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Learn how the Maine Motorcoach Network started, where we've been and were we are headed. And most important...how to get involved.
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Agenda • What is the Maine Motorcoach Network • How we got started • Are you motorcoach friendly? • Our programs • Where we are headed • Why and how to get involved • Statistics
Who are we? A volunteer network of Maine tourism businesses, in collaboration with theMaine Office of Tourism, that grew from a grassroots effort to bring more motorcoach business to all regions of Maine.
How We Got Started • Gathered attendees prior to attending ABA to share information with DMOs in order to sell the state better at appointments • (core group of approximately 10) • Industry saw a need to focus on this market • Gathered additional industry participants (grew to approx. 30) • Group is now 100+ industry professionals strong and still growing
How we grew from there… • Web development for group section of VisitMaine.com • Guidelines for group-friendly businesses • First Familiarization (FAM) Tour • First Sales Mission in conjunction with ABA in Philadelphia
Our Structure • Membership is open to any Maine businesses committed to serving the Motorcoach market or wanting to learn more about how to work with the Motorcoach industry. • Meets monthly at locations throughout the State. Members take turns hosting meetings. • Has no paid staff or office – all volunteers • Has an Executive Committee as well as Sales Mission, FAM, Membership, Development, and ROI Committees
Executive Committee Chair: Scott Riccio, Northeast Tour & Charter Vice Chair: Troy Munford, Sunday River Treasurer: Lynn Tillotson, Greater Portland Convention + Visitors Bureau Membership: Chris Chapin, Olympia Companies Secretary: Chris Rackmyre, CTIS, The Maine Tour Connection FAM Chair: Don Haggett, Lafayette Hotels Sales Mission Chair: Anna Henderson, Olympia Companies Development Chair: Brigit Cavanaugh, Maine Course Hospitality ROI Chair: Margaret Hoffman, Boothbay Railway Village Ex-Officio: Cheryl Delisle, Witham Family Properties Member At-Large: Dave Garrison, Maine Maritime Museum Member At-Large: Bill Hahn, Country Inns Camden/Rockport Maine Office of Tourism Liaison: Donna Moreland
Are you ready? • Parking • Tiered Pricing • Restrooms • Accessible • Staffing capabilities • Offer something unique • Capacity for 55 people • At least 25 dble-dble rooms
Our Programs • Familiarization (FAM) Tours • Sales Missions
How the operators chosen? 3 FAM Tours: 39 Tour Operators from 16 States
How is the route chosen? 2011 New Gloucester Casco Bethel Farmington Bangor Ellsworth Trenton Bar Harbor Bucksport North Port Camden Rockland Wiscasset Boothbay Harbor Bath Freeport Kennebunkport Portland 2012 Portland Bath Pemaquid Point Wiscasset Rockland Owls Head Camden Belfast Bucksport Ellsworth Trenton Bar Harbor Bangor Kingsfield Carrabassett Valley Rangeley Farmington Livermore Falls Carthage Bethel Gems of 26 Freeport Kennebunk / Kennebunkport Ogunquit 2013 Gray Lewiston Auburn Gardiner Augusta Searsport Lincolnville Camden Rockport Rockland Thomaston Boothbay Harbor Wiscasset Bath Brunswick Freeport Falmouth Saco York Kittery Ogunquit Kennebunkport Portland Peaks Island 2014 Bethel Bangor Winterport Eastport Lubec Campobello Island Machias Bar Harbor Acadia Nat’l Park Searsport Boothbay Harbor Bath Brunswick Freeport Portland Ogunquit Hundreds more businesses mentioned on every trip!
Testimonials As a New England Receptive Operator, I send 2-8 motorcoaches to or through Maine each and every year. The Maine FAM tour has been a HUGE help to me as I become more familiar with the different areas of Maine with the different venues that I have not previously visited. Telegan Tour & Travel, LLC I’m still talking about the wonderful time…our guide shared her knowledge of what our customers will experience from each visit, suggesting ideas along the way to further enhance a Maine Tour…I saw a Maine that I never knew existed. Wade Tours
Testimonials It was extremely helpful to see the attractions, sights, restaurants, and hotels in different areas of the state... I visited areas and attractions that were not included on our current tours. Since traveling on the FAM tour, I have added TWO attractions that I visited, to our current tour itineraries. I would not have added those unless I had been on the FAM tour….Christian Tours I was fortunate to be invited on a Maine FAM… I met the good people of Maine: was welcomed like an old friend, shown every hidden treasure, well kept secret and not-to-be-missed delight…my customers fell hopelessly in love with a side of Maine I would never have known to show them if not for my experience on the Maine FAM. daytripping,inc
How areas are chosen January 8-12, 2011 PA & NJ 15 appointments in 1 day December 12-14, 2012 Atlantic Canada 5 appointments over 3 days May 13-17, 2013 Quebec 15 appointments over 4 days April 28 – May 2, 2014 Philadelphia 15 appointments over 3 days
Testimonials We are now looking at possible circuits in Maine as we really found the region very interesting. Thanks again We were very pleased with the presentation format and the information provided. We think you should call it what it is though; “More than the 95 Road Show” because it means getting off the highway and into the towns and communities that provide the true experiences of Maine. Target Tours We are now looking at possible circuits in Maine as we really found the region very interesting. Thanksagain! Tours Amerique Had a great visit with all your Maine reps today. I Learned a lot - Sounds like I can do a lot more in Maine then I thought. Freedom Tours
Testimonials We are now looking at possible circuits in Maine as we really found the region very interesting. Thanks again Thank you so much for visiting yesterday, bringing breakfast treats and educating us on Maine and the great products it has to offer. Your presentation was great and I feel like friends came to visit for awhile yesterday. As I clearly stated – I love Maine so it was like a little piece of Maine came to visit yesterday. Atlantic Tours Limited I feel that it is I that needs to thank you. Your presentation about Maine was one of the best presentations that I have ever sat through. When you left, I was ready to pack up and go visit Maine. So a very large Bravo to you and your team. Trius Bus Division
Profile Sheets • A two-sided, 8 ½ x 11 overview of your businessto include: • Contact Information • Photos • Directions • Mileage • Amenities • Tour Operator Rates • Tour Guide & Driver Comps • Other tour options in close proximity • Reasons for Tour Operators to Choose You! $99 100+ operators
Where Are We Headed? • Communication via E-Newsletter for Updates • Quarterly Networking & Update Meetings • Continuation with FAM Tours • Continuation with Sales Missions • Larger presence at ABA • ROI Survey & Results on our Efforts
Why & How To Get Involved • Membership application • No Fee • Allows us to contact you • Show up at meetings • Get involved in committees • Submit profile sheet yearly • Sponsor an event
Testimonials Everyone can get something out of a network – probably the thing that I get most out of it is working with people within the room. Creating friendships allows me… Troy Munford, Sunday River Ogunquit Playhouse Vern, Campobello Island Don Haggett Karen, Ogunquit Chamber
Economic ImpactOne motorcoach spending one night at a destination generates as much as $11,660 for that local economy in meals, lodging and other spending.Motorcoach traveler and tourism demand generates more than $55.7 billion annually in economic transactions nationwide and generates 1.4 million jobs. Motorcoaches account for 751 million passenger trips annually, moving more people in some years than commercial airlines.Source: ABA American Bus Association Motorcoach Facts 2012