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Leisure Group Travel Article Archives

Print this Article with Adobe AcrobatPlanning your next group getaway? Luckily our brave writers have paved the path with unbiased research and destination ideas - specifically for the group travel market!

Search the archives to research new destinations, catch-up on an issue you missed or editorial Column you want to refer back to.

All articles are in Adobe PDF Format to enable "same viewing" as in our magazine, many with active hyperlinks to editorial mentions and ads. If you do not have a copy of Adobe Reader, download a free copy from www.adobe.com.

April 2008

Cover Story
Community Theater
 Community theaters involve more participants, present more performances of more productions and play to more people than any performing art in the country.


Features
Reunion Trips  by Edith Wagner
City Focus: San Francisco  by Elana Andersen
Hub & Spoke: Houston/Galveston   by ElizabethVanderSpek
Regional Travel Tips: Southeast  by Heather Davis
Minnesota Memories  by Randy Mink
Regional Travel Tips: Midwest  by John Kloster
Pennsylvania Potpourri  by Kitty Cayo
Maryland Medley  by Elizabeth VanderSpek
Amazing Arizona  by Sue Arko
Cruise Lines Kick it up a Notch  by Cindy Bertram



Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World by Marty de Souto, CTC
On Technology by John Kamm,CTP
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile-For a Cause: RobWebber.
Go News







 
 
 

February 2008

Cover Story
Religious Symposium by Melinda Hughey

  The religious travel market is growing at an unprecedented pace - more than 70 percent in each of the past two years - yet remains largely untapped.


Features
Hub & Spoke: The Berkshires by Kelley Thompson
City Focus: Los Angeles by Elana Andersen
Regional Travel Tips: Southwest  by Elana Andersen
Oklahoma by Sara Rannells
Regional Travel Tips: Mid-Atlantic by Kitty Cayo
Illinois: Explore the Land of Lincoln  by John Kloster
Georgia by Heather Davis
Kentucky  by Melinda Hughey
The Cruise Ship Stateroom by Cindy Bertram



Columns
My Turn by Randy Mink
My Corner Of The World by Marty
de Souto, CTC

On Technology by John Kamm,CTP
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile Little Rock Tours' Cary Martin







 
 
 

December 2007

Cover Story
The New River Cruise Experience by Cindy Bertram

  River Cruising has exploded onto the scene as a desirable alternative to mega-ships and land-based vacations.


Features
City Focus: St.Louis by Simon Mounsey
Hub & Spoke: The Smokies by Heather Davis
Regional Travel Tips: New England  by Alice Gregory
A Week Exploring Ohio by John Kloster
New Mexico by Sue Arko
Nevada  by Sue Arko
Regional Travel Tips: Pacific States by Elana Endersen



Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World by Marty
de Souto, CTC

Marketing Matters by Tim Warren
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile Mission: World, Pardeep Das







 
 
 

November 2007

Cover Story
Religious Tourism by Kevin Wright
  Today, religious travel is a dynamic $18-billion global industry with 300 million travelers.


Features
Visit Mesa Close, Convenient, Smart

Leisure Group Travel Grows & Goes Online by Daniel Connolly
  In the latter half of 2006, PhoCus Wright Research conducted extensive research on meetings and groups within the United States.What it found was that the market opportunity was big - really big!

Beyond New Ships in 2008  by Cindy Bertram
  Cruise industry focuses on elevating the experience.

Tour Operator Forum by John Kloster
  Leisure Group Travel interviewed a diverse and representative group of tour operators to get their assessment of where the market has been and where they see it going in 2008.

Reader's Choice Awards  Our third annual Reader's Choice Awards saw a few surprises, while other top brands continue to raise the bar for the industry.

Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

 
 

October 2007

Cover Story
Almost Heaven, West Virginia by Melinda Hughey
  Smack on the line between the North and South, the rebellious Mountain State’s nine travel regions provide groups with an experience that is truly American.


Features
City Focus: Tampa Bay, Fla. by Sara Rannells
Hub & Spoke: Valley Forge, Penn. by Sara Rannells
Oregon  by Elana Andersen
Hawaii by Elana Andersen
Regional Travel Tips: Southeast  by Heather Davis
Regional Travel Tips: Midwest  by John Kloster
Cruising: Extreme Makeover-Ship Style by Cindy Bertram



Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World by Marty
de Souto, CTC

Marketing Matters by Tim Warren
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile Carl Meadows, AGTOI
Go News







 
 

August 2007

Cover Story
Let's Go to the Spa  Throughout this issue we discover the growing popularity of health & wellness vacations and their impact on the group travel market.


