, it has been re-chartered Beach Area Chamber of Commerce ing to the travel and tourism industry in six times, most recently in August 2015. • Fred Dixon, president and CEO, NYC & Company the United States. The board advises the The National Travel and Tourism • Kurt Ekert, president and CEO, Carlson commerce secretary on government poli- Office is the TTAB’s official liaison, serv- Wagonlit Travel cies and programs that affect U.S. travel ing as the designated federal officer for • Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO, Destination DC and tourism, offers counsel on current this advisory committee and providing • Mike Gallagher, co-founder and and emerging issues, and provides a subject-matter expertise to members of co-chairman, City PASS forum for discussing and proposing solu- the TTAB. • Adam Goldstein, co-founder and CEO, Hipmunk tions to industry-related problems. In late March, Secretary of Commerce • James Hagen, secretary of tourism, South Past boards have presented commerce Wilbur Ross spoke for the first time Dakota Department of Tourism secretaries with advice on a wide range with the TTAB to convey the administra- • Nick Hentschel, vice president of business development, AmericanTours of issues facing travel and tourism, tion’s support for the travel and tourism International including travel facilitation, visa policy, industry and to communicate that the • Taylor Hoang, owner, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Pho infrastructure, aviation security, energy administration understands both the Cyclo policy and economic sustainability. The economic and diplomatic importance of • Margaret McKeough, TTAB vice chair; board also offers valuable advice on the the industry. executive vice president and chief operating officer, Metro Washington National Travel and Tourism Strategy, a To provide direction for developing Airports Authority plan launched in 2012 with the goal of specific recommendations, the secretary • Adam Medros, senior vice president for global product, TripAdvisor making the United States more compet- tasked the TTAB with three requests to • Steve Morrissey, vice president of itive as an international destination. be met by the end of June: regulatory and policy, United Airlines 1) Deliver a topline review of the • Mary Motsenbocker, president, International Tourism Marketing National Travel and Tourism Strategy Secretary of Commerce • Susan Presby, owner and director of sales, goals and strategies. The Mount Washington Cog Railway Wilbur Ross met with 2) Based on that analysis, identify • Tricia Primrose, chief global communications and public affairs the TTAB and conveyed the top five issues that the Commerce officer, Marriott International Department should address to sup- • Olga Ramudo, president and CEO, Express Travel that the administration port the global competitiveness of the • Sherry Rupert, executive director, understands both the industry. Nevada Indian Commission 3) Suggest what the administration • Adam Sacks, founder and president, Tourism Economics economic and diplomatic can do to make sure the United States • Marty St. George, executive vice importance of the travel remains a welcoming destination while president of commercial and planning, at the same time ensuring our national JetBlue Airways • Gary Schluter, general manager, RMH Tours and tourism industry. security. • John Sprouls, TTAB chair; executive vice The TTAB is set to meet in early June to president and chief administrative officer, The board is composed of up to 32 deliberate the findings and recommenda- Universal Parks and Resorts • Greg Stubblefield, TTAB vice chair; members who are appointed by the tions of its subcommittees. Out of this executive vice president and chief commerce secretary (see sidebar for the process, a formal letter of recommenda- strategic officer, Enterprise Holdings • William Talbert, president and CEO, current TTAB roster). Members are from tion will be sent to Secretary Ross to meet Greater Miami Convention and Visitors organizations in the travel industry that the end of the month deadline. Bureau represent a broad range of products and • Denise Thevenot, executive director, Louisiana Tax-Free Shopping for services, company sizes, and geographic Julie P. Heizer is Deputy Director, International Visitors locations. Members serve at the plea- Industry Relations, at the National • Ernest Wooden Jr., president and CEO, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention sure of the secretary, typically for a two- Travel and Tourism Office of the Board year term. The board was chartered in International Trade Administration.

12 June 2017 They came for the work, not the weather

TOURISM CARES for Oakland brought together 175 volunteers from 65 companies and 22 U.S. states for a (rainy) workday in the Bay Area. The volunteers worked side by side at three popular Oakland tourist sites: Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt and a brewery on the Oakland Ale Trail. The 900 hours logged by workers—including NTA members and staff—accomplished in one day what might take three weeks for the staffs of the work sites to achieve.

“An all-volunteer workforce maintains the park at Lake Merritt. To see the work that they do on a daily basis and how well the gardens are kept was an amazing testament to how much pride and love they have for their city and how treasured the lake is to everyone.” —Morgan Maravich, NTA member engagement manager

“What struck me the most about the event was the positive vibe. Despite the wind and rain, the Tourism Cares staff, volunteers and locals were helpful, productive and upbeat. I made some really great friends that day while “roughing the elements” at Lake Merritt. It’s just another example of how rewarding and fun it is to be a part of the tourism community.” —Anna Pettus, NTA communication and marketing manager

“I always love how people from the industry come together and really get after it during Tourism Cares projects, and I enjoyed being in Oakland this time. I’d never spent much time there before, and it was cool to get to roam around downtown and the waterfront. The next time I’m in the Bay Area, I’ll definitely be going back to explore NTA staffers Anna Pettus, Pat Henderson Oakland in more depth.” and Morgan Maravich volunteered at Tourism —Pat Henderson, NTA senior writer Cares for Oakland.

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NTAonline.com 13 BUSINESS

Getting together Partners in prime time The origins of sponsor partnerships are as varied as the members who Collaborative sponsorships at NTA events assemble them. build business and teamwork Maverick Aviation Group has co-sponsored a breakfast at Contact with “There’s no question that, this year, Tennessee was in the house.” the Las Vegas CVA for the past five years, And with that—on the last day of Travel Exchange ’17 in St. and for Maverick’s Dan Flores, it was a matter of name recognition: Vegas had it Louis—Frances Manzitto of Visit Clarksville declared Tennessee’s and he didn’t. collaborative sponsorship a success. The partnership, which “I was new to Contact, but John (Meyer, included four DMOs, four attractions, a hotel and a tour company, of the Las Vegas CVA) and I had been is the most recent example of NTA members teaming up to friends for a long time,” Flores says. “It sponsor at association events. While participants differ in goals and wasn’t feasible for Maverick to sponsor on our own, but partnering with the des- strategies, most reach the same conclusion Manzitto did: “We had tination really works.” bumps in the road, but it was worth all of the work, and it came Teaming up to get more bang for the together beautifully.” buck is not unusual. It’s the reason the Tennessee partners came together, and it’s also how Patti Culp of the Alabama Travel Council was able to join with Sports Leisure Vacations to sponsor the Past President’s Reception and the Board of Directors Dinner, held each year on Convention Eve. “Clayton Whitehead asked if I would consider hosting with Sports Leisure Vacations, and I told him I didn’t have the budget for it but would find some part- ners,” says Culp, who rounded up several Alabama DMOs. “And they were thrilled.” Whitehead, as a tour operator, approached the venture from a differ- ent perspective. “We aren’t your average sponsor. We have nothing to sell,” he says, speaking also on behalf of business and life partner Mark Hoffmann. “We do it for spiritual reasons; it just feels right. Mark and I are giving back to the associa- tion that has given us so much.” A native of Savannah, Georgia, Whitehead also cited a cultural angle for picking Culp as a partner. “I felt what people really wanted was simply to visit with one another in an unstructured set- ting, but above all, I wanted the event to be Southern!” he says. “So I called Patti and she was all in.”

Left, top: Strutting their stuff for Savannah at Contact ’16: Renea Scott (Old Savannah Tours), Kai WIlliams (B Historic Savannah), Kate Burke (Hotel 504) and Mindy Shepard (Telfair Museums). Left, bottom: Mindy Shea (Visit Savannah), left, and Mindy Shepard (Telfair Museums) are a “project” within the Savannah partnership.

14 June 2017 Finding a formula door prize centerpieces and a sponsor card Even for Southern folks, deciding for registration bags,” Rees says. “Then the exactly how to sponsor isn’t always state tourism office offered to put together as easy as Whitehead makes it sound. a music video to showcase all of us.” Mindy Shea of Visit Savannah pulled As a Contact meal sponsor, Flores together several NTA members to pro- takes a turn at the mic to get his mes- mote her city at Contact ’16, but picking sage to members. a team was only the start. “People’s attention spans are growing “We thought sponsorship would be a no- shorter, so a brief presentation reaches brainer, but it took many of our sales team them,” he says. “Before I can sell anyone members helping with ideas to make it on a helicopter flight, they have to get happen,” Shea says. “We wanted to put our to Las Vegas. John talks first about Las name into everyone’s hands—literally—so Vegas, and then I tell them something we chose to supply the event pens.” specific they can do. It reminds people Dan Flores (Maverick Aviation Group), left, and John Meyer (Las Vegas CVA) grew Team Savannah pored over design and that Las Vegas is more than just casinos.” up in Las Vegas and played on different messaging options for their pens, and baseball teams. Ever since 2012, though, then fate intervened. Weighing the results they have teamed up as Contact sponsors, “As we were searching, Savannah was And it works—for Flores and others. including in Québec City last August. named by Travel and Leisure magazine “The visibility is great. For the rest of as one of the top 10 cities of the world,” the event, people come up and thank me, Shea recalls. “We found a pen with a and we trade business cards,” he says. globe on top and had ‘Top 10 City of the “After people have seen you on stage, World’ imprinted on it. Taa-daa!” they’re more comfortable walking up and talking to you.” Ready to look into launching Meyer, Flores’ breakfast partner, gets your own sponsor partnership access to tour operators by sponsoring at at an NTA event? Contact. “What makes it valuable is the networking and relationship develop- Contact NTA’s Laura Scott ment,” he says. “And we’re branding Las at [email protected]. NAIM HASAN PHOTOGRAPHY Vegas as a viable option for groups.” Clayton Whitehead (Sports Leisure Sponsors also take advantage of having Vacations) partnered with Patti Culp NTA members in Oregon, too, reap the an event-long presence on the show floor. (Alabama Travel Council) and Judy Ryals benefits of a collaborative effort. Lisa Itel of “I love having a Sweet Home Alabama (Huntsville CVB) to sponsor the Past Travel Oregon works with Team Oregon— booth!” Culp says. “That gives us great President’s Reception and the Board of Directors Dinner in St. Louis, as they also composed of representatives of Travel exposure to the entire convention.” did in 2015 and 2016. Other Alabama Portland and other DMOs and suppliers Chattanooga also had some sweet- sponsors were the Alabama Tourism from around the state—to cook up ideas. ness to impart at Travel Exchange in St. Department and the Alabama Mountain “It takes a village,” Itel says. “Travel Louis, where Rees shared her city’s iconic Lakes Tourist Association. Oregon might develop initial event con- confection. “Chattanooga Bakery and the cepts for our NTA sponsorships, but it’s famous MoonPie turned 100 years old Team Oregon that brings our events to life.” this year, and we used that as one of our Itel says what she likes most is that her hooks,” she says. “We loved giving them partners think outside the box to bring out at our booth.” quirky, creative ideas to their NTA family. Having a tangible giveaway worked “We inspire people to stop reading about well for Shea and her Savannah cohorts, the donut phenomenon in Portland, the too. She is confident that her team and craft beer culture moving across Oregon their pens reminded Contact attendees and the fourth deepest lake on the planet in Québec City last August of the posi- and go ahead and book a trip,” she says. tive experience they had in Savannah the “We love changing people’s lives.” year before. For the Tennessee partners, one central Even the intangible results are positive, Lisa Itel (Travel Oregon), left, has partnered theme—Tennessee’s Music Highway— as Culp has learned through sponsoring with Heather Anderson (Travel Portland) created a chorus of ideas, according to the board dinner. and other Team Oregon DMOs and suppliers to sponsor at every NTA convention since Shelda Rees of the Chattanooga CVB. “It gives Sweet Home Alabama great 2008, as well as at Contact. The two, “Once we were all on the same page coverage, and my partners are able to be pictured last August in Québec City, were with music as our overall theme, we dis- seen by and to see the NTA leadership in presented the NTA Shining Star Award in cussed entertainment at the luncheon, a casual setting,” Culp says. “As a direct St. Louis at Travel Exchange.

NTAonline.com 15 BUSINESS

result of this sponsorship we have hosted sponsorship that meets those goals.” tours by operators who might never have Clayton Whitehead made it to Alabama.” • “Before committing to the project, And according to Itel, even if operators have a meeting or conference call don’t package her destination themselves, and find out what’s the most impor- connections her team makes through tant thing to each of the partners. sponsorships still lead to new business. Then make a plan using everyone’s “The biggest benefit to our Oregon part- input and go for it.” Shelda Rees ners is the ability to create and strengthen • “Remember that every sponsorship relationships,” she says. “For example, is an opportunity to spotlight your Oregon doesn’t have a major-league base- destination or product.” Mindy Shea ball team, so it’s hard for a company like Work together Sports Travel and Tours to sell Oregon, but • “Plan out the budget and find partners when their staff is included in our events, within your area, within your state or they can become Oregon ambassadors.” within your region—all of those part- nerships can be successful.” Patti Culp NAIM HASAN PHOTOGRAPHY Speaking from experience • “Engage with your statewide or Damien Horn’s performance at Travel Sponsorships can be complex or simple regional partners to build a better Exchange in St. Louis was sponsored by the Tennessee partnership: Chattanooga and range from small items to enor- presence with NTA operators. It CVB, Cheekwood Botanical Gardens & mous productions, yet those experi- organically helps with creativity and Art Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame, enced with sponsor partnerships offer helps suppliers from around your area Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Resort, Grand advice that’s remarkably consistent. build stronger partnerships, which Ole Opry, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show, Determine objectives result in better business.” Lisa Itel Memphis CVB, Nashville CVB, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, Sweet • “Consider the end first. What do you • “Partner with the right company for Magnolia Tours, Tennessee Department of want from the sponsorship? Who your business. You should have simi- Tourist Development and Visit Clarksville. do you want to reach? Then find a lar objectives for the partnership.” John Meyer • “Work with attractions and hotels in your area and in other communi- ties and get as many partners as you need to make it affordable for every- one.” Shelda Rees Find the right message • “Make sure the sponsorship reflects your organization and puts out the message that you want to send.” Mindy Shea • “What you do at the function is important, but following up is what will get you the business.” Patti Culp • “Sure, there are the ‘standard’ spon- sorships, but do they meet your goals? If not, dialogue with NTA. The team is creative. They can massage existing sponsorships or even create one just for you to meet your budget and end goals.” Clayton Whitehead

Sponsors play an important role in mak- Be inspired by the light of the Aurora Borealis. Renew your energy under the Midnight ing NTA events more enjoyable, engaging Sun. Experience the warmth of Fairbanks— and affordable for all members. And if Alaska’s Golden Heart—and the gateway to you’re the one writing the check? Enjoy the Denali, Interior and Arctic Alaska. attention that comes from providing your colleagues with an experience or service Call 1-877-551-1728 x3771 or visit explorefairbanks.com for free group tour they appreciate. That’s what Dan Flores has information, itinerary assistance, visitor guides and maps. learned every time he steps off the stage. “‘Thanks’ starts a lot of conversations.”

