I'm back in the captain's chair, at least temporarily as Kelley's out applying her skills in the medical field. She has created a short video message for InSite subscribers that she'd like you to see.

In this issue of InSite, we have lots of great features to showcase, including Collette & Holland America cooperating on an exciting Alaska program, wisdom from our annual Industry Forecast edition, plus the roll-out of December's Leisure Group Travel, with articles on River Cruising, The Smokies, plus an interview with Sonya Harmon-Nash of Amish Country, Northern Indiana.

Chances are you've done some holiday shopping online this month (84% of consumers plan to spend as much or more online shopping this year). As you're searching the internet this holiday season, surf over to the new GroupTravelDirectory.com.

As more planners begin their trip research online, GTD 4.0 was rolled out late last month with a host of new planning tools and cutting-edge resources for researching and booking group trips. We'll be introducing aspects of GTD.com over the next few issues. You can test drive it yourself - next time you're researching destinations or group-friendly suppliers.

Happy Holidays!

Innaugural Canadian E-Tourism Awards Celebrate Excellence in Tourism Marketing

Top Five Reasons for Meeting Planner Site Selection: Knowland Group Research Reveals That Price Isn't Everything

Palace Resorts' Beach Palace - The Perfect All-Inclusive Destination for Today's Active Family Reunion

Planning an "Award Winning" Family Reunion in Maryland

Head "north to the future," a fitting motto for the one-of-a-kind state of Alaska, when you set sail on its icy waters and embark on a romantic journey. Just imagine it; your Holland America Line ship passes smoothly through the famous Glacier Bay, and you stand on its balcony, hands resting atop the railing, witnessing the faces of glaciers whose retreat over two centuries sculpted a 65-mile long fjord. It feels like going back in time to the Ice Age.

As you glide along this glacier-crowned wilderness, the wind touching your cheeks reminds you that you are not dreaming; the sight revealing itself to you is just utterly extraordinary.

The traditional travel industry definition of what constitutes a group is dated and no longer fits today's observed travel patterns.

Social/leisure groups are driven typically by activity first, followed by destination and brand. In terms of online needs, social planners want tools to help plan and develop itineraries.

On average, social/leisure groups reported that they consistently plan at least four events per year, about half of which required less than five rooms and lasted 3.5 days.

The cruise industry has gone through massive changes even in the past five years, with more ships, selections and choices than ever before. River cruise lines have seen significant growth - with the expansion of river cruise line companies like Peter Deilmann Cruises and Uniworld which have both been in existence for over 30 years, and new ones like Amadeus Waterways which launched in March 2003 with their new Amadeus Symphony.

Another newcomer, Avalon Waterways, began in 2004 and Majestic America Lines, the combination of American West Steamboat Company and Delta Queen Steamboat Company into one brand, began operating under its new name in 2006. With growth and new companies come new options for cruise groups to consider and an alternative to the large-ship experience.

Encompassing 520,000 acres, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned natural preserve and is home to over 1,600 black bear, more than 800 miles of walking and hiking trails and endless memories waiting to be made around every bend.

And with more than 1,660 types of flowering plants in bloom each spring (more than at any other North American park), it's a breathtaking time to visit. In fact, each spring the park hosts a seven-day Wildflower Pilgrimage, featuring wildflower walks and photography tours as well as special classes and seminars. Download trail maps and event information online, and then join fellow nature enthusiasts April 23-27 to celebrate the mountains coming alive with colorful blooms.

As trip leaders, we face many challenges when out in the field with our groups. We expect the usual challenges of seeing that our trips run smoothly, our participants enjoy themselves, our step-on guides are excellent, our meals delicious, and our hotels attractive and comfy.

But occasionally we have to face something we don't expect, like a tour member becoming ill or injured while on tour with us. Do we have any procedures in place as to how such an occurrence should be handled? If not, perhaps now is the time to think about this and sketch out some thoughts as to the best way to deal with such an en-route happening.

This week, InSite E-Zine interviews Sonya L. Harman-Nash.

Her 21-year career in tourism includes 11 years as Director of Sales for Amish Acres and 3 years as the Manager of Group Sales and Convention Services for the South Bend/Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau. Prior to joining the Elkhart County CVB in 2000, she received her certification as a Certified Tour Specialist through the National Tour Association in 1999. Sonya is currently active in several Indiana Tourism based committees that keep her full swing in the travel industry.