Features
City Focus: Jackson, Miss. by Sara Rannells
Hub & Spoke: Georgia Coast by Kelley Thompson
Regional Travel Tips: Southwest  by Sue Arko
Regional Travel Tips: Frontier West by Elana Andersen
Regional Travel Tips: Mid-Atlantic  by Kitty Cayo
Cruising: Spas & More  by Cindy Bertram
Meet Virginia by John Kloster
Massachusetts by Alice Gregory 
Taste Wisconsin by Sara Rannells



Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World by Marty
de Souto, CTC

Marketing Matters by Tim Warren
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile Paul Grant, Lakefront Lines







 
 

June 2007

Cover Story
Minnesota Take a look at all the great opportunities the state of Minnesota has to offer and discover the best place to take your next group trip.


Features
City Focus:Branson, Mo. by Lynne Berry
Hub & Spoke: Central Florida by Kelley Thompson
Tennessee  by Melinda Hughey
Arkansas by Heather Davis
A New England Masterpiece  by Alice Gregory
Regional Travel Tips: Pacific States  by Elana Andersen
Regional Travel Tips: Mountain West by John Kloster
Cruise Lines' Loyalty Programs by Cindy Bertram 
Gaming Showcases



Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World by Marty
de Souto, CTC

Marketing Matters by Tim Warren
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile Clayton Whitehead, Sports Leisure Vacations







 
 

April 2007

Cover Story   
The Emerald IsleThe extraordinary accommodating nature of the Irish provides the most welcoming environment for group travel.


Features
City Focus: Lancaster, Pa. by Kitty Cayo
Hub & Spoke : Coachella Valley, Calif. by Elana Andersen
Regional Travel Tips: SouthEast 
  by Jaron Baalgard
Multigenerational Cruising  by Cindy Bertram
Regional Travel Tips: Great Lakes/Midwest  by John Kloster
Theaters Showcase
Arizona Treasures by Sue Arko
Colorado by Elana Andersen 
Connecticut by Alice Gregory 



Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World  by Marty
de Souto, CTC

Marketing Matters  by Tim Warren
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile--Randy Case, AFC Tours
Go News









 
 

February 2007

Cover Story   
2007 Attractions/Shopping ShowcaseWith a new format for the New Year that reflects your need to know, check out our Attractions/Shopping Showcase, featuring attractions and shopping venues throughout the U.S. and Canada.


Features
City Focus: Virginia Beach by Jaron Balgaard
Hub & Spoke: Chicagoland  by John Kloster
North to Alaska 
 by Elana Andersen
Louisiana  by Melinda Hughey
Nebraska: More than You Expected  by John Kloster
 Regional Travel Tips: Southwest by Elana Andersen
Regional Travel Tips: Mid-Atlantic by Kitty Cayo  
Bigger and Better Cruise Options
 by Cindy Bertram



Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World  by Marty
de Souto, CTC

Marketing Matters  by Tim Warren
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile-Cindi Brodhecker
Go News









 
 

December 2006

Cover Story
City Focus: Little RockWhat's this about a Big Dam Bridge? And more on this quirky capital.


Features
Hub & Spoke: Twin Cities by Jaron Balgaad
Wyoming   by Elana Andersen
Regional Travel Tips: Pacific States 
 by Elana Andersen
Regional Travel Tips: New England  by Alice Gregory
International Dateline: Beijing  by Denise Trice
 Cruising: Alaska and Beyond by Cindy Bertram
2007 Hotel & Resort Directory 

Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World  by Marty
de Souto, CTC

Marketing Matters  by Tim Warren
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile-Polly Kropacek, Polly's Travels
Go News










 
 

November 2006


Features
Reader's Choice Awards 
Industry Leaders Forum   by John Kloster
The Winds of Change 
 The New & Emerging Travel Market  by Joe Veneto
2007 Directory of Tourism Offices & Visitor's Bureaus Part I  

2007 Directory of Tourism Offices & Visitor's Bureaus Part II  
 Directory of International Tourism Offices 
 

Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
Exit 135  by Mike Marchev

 
 

October 2006

Cover Story
Escape the Ordinary in CanadaAs the second largest country in the world, Canada offers a considerable variety of the most memorable tourism products in the world.


Features
Hub & Spoke: Black Hills by Katie Hull
Regional Travel Tips: Great Lakes/Midwest   by John Kloster
Regional Travel Tips: Southeast 
 by Heather Davis
New Mexico  by Elana Andersen
Vermont & New Hampshire  
International Dateline: European Cruises?by Elana Andersen
2006/2007 Worldwide Cruise Directory 
2006/2007 Scenic Rail & Sightseeing Cruise Directory
 

Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World  by Marty de
Souto, CTC

Marketing Matters  by Tim Warren
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile-Carl Meadows







 
 

August 2006

Cover Story
Frontier/Mountain West Regional Travel Tips by Kyle Bradley
From desert to city and valley to mountain peak, the Frontier/Mountain West maintains its Wild West charm while creating stylish urban environments and compelling cultural events.