16 June 2017 NTA WORKING FOR YOU 3 questions with Jay Smith NTA chair issues challenge to Just Bring One

WHEN JAY SMITH was introduced are, what we’re about and how together, we really can go fur- as NTA chair at Travel Exchange ther. So yes, it’s a membership campaign, but it’s also about ’17 in St. Louis, his incoming sharing and introducing the NTA brand to as many folks as remarks included a battle cry for we can to ensure sustained success. 2017: Just Bring One! What exactly does he want you to bring? We Q: How will Just Bring One caught up with the Sports Travel help NTA members? and Tours owner at Destination A: Every NTA member at Capitol Hill and asked him to Travel Exchange represents share his vision. a unique experience. The more connections we make, Q: How did Just Bring One get started? the more hands we shake, A: I was looking over my notes from the board meeting in the more product options Québec City last summer before Contact, and at some point I there are and the more wrote at the top of my notes, “Just Bring One.” I can’t tell you market experts we have, the better it is for each of us and our exactly why I wrote it, but I thought to myself that if every travelers. So Just Bring One ... bring a new member to NTA member just brought one more new member to NTA or if they and to Travel Exchange. Don’t be afraid to tell your story and got just one colleague to attend Travel Exchange and experi- share how NTA has benefited you and your business. NTA is ence the show, the possibilities for everyone involved in NTA about relationships, and building on our already strong, diverse would be so much greater. membership encourages more collaboration, new markets and fresh ideas for everyone. Q: What do you want to accomplish with this campaign? A: Of course, just from a numbers standpoint, I want to grow NTA is making it worth your while to Just Bring One. Refer a the membership and increase convention attendance because prospect who joins NTA between now and Oct. 1, and you’ll get that would make us a stronger, healthier organization and $50 per new member. Plus, you’ll get an additional $50 for each open up new business lines. But I really want to keep the one who signs up for Travel Exchange ’17 in the same time buzz going. We had a strong, positive vibe coming out of St. frame. Just Bring One for an easy $100 in your pocket! (Or NTA Louis, and I want to maintain that energy, that enthusiasm, can credit you $100.) going into San Antonio in December. And by bringing a new Send your member referrals to NTA’s Debbi Alley at member into NTA or to Travel Exchange, we can show who we [email protected] or call +1.859.264.6544.

“I was able to have one-on-one appointments with actual decision makers, which was very important to me. I believe that you have to get out there, network and be seen or you run the risk of being forgotten.”

—Portia Conerly, Arlington (Virginia) Convention & Visitors Service, Travel Exchange ’17 St. Louis attendee

Deadline for deep discounts nears Circle July 14 on your calendar. If you’re a tour supplier or DMO who didn’t attend in St. Louis, you have until July 14 to receive a $300 early-bird discount when register for Travel Exchange ’17 in San Antonio (Dec. 14–18). And if you attended Travel Exchange in St. Louis, July 14 is the last TREX Checks day you can receive half-off registration fees for the San Antonio convention. What: Travel Exchange ’17 Visit NTAonline.com/convention and sign up today Where: San Antonio, Texas to experience the one show where 80 percent of NTA When: Dec. 14–18 tour operators can only be found—Travel Exchange. Web: NTAonline.com/convention

NTAonline.com 17 EVENTS, EXPERIENCES, EXHIBITS, ETC.

COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON AND KENDALL FLETCHER Burn, baby burn, Reno artferno Reno, Nevada, is the gateway to Burning Man, the 10-day festival Burning Man event. Groups can follow the Playa Art Trail, which that is based around arts, creativity and self-expression. And, includes a series of sculptures located throughout the city. Some although Burning Man takes place in the Black Rock Desert of the trail’s most popular permanent installations are “BELIEVE,” two hours north of Reno, the city and its arts scene are heavily “Portal of Evolution” and “The Ichthyosaur Puppet.” The Reno impacted by the annual event. Playa Art Park also is home to a temporary group of installations Reno boasts a large collection of public art, which includes that were on display during the most recent Burning Man. many permanent pieces that had a temporary home at the Travelers also can enjoy seeing the more than 60 murals that are part of the Midtown Mural Trail. Works by local and international artists can be found on the city’s buildings, sidewalks and alleyways in the Midtown area. Both docent-led and self-guided tours highlighting street art are available. Travel planners also can time a group visit to coincide with one of the city’s arts-based festivals. Artown takes place throughout July and includes more than 500 dance, music and theater perfor- mances, visual arts displays, workshops and guided tours. Another local favorite is RenoSculptureFest, which takes place each May. For more information, visit artspotreno.com or call

RENO RIVERWALK/JERAMIE LU PHOTOGRAPHY RENO RIVERWALK/JERAMIE +1.775.827.7655. —P.H.

NTA Chair Jay Smith says …

Just Bring One! And we’ll put money in your pocket.

Making $ is fun when you Just Bring One!

hen you refer or recruit a member who joins W NTA from May 1 to Oct. 1, you’ll get $50. And if that member also signs up for Travel Exchange ’17 in San Antonio, we’ll make it $100. (Or NTA can credit you $100.) You’re also eligible for a grand prize! Call 800.682.8886 or email [email protected] with your referrals today! #JustBringOne

18 June 2017 Miami museum movin’ on up The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, will open in its new, permanent home in the city’s Design District this December. The building, with its minimalist design and geometrical façades, reflects the city’s iconic architecture. The new location will have more than 20,000-square-feet to house exhibition galleries, and it includes a 15,000-square-foot sculpture garden. The ICA Miami, launched in 2014 and currently operating in the landmark Moore Building, works to promote the continuance of experimentation in contemporary art in the Miami area and inter- nationally. The museum keeps up its objective by offering free, year-round admission. On view from Dec. 1 through Feb. 26, 2018, will be “The Everywhere Studio,” a group exhibition ICAMIAMI.ORG examining the cultural breakthroughs and the evolution of the artist’s studio. The exhibit will include about nurture developing performers; and ICA Residents, an initia- 100 works in painting, sculpture, video and installation from tive that focuses on strengthening the museum’s engagement more than 50 artists who’ve made a name for themselves over through short-term commissions, projects and events. the past five decades. The pieces, organized chronologically, will The museum also promotes education through The Art + explore the artists’ changing relationships with their studios. Research Center, Family Day, community engagement and the The ICA Miami offers programming through ICA Speaks, Young Artists Initiative. which promotes the exchange of art and ideas; ICA Performs, To learn more, call +1.305.901.5272 or go to icamiami.org. which encourages leading artists to present at the museum to —K.F.

NTAonline.com 19 Between the U.S. National Park Service’s centennial Waves of in 2016 and Canada’s 150th anniversary this year, park sites across the two North American nations beautyand have been receiving a lot of attention lately. More than 600 NPS and Parks Canada sites are welcoming the influx of visitors with an innovative group of tours and programs. adventure The following pages include information on popular activities at coastal parks in Alaska, Québec North American national parks and four national lakeshores in the U.S. Midwest, as include coastal sites that showcase well as details on adventurous options in Montana’s Glacier National Park and Newfoundland & whales, glaciers and whole lot more Labrador’s Gros Morne National Park. And if travel planners needed additional incentive COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON to feature park sites on their tours, Parks Canada is offering free admission through the end of December as part of the country’s sesquicentennial celebration.

20 June 2017 Do you know the way to Saguenay? One of the most unique sites in the Parks Canada system is Saguenay–St. Lawrence National Marine Park. This coastal attraction, which is located 130 miles up its namesake river from Québec City, is the playground of whales, seals and seabirds. Whale-watching excursions are a favorite activity from May to October, but the experience can vary depending on what type of vessel is chosen. Visitors can opt for a narrated tour aboard a more traditional sightseeing ship or choose a small-group pro- gram on a sailboat, while speedy zodiac boats and paddling trips on kayaks provide more adventurous ways to spy the whales. A number of educational activities take place at the park’s three interpretive centers, including outdoor talks over- looking the river. One of the most popular programs, “Live, “Live, from Beneath the St. Lawrence River!” from Beneath the St. Lawrence River!” is held at the Marine CANADA/L. LÉVESQUE PARKS Environment Discovery Centre. masks the divers wear, viewers can ask questions and receive During this 75-minute program, participants watch a live real-time answers. video feed showing divers as they swim among thousands To find out more, contact Jennifer Burnell of Parks Canada at

PARKS CANADA/JACQUES PLEAU PARKS of sea creatures in the deep waters. Thanks to the high-tech [email protected] or visit parkscanada.gc.ca/saguenay.

Ranger-led program at Saguenay–St. Lawrence National Marine Park

NTAonline.com 21 A tale of two glacier parks The U.S. West is home to a number of spots where nature never fails to impress. Two prime examples are the similarly named Glacier National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. While the parks vary in location—Glacier is in inland Montana and Glacier Bay is in coastal Alaska—they share more than just a very descriptive word in the name. Both are packed with unspoiled beauty, mountain peaks, glacial valleys, acres of wilderness and wildflowers, and hundreds of species of animals. bit.ly/2qTPSyt NPS/TIM RAINS ZIMMERMAN: CC FLICKR/MATT Glacier National Park Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve West Glacier, Montana | nps.gov/glac Gustavus, Alaska | nps.gov/glba

The basics: Glacier is home to headwaters for streams and The basics: Located at the northern end of Alaska’s Inside rivers that flow to the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and Passage, Glacier Bay is many things: a living laboratory, a to Hudson’s Bay. There are more than 200 high-altitude designated wilderness, a biosphere reserve and a UNESCO lakes along with nearly 50 glaciers spread across the park’s World Heritage site. The marine park’s remoteness helps 1,600 square miles, which blend seamlessly with rugged protect its glaciers and fjords, as well as its rainforest and mountains and alpine meadows. snow-capped mountains.

Top activities: Hiking is the best way to see the park, and Top activities: While shore-based tours are interesting, its hundreds of miles of trails lead to waterfalls, forests and getting out on the water is the way to go at Glacier Bay. scenic overlooks. Options range from short nature walks to Whale-watching excursions and other boat tours detail the multi-day backcountry excursions. Boating, biking and horse- park’s rich maritime heritage, while the area also is one of back tours also take visitors deep into the park. America’s top spots for sport fishermen.

Unique experiences: Going-to-the-Sun Road, which con- Unique experiences: Sea kayaking provides unparalleled nects the eastern and western sides of the park, meanders access to glaciers and icebergs. Popular options include a beside long stretches of St. Mary’s Lake and Lake McDonald tour that goes from the Glacier Bay Lodge to the Beardslee and reaches 6,646 feet when it heads over Logan Pass. Islands and one around the Point Adolphus area, which may Groups can book a ride along the famous road in one of the put paddlers up close with humpback whales. There are park’s iconic Red Jammer vehicles. routes geared for both veteran and novice kayakers.

Wildlife viewing: Glacier is grizzly country, as it boasts one Wildlife viewing: Marine mammals abound, with the stars of the largest remaining grizzly bear populations in the lower of the show being migrating whales, stellar sea lions, Dall’s 48 states. The park also is home to bats, beavers, bighorn porpoises and harbor seals. Bald eagles, which nest in tall sheep and elk, as well as lynx. cottonwoods, are one of the many seabirds found in the park.

To learn more, contact Debbie Picard of Montana’s Glacier To learn more, contact the Alaska Travel Industry Country at [email protected]. Association’s Tanya Carlson at [email protected].

22 June 2017 NTAonline.com 23 Lots to love at national lakeshores One of the lesser-known designations for sites that are managed by the National Park Service is National Lakeshore. Four coastal sites—two in Michigan, one in Indiana and one in Wisconsin—have received this designation, and here is a look at what travelers can see and do when they visit these Midwestern NPS sites: bit.ly/2qras9l bit.ly/2q32oKw CC FLICKR/JUSTIN MEISSEN: LAKESHORE INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL CC FLICKR/JIM SORBLE:

Apostle Islands Indiana Dunes Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore National Lakeshore National Lakeshore Bayfield, Wisconsin | nps.gov/apis Porter, Indiana | nps.gov/indu Empire, Michigan | nps.gov/slbe There are a number of things to do In addition to enjoying 15 miles of This popular recreation area near along the mainland—lighthouse tours, sandy beach, visitors can go kayaking Traverse City beckons visitors with its nature walks, summer campfire pro- and fishing in Lake Michigan. Groups 64 miles of beaches, coves and inlets. grams—but boat excursions make the also can enjoy seasonal interpretive The towering 400-foot sand dunes islands more accessible. One of the programs that include everything from are the main attraction, and sweeping park’s most unique features is its sea nature walks and ranger-led bicycle views of Lake Michigan are available caves, which become works of art when tours to guided snowshoeing excur- from atop Sleeping Bear, Empire and they freeze over in the winter. sions in the winter. Pyramid Point bluffs.

Remote and Wide Open Making Memories That Last Forever

Badlands National Park, SD UNIQUE LODGING DINING ADVENTURE TOURS Forever Resorts offers lodging in National Parks that exemplify the essence of remote, wide open spaces. And, Forever Resorts makes you feel at home all along the way. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PARK NATIONAL Grand Canyon Lodge - North Rim, AZ Tour iconic Parks in Arizona, Pictured Rocks Rock Harbor Lodge, MI Michigan, South Dakota, National Lakeshore Texas and Utah. Cedar Pass Lodge, SD Chisos Mountains Lodge, TX Munising, Michigan | nps.gov/piro The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, UT Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Lodging: 877.386.4383 along Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Travelers have a variety of activi- ForeverResorts.com ties awaiting them, including learning /travelforeverresorts about park’s tie to the U.S. Lighthouse Service, exploring the cliffs and forests, Forever Resorts is an Authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service. and hiking to waterfalls.

24 June 2017 Monu-mantle exploration at Gros Morne Gros Morne National Park is famous for its fjords, forests, Parks Canada interpreters lead the exploration of this waterfalls, lakes and abundant wildlife. But the signature fea- bizarre and beautiful landscape that includes glacially carved ture of this stunning attraction on Newfoundland’s western valleys and rugged hills. Guides also will share information coast is its unique rock formations. on the unique plants and vegetation found in the Tablelands This UNESCO World Heritage site contains examples of the area of the park. Earth’s mantle, which illustrate the theory of plate tectonics. Reach out to Burnell at [email protected] or visit The exposed layers of rock have allowed researchers to gain parkscanada.gc.ca/grosmorne to learn more. key insights about how geological shifts across millennia resulted in the erosion and reforming of land masses along the Atlantic coast. Parks Canada’s Jennifer Burnell says one of the best ways to explore this aspect of the park’s vivid history is on a guided tour that follows the Tablelands Trail. These two-hour walks, which start at 10 a.m. daily during summer months, unpack the findings that have changed how we Tablelands area of Gros Morne National Park understand our planet. CANADA/DALE WILSON PARKS

NTAonline.com 25 CITY SPOTLIGHT

Los Angeles COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON

“As one of the world’s City of Stars premier travel destinations, As Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone danced and sang their way across Los Angeles in Los Angeles rolls out the the acclaimed 2016 film “La La Land,” they not only captured the hearts of moviegoers but also provided the City of Angels with a major day in the sun. While this wasn’t red carpet for groups of all Los Angeles’ first shining moment on the Silver Screen, “La La Land” artfully show- sizes,” says Kathryn Smits, cased many of the things that make the city enduringly appealing to visitors. vice president, international “‘La La Land’ beautifully captures the spirit and energy of Los Angeles, and we have been so thrilled to see the film’s representation of the city transmitted into an enthu- tourism, travel industry, siasm to experience it firsthand,” says Smits. for Los Angeles Tourism Travelers seeking to channel their inner Sebastian and Mia can explore some of the and Convention Board. movie’s popular filming sites, such as the following five: “The city offers signature Griffith Park The Lighthouse Café The Bridge in Pasadena After a party, Sebastian and This Hermosa Beach staple, A stop at the Colorado ‘only-in-L.A.’ experiences Mia take in the spectacular which has been showcasing Street Bridge allows travel- that you’d expect from the view of the San Fernando live jazz since 1949, was a ers to re-create Mia and Valley from 4,300-acre stop for the movie’s main Sebastian’s bridge interlude undisputed entertainment Griffith Park, where they characters during a big or discover Pasadena’s other perform “A Lovely Night.” night out. architectural highlights. capital of the world.” Griffith Observatory Hermosa Pier As an homage to “Rebel After the couple’s visit to For more information, contact Without a Cause,” Sebastian The Lighthouse Café, they Tamy Martelli of the Los Angeles and Mia visit the Observatory, stroll along the pier over- Tourism and Convention Board where an unforgettable scene looking the Pacific Ocean, at [email protected] or visit discoverlosangeles.com. takes place in the Samuel and Sebastian sings “City

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NTAonline.com 27

046-Courier_Magazine-Ad-V2.indd 1 11/23/16 10:38 AM CITY SPOTLIGHT LOS ANGELES bit.ly/2qTq0j CC FLICKR/ANDY RUSCH: Groups see the Central Perk set from “Friends” as part of the Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour. Studio stops set the stage One of the best ways to learn more about Each finishes with time to explore Hollywood’s century-long love affair with Stage 48, an interactive area that details the movie and TV industry is to visit the key phases of the entertainment produc- studios of the major production compa- tion process. During their self-guided nies that call the Los Angeles area home. exploration of Stage 48, visitors can check “People love taking tours of real, out the Central Perk set from “Friends,” working movie studios, such as become Hobbit-sized at the forced-

Warner Bros., Universal Hollywood and perspective special effect table and soar BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD WARNER Paramount,” says Smits, “as well as vis- around on a broom just like Harry Potter “Harry Potter” cast member Bonnie Wright iting the Hollywood Walk of Fame; the as part of a green-screen experience. under the sorting hat at Warner Bros. Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars; The Additional features of the Deluxe Grammy Museum; and so much more.” Tour are a continental breakfast, a At Warner Bros., groups can get a three-course lunch in the Commissary Additional behind-the-camera look at the magic of Fine Dining Room and extended time to studio tours Hollywood during the VIP Studio Tour explore the studio lot’s post-production and the Deluxe Tour. Both the two-hour area, where scenery artists, special Here is information on three other VIP option and the five-hour Deluxe effects experts, construction teams and popular production company tours in Tour include guided visits to backlots Foley artists work their magic. Los Angeles: and soundstages, the DC Universe and For more information, contact Denis Paramount Studios Tour As groups Batman exhibits, the props department Zyuzin at [email protected] explore an active studio on the two-hour and more. or visit wbtour.com. tour, they step into the world of Hollywood’s NTA.qxp_Courier 7/04 1/3/17 3:32 PM Page 1 first major movie studio and learn about Paramount’s 104-year legacy. Special VIP and After Dark tours also are available.

