Sugar Tours

I reflect on this year saying that next year can only be better.  After almost completeing our operations in 2009 we say that a 35% cancellation rate wasn’t that bad.

With the economy improving (hopefully), advance reservations looked strong but have died down just before the Christmas Season.  I say give the gift of travel and keep the reservations coming.  There is no better gift than the gift of travel as you are giving someone that you care about a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime. 

I will keep my fingers crossed and hope that we will see an increase this year. 

We wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and Keep Traveling. 

Summer has started and bookings were strong to start the season, now it has come time for the cancellations to begin and they have. 

After a slow year in 2008 with a drop of 15% from 2007, I had an optimistic look on 2009.  Bookings were strong as gas prices were high and people were hoping that group travel would prosper. 

This year has been a total surprise as the lower and moderate priced trips have been a disaster and the higher end tours have held steady or have had a slight increase.  Does this mean that we should plan more higher end product for 2010?  I am baffled. 

I feel it is time to keep looking for new and unique products, maybe higher priced that hopefully will attract the baby boomers (60 - 70 years) into traveling on a coach tour.  I also feel that we need to package more product with less structure and more independence. 

It is time to be inventive, creative, cost conscience and continue to find ways to attract the younger participant that will be your client for the future. 

For Immediate Release:

Support the Cannon Fund Raiser

Have you ever experienced the firing of a Civil War era cannon, teaching children in a second lessons about war and sacrifice they could never learn in a classroom? That sight and sound, which for over 40 years has been brought to the public by the 2^nd Battery Vermont Light Artillery, may be missing from parades and reenactments in the future without help – possibly your help.

Forty-four years ago the 2^nd Battery Vermont Light Artillery took possession of an original Napoleon 12 pounder cannon (known as the Proctor Cannon) owned by the State of Vermont. Before the 2^nd Battery took charge of the cannon it was almost completely destroyed by years of neglect. The 2^nd Battery completely restored, maintained, cared for, displayed, and fired this piece of Vermont’s heritage for the enjoyment and education of the public for over 40 years with little interest paid by the state of Vermont. Now the group has been in a dispute with the state over the continued firing of the cannon, which was the main activity that provided financial and volunteer support for the cannon’s maintenance and upkeep. The group remains committed to preserving this piece of Vermont’s history, but has been forced to find new ways to motivate volunteers and keep the group together. The 2^nd Battery Vermont Light Artillery has resolved to continue its educational mission to the public while negotiations with the State of Vermont continue over the use of the Proctor Cannon.

Capt. James Dassatti, commander of the unit, who is a resident of Jacksonville, Vermont, has had Vermonters and people from across the northeast send him funds to continue his debate on the use of the cannon with the State of Vermont.

Capt. Dassatti, who lectures about 15 times a year in week-long sessions on the American Revolution on programs for Elderhostel, concocted with his First Sergeant Roger Tiberia of Ravena, New York, the idea of doing a historical motorcoach tour to Gettysburg to raise funds for the purchase of a new cannon. Dassatti then approached his Elderhostel Program Provider, Mr. Chris Donnelly, who also owns Sugar Tours & Educational Journeys of West Dover, Vermont.  Mr. Donnelly stated, “This is a great project for a really dynamic group. Everyone here in the office really wants to help this project and we are planning to volunteer a lot of our time for its success. We chose Gettysburg as the destination because all elements of the brand new $135 million Visitor Center, which initially opened in May 2008, are now fully accessible to all visitors. Even if you have been to Gettysburg before, this experience includes all new attractions. We are really excited about this.”

This tour is scheduled for June 5 – 7, 2009 and will depart from the Dover area stopping in Albany before traveling to Gettysburg.  We will be staying in Gettysburg for two nights with visits to the new Gettysburg Visitor Center, the David Wills House, West Point and dinner at the Dobbins House Tavern.  All profits from this tour will go towards the purchase of a new firing cannon by the 2^nd Battery Vermont Light Artillery.

