Explore Marketing Update - Issue 22
France and Netherlands Sales Mission
According to data by the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), international travel to the U.S. from major European countries including France and the Netherlands is forecasted to continue to grow over the next few years. However, with the changing booking patterns, experiences travelers seek, and the rise of new booking channels, it is important for suppliers to continue to ensure their products are at the forefront of the tour operators and consumers’ minds. To achieve this, Explore Marketing will be leading a sales mission to both France and The Netherlands from June 17 - 21 to provide opportunities for suppliers to further engage with tour operators in Amsterdam and Paris with the goal of having their products included to the itineraries and product listings. To join us on this sales mission, click here.
Artisans of Sonoma County — Life Opens Up
The best way to explore Sonoma County is biking through the vineyards and farmlands. It lets you slow down and appreciate the rolling hills of the wine country. Our host Kati joined Randy Johnson of Getaway Adventures for a Sip and Cycle excursion with stops along the way for tastings. They started at Martorana, picking grapes and learning about optimal harvest times. Each step of the winemaking process becomes a deeper connection to the land, something Kati experienced firsthand with Chris Benziger of Benziger Family Winery. In a similar way, Kyle and Katina Connaughton, the husband and wife team behind the inventive SingleThread farm and restaurant, transform the freshest seasonal produce from the farm into genius culinary creations. Video produced by Matador Network. More info about Sonoma County.
Attractions Added to Go Cancun Card and Cancun Explorer Pass
The Leisure Pass Group continues to add new attractions to its products, offering guests more savings and options. Beginning April 1, guests using the Go Cancun Card will have access to six additional attractions while users of the Cancun Explorer Pass will have eight more options to select from. New additions include Frida Kahlo Museum Riviera Maya, Sunrise Wildlife Stand-up Paddleboard tour, Ventura Park and more. For a full list of all attractions included, click here.
Unlimited Biking Opens New Location in San Francisco
Famous for scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse communities and world-class cuisine, San Francisco’s landmarks include the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Chinatown, Union Square, North Beach, the Castro district and Mission Dolores, and for guests interested in exploring by bike, Unlimited Biking will arm them with all they need for their adventures. Beginning in April, Unlimited Biking will be offering bike rental services from Ghiradelli Square with bike tours and e-bike rentals available from June 1. Guests will be outfitted with a Cannondale bike and all essentials including helmet, full-color coded map with key attractions, basket and bike lock. Staff will also be happy to suggest an interesting and memorable route. To learn more, email Nicole Caballero.
New Tour: Taste of Wine Country
Tower Tours has launched a new small group culinary tour, “Taste of the Wine Country”. The all-day tour will take guests to both Sonoma and Napa Valleys where they will visit one of Sonoma Valley’s spectacular wine caves, followed by a seated wine and cheese tasting. Guests will also visit a working Sonoma Valley olive oil and balsamic vinegar production mill to learn the history and production of the products. To finish off the voyage, the group will visit a local favorite for chocolate where an expert chocolate host will walk guests through a tasting of wine-infused truffles, beer and wine-flavored brittles, caramels, and other chocolate favorites as they experience traditional chocolate-making methods. Tours depart four times weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays) with complimentary shuttle service from most San Francisco and San Francisco airport area hotels. Learn more here.
Group Visits to The Flyer — San Francisco
Conveniently located at the entrance of Pier 39 and steps away from the bus loading right outside the attraction at Pier 39, groups can easily access The Flyer — San Francisco to experience the world’s first 3D flying theater. The journey begins when guests enter the two-level structure, where they are introduced to a few characters from the production through two pre-shows. Following the immersive introduction, guests are then ushered into the main theater where they will buckle up as the floors slip away and the lights will dim before guests in the 28-seat theater are suspended in front of the 1,100 square foot (50 foot by 22 foot) curved screen that fills their field of sight ensuring that each guest has the feeling of a front-row seat, as well as many special effects. Launch over the Golden Gate Bridge, barrel down Coit Tower, zoom through Lombard Street and Chinatown, and soar through the Redwood National Forest. A thrilling and inspiring attraction for all ages, The Flyer — San Francisco is a perfect introduction and a whole new way to see San Francisco. The attraction is suitable for group and FITs, with a throughput of 28 guests every 8 minutes, and a total time requirement of around 25 minutes, including the pre-shows. Read more
Waterfalls in Tahoe South
As the weather warms up, it is time for more outdoor activities such as hiking and enjoying the breathtaking waterfalls in Tahoe South. For those who do not want to hike too far, the popular Eagle Falls is an easy half-mile round-trip hike or they can also consider Cascade Falls which is only 1.5 miles, roundtrip from the Bayview Camp. Regardless of which one you choose, the views of the waterfalls are sure to impress every visitor. Read more