Universal Studios Hollywood In addi- tion to enjoying the amusement park, Universal guests can take the famous tram that highlights some of the blockbuster movies and TV shows that have been produced at the world’s largest working movie studio.

Sony Pictures Studio Tour The guided two-hour walking tour goes to sound- stages that were home to films ranging Discover The Huntington from “The Wizard of Oz” to “Men in Black” and “Spider-Man” and to TV sets of well- Group Tours Available | Pasadena Adjacent | huntington.org known game shows, such as “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.”

28 June 2017 From famous theaters and clubs to celebrity homes (and graves) Beyond studio tours and visits to “La La Land” sites, groups can follow the trail of celebrity stars adorning the sidewalk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and check out the hand- prints outside Hollywood TCL Chinese Theatre. They also can uncover additional aspects of Hollywood’s iconic entertain- ment scene at the following attractions:

Historical movie theaters Venues such as the Egyptian Theater, Hollywood TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre), The Cinerama Dome and the Aero Theatre recall the early days of Hollywood.

Legendary music clubs From the hippy and psychedelic days of the 1960s and the hard-rocking ’80s to the present, clubs like Whisky A Go-Go, The Roxy Theatre and the Troubadour have been on the cutting edge of music. Hollywood Walk of Fame Famous comedy venues Staples such as The Comedy Shop SIGISMUND VON DOBSCHÜTZ and The Laugh Factory have been bringing a who’s who of standup legends to Los Angeles stages since they opened in the 1970s. Visits to celebrity gravesites Here’s a sampling of renowned permanent residents at three star-studded cemeteries: Pierce Tours featuring stars’ homes While the days of entrepre- Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park (Marilyn Monroe, Dean neurial types sitting on lawn chairs in Beverly Hills holding up Martin, Natalie Wood); Forest Lawn Memorial Park Glendale (Walt “Maps to Stars’ Homes” signs are long gone, motorcoach tours Disney, Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor); and Hollywood Forever highlighting the mansions of celebrities remain popular. As do … Cemetery (Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino, Johnny Ramone).

MAY 27, 2017 - JANUARY 7, 2018

REAL ARTIFACTS. REAL STORIES. REAL PEOPLE.

This will be a truly remarkable must-see exhibit.

A historic collection of real artifacts from the Titanic alongside items used in the discovery of the famed ship. Dramatically set with the props and costumes from 20th Century Fox’s blockbuster movie, Titanic, it is a must-see collaboration of secrets, cinema and artifacts! Photo Courtesy of Jonas Sejr Thomsen

Groups of 25 or more receive a group discount. Inquire today! [email protected] 805-577-2704

Tickets include admission to the Reagan Library... Touch an actual part of the Berlin Wall and climb aboard Air Force One & Marine One! 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, California 93065 ∙ REAGANLIBRARY.com

NTAonline.com 29 30 June 2017 COMPASS A REGIONAL ROUNDUP OF ITINERARY IDEAS bit.ly/2qZ0bkJ CC FLICKR/JAMES WALSH: CC FLICKR/JAMES WALSH:

Seeing is bell-ieving: At sites across the U.S. 32 Mid-Atlantic region, such as Philadelphia’s Deep South Independence National Historical Park, travelers can see artifacts and learn about locales Mid-Atlantic U.S. 40 emblematic of the nation’s founding. For more on Philadelphia attractions, turn to page 46. Latin America 48 Italy 50

NTAonline.com 31 COMPASS

Deep South

COMPILED BY GABE WEBB

The old is new again in Savannah “We like to say that Savannah is ‘historic but hip,’” says Mindy For tour operators looking to package the city, Shea suggests Shea, director of tour and travel sales for Visit Savannah. considering the late fall. “While springtime will always be an We’ve got space “While it boasts the largest urban historic district in America, ideal time to visit, don’t forget November and December,” she with more than 1,000 historical buildings, it also has an says. “The weather is still mild as we head into the holiday energy and vibrancy that’s immediately evident.” season, with many exciting events and performances.” Many of Savannah’s group-friendly attractions demonstrate “If your groups haven’t been here before, they want to come. Get ready for adventure in the Rocket City its dynamic history. And if they’ve been here before, they want to come back!” 1 Blast off into the galaxy and beyond at the U.S. Space 3 Shop the Artist Market at Lowe Mill and “One of our country’s most notorious chapters comes to For more information about Savannah attractions, contact & Rocket Center, the world’s largest spaceflight museum stay for a concert life in the city’s newest attraction, the American Prohibition Shea at [email protected] or go to visitsavannah.com. Museum,” says Shea. The museum is located in Savannah’s 2 Discover the nation’s largest seasonal butterfly house 4 Cool off and enjoy a local brew at Campus No. 805 City Market, and it features dioramas, artifacts and life-sized at the Huntsville Botanical Garden or one of our entertainment districts figures of people that influenced the Prohibition Era, from its institution to its repeal. Contact Pam Williams “It’s more than your classic, static museum, and guests will 256.551.2204 or [email protected] have the opportunity to relive history through state-of-the-art huntsville.org/groups technology, costumed docents and multimedia presentations,” says Shea. Groups can also sample craft cocktails and learn Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama Convention & Visitors Bureau about mixology in a speakeasy-inspired private event space. Another one of the city’s popular experiences, Savannah Concerts on the Dock Huntsville Campus No. 805 Riverboat Cruises, has added a new ship to its fleet. The newly at Lowe Mill Botanical Garden renovated Georgia Queen was built as a casino boat in 1995 and underwent a $4 million conversion before arriving in Savannah. The ship features three ballrooms and an open-air top deck, and its 1,000-passenger capacity makes it the larg- American Prohibition Museum est riverboat of its kind in the U.S. AMERICAN PROHIBITION MUSEUM TOP: GEORGIA QUEEN

32 June 2017 We’ve got space Get ready for adventure in the Rocket City 1 Blast off into the galaxy and beyond at the U.S. Space 3 Shop the Artist Market at Lowe Mill and & Rocket Center, the world’s largest spaceflight museum stay for a concert 2 Discover the nation’s largest seasonal butterfly house 4 Cool off and enjoy a local brew at Campus No. 805 at the Huntsville Botanical Garden or one of our entertainment districts

Contact Pam Williams 256.551.2204 or [email protected] huntsville.org/groups

Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Concerts on the Dock Huntsville Campus No. 805 at Lowe Mill Botanical Garden

NTAonline.com 33 COMPASS DEEP SOUTH New places to dine, play and dream in Dallas Dallas may be well-known as a gateway to the Southwest and its cowboy culture, but the Texas city is constantly adding new attractions that appeal to travelers of all interests.

Dallas’ downtown Statler Hotel & Residences will reopen in early summer, following a $255 million redevelopment project. The Hilton property opened in 1956, and the renovation preserves ele- ments of its midcentury architecture and design. More than 150 luxurious guest rooms, as well as fine dining options, boutique shops and live performance venues, are part of the hotel’s renewal.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will open Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden A Tasteful Place in late 2017. The $8 million addition to the facili- ties will include an orchard, vineyard, and herb and vegetable Klyde Warren Park gardens. Guests will be able to enjoy flower beds, shaded porches and patios overlooking White Rock Lake. Programs will include dinners made with the gardens’ produce, chef-led classes and horticultural demonstrations.

The Dallas Arts District spans 68 acres across 19 city blocks. It includes Klyde Warren Park—a 5.2-acre deck park built over a six-lane freeway—as well as the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Crow Collection of Asian Art. In October, the district will be the site of Aurora, a free, public exhi- bition of interactive light, video, performance and sound pieces.

For more information about Dallas tour product, contact Meg Gould, tourism sales manager for VisitDallas, at

[email protected] or go to visitdallas.com. DALLAS CVB

Culture, cultivation and celebration in Shreveport “We want to part of your trip-planning experience,” says adventures like All About the Roses,” says Small. During this Melissa Small, communications coordinator for the Shreveport- 90-minute tour of the American Rose Center, visitors will learn Bossier Convention and Tourist Board. “Our sales team is about the cultivation of roses and the history of the decorative poised to help you plan your itinerary and book hotels, and flower. They also can taste rose-flavored tea and jelly and see wow you with our service and Southern charm.” gardens where new strains of roses are grown. The CVB calls the city “Louisiana’s Other Side,” and group Another popular experience is the Art and Soul of Shreveport activities and attractions reflect its connections to the Deep tour at the Southern University Museum of Art. This tour uses South and Texas. artifacts and stories from west and south Africa and the U.S. to “Groups looking for something exciting can immerse them- explore black culture and history in Shreveport. selves in the unique culture of Shreveport-Bossier through Groups also can participate in the state’s annual Mardi Gras celebrations at the Red River Mardi Gras Bash. “It’s an exclusive Mardi Gras celebrations in Shreveport party for groups to enjoy one of the largest parties in Louisiana,” says Small. “The climate-controlled party tent includes live enter- tainment, authentic Louisiana cuisine, commemorative Mardi Gras souvenirs and several hands-on experiences.” During the parade, groups can watch floats from the party’s prime location. Small says the city’s location is ideal, too. “Shreveport- Bossier is conveniently located in the northwest corner of Louisiana, where I-20 and I-49 converge. The destination is three hours east of Dallas, Texas; three hours south of Little Rock, Arkansas; and three hours west of Jackson, Mississippi.” The CTB’s staff offers step-on guides and meet-and-greet services for motorcoach groups. To learn more, contact Small

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CTB SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER at [email protected] or go to shreveport-bossier.org.

34 June 2017 LET’S GO FOR A

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Management reserves the right to cancel or modify any promotion without notice. Must be 21 to enter gaming and entertainment venues. See Club Cypress Booth for more details. Game Responsibly. Need Help? Call (877) 770-STOPNTAonline.com (7867). 35 COMPASS DEEP SOUTH Venture outdoors in Kissimmee Kissimmee, Florida, is an excellent launch pad for visiting Orlando-area theme parks, and other park expansions and new excursions with local outfitters await guests in 2017.

Revolution Off Road offers ATV rides on its 230 acres, and the company recently launched a VIP package that allows groups of up to 25 the ability to rent the entire property. In addition to being kings and queens of the (off) road, guests can arrange for a beachside ATV ride, souvenir t-shirts, meals and snacks, and a USB flash drive loaded with photos from the experience.

Southport Park has completed a land- scape overhaul and remodels of park structures. Through Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, visitors will be able to take the helm of a dual-controlled airboat at the park. Other experiences include seeing a Native American village and a fossil dig.

To learn about more Kissimmee attractions, contact Danielle Ackerman, sales manager, North America, for Experience Kissimmee, at dackerman@ experiencekissimmee.com or go to Kissimmee’s visitors can take airboat tours provided by several local outfitters. experiencekissimmee.com. EXPERIENCE KISSIMME

“Nack-A-Tish”

NatchitochesLouisiana’s Oldest City

Celebrate•Discover•Explore

National Historic Landmark District (shopping, dining, tours and more) National Park, Historic Sites and Creole Plantations Home of the Cane River National Heritage Area and the Cane River Heritage Trail Plan Your Trip Today!

800-259-1714 www.Natchitoches.com

36 June 2017 IT WAS A NATIONAL MOVEMENT. NOW IT’S A NATIONAL MONUMENT.

The Civil Rights Movement that helped galvanize the nation is now being recognized on a national level. But the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument does more than just acknowledge where we’ve been. It offers visitors a chance to celebrate where we’re going. Book your next tour in a place rich with history. Book your next tour in Birmingham.

inbirmingham.com | #INBirmingham | 800 - 458 - 8085

NTAonline.com 37

CVB_NatTourAssoc_8.375x10.875_ƒ.indd 1 4/26/17 5:18 PM COMPASS DEEP SOUTH

Reflect on the 16th Street Baptist Church journey for civil rights in Birmingham In January, outgoing president Barack Obama designated the Birmingham Civil Rights District a national monument. The Alabama city saw many significant events in the struggle for expanded civil rights for African Americans. “Birmingham was ground zero for the civil rights campaign in 1963,” said John Oros, president and CEO of the Greater bit.ly/2r3KENC Birmingham CVB, in a statement about the proclamation. “The national monument des- ignation is tribute to the struggles and sac- rifices that made Birmingham matter in the course of American history.” CC FLICKR/RAIN0975: The 16th Street Baptist Church, the site of The designation comes with access to more than $1.5 mil- a 1963 bombing that killed four African-American schoolgirls, lion in grants from the National Park Service. is perhaps the most recognized part of the new national mon- For more information about travel to Birmingham, con- ument. The monument area also extends to Bethel Baptist tact Sara Hamlin, vice president of tourism for the Greater Church, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the A.G. Gaston Birmingham CVB, at [email protected] or go to Motel and portions of the 4th Avenue Business District. inbirmingham.com.

Learn about classical sculpture in an inspirational setting

The experience of a lifetime! Call 1-800-637-7223 today to book a group for this unique STEM-based adventure.

SpaceCampUSA www.rocketcenter.com • www.spacecamp.com

38 June 2017 NTAonline.com 39 COMPASS

Mid-Atlantic U.S. COMPILED BY GABE WEBB First-rate attractions in America’s first state Delaware may be one of the smallest U.S. states (in square miles and population), but it brings plenty of natural, historical and culinary attractions to the, well, table.

Dogfish Head in Milton is a craft brewery that offers tours of its The state’s many coastal communities are prime destinations operation and tastings in a steampunk-inspired treehouse. Groups for sun and sand, and each has its own personality. Rehoboth can dine at the brewery or check out the Dogfish Brewpub in Beach is known for its relaxed vibe, boardwalk and artistic shops nearby Rehoboth Beach. Travelers might also imbibe at Nassau and boutiques. Dewey Beach offers lively entertainment in the Valley Vineyards, 16 Mile Brewing Company, Painted Stave form of bayside clubs and music venues. Delaware Seashore Distilling and the Delaware Distilling Company. State Park allows visitors to experience unspoiled nature.

