Category: Press Releases
NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA … The American Bus Association (ABA) announced September 5 the Natchitoches Festival of Lights held November 22, 2008 through January 3, 2009, has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2008 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that the Festival of Lights offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, said ABA.
With the release of the American Bus Association’s 2008 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates more than 25 years of the Top 100 Events. What began as a way for motor coach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motor coach operators and the general public.
“The attractiveness of the Festival of Lights as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Natchitoches,� said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA’s president and CEO. “The real news here is that the Festival of Lights has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives the Festival of Lights an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.�
According to studies recently completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motor coach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $13,000 in a local destination’s economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.
“Simply put,� said Pantuso, “motor coach groups spend more and stay longer. That’s why the Festival of Lights is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motor coach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay.�
ABA’s 2008 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the Festival of Lights from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and convention and visitors bureaus. Judges considered the event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motor coaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.
The Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org. For more information about Natchitoches’ Annual Festival of Lights call (800) 259-1714 or visit online at www.christmasfestival.com.
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