Courier Magazine - February 2008 - National Tour Association
Meet the Members
Chris Donnelly, president of Sugar Tours Inc. has parlayed his travel industry experiences into an innovative tour company. “I started Sugar Tours 10 years ago after being with a resort company for 13 years doing national sales which included tours,” Donnelly said. “Our growth has come through organizing educational programs for Elderhostel and our new culinary programs that we operate.
Although Vermont is its specialty, the company also offers full planning services for New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces. Donnelly admitted his New England culinary itinerary has become one of his most popular tours. Travelers can enjoy traditional northeastern cuisine such as a Rhode Island clambake and a Maine lobster dinner. “It has been one of our hottest educational programs, and now we have turned it into a successful touring program,” he said.
Sugar Tours’ “Scenic Railroads of New England” also includes a culinary component. “A highlight of this program is a ride aboard the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train in Lincoln, New Hampshire, where you enjoy spectacular scenery and a gourmet dinner,” Donnelly said.
He noted Sugar Tours is dedicated to providing first-class customer service and creativity. “I pride myself on developing programs that no one else is doing at that time,” he said. “I do a lot of research to make a one-of-a-kind tour.”
www.sugartours.com