Student groups can learn about Colonial America during a visit to “Delaware is known for some of the finest mansions and gardens New Castle and its historical courthouse. On guided tours of the on the East Coast,” says Tina Madanat, group tour development New Castle Court House Museum, groups will learn about leader for the Delaware Tourism Office. “Winterthur is the most the area’s European settlers, Delaware’s ascension to statehood prominent.” The mansion is the former estate of Henry Francis du and the role the state played in the founding of the U.S. Half-hour Pont, and it is now Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, and hour-long guided walks of the New Castle Historic District dedicated to exhibiting American decorative arts. The estate covers are also available. more than 60 acres, which include picturesque gardens.

For more on these and other Delaware attractions, contact Madanat at [email protected] or go to visitdelaware.com. VISITDELAWARE.COM

40 June 2017 We’re for groups

The Nine Muses by Carlos Dorrien, Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton

good times and great memories.

New Jersey’s diverse attractions range from exciting Atlantic City venues to Princeton’s Ivy League charm, great daily-play golf courses to Cape May’s Victorian grandeur. Add in over 50 local wineries, retro boardwalks, wild amusement parks and tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes, and you’ll fi nd everything you need to create an unforgettable itinerary for your U.S.-bound tour group. If you’re looking for designer labels or historic battlefi elds, farm-to-table dining or sculpture gardens, it’s here for you—and so close to New York City and Philadelphia, too!

Plan your group tours now! View and download unique itineraries and discover other ideas at visitnj.org/travel-agent-resources or call 609.292.4239 for assistance.

NTAonline.com 41

Publication: Groups Today • Run Date: 3/10/17 • Job#: 798-7010_E Size: 8.375 x 10.75 (with bleeds 8.875 x 11.25) Ad Produced by Dana Communications 609.466.9187 COMPASS MID-ATLANTIC U.S.

Portugal Day Parade in Elizabeth, New Jersey ELIZABETH DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATION ELIZABETH DESTINATION Elizabeth adds its own flavor to Big Apple itineraries The city of Elizabeth, New Jersey, has obvious appeal to tour find more than 200 stores and high-end outlets. To heighten operators taking groups to New York City. the bargain hunt: Clothes and shoes are exempt from New “Elizabeth is just 30 minutes outside of New York City,” says Jersey’s sales tax. “Travelers from all over the world shop in Jennifer Costa, director of the Elizabeth Destination Marketing this mall. It’s no wonder why Elizabeth was ranked fifth-best Organization. She also points out that nearly half of Newark city for shopping in America by SmartAsset,” she says. Liberty International Airport is within Elizabeth’s city limits. Summer in Elizabeth is a time for multicultural festivals “Groups can still experience the Big Apple without taking a that celebrate the diverse heritages of its residents, includ- big chunk out of their vacation budget,” adds Costa. ing the annual parade and celebration on Portugal Day in In addition to the banner attractions of nearby New York, early June. Costa says that Elizabeth offers its own compelling museums, “The tourism office is diligently working on bringing in shopping and events. new, special events to our city,” says Costa, noting that the “Our museums have authentic historical artifacts that allow city will welcome a showcase of more than 300 exotic cars in groups to walk through history in modern times. You can see October. “This is one of the many unique events that the tour- where Alexander Hamilton lived and went to school, as well ism initiative is bringing.” as discover lots of other Revolutionary War history.” For more information about attractions and lodging in Elizabeth is also an attractive destination for shoppers. At Elizabeth, contact Costa at [email protected] or visit The Mills at Jersey Gardens, a Simon property, visitors will goelizabethnj.com.

Ocean City celebrates new tribute to Harriet Tubman Visitors to Ocean City, Maryland, will find a new historical or Baltimore,” she adds. “September weekdays and October attraction to complement the area’s lauded beaches. are actually great times to visit. The weather is typically “The new Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor warm, and there is plenty of room to explore.” Center, located near Cambridge, Maryland, and on the way For more information, contact Dobrowolski at ndobrowolski@ to Ocean City, is truly going to be a national treasure,” says ococean.com or visit ococean.com. Norma Dobrowolski of the Ocean City CVB. The center opened in March and serves as a gateway for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway. Tubman was born in Dorchester County, Maryland, and the facility’s exhibits and research library help visitors understand the life of the famous abolitionist and her efforts to help slaves escape to freedom. “The facility is marvelous for family reunions, history buffs and general-interest touring,” says Dobrowolski. “It is next to Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, known as one of the busiest eagle nesting areas in the Mid-Atlantic.” And visitors taking a stroll or playing carnival games on Ocean City’s famous three-mile boardwalk also are close to nature. “Everyone goes out to nearby Assateague Island National Seashore—accessible by coach—to get a glimpse of the roam- ing wild ponies on this barrier island,” says Dobrowolski. “[Summer] travel is easier Sunday through Thursday if you

are coming through metropolitan areas such as Washington RESOURCES OF NATURAL DEPARTMENT JOE ANDRUCYK - MARYLAND

42 June 2017 WE ARE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

We’re not your average city! We’re a passionate global melting pot and the gateway to the state of New Jersey. While we are one of the oldest cities, Elizabeth is New Jersey’s newest premiere tourist destination. Experience it all... from our Alexander Hamilton History, to our diverse cultural cuisine, to discovering why Elizabeth was voted the 5th best city for holiday shopping in America!

MINUTES FROM NYC & NEWARK LIBERTY INT’L AIRPORT AN ALTERNATIVE TO NYC HOTELS, AT HALF THE COST! SHOP & SAVE• 0% TAX ON CLOTHES AND SHOES

Specializing in great experiences for Group Tours: • Shopping at The Mills at Jersey • Authentic Alexander Hamilton History. Gardens, New Jersey’s largest Historical & Educational Experiences. premimum outlet shopping mall. • Agricultural Tour Experiences. No sales tax on clothing & shoes. • Urban Community Service Projects. • Diverse Cultural Cuisine. Ethnic Dining Experiences. • Faith Based Travel Experiences.

GoElizabethNJ.com/GroupTour EASILY ACCOMMODATE LARGE OR SMALL GROUP TOURS ˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜ We customize experiences for tour operator needs.

goElizabethNJ goElizNJ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: (908) 220-9643 or [email protected]

NTAonline.com 43 COMPASS MID-ATLANTIC U.S.

Make time for play time in Rochester The Strong Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, holds the merchandise—among many others. world’s largest collection of artifacts and media related to Groups can take guided tours that highlight some of having fun. the museum’s rare artifacts: early LEGO sets, handmade The museum’s exhibits explore the role of play in learn- Monopoly games, a Thomas Edison talking doll and original ing and development, and they encourage active partici- Barbie dolls. On a VIP behind-the-scenes tour, guests can pation. The Strong’s permanent collection draws from its choose between a look at the world’s largest toy collection International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the with a museum curator or having inside access to the Center National Toy Hall of Fame and the Brian-Sutton Library and for the History of Electronic Games laboratory. Archives of Play. Together, these exhibits cover a spectrum To find out more about group tour options, contact Karen of artifacts ranging from pinball machines, business records, Dodson, tourism sales associate, at kdodson@museumofplay. comic books, catalogs, video game consoles and character org or go to museumofplay.org. STRONG MUSEUM OF PLAY

44 June 2017 14270-Courier Magazine – June 2017 Ad (CR Travel Guide_Delaware).qxp_Layout 1 4/19/17 2:45 PM Page 1

In prison, they called me Picasso. “ –John Myatt, criminal art forger ” I was painted by a criminal art forger responsible What if I told you that my original hangs at the for one of the biggest art cons of the 20th century. AMetropolitan Museum of Art in New York? Climb real Master of Deceit! Convicted of forgery after an into the life and mind of my artist. His artwork is in investigation by Scotland Yard, my painter went to great demand! Ah,notoriety . prison—and emerged as a celebrity intent on redemption through the sale of “genuine fakes.” It Discover how experts answer the question, sounds fantastic! Do you believe me? “Is it real or fake?”

Treasures APRIL 1, 2017–JANUARY 7, 2018 • WINTERTHUR GALLERIES ONTRIAL Presented by Funded in part by The Art and Science of John Myatt’s copy of Oleanders, after Vincent Van Gogh, is just one of the more than 40 examples of forgeries and counterfeit objects featured in the exhibition, DETECTING FAKES many of which have been at the center of major scandals and court cases. Mixed media on canvas, 2012. Courtesy of Washington Green Fine Art.

WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY • 800.448.3883 • winterthur.org/treasuresontrial NTAonline.com 45 COMPASS MID-ATLANTIC U.S.

History abounds in Pennsylvania’s cities and small towns

NTA supplier members in Pennsylvania represent cosmopolitan cities, charming small towns and the state’s Amish communities. To get familiar with both sides of the (surely minted in Philadelphia) coin, take a look at these lodging options and attractions in Philadelphia and Lancaster:

PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia Museum of Art Fulton Theatre National Constitution Center Shari Feldman Adan Andrusky [email protected] [email protected] NTA Contact: Gina Romanelli +1.215.684.7863 +1.717.397.7425 [email protected] philamuseum.org thefulton.org +1.215.409.6800 constitutioncenter.org LANCASTER Heritage Hotel Lancaster National Liberty Museum American Music Theatre Lorraine Ruhl [email protected] Lisa Polakoff Nicole Sutton +1.717.898.2431 [email protected] [email protected] heritagelancaster.com +1.215.925.2800 (103) +1.717.397.7700 libertymuseum.org amtshows.com Lancaster Arts Hotel National Museum of Amish Farm and House Travis Stevens [email protected] American Jewish History Mark Andrews +1.717.431.3058 Beth Heaney [email protected] lancasterartshotel.com [email protected] +1.717.394.6185 +1.215.923.3811 (141) amishfarmandhouse.com Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum nmajh.org Country Inn of Lancaster Joyce Perkinson [email protected] One Liberty Observation Deck Barry H. Kidd +1.717.581.0431 Diane Meglino [email protected] landisvalleymuseum.org [email protected] +1.717.393.3413 +1.215.561.DECK (3325) countryinnoflancaster.com phillyfromthetop.com Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre/Prather Philadelphia Flower Show Entertainment Group Michelle Ullman, CTP Denise S. Trupe [email protected] [email protected] +1.215.988.8871 800.933.3759 theflowershow.com dutchapple.com

Ocean Cit y, Maryland

JUST THE BEACH Don’t get us wrong. You’ll love soaking up the sun on our free, 10-mile beach, or swimming and playing in the ocean. But that’s just the tip of the sandcastle when it comes to Ocean City, Maryland. There’s literally something for everyone:

• An award-winning three-mile boardwalk • Year-round festivals, concerts and events • 200+ restaurants and exciting nightlife • Shopping, wildlife and historical museums • Indoor and outdoor sports facilities • 1,200-seat Performing Arts Center in • New Harriet Tubman Underground the Roland E. Powell Convention Center Railroad State Park and Visitor Center • Popular family reunion destination

Call Norma Dobrowolski BOOK YOUR CVB Destination Sales & Marketing Manager TRIP NOW! 800.626.2326 | ococean.com/group-travel

OCO-2017-22872 NTA_Courier_Newsletter-June_7x4.875.indd 1 4/12/17 3:24 PM 46 June 2017 B:8.625” T:8.375” S:7.375”

MUSIC BY 6-TIME GRAMMY® NOMINEE SARA BAREILLES B:11.125” T:10.875” S:9.875”

THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL

BROOKS ATKINSON THEATRE · 256 W. 47TH ST. NYC · WAITRESSTHEMUSICAL.COMNTAonline.com 47

7 WA_012_P_NTA_COURIER_AD_v7.indd Saved at 4-28-2017 2:24 PM from RPM’s iMac by RPM Dev / RPM Dev Printed At None

Job info Approvals Fonts & Images Job WA_012_P Art Director STEVEN Fonts Client WAITRESS Copywriter None ITC Lubalin Graph Std (Demi), Minion Pro Media Type PRINT Account Mgr LISA (Regular) Live 7.375” x 9.875” Studio Artist ALISHA Trim 8.375” x 10.875” Proofreader None Images Bleed 8.625” x 11.125” WAITRESS_BETSY__Key-Vert-V5_BLUE_NO_ Pubs None Notes LOGO_CMYK.jpg (CMYK; 1159 ppi; 25.87%), WaitressLogo-GlossyBlue-NEW-v2-NOB- None Grnd-FLAT-4C.psd (CMYK; 1473 ppi; 20.36%)

Inks Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black COMPASS

Latin America COMPILED BY BOB ROUSE Hook, line and South American sinker Jorge Cazenave, general manager of Buenos Aires-based “Having some of the largest rivers in the world, South Cazenave Argentina, is the perfect person to have nearby America stands out as a favorite for fishermen,” Cazenave when a member of your group wants to catch a big fish. He says. “The Amazon, Paraná, Paraguay and Uruguay rivers knows where the fish are—and he always has a camera. offer a variety of huge catfish, dorado and pacu.” (The latter, known as the vegetarian piranha, resembles its sharp-toothed Cazenave holds a brown relative, but the pacu feeds on fruit.) trout from Argentina’s Futaleufu River. In most South American countries, fishing season starts the first Saturday of November and ends on the first Sunday of May. The exceptions are the lakes located between Argentina and Chile, where fishing is permitted all year. Cazenave also recommends fishing at the southern tip of South America, famous for its sea-run trout. “Trout and salmon are exotic species to the area, but they have adapted wonderfully to the glacial lakes and rivers,” he says. “Patagonia has some of the best fly fishing areas in the world, and the Rio Grande, in Tierra del Fuego, offers exclu- sive lodges and the chance for a record catch.” For more information on fishing trips to South America, email Cazenave at [email protected] or go to cazenaveargentina.com.

Incan agricultural terraces at A trio of exotic spots Moray, an archaeological site S & S Tours, based in Arizona, specializes in small group tours to close to Cuzco, Peru Latin American destinations, providing in-depth interpretations of each area’s culture and natural history. Owner Sue Stilwell spotlights three of them:

Costa Rica One third of Costa Rica is in reserves or national parks, and Stilwell says any visit should include an expert naturalist guide. “This Central American country is the most ecologically diverse Eden in the hemisphere—full of volcanoes, tropical forests, coffee farms, butterfly gardens, waterfall gardens, hanging bridges and beach parks—all with wonderful wildlife everywhere you go.” One of Stilwell’s favorite places is the Arenal Volcano area. “The volcano eruptions, seen from your hotel at night, are dramatic,” she

says. “And the next day you can enjoy zip lining through the forest, a S & TOURS boat ride on the Rio Frio River or touring a small organic coffee farm.” Peru Galapagos Islands S & S’s Peru tour begins and ends in Lima, once the coastal capital “The animal kingdom does not get any closer or better than in city of the Spanish empire in South America. Intriguing museums the Galapagos Islands,” Stilwell says. and a visit to the catacombs are on the itinerary. When visitors arrive on a double catamaran, they’ll see colonies Rail fans and ancient history lovers will be thrilled with this coun- of marine iguanas and sea lions that will mostly go about their try, according to Stilwell. “Three days in Cuzco, the oldest inhabited business. “There is no fear of humans in this protected archipelago city of the Western Hemisphere, will reveal the secrets of the endur- of volcanic islands,” she says. “You’ll point your camera to blue- ing Incan architecture through a guided tour to the primary sites in footed boobies, sea turtles, giant tortoises and penguins. No zoom and around the city,” she says. “To culminate your exploration of the is required, though—the animals are only inches away.” ancient Inca civilization, you’ll ascend by narrow gauge railroad to The Galapagos archipelago lies in equatorial waters some 600 Machu Picchu, the sacred mountaintop fortress of the Incas.” miles off the coast of South America and is reached via a short flight from Quito, Ecuador. S & S Tours rotates in a Galapagos program For more information, visit ss-tours.com or contact Stilwell every two or three years. The next one is April 30–May 6, 2018. at [email protected].

