GROUP TOUR MARKETING

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GROUP TOUR MARKETING
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Mission

• To identify domestic tour operators needs for
  specific types of travel products and to educate
  operators on the diverse range of Kansas
  destinations and attractions.
• Assist domestic tour operators and wholesalers
  with opportunities to create and market
  individual and group tour packages throughout the
  state.

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National Tour Association (NTA)

• 2003 Convention Charlotte, NC
• At the marketplace, 27 appointments were
  conducted.
• At the Kansas dinner event, 32 tour operators and
  guests were in attendance.
• 2004 Convention Toronto, Canada
• KSTT will attend and participate in the
  appointment sessions.
• KSTT 27 Kansas tourism partners will host a
  dinner event for a tour operators.

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American Bus Association (ABA)

• 2004 Convention New York City, NY
• KSTT did not attend.
• 2005 Convention Chicago, IL
• KSTT will attend and participate in the
  marketplace appointment sessions.

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Bank Travel

• 2004 Conference Myrtle Beach, SC
• KSTT did not attend.
• 2005 Conference Biloxi, MS
• KSTT will attend and participate in the
  appointment sessions.

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Familiarization (FAM) Tour

• 2004
• Twenty-four group tour planners participated.
• A travel show was conducted in Salina to showcase
  the entire state.
• Eighteen additional group tour planners attended
  the travel show.
• 2005
• KSTT will work with the Motorcoach Marketing
  Alliance in the planning of future tours.

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Special Events

• 2004
• KSTT worked with the Lawrence Cowboy Winter
  Gathering in January.
• Ten group tour planners attended the event.

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On-Line Group Tour Planner

• 2005
• Resource tool for group tour planners.
• KSTT is currently working on creating this
  website.
• Information will be requested from your community
  as it progresses.

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Group Tour 101

• 2005
• Two workshops will be presented.
• If you attend one of these sessions, the program
  will be available for you to present to others in
  your communities.

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Motorcoach Marketing Alliance

• 2004
• Six meetings held throughout the state.
• Group tour planner presentations have been a
  highlight.
• 2005
• The alliance will be lead and supported by the
  industry.
• Any tourism partner may join along with a 10 per
  person membership fee.

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• 2005 MMA Officers are
• President - Jan Hiebert, Greater Wichita CVB
• Vice-President Jennifer Currier, Overland Park
  CVB
• Secretary Sylvia Rice, Salina Chamber of
  Commerce
• Treasurer Jason Camis, Franklin County CVB
• Committees are
• Special Events
• FAM Tour/Sales Blitz
• Marketing
• Media
• Programming
• Nominating

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Tracking Program

• FY2004
• New on-line tracking program started.
• Fifty-eight Kansas tourism partners reported
  motorcoach day trips and overnight stays.
• Over 2.3 million dollars was reported in
  overnight motorcoach activity.
• Village Tours the WIBC was a major contributor
  to the day trip motorcoach activity.

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2004 Tracking Awards

• Best Day Trip Reporting
• Best Overnight Reporting
• Best Tracking Method

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Contact Information

• Kelli Hilliard
• Group Tour Manager
• [phone]
• khilliard_at_kansascommerce.com