Features
City Focus: New Orleans by Kelley Thompson
Hub & Spoke: Cape Cod   by Matthew David
California 
 by Elana Andersen
Regional Travel Tips: Mid-Atlantic  by Kitty Cayo
Michigan  by John Kloster
Cruising: To Caribbean or Not? by Cindy Bertram
2006 Tour & Receptive Directory 

 

Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World  by Martyde de Souto,CTC
Marketing Matters  by Tim Warren
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile-Melinda Hughey, RH Factor
Go News




 
 

June 2006

Cover Story
Pacific States Regional Travel Tipsby Elana Andersen
Throughout the Pacific States, new activities are popping up, including tasting tours at new breweries, pirating adventures and a new exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls.


Features
China A Land of Wonder and Discovery by Elana Andersen
Hub & Spoke: Colorado's Front Range  
City Focus: Nashville 
 by Kelley Thompson
Mississippi's Historic Natchez Trace  by John Kloster
Regional Travel Tips: New England by Alice Gregory
Laying Rubber on the Georgia Asphalt by Kelley Thompson
Cruising: Getting Around the Linesby Cindy Bertram 
2006 Gaming Directory
 

Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World  by Martyde de Souto, CTC
Marketing Matters  by Tim Warren
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile-Bill Slagle,TravelAndSocial.com
Go News

 
 

April 2006

Cover Story
It's Showtime! 2006 Theater Directory
Theatrical productions, touring shows, dinner theaters,outdoor dramas, pageants and more!


Features
City Focus: Atlantic City by Kelley Thompson
Hub & Spoke: Southern California   by Elana Andersen
Regional Travel Tips: Midwest 
 by John Kloster
Texas Trails  by Kelley Thompson
Regional Travel Tips: Southeast/Travel South Update by Heather Davis
Maryland: A Star-Spangled State by Alice Gregory
International Dateline: Britain by Brenda Watkinson 
When Your Ship Changes Courseby Cindy Bertram
 

Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World  by Martyde de Souto, CTC
Marketing Matters  by Tim Warren
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135 by Mike Marchev

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile-Ed Lonsbary, Private Motor Coach, Inc.
Go News


Febuary 2006

Cover Story
NCL Continues to Raise the Bar by Cindy Bertram
Since its inception, Norwegian Cruise Line has led the cruise industry in unique innovations. Beyond simply creating and launching new ideas, NCL continues to raise the bar with each concept


Features
City Focus: Vancouver & Seattle by Kelley Thompson
Hub & Spoke: Hampton Roads  by Kelley Thompson
Prairies and Prosperity in Illinois  
 by John Kloster
Regional Travel Tips:Frontier/Mountain West  by Elana Andersen
Gulf Coast Regional Travel Tips: Mid-Atlantic by Kitty Cayo
Coasting Through Carolina by John Kloster
2006 Tour Attractions Directory  



Columns

My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World  by Martyde de Souto, CTC
Marketing Matters  by Tim Warren
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Exit 135
by Mike Marchev
 
 
 

Departments
Gate 38
Planner Profile-Ria Reuling
Go News


December 2005

Cover Story
Visit Peru!
You're going to discover` that Peru is a many splendored country:scenic and safe, fun and fascinating,easily accessible and amazingly affordable.


Features
2005 Reader's Choice Winners 
City Focus: Philadelphia   by Kitty Cayo
Regional Travel Tips: New England  
 by Alice Gregory
Regional Travel Tips: Pacific States   by Elana Andersen
Gulf Coast Recovery   by John Kloster
Kentucky by Heather Davis
When Do I Tip On My Cruise?  by Cindy Bertram
2006 Directory of Tourism Offices & Visitor's Bureaus
2006 Hotel & Resort Directory  

Request Product Information from December's Leisure Group Travel  

   
Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
Marketing Matters  by Kristie Tamsevicius
My Corner Of The World  by Martyde Souto, CTC
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Back Of The Bus
by John Kloster


Departments
Gate 38
Go Member Profile - Sue Arko, Free Spirit Vacations
Go News


Cover Advertisers
Collete
Holland America
Disney Theatrical
Virginia Tourism




October 2005

Cover Story
Regional Travel Tips:Southeast
This region is deeply filled with old traditions and history; however,today’s South is also ever-changing, which means that there is always something new for tour groups to discover