48 June 2017 Cuatro quests in Mexico Representing a nation loaded with diverse destinations, the Mexico Tourism Board offers four suggestions for NTA tour operators:

Puerto Vallarta offers artistic beauty, one-of-a-kind food tastings, boats and beaches. Visitors stroll down cobblestone streets to reach arts and crafts mar- kets and designer boutiques. A cruise on Acalli, a classic Hatteras 58-foot yacht, provides options for snorkeling, parties and coastal sightseeing. And groups can embark on an evening taco adventure or learn about tequila making.

Centrally located San Luis Potosi was founded in 1592 and packs power- ful history lessons in its colonial center. Other highlights include the Temple of the Carmen, built in remarkable Mexican baroque style, and the National Museum of the Mask, with a permanent collection from all parts of the coun- Tarahumara athletes run try. North of the city is Real de Catorce, a former mining town with a histori- long distances in sandals and togas. FREE SPIRIT VACATIONS cal—and spiritual—attraction. Ready to run? Los Cabos, on the southern tip of the Baja A Closer Look Tours is in the home stretch of final- Peninsula, encompasses izing a new package to Mexico’s Copper Canyon. the towns of Cabo San “Running with the Tarahumara is a twist on our Lucas and San Jose del usual Copper Canyon tour,” says Colin Caparrós, Cabo. The area attracts director of operations of the Arizona-based com- A-list celebrities, but even pany. “It’s focused on the local Indian tribe known regular folk are star-struck worldwide for their running prowess.” by its incredible variety of A 2010 book about the Tarahumara, “Born to activities. The destination has 11 swimmable beaches, Run,” brought to light the stunning athleticism world-class fishing, of the sandal-clad natives, and a number of water sports and luxury ultramarathons attracted long-distance runners cruises. An international to the canyons. This tour is less demanding. “We film festival is held each are taking a more accessible approach to it,” November, and the area’s Caparrós says. “Our itinerary includes three runs cuisine scene features Whale watching off the coast of Los Cabos

that, in total, make up a half marathon, which fresh seafood. VISIT LOS CABOS opens it up to casual runners who want to share Groups that spend a week in the central highlands city of San Miguel de the experience and explore the culture.” Allende can find a new focus each day, including art, gastronomy, wellness, The first tour is set to take off this fall, adventure and history. An itinerary can include visits to churches and muse- Oct. 11–19. Groups can fly into Hermosillo ums, a tour of local wineries and a brewery, a day at a hot springs and spa, International Airport or take a motorcoach from perusing art galleries, taking a cooking class, and going on a horseback or all- Phoenix. After enjoying Hermosillo for a day, terrain vehicle tour of the countryside. participants go for their first run: 3.5 miles on the beach along the Sea of Cortez. Two days For more ideas and information, go to visitmexico.com or contact Ivan of exploring other towns and attractions are Martinez-Vega at [email protected]. followed by a four-mile morning run alongside the Tarahumara runners in the Sierra Madre Mountains. That after- noon, the group will share a meal with the athletes and their families. The tour includes another run, a visit to the new Copper Canyon Adventure Park, with a ride on one of the world’s longest zip lines—hey, at least every- JOIN US ON THE PREMIER TOUR EXPERIENCE THE ONCE A YEAR body’s off their feet—and a final stop in TO MEXICO’S COPPER CANYON MONARCH BUTTERFLY TOUR the historical city of Chihuahua. For this program, A Closer Look Tours is partnering with Free Spirit Vacations. For more information, contact Caparrós at [email protected] or visit acloserlooktours.com.

NTAonline.com 49 COMPASS

Italy COMPILED BY BOB ROUSE Italian treasures can include buried ones “Italy is composed of many magical sun-drenched areas, “Rapallo is a pretty town that is inlaid like a gem in the all with their own character, beauty, food and flavors,” says Portofino Coast,” Cossa says. “And nearby lies Cinque Terre, Monia Cossa, North American market manager for Gartour. five villages perched on the cliffs and connected by trails. We The Rome-based company offers a range of tours and also recommend a visit to Positano, along the Amalfi Coast, excursions throughout the country and features a series in before boarding a ferry to the Isle of Capri, which has the Rome called Elite Walking Tours. Each one provides small fabled Blue Grotto, Villa San Michele and Monte Solaro.” groups with experienced guides and special itineraries that To learn more about Gartour’s receptive services, contact take them to notable monuments and sites, as well as to Cossa at [email protected] or visit gartour.com. unexpected treasures. And Gartour also shows groups buried treasures. “Our Roman Forum exclusive underground tours, led by an archaeologist, classical historian, medievalist or a certified speleologist, reveal Rome’s underground,” Cossa says. “Centuries of earthquakes, fires and floods caused the ground level of many areas to rise up as much as 25 meters, covering up entire villas, temples, mar- kets and palaces. We visit many secret sites that are usually impossible for regular tourists to explore.” Outside of the Eternal City, Gartour offers escorted packages to Italy’s most well-known destinations, such as Venice, Milan

and Florence. Groups also can explore smaller cities and sites. FERDINANDSEN GREGORY

Italy adds up, theme after theme Michele Mondolfo has done the math, and Italy came out on top. “Italy is known around the world for its cities, landscapes and “Italy is first in the world for tourism density,” he says. “All food, all of which we feature in our classic itineraries,” he says. four countries that are ahead of Italy in tourist visits are much “At the same time, we have a wealth of historical buildings, larger geographically. Within its small 300,000 square kilome- shows and activities that the masses have not discovered.” ters, Italy holds an incredible density of tourist attractions.” Mondolfo explains that his company’s specialty is not a Mondolfo, owner of Milan-based Incoming Partners, bases particular region, but Italian themes. Here are a few of the his rankings on a United Nations World Tourism Organization themes he has in mind: report, which shows that Italy, with nearly 51 million arrivals • “Opera, ballet and concerts presented in prestigious in 2015, ranks No. 5 in the world. As for the number of attrac- theaters—temples of music and nest of emotions—are tions per square kilometer, who’s to say he’s wrong? some of the most gratifying products we serve.” • “Food for us is not only nutrition, but also culture and history—and [about] understanding where it comes from. Agricultural tours discover traditions rather than modern techniques.” • “Italian style and fashion are to be admired, and when you visit an artisan shop, you will experience the emotion of having a shirt tailor-made and delivered to your home.”

bit.ly/2qvSenj • “Sport can be experienced as a show or an activity, and we are ready to assist in both cases, including matches, motor activities and nature trekking.”

Incoming Partners specializes in small groups and high-quality tours, and Mondolfo says that travel is relatively easy from coast to coast and north to south—“and from history to modernity, CC FLICKR/SERGEY GALYONKIN: from archaeology to design and from tradition to innovation.” The Ballad of the Masks, which takes place during the Carnivale of Venice, is an example of artistic expression that’s ingrained in For details about Italy’s “tourism density,” contact Mondolfo at Italy’s culture. [email protected] or visit incomingpartners.it.

50 June 2017 Courier’s GUIDE TO NTA TOUR OPERATOR RECEPTIVE SERVICES

s the desires of travelers for one-of-a-kind experiences continue to rise, one of the best ways to A ensure that your tours meet their expectations is to work with a company that can deliver authentic, local tour components. The NTA membership includes more than 400 tour operators offering receptive services, each with the type of expertise that can turn a good tour into a great one. These local pros also can come up with creative options that provide those truly unique experiences, and by drawing from their expertise, you gain access to such “only-in-my-city” adventures that connect your travelers with the culture of the destination. Save this guide as a reference of your fellow NTA members who stand ready to add these and other authentic components to your upcoming tours.

* Listings in this guide are based on a company’s profile selections and/or membership designations. The information was provided by the member contact and was current as of April 18. The C mark indicates a company’s membership in the NTA China Inbound Program, which allows those organizations to work with Chinese travel agents to bring groups to the United States. Please check NTAonline.com for updated information on NTA tour operators who provide receptive services.

1000 Islands Able International Holiday C Alaska Skylar Travel LLC C America Int’l Travel Tours & Travel Inc. Eiko Bao Haiyan (Skylar) Jiang Services Inc. C Jean Cutcliffe San Leandro, CA USA Anchorage, AK USA Misha Thompson Gananoque, ON Canada ablespace.com 5ialaska.com San Francisco, CA USA 1000islandtours.com ACC — American China All Aboard America! America United 101 Travel Corp. C Connection C Lesleigh Campise Global Travel Inc. C Horng Daw Hsieh Sonny Shang Mesa, AZ USA Zhi De Hu City of Industry, CA USA Covina, CA USA allaboardamerica.com El Monte, CA USA gogo101.com acc2vip.com All Alaska Tours Inc. American Carson C 1st Alaska Outdoor School Accenting Chicago Al Koch International Inc. C Maggie Dobrovolny Events & Tours Inc. Anchorage, AK USA Carson Zhang Fairbanks, AK USA John Kvedaras allalaskatours.com El Monte, CA USA 1stalaskaoutdoorschool.com Chicago, IL USA us-chinanetwork.com accentingchicago.com All American Tours Inc. C 50 Stars Travel Inc. David Burns American Commercial C Ellington, MO USA Kai Wu ACFEA Tour Consultants Strategies Inc. C allamericantours.us Fresh Meadows, NY USA Ken Olson Timothy Ebsary Edmonds, WA USA C Newport Beach, CA USA 500 Tours Inc. acfea.com All United Int’l Travel Inc. amcmcs.com Phil Campbell Yan Zhou Flushing, NY USA Greenwood, IN USA Adventure Student Travel/ American Rainbow 500tours.com Exploring America Inc. C Allied Tour Inc. International Inc. Kara Mihalevich Zhien Yan Susan Busskohl Kirksville, MO USA Rockville, MD USA A Norfolk, NE USA exploringamerica.com amrainbow.com alliedtt.com A Closer Look Tours Colin Caparros Africa Untamed Wilderness C Alpha Way American Spring Travel Glendale, AZ USA Adventures Ltd. C Jane Huang acloserlooktours.com Elphas Ongong’o Culture Exchange Inc. City of Industry, CA USA Xiao Hua Wu Nairobi, Kenya spring-tour.com AAA Signatours africauntamedwilderness.com Rowland Heights, CA USA Julio Soto American Student Tours C Tampa, FL USA Alaska Coach Tours Amazing Destinations Ltd. Paul Monahan Steven Meyerson aaasouth.com Dennis McDonnell Bothell, WA USA Elmhurst, NY USA Juneau, AK USA americanstudenttours.com AAA Sojourns alaskacoachtours.com amazingdestinationsltd.com Rene Schneeberger American Tours & Travel Inc. Emeryville, CA USA America by Rail Inc. Jenee Masterson H. Lawrence Swartz aaa.com Orlando, FL USA PAT HENDERSON PAT East Lansing, MI USA bandfest.com americabyrail.com

NTAonline.com 51 Courier’s Guide to NTA Tour Operator Receptive Services

American United Tours Asia Getaway Inc. Best Western Travel Celtic Horizon Tours Corp. C Polly Yu International LLC C Lisa Herron Andy Yuan Carlsbad, CA USA Jilin Guo Co. Kildare, Ireland Baldwin Park, CA USA asiagetaway.com Salt Lake City, UT USA celtichorizontours.com bestwesterntravelint.com AmericanTours Asia Pacific Travel & Tours C Century Tours (Guam) C International LLC C Cindy Ke BHY Enterprises Inc. C Shelly Gibson Nick Hentschel Honolulu, HI USA Zheng Tian Pang Tumon, Guam Los Angeles, CA USA apttusa.com Alhambra, CA USA centurytoursguam.com americantours.com Atgene Science Blue Connection (LA) Corp. C Century Travel America’s Hub World Tours C International C Albert Wang International Inc. C David Penilton Jian Du City of Industry, CA USA Dongqiao Zheng Portland, OR USA Chicago, IL USA Flushing, NY USA americashubworldtours.com Blue Grass Tours Inc. C Atlantic Tours Ltd. Pam Upton Champion Holiday AmeriPac Travel Richard Arnold Lexington, KY USA International Inc. C International Inc. C Dartmouth, NS Canada bluegrasstours.com Wenjia Liu Jing Wang atlantictours.com La Puente, CA USA Anaheim, CA USA Blue Pacific Tours C usa919.com ameripactravel.com Auri International Lin Yan Consulting Enterprise Inc. C Tamuning, Guam Charleston Convention AMG International Xiuli Wang & Group Services Inc. C Group Inc. C Flushing, NY USA Blue Star Tours & Travel LLC Erin Mellen Tao Zhu aurinewyork.com Michael Chang Charleston, SC USA West Covina, CA USA Frederick, MD USA destinationcharlestonsc.com Aurora Expeditions C Amiel Tours Adriel Butler Bob Rogers Travel Charlie’s Travel Inc. C Arie Abend Anchorage, AK USA Todd Rogers Vivian Chen Or Yehuda, Israel midnightsontours.com Naperville, IL USA Flushing, NY USA amiel.com bobrogerstravel.com gogogous.com Aurora Travel Company Amphitrion Prisma Limited Brilliant Edventures Chicagoland Transportation Constantinos Mitsiou Eleazar Jimenez Marin Elaine Moulder Solutions Inc. Dafni-Athens, Greece Hanoi, Vietnam St. Simons Island, GA USA Brian Whitaker amphitriongroup.com auroratravel.asia brilliantedventures.com Barrington, IL USA chicagotransportsolutions.com Ananda Travel Service Inc. C Autocar Excellence, C Vicky Lee Excellence Charter China Connection Tours San Francisco, CA USA Real Boissonneault C.I.A.C. Travel C John Qiu journey2west.com Levis, QC Canada Melody Zhou Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China excellencecharter.com Minneapolis, MN USA china-tour.cn Anda International bestchinaholidays.com C Travel Inc. B China International Steve Wang Caissa DMC (US) Inc. C Enterprises Inc. C Bolingbrook, IL USA Bay Magic Meetings & Tours Cindy Fang Mike Ma andachicago.com David Rubens City of Industry, CA USA Honolulu, HI USA Walnut Creek, CA USA caissa.com.cn/ chinaintl.com Anderson Vacations baymagictours.com Jim Warren CAL Travel & Tours China Overseas Calgary, AB Canada Beeline Tours Ltd. Alice Lin Travel Group Inc. C andersonvacations.ca Michael Rogers Richmond, BC Canada Sai He Seattle, WA USA calworld.com El Monte, CA USA Angel International beelinetours.com Exchange C Camping Tour Inc. C China Silk Tours C Charles Zuo Belize Nature Getaway Chang Wook Noh Elsa Lo San Francisco, CA USA Jacqueline Sean Paul Los Angeles, CA USA New York, NY USA usaangel.com San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize chinasilktours.com belizenaturegetaway.com Cape Cod Custom Tours: Appina Travel GmbH A Division of Hy-Line Cruises China Travel Service C Luis Lintner Belong Vacation Inc. C Rene Poyant Ronni Gu Gauting-Munich, Germany Jing Guo Hyannis, MA USA Temple City, CA USA appina-travel.com Sandy, UT USA capecodcustomtours.com ctslax.com

Arizona China Best Friends Cazenave Argentina China Visit Tour USA Inc. C Travel & Tours C Travel & Tours Inc. C Jorge Cazenave Jason Lu Wei Chen Chan-Yeh Lin San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Lake Success, NY USA Phoenix, AZ USA Suwanee, GA USA Argentina chinavisittour.com arizonachinatravel.com igotours.com cazenaveargentina.com Chinatour.com International C C Around and About Tours Inc. Best International Travel CCH International Group Inc. Jeffrey Chen Sandra Gibson Service Inc. C Susan Jia Diamond Bar, CA USA New York, NY USA El Paso, TX USA Lucy Zhou chinatour.com cchtrip.com aroundandabouttours.com Flushing, NY USA Chinese Host Inc. C Celebration Tours & Travel C K.C. Leung Lawrence Lee Las Vegas, NV USA Burlingame, CA USA chdestination.com

