By Amy Arnett
Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but sometimes planning and traveling can be stressful. There are many ways to make the traveling process easier, and one of those is to skip the traditional types of travel for a motorcoach tour. While it may seem like an obvious choice, many don’t think about a coach bus as an option for their vacation plans. Scheduling one of these tours has a number of benefits, which include the convenience of not having to drive, make reservations or plan events, as well as the social perks that come with a group of travel companions.
Turner Tours, based in Detroit, MI, provides tours to the Mountain State every year. Jim and Carole Mayrose had never been to West Virginia before 2000, but they love traveling and enjoy the interaction with others along the way, which led them to browse motorcoach catalogs from Turner. The couple has now been to all 48 continental states and has traveled to West Virginia for three separate trips.
“Our first trip to West Virginia was for whitewater rafting on the Red River. That was one of our favorites, as well as Canaan Valley Resort. We love that place and want to go back,” says Jim. “We really enjoy traveling by coach. I don’t have to drive, the accommodations and meals are good and we almost always end up visiting an interesting stop that we would not have known about otherwise. It’s just plain fun!”
Steve and Diane Moore of Terra Haute, IN, have also come to West Virginia with Turner. “We probably wouldn’t have come to West Virginia on our own, but reading about the trips in the catalog made it sound interesting, and we can honestly say our trips there were some of the most enjoyable trips we’ve ever taken,” says Steve. “We can’t wait to see next year’s book and start planning our 2014 trips.”
The Breakdown
The benefits of these group tours go beyond the passenger experience; motorcoach tourism significantly impacts both businesses and the state’s economy. In 2012, the motorcoach industry generated a total economic impact of more than $1 billion in West Virginia and was responsible for 14,420 jobs, according to the American Bus Association Foundation.
Kathy Johnson, the domestic marketing specialist for the West Virginia Division of Tourism, works to familiarize touring companies with West Virginia and the unique opportunities available here. According to Johnson, the attractions West Virginia has to offer are increasing, and business owners are constantly working to accommodate larger groups.
“The Elkins area has seen a tremendous amount of growth in the last several years. It started with the American Mountain Theatre, followed by the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad. In turn, these attractions caused the need for more lodging and restaurants in the area,” says Johnson. “All of this rolls over into the outlying regions as well. Adaland Mansion in Philippi is a wonderful meal stop, Appalachian Glass in Weston explains the dying art of hand-blown glassmaking and the Flatwoods Outlet Center provides shopping.”
Though it may seem like long bus commutes would limit interested passengers, tour groups aren’t restricted to a regional customer base. Johnson explains that groups have come to West Virginia from all 48 continental states, Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom.
Bob Cline, the president of U.S. Tours, has been in the motorcoach industry for more than 35 years and estimates that the company, which is located in Parkersburg, has more than 500 departures and 15,000-20,000 passengers per year. The company’s tours of West Virginia specialize in showcasing the sites, music and history of Appalachia.
Ultimately, traveling through a tour company provides an economic boost for both parties. “For the consumer, there are efficiencies in time and money management when we are handling your arrangements,” says Cline. “Inevitably, you will see and do twice as much when you buy a tour package.”
“Safety is also a major factor for tours, especially for seniors and students,” says Johnson. “Motorcoach tours are a cost-effective way of gaining that.” The group atmosphere of the coach tour is a much safer environment than that of those who choose to travel to new places alone, and the tour companies coordinate reputable accommodations and sight-seeing venues. This eliminates the concern for passengers, especially those with special needs, such as a large student group.
Moving Forward
“Today, the industry is much more experiential,” says Cline. “It’s not enough to simply look out the windows or attend a show. The consumer is looking to connect with a real experience. My first trip as a tour manager was to see the Grand Ole Opry. Now, they see the opry and get a chance to record their own songs.”
This change in expectations has created a dynamic industry that is always evolving to suit the preferences of travelers. Companies who specialize in motorcoaches secure group deals and handle the details, so there is no standing in lines, baggage is carried to your room and all the plans are pre-determined, which reduces the traditional stress. The cost efficiency has both budget-conscious travelers and those with more flexible finances taking notice. “Groups are becoming more and more active,” says Johnson. “We would have never had a group of men come to play golf for five days 15 years ago. People like to have some free time in their itineraries and choice of activities, and there are more upscale options than ever before.”
The future of the industry is based on its marketing, according to Cline. Locations around the state have customized their lodging and dining options toward motorcoaches; consumers simply need to know about their options. “Media and marketing will drive us for the foreseeable future. I see West Virginia growing steadily at a better than average rate,” says Cline. “West Virginia needs buzz more than anything else.”