For more information contact Chris Donnelly, Sugar Tours, 802-464-9740, or James Dassatti, 2^nd Battery Vermont Light Artillery, 802-368-7913.

This past Friday I was invited to do a sight inspection in Wilkes-Barre, PA which was arranged by Janet Allen Hall of the Luzerne County Convention & Visitors Bureau.  

I had the great fortune to stay at the The Woodlands Inn & Resort who hosted our overnight accommodations.  Donna Keyes, Sales Manager, was so accommodating and supplied our small group with van service for the entire evening. 

The Woodlands Inn & Resort, a three star hotel located in Wilkes-Barre, PA, at the foothills of the Pocono mountains is Northeast Pennsylvania’s premier hotel and resort.  The hotel is situated along the beautiful Laurel Run Stream on 40 wooded Pocono acres. The Woodlands Inn and Resort is a AAA three star hotel with the facilities for exquisite wedding receptions featuring streamside outdoor cocktail locations, upscale accommodations and is located a short distance to the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.  

We were transported to the new Mohegan Sun Casino at Pocono Downs.  Here we were greeted by Mindy Weiss of Mohegan Sun and Lynn Stelling of Penns Peak.  We were given a tour of this wonderful facility.  I was amazed at how nice this property has become in the last year.  It offers many different dining options that include Italian, Ruth Chris’s Steakhouse, Sushi and a food court that includes Johnny Rocket’s and Wolfgang Pucks. 

We had the pleasure to dine at the Rustic Kitchen.  While every restaurant seeks to be unique, the 260 seat Tuscan Villa themed Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar actually earns the distinction.  This new Bistro & Bar offers an Italian Mediterranean influenced menu. The authentic interior displays handcrafted relics & artifacts representing a Tuscan Villa and allows guests the option of an intimate dining experience in one of the main dining room’s private booths, or a quick pizza from its wood burning oven in the Bar/Café. Rustic Kitchen has received numerous honors, including recognition as Boston Magazines “Best of Boston” and designation of the “Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator the last 3 years. 

It’s most innovative component is a state of the art, broadcast ready, television studio kitchen with live cooking shows that is the focal point inside of the restaurant. Daily cooking shows called “In the Kitchen” will occur for patrons to dine and learn in a highly entertaining yet intimate atmosphere.  Mountain Top, PA native and cooking show celebrity chef, Kate Gabriele will be the Headline Host.  “In the Kitchen” will also host events that spotlight local restaurants, area chefs, industry suppliers, & farmers.

I started the dinner with Crispy Fried Calamari served with toasted pine nuts, jalepenos peppers and a delicious lemon pepper aioli.  The calamari was perfectly cooked and although it was served with a lemon pepper sauce and jalepenos it was not over spiced.  For my entree I enjoyed the Seafood Fradiavolo which had crab, shrimp, scallops and lobster in a spicy red sauce.  I have had this in many restaurants and find it sometimes over spiced but this one was perfect. 

What a nice start to an evening.  I forgot to mention, I also won $380 playing their slot machines. 

Following dinner we were transported to Penn’s Peak Theater and Dance Hall.   Penn’s Peak is a cozy venue located in Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania that can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers with its spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, twin bars and restaurant. Complete with a broad open-air deck for summertime revelry, Penn’s Peak patrons enjoy a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake, plus a commanding, picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian mountains. 

We were treated to a Super Box by our hostess, Lynn.  We enjoyed an open bar and more food, like we needed that after dinner.  The show was awesome as I picked this one to see. 