52 June 2017 C CIE Tours International D DJ Prestige Inc. Educational Travel Kelly Hyde Jennifer Zhou Services Inc. C Morristown, NJ USA Da Zhen Travel Agency C Arcadia, CA USA Judith Tichenor cietours.com Suki Chen Milwaukie, OR USA C Monterey Park, CA USA Dollar Travel & Charter Inc. etsi.ws CIRI Alaska Tourism/ dazhentravel.com Eric Zhang Alaska Heritage Tours Burlingame, CA USA eduSTAR Tours LLC Dee Buchanon Dakkak Tours International Jonathan Gamza Anchorage, AK USA Ziad Dakkak Dragon Bus & Tour Line LLC Red Bank, NJ USA alaskaheritagetours.com Amman, Jordan Betty Qi edustartours.com dakkak.com City of Industry, CA USA Citi Travel Inc. C tbecharter.net Ed-Ventures Inc. Kelly Mao Dan Dipert Tours Paul Larsen C Flushing, NY USA Jessica Cree Dragon Tours and Travel Rochester, MN USA Arlington, TX USA Marvin Chang ed-ventures.com Collette dandipert.com Honolulu, HI USA Jim Edwards dragontours.com Egyptian Educational Pawtucket, RI USA David Tours & Travel Travel (EET) gocollette.com David Benedict Dream Catch Romani Gaballa Philadelphia, PA USA International Inc. C Giza, Egypt Columbia Crossroads davidtours.travel Mary Chen egyptianedutravel.com Tours Inc. Temple City, CA USA Cynthia Billette DayTripper Tours Elevation Travel & Tour Beaverton, OR USA Myron Stam Dreams International Culture Service Corp. C columbia-crossroads.com El Cajon, CA USA & Education Group LLC C Lifeng Han daytripper.com Winnie Wang Herriman, UT USA Compass Travel C Chicago, IL USA Huimin Yu Delta Tours & Travel Ellison Travel & Tours Ltd. San Gabriel, CA USA Services Inc. DT Travel Inc. C Doug Ellison Kitty Chung Dony Shi Exeter, ON Canada Creative Tours Florida El Monte, CA USA El Monte, CA USA ettravel.com Michael Mishko deltatours.com Kissimmee, FL USA DTE Travel C Enchanted Ireland Tours Ltd. creativetoursfl.com Destination America Inc. C Sherman Liu Sean Fenton Kathryn Storbeck City of Industry, CA USA County Kerry, Ireland Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd. Anaheim, CA USA enchantedireland.com Rajeev Kohli dest-amer.com New Delhi, India E Entour Inc. C creative.travel Destination Southwest E Travel Inc. C Will Zhang Sally Lane Diamond Bar, CA USA C Nancy Newmeyer Crossea Tours & Education Albuquerque, NM USA El Monte, CA USA Qian Wang destinationsouthwest.com Europe Incoming Scotland Ltd. West Orange, NJ USA Eagle Custom Tours of Alaska James Grieve crosseatouredu.com C Diamond Travel Alliance Des Lester Linlithgow, Scotland Jian Hong Zhou Anchorage, AK USA europeincoming.co.uk Crown Peters Travel Service Walnut, CA USA eaglecustomtours.com of Astoria Inc. usadta.com E-World Travel & Tours Inc. C Gregory Alexander Eagle Tours LLC C David Lo Astoria, NY USA Diesenhaus — Unitours Jerry Sun New York, NY USA crownpeters.com Incoming Tourism El Monte, CA USA eworldtours.com Dov Sarid CTN Travels Tel Aviv, Israel East West Global Tours Corp. C Expedition and Travel Rick Pharr diesenhaus.com Philip Sanwei Li Christos Karvelas Midland, NC USA Honolulu, HI USA Athens, Greece ctntravels.com Discover Europe Ltd. eastwestglobaltours.com expeditionandtravel.gr Michael Induni C Ctour Holiday LLC Keene, NH USA Eastern Golden Coast Inc. C Explore Romania Charlie Lu discovereuropeltd.com Zegang Wang Adina Camara Monrovia, CA USA Baldwin Park, CA USA Piatra Neamt, Romania seagullholiday.com Discover Ireland Tours exploreromania.org David O’Gorman Easy Travel Inc. C Cuba Travel Services Cork, Ireland Xiangdong Liu F Emily DeLong discoverirelandtours.com Tamuning, Guam Cypress, CA USA guamict.com Falcon’s Crest cubatravelservices.com Discover Slovakia Tours Melody Johnson Marcela Laukova EBT Travel Group Inc. C Portland, OR USA Culture Tour Zvolen, Slovakia Luhua Zhong falconscrestinc.com Barbara Corson exploreeasterneurope.com Walnut, CA USA Holland, PA USA Fancy-Free Holidays Inc. culturetourphiladelphia.com Discovery Tours Inc. Educational Tours and Travel Jack Hintz Joe Cipolletti Corporation Naperville, IL USA Cus Tour Inc. C Mayfield Village, OH USA Todd Jones fancyfreeholidays.com Kim Cheung tourwithdiscovery.com Saint George, UT USA Flushing, NY USA ettours.com Favour Tour C custour.com Dista Group LLC C Elton Koon Pong Koo Tianyu Qin Barrigada, Guam Boston, MA USA favourtour.com

NTAonline.com 53 Courier’s Guide to NTA Tour Operator Receptive Services

Fez Travel Global Culture International Great Atlantic Sports Travel Inc. GTW — Canan Karaaslan Corporation C Michelle Yeager Grimm Touristik Wetzlar Istanbul, Turkey Sonny Soohoo Virginia Beach, VA USA Erika Harms feztravel.com Pasadena, CA USA greatatlanticsports.com Wetzlar, Germany europe-incoming.de Finetime International Global Travel Alliance Inc. Great Canadian Holidays Inc. Tours Inc. C Steve Maehl Lorna Hundt Guðmundur Jónasson Travel, Joyce Chen Winter Garden, FL USA Kitchener, ON Canada Iceland San Gabriel, CA USA globaltravelalliance.com greatcanadianholidays.com Renato Gruenenfelder Kópavogur, Iceland Folklorama Travel Globus Family of Brands, Great Day Tours gjtravel.is Hart Jacob Globus, Cosmos, Monograms & Charter Bus Service Winnipeg, MB Canada & Avalon Allen Kinney Guide Service of folklorama.ca Pam Hoffee Cleveland, OH USA Washington Inc. Littleton, CO USA greatdaytours.com Neil Amrine Fortune Link Inc. C globusfamily.com Washington, DC USA Frank Liu Great Wall Travel C dctourguides.com City of Industry, CA USA Go New York Tours Inc. Kevin Xu Evan Salz San Gabriel, CA USA Four Seasons Vacations Inc. New York, NY USA cctravelus.com H David Nelson gonytours.com C Albert Lea, MN USA Great Wall Travel H.I.S. Guam Inc. Alvin Pangelinan 4-seasonsvacations.com C Consulting Inc. C Gogo Vacation Inc. Tamuning, Guam Keke Wang Sunny Sun his-guam.com Freedom Tours Tustin, CA USA Flushing, NY USA Ellen Tucker HanaTour USA Inc. C Saint John, NB Canada C Group Coordinators Inc. Golden Bridge Holiday Inc. Youngmoon Lee freedomtours.com Julie Saucier Joyce Chen Los Angeles, CA USA Spokane, WA USA El Monte, CA USA usahanatour.net French Incoming groupcoordinators.com Pierre-Yves Mazeaud C Golden Seagull Group Inc. Happy Vacations Inc. (NY) C Jaunay-Clan, France Mike Ma french-incoming.com Mike Chen Honolulu, HI USA New York, NY USA chinaintl.com Friendly Excursions Inc. happyvacationsusa.com Claudia Yost C Golden Travel Peers Harlem Spirituals/ Sunland, CA USA The Group Tour Weijian Shao New York Visions friendlyexcursions.net Bayside, NY USA Company Inc. C Erika Elisabeth travelpeers.cn Chris Babb New York, NY USA Frontiers North Inc. 1110 Vermont Ave. NW, Suite C12 harlemspirituals.com Grant Chem Good Times Travel Inc. Washington, DC 20005 USA Winnipeg, MB Canada +1.202.955.5667 Dustin Teichman Hawaii Global Holiday Inc. C frontiersnorth.com Fountain Valley, CA USA [email protected] Hai Shi goodtimestravel.com grouptourcompany.com Honolulu, HI USA G Since 1975 The Group Tour hawaiiglobalholiday.com Goway Travel Company has been customizing Gadabout Tours Inc. Barbara Norton all-inclusive tours for students Hawaii State Tours Vancouver, BC Canada Lois Anderson traveling to Washington, D.C., David Lopaka Millwood goway.com Palm Springs, CA USA Philadelphia, New York, Boston Honolulu, HI USA and beyond. We customize itiner- gadaboutvacations.com hawaiistatetours.com GPA International Travel aries to include accommodations, Galaxy Tour Inc. C Services Inc. C meals, transportation and escort/ guide services. Your personal Hawaii Summer Christine Huang Dai Li Tour Group Inc. C West Covina, CA USA San Gabriel, CA USA tour planner will coordinate all aspects of the itinerary to ensure Peter Wang C C a fun and educational tour for Honolulu, HI USA Galaxy Tour Inc.–Honolulu Grand Alliance Corporation your students. We are located in Cindy Chong Hui He Shu Yi Kang downtown Washington, D.C., and Hawthorne Tours Honolulu, HI USA San Francisco, CA USA are members of NTA, ASTA and Helen Medler NACTA. Please call us today at Salem, MA USA The German American Grand Canyon Tour and Travel 800.424.8895. hawthornetours.com Connection Karen Rancilio Jo Ann Wolf Las Vegas, NV USA Group Tours & Travel LLC HE Travel Inc. grandcanyontourandtravel.com Brenham, TX USA Phil Azzolino Philip Sheldon thegermanamericanconnection.com Butler, NJ USA Key West, FL USA Gray Line Las Vegas grouptoursandtravel.com hetravel.com Gettysburg Group Ed Fioravante Reservations Las Vegas, NV USA Grupo Meca Mexico Hello Ireland/Irish Coaches graylinelasvegas.com Max Felty Raynald Paquet 32 CC Group Gettysburg, PA USA Mexico City, Mexico Gray Line San Francisco, Donal Hughes gettysburggroupreservations.com grupomeca.com Dublin, Ireland San Jose & Monterey/Super irishcoaches.ie GH Tours & Travel Inc. C Sightseeing GTB Travel Service Inc. C Hui Shao Paul Nakamoto Kay Lam Heritage Group Planners Inc. San Francisco, CA USA San Francisco, CA USA Rockville, MD USA — New England Tour Specialist graylineofsanfrancisco.com usgtb.com Debra Weinstein Hyannis, MA USA heritagegroupplanners.com

54 June 2017 Hesselgrave International Ivy League Group Inc. C Kelly Tours Inc. Leisure West Charters and Tours Matt Wang Don Adams Tours and Cruises Kevin Loney Flushing, NY USA Charleston, SC USA Joan Fields Bellingham, WA USA ilgbus.com kellytours.com Brighton, CO USA hesselgrave.com leisurewesttours.com Kenley Konnection Holiday Vacations J Gloria Kenley Leon International Jace Vogler J & Z USA Group Inc. C Columbus, OH USA Enterprises Inc. C kenleykonnection.com Eau Claire, WI USA Qiuna Jiang Li Li holidayvacations.com Flushing, NY USA Flushing, NY USA Kincaid Coach Lines Inc. jsgjly.com C Horizon Travel Group JACTravel Ltd. Kansas City, KS USA kincaidcoachtours.com Leah Xiao Gerry Lannigan Lion Tours USA Inc. C Midvale, UT USA Daniel Shen London, England C jactravel.co.uk Kiwi Education Inc. Temple City, CA USA Hospitality Tours Eric Ng Ted Nelson Jaffa Travel & Receptive Services Santa Monica, CA USA Little Rock Tours kiwieducation.org East Harwich, MA USA Thomas Jaffa Cary Martin hospitality-tours.com Seattle, WA USA Little Rock, AR USA thejaffacompany.com Kompas Holidays littlerocktours.com Hua Xia Travel Inc. C International Linhua Lou JAN-POL Incoming Tour Predrag Krivokapic Longton Express Inc. C Flushing, NY USA Operator Fort Lauderdale, FL USA Celia Weng kompas.net Pawel Baczek Brooklyn, NY USA Hudson River Valley Tours/ Krakow, Poland Hudson Valley Tour Planners janpol.com L Lotto Global Service Ernie Bruno (USA) LLC C Rosendale, NY USA JBS Group Inc. C L & L Star Travel Inc. C Xin Sui hrvtours.com Yang Gao Lei Liu Seattle, WA USA Arcadia, CA USA New York, NY USA uslgs.com Hyde International jbshotels.com Group Inc. C L & L Travel Enterprises Inc. C Lulutrip Inc. C Gary Cao Joy Holiday C Huey Yu Faith Zhang Covina, CA USA Harry Chen New York, NY USA San Jose, CA USA hydegroup.us Millbrae, CA USA lltours.com/home.html lulutrip.com myjoyholiday.com C C I L&Z International Group Inc. LVX Group Inc. Joy Travel NY Inc. C Ivan Lu Jiahao Li IBMT Tours Inc. Yue Li El Monte, CA USA El Monte, CA USA Alhambra, CA USA lzinternational.com Ornan Sharaby C Aventura, FL USA joytrav.com Lychee Inc. ibmttours.com L.E.A.D. USA Xue Song Bai JS Global Inc. C Marie Martin San Carlos, CA USA Idaho Tours C Jing Shi San Diego, CA USA lieqihui.com David Harmon West Covina, CA USA leaddiscoveryusa.com Boise, ID USA jsglobalusa.com M harmontravel.com L.L.L. International Travel Inc. C C JTB Hawaii Inc. Li Li M & M Tour Inc. C Image Tours Inc. Kieran Greenhow East Brunswick, NJ USA Gu Ping Huang Justin Osbon Honolulu, HI USA llltravel.com Burlingame, CA USA Grand Rapids, MI USA jtb-gts.com imagetours.com Lac Hong Voyages Co. Ltd. Mag Vacations International C Julian Tours Jonathan Tran Vinh Loc Tao Wang Incentitours LLC. C Randy Julian Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Chicago, IL USA Cristina Munoz Alexandria, VA USA lachongvoyages.com magvacations.net El Paso, TX USA juliantours.com incentitours.com Laird Leisure Travel LLC Magister Tours of Turkey C Jumbo Tours Bernice Laird Sibel Coskun Incoming Partners Li Zhong Dou Great Falls, MT USA Istanbul, Turkey Michele Mondolfo San Gabriel, CA USA lairdleisuretravel.com magistertours.com Milano, Italy incomingpartners.it K Latin Roots Travel Company Main Street Experiences Felipe Delatorre Laurie Lincoln Indus Discoveries Karavan Travel Quito, Ecuador Lakewood, CA USA latinrootstravel.com Ritu Gargya Giancarlo Baltazzi mainstreettours.com Gurgaon, Haryana, India Istanbul, Turkey C indusdiscoveries.com karavanturkey.com LCL Travel The Maine Tour Connection Scott Liu Jeanne McGurn Inview Travel Inc. C Katarina Line — Boston, MA USA South Portland, ME USA Andy Shi Incoming Croatia mainetour.com Legacy Tour & Travel Oakland, CA USA Katica Hauptfeld Steve Tjossem C inviewtravel.com Opatija, Croatia Majestic Vacations Decorah, IA USA katarina-line.com Keng Hsueh Italy Group Services Travel Srl. legacytourtravel.com Plano, TX USA Gerry Smith Kearsleys Travel & Tours majestic-vacations.com Rome, Italy Diamond Carvalho igstravel.it Dar es Salaam, Tanzania kearsleys.com

