Group Tour Magazine - February 2023 - 86

National Shrine of Our Lady
of the Miraculous Medal
Danville Conservation Area
robust itinerary that takes in inspiring Missouri
attractions such as the National Stars
and Stripes Museum and Library, the National
Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal,
or the Lutheran Heritage Center & Museum.
" For active groups, this area is great for
big crowd, alone in the outdoors, or on one
of Arkansas' great lakes, rivers, or streams,
it's all in 'The Natural State,' our nickname. "
COME FOR THE ECLIPSE,
STAY FOR THE EXPERIENCES
As the eclipse will occur in less than five
minutes, tour operators must balance those
moments with a menu of other experiences.
" For tour groups wanting to do a hub-andspoke
tour, St. Louis is a great origination
point, " says Katie Blake, public relations specialist
at the Missouri Division of Tourism.
" From there, they can reach the line of
totality in just under two hours or place themselves
elsewhere in the path of totality in
as little as one hour. " Groups can create a
exploration, " Blake says. " Between [exploring]
the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, hiking
in the many state parks, or wildlife watching
at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge near
Puxico, there are plenty of outdoor activities
to keep groups entertained. "
Situated about 100 miles from St. Louis
and 150 miles from Memphis, Tennessee,
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, makes an ideal
stop for multicity itineraries. The mighty
Mississippi River runs through the city and
boasts a vibrant riverfront of sights, sounds,
and tastes. " Visitors can appreciate the total
eclipse from the Mississippi riverfront, " suggests
Brenda Newbern, executive director of
the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors
Bureau. " Nothing is going to stop the view
of the sky, and viewers have the potential of
the reflection in the river. " With amenities
like hotels and boutiques as well as a global
food scene, Cape Girardeau offers plenty of
attractions to engage visitors beyond gazing
at the eclipse.
The area is packed with history as well.
In 1861, Union troops constructed a ring
of forts around Cape Girardeau. With its
earthwork walls, Fort D remains intact and
welcomes visitors to learn more about infantry,
artillery, engineering, medicine, and
recreation during the Civil War.
" We can help with everything from
step-on guides and group experiences like
pottery and forging to art galleries and
historic sites, " Newbern says. " We can make
this a one-stop shop. "
Marketing tour experiences that envelop
the eclipse event will be key to attracting
groups. " Nobody in group travel loves anything
better than a plan, " Erzfeld says. " And
sites can capitalize on eclipse enthusiasm by
promoting their amenities and experiences
as a part of those itineraries. " Doing so will
inspire visitors to not just look up at the sky
but also to discover regional attractions.
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PHOTO PERRY COUNTY TOURISM
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Group Tour Magazine - February 2023

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