Donna Jean & The Tricksters opened the show. Donna Jean Godchaux MacKay was born to sing, and over the course of time she’s done so with people like Elvis Presley, Percy Sledge, Boz Scaggs, and Jerry Garcia. Now she has a new band that she’s quite certain is on a creative par with anything she’s ever done. “This band is a perfect fit for me as a singer/songwriter,” she said recently, “and I hope to be doing this for a long time to come. We’re having so much fun with this music!” The Grateful Dead alumna has joined up with six members of the next musical generation – Mookie Siegel (David Nelson Band; formerly Phil & Friends, RatDog), Wendy Lanter (Hope in Time), and Jeff Mattson, Tom Circosta, Klyph Black and Dave Diamond (Zen Tricksters) to form Donna Jean and the Tricksters. Look out! Things have come full circle and anything’s possible.  What a jam session that included songs from her band and some old favorites of the Dead. 

Next came the New Riders of the Purple Sage.  The band was formed by David Nelson and Jerry Garcia.  The band is back since 2006 with a revived and inspired lineup, bringing the songs of John Dawson back to the ears of adoring crowds nationwide as well as taking those songs to places they’ve never been before musically. Led by David Nelson and Buddy Cage, the current touring lineup includes Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna) on guitar and vocals, Ronnie Penque on bass and vocals and Johnny Markowski (Stir Fried) on drums and vocals. John Dawson remains retired in Mexico and has given the guys his blessing and sends his best to all his fans out there and thanks you all for continuing to enjoy his songs. 

The show included all of the old favorites as well as a great version of Deep Ellum Blues and a jam session with Donna Jean and The Tricksters. 

Penn’s Peak not only offers great evening headline shows but great luncheon shows for motorcoach groups that include Jimmy Dorsey among many other great senior type entertainment.  Also you do not want to forget the unbeleivable view.

If you are not visiting this area you are missing out. 

I just want to thank Janet, Cindy, Mindy and Donna for opening our eyes to this wonderful area and we hope to be coming back with many groups in the future. 

I just returned from the North Carolina Motorcoach Annual Meeting, which consists of over 30 motorcoach tour companies and over 200 suppliers from all facets of the travel industry.

The pulse of the industry in North Carolina is strong but very optimistic.  While bookings look strong for the spring due to student travel, bookings for the summer and fall look weak. 

In speaking with many of the owner/operators the trend of the industry seems to be shorter trips of one to three nights and days trips.  Most companies are looking for inexpensive and value added packages to destinations that are reachable within a days drive from their location.  

Many issues were discussed during the meeting and on top of the agenda as always was deposit, comp and cancellation policies.  The numbers of people traveling via coach are smaller and group sizes have shrunk.  The other trend that has hit the market is later bookings on departures.  Many operators are seeing tours fill up later usually less than 60 days prior to departure. With this in mind hotels and attractions have to rethink their policies.  Most operators are looking for deposits to be due 30 to 60 days prior to arrival and for them to be a minimal deposit and to have balances due 7 to 14 days prior to arrival.  Hotels also most consider lowering their comp policies to a comp for 10 to 15 rooms occupied as this will help the operator in keeping their cost lower which will give them the opportunity to operate the tour. 

The issue of non-refundable deposits was still a major concern.  With the state of the economy it has become impossible for tour companies to send out non-refundable deposits.  These deposits would mean that companies would have to send out tens of thousands of dollars on tours that might not operate which would leave them with a deficit. 

Just remember that in the last four months we have seen five diamond resorts lay off 50% of their staff, resort developments stop in Florida and Tennessee and many other travel related businesses close their doors and layoff entire staffs without notice.

It is time for the travel industry to unite and work together in this down economy.  If we can not work together we will see failure in the industry as a whole. 

With the economy in a drastic down turn it is time to start traveling by motorcoach. 

The advantages of traveling by coach far outway any disadvantages. 

Here are your advantages:

Affordable, economical, everything is planned and included.  It is also rated the Greenest mode of travel in the  US. 

Sugar Tours is now doing its part to promote coach travel.  They are now offering any professional travel company up to 15% commission on both guaranteed and scheduled departures.   Sugar Tours is also offering a 5% discount on their already low priced customized group tour packages.

For the individual traveler we are offering a 5% discount on our scheduled and guaranteed departures through the month of March. 

Inside Wire

www.sugartours.com

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