NTAonline.com 55 Courier’s Guide to NTA Tour Operator Receptive Services

C Mana International Inc. Milne Travel Nippon Travel Agency P Zheng Cai Emily Martel Hawaii Inc. C Fairfax, VA USA W. Lebanon, NH USA Mariko Kitamura Pacific Delight Tours manacoaches.com milnetravel.com Honolulu, HI USA Katarzyna Nowakowska ntahawaii.com C Flushing, NY USA Marriott Coach Charter MiMi Yinhe Travel Inc. pacificdelighttours.com & Tours Inc. C Chao Lu North America Int’l Travel Hua Zhuang El Monte, CA USA Service Inc., dba Vbuild Pacific Island Holidays LLC C Flushing, NY USA Vacation Co. C Yasuhide Torigoe Misa Tours International Jimmy Zhang Tamuning, Guam Maryanke Tour & Travel Inc. Rudolf Hegetschweiler San Gabriel, CA USA pihguam.net Maryanke Alexander Victoriaville, QC Canada ctrip-usa.com Mount Pleasant, MI USA misatours.ca Paimei United International maryanketourandtravel.com Northeast Unlimited Tours Travel Agency Co. Ltd. C Misha Tours Teresa Paolini Shihai Hu Maxima Tours Ltd. Misha Jovanovic Sandwich, MA USA Diamond Bar, CA USA Damon Allan San Diego, CA USA northeastunlimitedtours.com Hamilton, ON Canada mishatours.com Pan American Int’l Travel Inc. C exclusivelymalta.com NuVu Traveler C Zoe Zhou Morning Bridge Xiao Ying Monterey Park, CA USA Mayflower Tours Inc. International Inc. C Hudson, OH USA John Stachnik John Zhao nuvutraveler.com Pan Pacific Enterprises Downers Grove, IL USA South Pasadena, CA USA Group Inc. C mayflowertours.com morningbridge.com C NW Travel Inc. Dora Woo Wenjiao Li C C Honolulu, HI USA Mayi Tours Inc. Mountain Tours Inc. El Monte, CA USA ppeg.net Jessie Lei Joyce Huang Fort Lee, NJ USA Salt Lake City, UT USA Passage Tours C mayitours.com mtn-tours.com O Gordon Hoffert Winona, MN USA C My Global Group Inc. C Ocean International MDH World Explorer Inc. C passagecustomtours.com Gang Wang Dan Liu Travel Inc. Kai Wu Alpharetta, GA USA Diamond Bar, CA USA Pathfinders mdhworldexplorer.com San Francisco, CA USA Justin Taylor My Kind of Town Destination C Olympic Express C Gloucestershire, England Mei Hua Travel Inc. Management Inc. pathfinders-tours.co.uk Ye Li Alice Tell Sarah Yin El Monte, CA USA Manhasset, NY USA Chicago, IL USA C usolympicexpress.com Pattec Corporation mykindoftown.net Yongming Ge Mei Zhou Express Travel Inc. C Operation Europe San Francisco, CA USA Julie He pattec.cn La Puente, CA USA N Shannon Fissel Stewartstown, PA USA Natural Resort Travel LLC C Pearls of Scandinavia Metropolitan Touring operationeurope.com Jinggui Geng Group Travel Tom Pelizzaro South Jordan, UT USA Kjell Johansson Bogota, Colombia OregonWest Excursions Traverse City, MI USA metropolitan-touring.com Tony Minden Nature Nuts Adventure Salem, OR USA C Petrabax Mexico Adventures Inc. Travel LLC orwest.com James Joyce Marcos Roel Juan Rodriguez Seattle, WA USA Long Island City, NY USA El Paso, TX USA Orient International Travel Inc. petrabax.com coppercanyon.com.mx Mei Wang New Sun International Orlando, FL USA C Pleasant Holiday Inc. C Mexico travelRep Travel Inc. orientintltravel.com Shuai Shao Francisca Graciela Mercado Weirong Ma C Monrovia, CA USA Sanchez Boston, MA USA Oriental Tour & Travel Inc. Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico newsunus.com Jessica Chao mexicotravelrep.com.mx Flushing, NY USA Pongo Safaris & Tours Limited New York City aotrip.com Scholastica Ponera Mexico’s Copper Canyon Vacation Packages Dar es Salaam, Tanzania C pongosafaris.com Tours/Chihuahua al Joel Cohen Oriental Tours Inc. Johnny Pang Pacifico Tours Kingston, PA USA nyctrip.com Las Vegas, NV USA Premier Alaska Tours Inc. Carlos Saenz ot1995.com Peter Grunwaldt Chihuahua, Mexico Anchorage, AK USA coppercanyontours.com.mx Nexus Holidays Group Michelle Alves Owl Tours LLC C premieralaskatours.com Andrew Wong Michelangelo International Chicago, IL USA nexusholidays.com Edgewater, NJ USA Presidential Holidays Inc./ Travel owltours.com Presidential Kosher Holidays Aldo Caronia Niagara Falls Tours Limited Cornelius Stewart Riva Del Garda, Italy Ozarks Kirkwood Tour & Travel Brooklyn, NY USA michelangelo.travel/us Receptive Operator David Hyde Joy Penrod passovervacations.com Niagara Falls, ON Canada Branson, MO USA Mid-Atlantic C niagarafallstours.com ozarkskirkwood.com PTS Travel (San Jose) Inc. Receptive Services Xiaoping Tian Mark Franchi Niagara Falls Universal Inc. C San Jose, CA USA Stephens City, VA USA Xiaojie Shun acpsglobal.com takeafuntrip.com Grand Island, NY USA

56 June 2017 Pulsar Tourism Ltd. Ruijs Travel Shun Travel & Business Inc. C Sunny International Travel C Okan Agacayak Corne Ruijs Pengxiang Gao Lily Zheng Istanbul, Turkey Lith, Netherlands South El Monte, CA USA North Miami Beach, FL USA pulsartours.com ruijstravel.com usawf.com miamisunny.com

SignaTours Ltd. Sunshine Travel C Q S David Davenport Victor Chen Qiang & Qiang Travel Inc. C S & J Tour & Bus Inc. C North Chesterfield, VA USA Boston, MA USA Jason Ge Mona Jiang travelsignatours.com sunshineboston.com West Covina, CA USA New York, NY USA C sjtourbus.com Sino American Link Sunshine Travel Co. QueensLander Tours Jingsheng Wang Dawn Krosnowski Mark Story S & S Tours Burlingame, CA USA Burnsville, MN USA sunshinetravelco.com Centennial, CO USA Susan Stilwell C storylandsea.com Sierra Vista, AZ USA Sky Moon Inc. ss-tours.com Hui Zhao Sunshine United Chantilly, VA USA International Corp. C R S.H. Tours Inc. C Ge Zhang Silvia Chuang Southwest Adventure Covina, CA USA R & J Tours Inc. Tours LLC Mary Madison San Francisco, CA USA Jason Murray Sunsnow Travel C Willmar, MN USA shtoursinc.com Cedar City, UT USA Xiaofeo Wang rjtoursonline.com Safir Tours Pty Ltd. southwestadventuretours.com New York, NY USA R&J Brothers International Nayaz Noor Fountain Gate, Victoria, Australia Sovereign Tourism Ltd. Suntour International Inc. C Culture Exchange Inc. C safirtours.com.au Kourosh Abbassi Richard Mei Jeff Qiu London, England New York, NY USA Westmont, IL USA Scandinavia Tours sovereigntourism.com suntourusa.com Monique van Dijk-Seppola Rail Source International Inc. Vågå, Norway Sports Empire & Authentic Super Vacation Inc. C Carmen Metcalf scandinaviatours.no California Vacations Helen Koo Olin, NC USA Suzanne Slavitter Monterey Park, CA USA rsiworld.com Select Travel Service Ltd. Lakewood, CA USA americaasia.com Matthew Squire sports-empire.com Rainbow Holiday Inc. C Huntingdon, England Sweet Magnolia Tours Tony Liu selecttravel.com Sports Leisure Vacations Dawn Evans Arcadia, CA USA Kevin Murphy Nashville, TN USA rainbowholidayusa.com Seniortours Inc. Sacramento, CA USA sweetmagnoliatours.com Chris Plagge sportsleisure.com Rainbow Palm Group C Drexel Hill, PA USA Shu Chun Wang T seniortours.com Sports Travel and Tours Diamond Bar, CA USA Jay Smith 66usa.com Tailor Made Tours Ltd. Serene Vacations Lanka Hatfield, MA USA Josephine Zinder sportstravelandtours.com RCK International Inc. C (Pvt.) Limited Tel Aviv, Israel Susan Eardly tailormade.co.il Rosemary Cai Sports Traveler LLC Arcadia, CA USA Colombo, Sri Lanka serenevacation.com Anbritt Stengele Target Travel Chicago, IL USA Daniele Panzarin Receptive Tours Group sportstraveler.net Jerry Schwartz SGS Travelscope Mestre Venezia, Italy Lou Adler targettravel.it New York, NY USA Spring Tour International C receptivetoursgroup.com Brooklyn, NY USA sgstravelscope.com Scarlett Su Tauck C Clemmons, NC USA Rey Royal Excursions Scott Supernaw SGTS USA Inc. C Norwalk, CT USA Tomas Rey Star Destinations Inc. New Orleans, LA USA Ran Tao tauck.com Cathy Greteman reyroyal.com Redmond, WA USA sgts.us Carroll, IA USA Taya International Inc. C stardestinations.com Riding Mountain Nature Tours Jing Sun Shangri-La Express C Temple City, CA USA Thuraya Weedon Star Pacific Travel & Tour Inc. C Erickson, MB Canada Katherine Lai tayainternational.com Eileen Wang churchillnaturetours.com San Francisco, CA USA shvacations.com Arcadia, CA USA Taylor Tours C Bryan Gentry RMB Ventures LLC C STC — Skylon Travel Corp. C Albert Young Shine Tours Incorporated Tell City, IN USA Jing Fan Milpitas, CA USA Joseph Chi taylortourstravel.com West Covina, CA USA Fresh Meadows, NY USA C shinetours.net TBE Tour Consultant Corp. C Roaming America Inc. STI Travel LLC Kay Zhang Betty Qi Gary Greis Salt Lake City, UT USA Short Hills Tours City of Industry, CA USA Hackensack, NJ USA roamingusatravel.com Greg Dennis tbecharter.net Short Hills, NJ USA sti-travel.com ROUNDABOUT TRAVEL shorthillstours.com Teamamerica Inc. Sunflower Global Holiday Veronique Hubert (TJS d.o.o.) Shrike Safaris Inc. C New York, NY USA Mitja Jus Mark James Chen Jia teamamericany.com Ljubljana, Slovenia Mwanza, Tanzania Charlotte, NC USA travel-slovenia.com shrikesafaris.org

NTAonline.com 57 Courier’s Guide to NTA Tour Operator Receptive Services

Terra Lu Travel & Consult GmbH Travelecco C US China Travel Service Inc. C Welcome Tourism Services Christian Utpatel Bryan Chan Jimmy Xie Alessandra Allemann Homberg, Germany El Monte, CA USA Alhambra, CA USA Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa germany4groups.com chinatraveldmc.com welcome.co.za Travels with Audrey Terra Nova Turismo Audrey De Monte US King Travel Inc. C Wells Gray Tours Ltd. Emanuel Ribeiro Junior Highlands Ranch, CO USA Jian Xin Wang Roland Neave Londrina/Parana, Brazil travelswithaudrey.com Rancho Cucamonga, CA USA Kamloops, BC Canada tnt.tur.br kingtravelusa.com wellsgraytours.com Tripleasure LLC C There and Back Again Chang Dong US Latin American West Coast Holidays C Adventures Fremont, CA USA International Tourism Tengmu (Tom) Wang Dixon Singleton tripleasure.com Group LLC C Monterey Park, CA USA Savannah, GA USA Jose Chi uswch.com thereandbackagain.com Trump Tours Inc. Miami, FL USA Ralf Humbert Western Leisure Inc. TMT Travel Inc. C Bentonville, AR USA US Premier Travel C Michele Michalewicz Amy Chen agtoursusa.com Tianshu Liu Salt Lake City, UT USA Rosemead, CA USA El Monte, CA USA westernleisure.com TTS (USA) Traveling Co. Ltd. C Top Development Guam Inc. C Jian Liang US Travelways C WestWorld Tours Yadiel Zheng El Monte, CA USA Shirley Yin Dean Smith Barrigada, Guam Hayward, CA USA Regina, SK Canada Tumlare Corporation ustravelways.com westworldtours.com Top USA Tours Corp. C Joseph Green Feng Li Sudbury, MA USA WF Travel Service Inc. C New York, NY USA tumlare.com V Pengxiang (Peter) Gao topusatours.com Las Vegas, NV USA Twin Travel Concepts Vacation Express usawf.com Gantt Cookson Tour America Inc. Nicholas Calderazzo Atlanta, GA USA Gloria Lan Kinderhook, NY USA White Star Tours Inc. vacationexpress.com Los Angeles, CA USA twintravelconcepts.com Pat Donahue touramerica.us.com Reading, PA USA Two’s Company Travel & Tours Vacations for Less Inc. whitestartours.com Teresa Stauring Tour Brokers International Inc. Osama Abboud Los Angeles, CA USA Annie Hawkins Amman, Jordan Wolfe Adventures & Tours LLC vacations4less.com Valley City, OH USA twoscotravel.com Taunya Wolfe Finn tbigroup.com Newburyport, MA USA Vámonos Tours Inc. wolfetours.com Jorge Pardo Tour Trends U San Juan, Puerto Rico Ed Sturrup C World Discovery Travel Inc. C U.S. Day Joys Inc. vamonostours.com Plymouth, MA USA Tianyu Yu Betty Shen tourtrends.com Whittier, CA USA Provo, UT USA Vandalia Bus Lines Inc. usdayjoys.com Linda Jun TOURGREECE S.A. Worldnet Holiday Inc. C Caseyville, IL USA Vassilis Sakellaris C Michael Hsu U.S. Lion Travel vblinc.com Athens, Greece Vivienne Cheng Burlingame, CA USA tourgreece.gr worldnetholiday.com Alhambra, CA USA Via Tours Croatia us.liontravel.com Zvonimir Androic TourMappers WorldStrides C Zabok, Croatia North America LLC U.S. Yue Cheng General Theresa Morgoglione via-croatia.com Charlottesville, VA USA Julie Katz Travel Group C worldstrides.org Boston, MA USA Simon Zhu Vista International Tours C tourmappers.com City of Industry, CA USA Nicole Chia yue-cheng.com Thiells, NY USA Y Tours of Distinction Anne McCall Umitrip Guam Corporation C Vista International Yankee Holidays/ Henderson, NV USA Jason Miller C Amtrak Vacations toursofdistinctionlv.com Tours Ltd. Tamuning, Guam Yu Shih Han Andrew Channell Las Vegas, NV USA Beverly, MA USA ToursForFun C C Uniamerica International LLC vistatours.com.tw ylginc.com Vivian Li Xia Gao Azusa, CA USA Fairfax, VA USA Yankee Trails World Travel tours4fun.com uniamericallc.com W Joel Keens Rensselaer, NY USA C TPI America Unitedstars International Ltd. C W & S International yankeetrails.com C Juan Calleja Gang Yu Travel Inc. Torrance, CA USA Rowland Heights, CA USA Run Zhao Youcheng USA Inc. C usitrip.com City of Industry, CA USA Amy May C Transamerica Tour Bus Inc. wangshengtravel.com El Monte, CA USA Ceiline Sun US Bridge Group C City of Industry, CA USA Lily Chai Wasabi International usadaba.com Ashburn, VA USA Tours Inc. C Jie Geng Travel Leaders US China Connection Inc. C Kailua Kona, HI USA Brad Sturlaugson Demin Fan Lynnwood, WA USA Atlanta, GA USA Way World Travel Corp. C travelleadersseattle.com uschinaconnection.com Wei Wu Elmhurst, NY USA

58 June 2017 COMMUNITY NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE NTA FAMILY PAT HENDERSON PAT TOURISM CARES TOURISM CARES DONOVAN HANLEY DONOVAN TOURISM CARES

More than 170 travel professionals Meet the Members 60 gathered in the Bay Area March 24 for the Tourism Cares for Oakland project. New Members 62 Despite the rainy conditions, groups of poncho-wearing volunteers helped repair Ad Index/NTA Events Calendar 63 and freshen up attractions at Children’s Fairyland park, worked to beautify AfterWords 64 gardens at Lake Merritt and painted murals at a local brewery.