Features
City Focus: Boston  by Lisa Halvorsen
Hub & Spoke: Central Arizona   by Elana Andersen
Nevada  by Elana Andersen
New York   by Kitty Cayo
Regional Travel Tips: Great Lakes/Midwest  
International Dateline: Western Europeby Annie Gilsdorf
Need Insurance?  by Cindy Bertram
2006 Worldwide Cruise Directory 
2006 Directory of Scenic Rail & Sightseeing Cruises  

Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
Marketing Matters  by Mike Marchev
My Corner Of The World  by Martyde Souto, CTC
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Back Of The Bus by John Kloster

Departments
Gate 38
Go Member Profile - Linda Johnson, Metrobank’s ClubMet
Go News

Cover Advertisers
Collete
Holland America
Disney Theatrical
Virginia Tourism
 
 

August 2005

Cover Story
From the White City to the Rainbow City
Visitors to Chicago are aware of the city's magnificent museums and architecture downtown. But the real stories behind the development of this city are told in her neighborhoods.


Features
Special Section: Motor Coach Industries  
Arkansas   by Kelley Thompson
Gardens in the Berkshires  
 Anne Claffie - Texas Hill Country
International Dateline: Britain   by Brenda Watkinson
Regional Travel Tips: Frontier/Mountain West   by Elana Andersen
Regional Travel Tips: Mid-Atlantic by Kitty Cayo
Hub & Spoke: Orange County, Calif.  by Elana Andersen
2005 Directory of Tour & Receptive Operators 
New Group Cruise Options   by Cindy Bertram

Columns
My Turn by Jeff Gayduk
My Corner Of The World  by Martyde Souto, CTC
Marketing Matters  by Mike Marchev
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Back Of The Bus by John Kloster

Departments
Gate 38
Go Member Profile - Tamika Crider, On the Go
Go News


 
 

June 2005

Features
International Dateline Asia by Kelley Thompson
City Focus Honolulu by Lynn Cook
Hub & Spoke Texas Hill Countryby Lisa Halvorsen
Regional Travel Tips New England by Kitty Cayo
Show Me Missouri  by Heather Davis
2005 Gaming Directory
Home Land Cruising  by Cindy Bertram
Nebraska  by Lisa Halvorsen

Columns
My Tur by Jeff Gayduk
Marketing Matters  by Mike Marchev
My Corner Of The World  by Martyde Souto, CTC
Affinity Rules by Elana Andersen
Back Of The Bus by John Kloster

Departments
Gate 38
Go News
Go Member Profile



 
 


May 2005

Features
Fore! Golf Destinations
LA Update
Phoenix/Scottsdale
Upcoming in Colorado
History in the Heartland  by Kelley Thompson

Columns
From the Editor
Guide Posts

Special Section
2005 Gaming Directory














 
 

April 2005

Features
City Focus: Baltimore by Kelley Thompson
Travel South by George Lowden

   Florida, Arkansas, Alabama
   North Carolina, South Carolina ,
     Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia,
     Kentucky
   Virginia, Tennessee
The Great Lakes/Midwest Update
   Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa
   Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota,
     Missouri
Pennsylvania by Kitty Cayo
South Africa by Lisa Halvorsen
Exploring Brighton and Sussex County by Abbe Bates
The Cruise -It's More than Just Entertainment by Cindy Bertram

Columns
Marketing Matters by Mike Marchev A Journey of 100 Miles Begins With a Single Step
My Corner of the World by Marty Sarbey deSouto, CTC Plan for Flexibility to Attract Boomers

Department
GO Member Profile- Harry White,LLL Tours
GO News
News Briefs
From the Back of the Bus



 
 

March 2005

Features:
Wyoming
Oklahoma
Guilty!
California Update
News From Alaska
Colorado's HOT Springs
Hawaii More Than A Mai Tai

February 2005

Features
Beach and Spoke Vacations
City Focus: Atlanta
Dining on the High Seas
Frontier & Mountain West Update
Tennessee Treasures
Mid-Atlantic Update
The Berkshires

Columns & Departments

Blowing Snow, Publisher, Jeff Gayduk
Preparing for the Baby Boomers, by Marty Sarbey deSouto
Marketing Matters, by Mike Marchev
GO Member Profile, Joan Gibson
GO News
News Briefs - Focus on Europe
From the Back of the Bus

 
 

January 2005

Features:
New Mexico
San Francisco
Washington

   
Columns:
From the Editor
Guide Posts

Tips for Trips

2005 Hotel & Resort Directory

 












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