Virginia Explorer - Demo - (Page 1)

Volume 13, Number 2 / December 2007 Winter/Spring 2007-2008 An Itinerary & News Magazine for Tour & Meeting Planners ABA Marketplace to Land in Virginia Beach in February By Sharon Cavileer hen the American Bus Association lands in Virginia Beach in February, the visitors to this lovely seaside will experience the same natural beauty that awed the colonists in the spring of 1607. Unlike those who arrived 400 years ago, however, Marketplace delegates will receive a warm welcome. Exceptional cuisine, lively libations, comfortable accommodations, a great new place to meet and greet, and a heaping helping of Southern Hospitality will make Virginia Beach a whole new world for tour operators. As many as 3000 professionals in the group travel and tourism industry will converge on Virginia’s largest city from February 3 through 7, 2008. They’ll be meeting at the brand new Virginia Beach Convention Center and staying at ten of the city’s oceanfront hotels. According to Eron Shosteck, ABA Senior Vice President for Communications, Marketing, and Media Relations, the event is a “must” for industry professionals, with more than $35 million in business transacted in ﬁve days. Unlike traditional trade shows, sellers representing attractions, destinations, and lodging will have seven minutes each W Virginia’s Spirited Spots Lead to American Whiskey Trail Page 4 Beach, boardwalk, and business beckon in Virginia Beach. with as many as 50 bus and tour operators over the course of the show. That translates into 100,000 appointments during Marketplace. “Marketplace gives delegates the opportunity to conduct a year’s worth of cold calls in a matter of hours.” said Shosteck. “Delegates can see ﬁrst-hand what the region has to offer and how to add these tours as a part of their business. The heart and soul of Marketplace is learning how to do business better.” Virginia’s favorite beach is more than ready for the visitors. “We’re thrilled to host ABA’s Marketplace this year,” said Al Hutchinson, vice president of Virginia Beach convention sales and marketing. “While we’re accustomed to hosting visitors, since we average three million guests continued on pg. 10 Dine Around Tidewater Virginia’s Seafood Style Page 6 Tracing Our Ancestors’ Footsteps along the Wilderness Road Many crossed into Virginia at Harper’s Ferry and began the long trek down the verdant valley known as the Shenandoah. Many stopped and settled in the towns along the way by choice or by chance. A group of Hessian soldiers who fought with the British during the American Revolution found that their passage back to Germany wasn’t included . . . so they stayed. Others were simply passing through the Shenandoah to the Cumberland Gap on old buffalo traces used by Native Americans. This mountain pass, now known as The Wilderness Road, was rediscovered by Dr. Thomas Walker in 1750 and expanded by Daniel Boone. Between 1775 and 1810 more than 300,000 settlers moved south through Virginia along the 500 miles of the Wilderness Road. At the conclusion of the French and Indian War and Kentucky statehood, the trip grew easier as the road was expanded to accommodate wagons. continued on pg. 14 On the Road With Dylan and Pop-Pop A Mountain Experience Page 8 Abram’s Delight in Winchester welcomes groups on the Wilderness Road. Celebrate Virginia Garden Week’s 75th Anniversary in April Page 12 By Sharon Cavileer I n the 18th century, the lure of free land and freedom of worship proved irresistible to Europeans suffering from poverty, revolution, and famine. Thousands came to the Colonies to achieve the American dream. Many settlers were drawn by Penn’s promise of brotherly love, opportunity, and religious tolerance. Landing in the port of Philadelphia, the land they hoped for was hundreds of miles west. Carrying their meager possessions, they walked the Lancaster Pike past York and Gettysburg to the foot of the Allegheny Mountains. Meet the People Making Virginia Such a Wonderful Place to Visit Page 13 375 Greenbrier Drive, Suite 100 Charlottesville, VA 22901

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Virginia Explorer - Demo ABA Marketplace to Land in Virginia Beach in February Tracing Our Ancestors' Footsteps along the Wilderness Road From the Publisher Virginia's Spirited Spots Lead to American Whiskey Trail Dine Around Tidewater: Virginia's Seafood Style On the Road With Dylan and Pop-Pop: A Mountain Experience Sightseeing Tours: Seashore, Settlers, Steeples, Spirits, Shopping Celebrate Virginia Garden Week's 75th Anniversary in April Meet the People Making Virginia such a Wonderful Place to Visit Virginia Advertisers Specializing in Group Business

Virginia Explorer - Demo

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