NTAonline.com 59 Meet the Members PRESENTED BY

Visit Wheeling, WV WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA

NTA contact: Michael Biela, where the Wheeling marketing assistant conventions were held, Office Phone: 800.828.3097 and where the creation of the state of West Website: visitwheelingwv.com Virginia was decided. NTA member since: 1987 Today it is a free museum as part of the What’s new and exciting in Wheeling? West Virginia Division There are some exciting new things of Culture and History. happening at Oglebay Resort, including the recently remodeled West Family How did you find Wing, plus cool amenities such as the yourself working at Aerial Adventure Course and outdoor the Wheeling CVB? bistro. Renovations are complete at the I started at the Capitol Theatre and WesBanco Arena. Wheeling CVB in 2010 Our historical Centre Market shopping as an intern. I began working full-time in Do you have a favorite destination district has locally owned stores, eater- 2013 and have never looked back. Best you’ve traveled to? ies, bakeries and more lining the two job ever! Every June, my friends and I journey to Civil War-era market houses. the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in What’s your favorite hobby? Manchester, Tennessee. I have made so What are some of Wheeling’s other I co-host a polka radio program with many friends and memories since we top attractions? my father called “The Polka Showcase.” took our first trip in 2010. Wheeling is home to West Virginia We broadcast every Sunday on two Independence Hall, the birthplace of Wheeling-based radio stations and For more information, contact Biela at West Virginia. It was in this building stream live online as well. [email protected].

Scenic Safaris JACKSON, WYOMING

NTA contact: Jason Smith, immediately began a summer operation operations manager to include wildlife trips, UTV trips and Office Phone: +1.307.734.8898 ATV trips—both guided and unguided. Four years later, we were selected by Website: scenic-safaris.com the National Park Service to operate NTA member since: 2011 and control the majority of the winter- use permits for the south entrance of What unique experiences does Scenic Yellowstone National Park. Since 2014, we Safaris offer travelers? have increased our operation to include Scenic Safaris has the privilege of additional activities for guests. In fact, we sharing Yellowstone, the world’s first are currently the largest motorized- national park, and its neighbor, Grand activity company in Jackson, Wyoming. Teton National Park, with both domes- tic and international travelers. In the I love my job because … winter, we use snowmobiles and snow- I am surrounded by people who take coaches to access and admire the parks care of their guests and take care of each and the surrounding areas. In the sum- other. It’s easy to get up and go to work mer, we visit many of the same areas, when everyone is on the same team. but we use a combination of luxury touring vans and all-terrain vehicles. What are your favorite tunes right now? rock. I will be honest; some of my favor- I listen to almost any kind of music. If I ite music is orchestral music. How did Scenic Safaris get its start? am going to dance, I like good country Scenic Safaris purchased an existing music. If I am driving or riding snowmo- For more information, contact Smith at snowmobile operation in 2010. We biles, I really like instrumental music and [email protected].

Visit Clarksville From our picturesque and historic downtown to our rolling Frances Manzitto countryside, Clarksville welcomes you with open arms. Bringing +1.931.245.4345 | 800.530.2487 your group to Clarksville means a trip full of Southern hospitality, [email protected] unique attractions and shopping, great food and memories that 60 visitclarksvilletn.com will last a lifetime. Find out more at visitclarksvilletn.com. HURRY! Discounts on TREX17 registration end July 14.

NAIM HASAN PHOTOGRAPHY How can you not? Travel Exchange is where you collect new ideas, new product and new connections. You just can’t afford to miss it. And now’s the time to act. Save 50% on reg fees (St. Louis attendees) or $300 with seller early-bird rates until July 14.

“Appointments at NTA are the foundation of our tour planning process ... the face-to-face connections we make are a valuable part of our future working relationships.” —Fraser Neave, Wells Gray Tours

SAN ANTONIO DEC. 14–18

NTAonline.com/convention

#TREX17 NEW MEMBERS The following is a list of organizations that joined NTA recently. To access complete information on each of these new members, including a company description, log on to NTAonline.com and go to the member searches.

DMOs TOUR SUPPLIERS Reunion Tower Michelle Taylor Arlington 9/11 Tribute Center Dallas, TX 75207 USA Convention & Visitors Bureau Willie Davis reuniontower.com Scott Poland New York, NY 10007 USA Arlington, TX 76011-8214 USA tributewtc.org Ruan Charter LLC arlington.org Eric Ruan The Anaheim Hotel Germantown, MD 20874 USA Port Arthur CVB Kevin Anawati Callie Summerlin Anaheim, CA 92802 USA Silver Hotel Group Port Arthur, TX 77642-5710 USA theanaheimhotel.com Marisol Pena visitportarthurtx.com Mississauga, ON L4V 1G2 Canada Banana Bay Resort and Marina silverhotelgroup.com TOUR OPERATORS Anthony Dellinger Marathon, FL 33050 USA Strand Hospitality bananabay.com Robin Hood-Grazioso Aldon Tours Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 USA Leon Maisel stranddevelopment.com Montrose, AL 36559 USA Boone Hospitality Associates, aldontours.com DBA Courtyard by Marriott, Boone Jessica Smith Westgate Resorts Boone, NC 28607 USA Becky Jewsbury Belize Nature Getaway Branson, MO 65616 USA Jacqueline Sean Paul marriott.com/hkybn

San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize belizenaturegetaway.com Boston Red Sox Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove Donna Coins Marcita Thompson Boston, MA 02215 USA Garden Grove, CA 92840-4001 USA DiscoverMX LLC anaheimwyndham.com Ricardo Vilchis redsox.com

Alpharetta, GA 30005 USA discovermx.com Choctaw Casino Resort ASSOCIATES Erika Davis FETI Travel Inc. Durant, OK 74701 USA Global Rescue LLC Lily Zhuang choctawcasinos.com Chris Palmieri Boston, MA 02111 USA Boston, MA 02109 USA fetitravel.com Comfort Inn & Suites Durango globalrescue.com Patti Reavis Golden Bridge Int’l Travel Inc. Durango, CO 81303 USA Legend Tourism & Travel Advisory Irene Wang comfortinndurango.com Jane Zhang Orlando, FL 32188 USA Irvine, CA 92612 USA Crowne Plaza Hotel legendtourism.net Luxurious Abroad Seattle Downtown Junita Majette Beth Harwood PEAK 15 Systems Savannah, GA 31419 USA Seattle, WA 98101-3048 USA Susana Capulong luxuriousabroad.com cphotelseattle.com Carlsbad, CA 92008 USA peak15systems.com Nature Nuts Adventure Travel LLC Homewood Suites by Hilton James Joyce Charleston Historic District Smartsave Seattle, WA 98136 USA Jenna Joseph Lynne Gimmack Charleston, SC 29403 USA London, W3 6UG England Pacific Resources Development Inc. smartsave.com Jason Zhang Hospitality Too Canton, MI 48188 USA Steven Brot USI Affinity West Orange, NJ 07052 USA Travel Insurance Services Shrike Safaris Sharon Broo Mark James Le Meridien New Orleans Alpharetta, GA 30004 USA Mwanza, 255 Tanzania Nikki Jackson travelinsure.com shrikesafaris.org New Orleans, LA 70130 USA lemeridienneworleanshotel.com Zoompass Inc. Southwest Adventure Tours LLC Stephen Lean Jason Murray Los Angeles Auto Show Toronto, ON M6K 1Y2 Canada Cedar City, UT 84720 USA Tara Valdez zoompass.com southwestadventuretours.com Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA laautoshow.com CORPORATE PARTNER The Travel Group Inc. Michael Egan Lotus Destinations Pvt. Ltd. The Momentum Group West Springfield, MA 01089 USA Loretta Pinto Jeff Fish Yonkers, NY 10705 USA New York, NY 10152 USA lotusdmc.com tmgworldwide.com

Oceania Cruises Tina White Reston, VA 20194 USA oceaniacruises.com

62 June 2017 AD INDEX NTA would like to thank the following Courier advertisers for their support of the association. Advertisers with a ★ are new advertisers.

A Closer Look Tours...... 49 Grand Canyon Tour and Travel...... 25 Ocean City MD CVB/ acloserlooktours.com grandcanyontourandtravel.com Department of Tourism...... 46 +1.602.938.0951 +1.702.655.6060 ococean.com 800.626.2326 ★Albin Polasek Museum ★Greater Birmingham & Sculpture Gardens...... 38 Convention & Visitors Bureau...... 37 OUE Skyspace LA...... 27 polasek.org birminghamal.org skyspace-la.com +1.407.647.6294 +1.205.458.8000 +1.213.894.9002

American Express...... 19 ★Houmas House Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau...... 7 americanexpress.com Plantation and Gardens...... Inside Front Cover visitredding.com +1.212.640.2427 houmashouse.com +1.530.225.4010 +1.225.572.1352 American Music Theatre...... 19 Ronald Reagan amtshows.com ★Houston Museum of Natural Science...... 39 Presidential Library and Museum...... 29 +1.717.397.7700 hmns.org reaganlibrary.com +1.713.639.4724 +1.805.522.2977 ★Bayou Rum Distillery...... 36 bayourum.com The Huntington Library, Tour Colorado...... Back Cover +1.251.327.7778 Art Collections & Botanical Gardens...... 28 tourcolorado.org huntington.org +1.970.385.8842 Chicago The Musical–National +1.626.405.2240 Artists Management Tulalip Tribes/Quil Ceda Village...... 5 Company...... 47, Inside Back Cover Huntsville, Alabama tulalipresort.com chicagothemusical.com Convention & Visitors Bureau...... 33 +1.360.716.6600 +1.212.575.1044 huntsville.org +1.256.551.2230 U.S. Space & Rocket Center...... 38 Coral Castle...... 30 spacecamp.com coralcastle.com Lafayette Travel...... 13 +1.256.721.7124 +1.305.248.6345 lafayettetravel.com +1.337.232.3737 Visit Billings...... 23 ★Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel...... 35 visitbillings.com cypressbayou.com Maid of the Mist...... 9 +1.406.245.4111 +1.337.923.7284 maidofthemist.com +1.716.284.8897 Visit Tybee Island...... 11 ★Elizabeth Destination visittybee.com Marketing Organization...... 43 ★Natchitoches Parish +1.912.644.6471 goelizabethnj.com Tourist Commission...... 36 +1.908.355.9797 natchitoches.net VisitNorfolk...... 3 +1.318.352.8072 visitnorfolktoday.com Fairbanks, Alaska–Explore Fairbanks...... 16 +1.757.664.6620 explorefairbanks.com New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism...... 41 +1.907.457.3282 (3783) visitnj.org Winterthur Museum...... 45 +1.609.292.4239 winterthur.org Forever Resorts...... 24 +1.302.888.4694 travel-forever.com/17cjan ★Oak Alley Plantation...... Inside Front Cover +1.480.998.7199 (7114) oakalleyplantation.com +1.225.265.2151

NTA EVENTS For more information on these events,

Save these dates in 2017 and beyond to connect with new partners and destinations. click the EVENTS tab on NTAonline.com.

San Antonio PAUL OWENS/VISIT MILWAUKEE PAUL Dec. 14–18, 2017 Charleston, S.C. April 19–21, 2018

Milwaukee Nov. 4–8, 2018 Tucson, Arizona March 28–30, 2019 LEFT COLUMN, FROM TOP: BOB HOWEN/VISITSANANTONIO.COM, RIGHT COLUMN, FROM TOP: CHARLESTON AREA CVB, VISIT TUCSON

NTAonline.com 63 AFTERWORDS National parks humble and inspire Courier’s graphic designer takes his artistic eye on the road

BY JEFF QUIRE

I LOVE NATIONAL PARKS and hope to visit as many of them as I can in my lifetime. My wife and I had kept Yosemite National Park on our list for a long time, and in April we finally got to experience it. Weather and geography persuaded us to parlay that into a visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national Lower Yosemite Fall parks as well. JEFF QUIRE Yosemite offers completely different sweeping vistas, majestic waterfalls or giants in the silence of the morning. experiences, depending on what time of some other wonder. One doesn’t have to From there we hiked out to Moro Rock year you go. We wanted waterfalls, and walk or ride far to see nature’s finest on and up the 350 steps to the top of the after the wettest winter in years, they display in Yosemite; accessible viewpoints granite dome for an incredible panorama were abundant and awe-inspiring. and routes are abundant in the park. of the Great Western Divide. If heights As we entered Yosemite, we were pre- Mirror Lake Trail offered more unremitting aren’t your thing, this may not be your pared for large crowds. It was National beauty and, at the time of our visit, about favorite experience, but the scenery Parks Week, and despite our shoulder- every shade of green I could imagine. among the clouds is pretty hard to beat. season travel timing, our first full day was After a couple days of light, intermit- One thing that was impossible to miss the perfect storm for a crowd: a holiday tent rain, the precipitation got heavier along our journey was the number of weekend, free admission day and the end and steadier. And with Mariposa Grove international travelers (and employees) of spring break for many. There was heavy of Giant Sequoias closed for renova- we encountered. We talked to a couple traffic on the way to Yosemite Valley tion (scheduled to reopen this fall), from Colombia, one of whom was real- Lodge, but after parking the car (there is we decided to make the drive down izing her lifelong dream of seeing giant a shuttle to transport visitors throughout to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national sequoias. We shared a bus stop shelter the valley), things got more manageable. parks to see the massive trees. with a group of Chinese travelers, hiked Shortly after arriving, we took in an We started our southern swing at alongside a student group from Wales enlightening stargazing program led by Grant Grove in Kings Canyon, featuring and exchanged trail closure info with an interpretive guide/astronomer. If the General Grant, the third-largest tree in the some Australians. We also got a good tip towering monolith of El Capitan doesn’t world. Just in case my ego was starting to for local ice cream from our Thai server make you feel small, learning your place rebound, standing among the sequoias at one of the lodge restaurants. in the cosmos definitely will. put me in my place again. Resistant to We met people who had traveled from To get away from the congestion on fire, insects and old age, these ancient every corner of the world to visit or work the valley floor, we planned our most mammoths grow to unbelievable sizes— in our national parks, and it made us strenuous hike (which is probably a truly unbelieved for years, as many who appreciate even more what we have in our leisurely stroll for the more adventure- had not seen the trees in person wrote off own (relative) backyard. We’re already talk- minded) for that first full day. We climbed their existence as a hoax. ing about which park we’ll visit next. to the top of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall The next day we got an early start along the Mist Trail and took part of the and took a hike in the Giant Forest of Jeff Quire, a freelance John Muir Trail to get back down. Every Sequoia National Park. Being the first to graphic designer, step was breathtaking, and being accus- arrive on a weekday afforded us a few works from his tomed to a much lower altitude, I mean minutes of quiet solitude with General Crestwood, Kentucky, that both figuratively and literally. Sherman, the largest tree on the planet. studio. He has been We also walked a few shorter, more We walked the paved, but snowy and the designer for level, paths, all of which rewarded us with icy, Congress Trail to see many other Courier since 2011.

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