Motorcoach Business

• A visit by a one-day motorcoach group leaves from $2,536 to $4,563 in a destination's economy.

• A visit by an overnight motorcoach tour group leaves from $5,094 to $11,264 in a destination's economy.
  Stats provided by ABA

Who is the Traveler?

• Average age of Household Head: 48 years

• 63% Married, 19% single/never married, 18% divorced, widowed, separated

• 57% of Household Heads with a managerial or professional occupation, 17% retired

• 36% with Children in the household

• Annual household income: $68,000 mean, $57,800 median
  Stats provided by ABA

What the tour operators are looking for?

• Something of quality and more for their money "value".

• Satisfaction

• Hospitality

• Things to do that are of interest, unique, historical, etc.

• Wants hands on experience.

• Nice lodging, local restaurants, shopping (of the area).

• To be treated like an individual and not a company.

• Conveniences for their customers. I.e. special motorcoach parking, no waiting in lines, easy loading and unloading sites.

• Basics like: honesty, integrity, courtesy, common sense, and learn how to negotiate.

• Follow-up and keep them informed they do not like to look inept.

• Service, service, service - their rule we want to put smiles on faces and making friends.

• Flexibility, they are traveling with a diverse group of individuals.

• Honor your commitments; even if a mistake has been made or if there have been changes in your management. Once said, honor it.

• Know your customers need before you make your pitch. (Know what they are looking for.)

• Don't expect results overnight.  There are no 'fast bucks' to be made in the group travel industry...only profits, which result from hard work and long-term commitment.

SCENIC BYWAYS AND MOUNTAIN FOLKWAYS

Along Mountain Parkway Trails
This tour explores one of Kentucky’s natural scenic wonders—the Red River Gorge Geological Area at the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau—and offers a glimpse of the history and folk culture of the hardy Scotch-Irish people who came through Cumberland Gap and settled the beautiful highlands of the plateau region in eastern Kentucky. The drive through the gorge follows one of the state's newly designated National Scenic Byways.

For more details, download our Scenic Byways and Mountain Folkways PDF.

HIGHWAYS TO HISTORY

Along South I-75 and US 25
This tour explores attractions along the I-75 and US 25 corridors south of Lexington, taking in historical sites related to early pioneers, the Civil War, coal mining, and World War II, as well one of Kentucky’s most important cultural institutions—Renfro Valley, one of the three oldest country music establishments in the U.S. There is magnificent scenery at Cumberland Falls and Cumberland Gap, and US 25E is a National Scenic Byway for much of its length. A variety of dining is available, ranging from ‘home-cooking’ at Kentucky Depot, Renfro Valley, and the state resort parks, to original Kentucky fried chicken, and more elegant meals at the Cumberland Inn. For some adventure, there is hiking and a raft ride at Cumberland Falls and a chance to follow in the footsteps of the original pioneers on part of the original Wilderness Road at Cumberland Gap. Great shopping can be found at several points.

For more details, download our Highways to History PDF.

MOUNTAIN COUNTRY TOUR

Along the Country Music Highway
This tour explores the eastern part of the state along US 23, named the Country Music Highway in honor of the many country music stars who grew up here, including Hylo Brown, Billy Ray Cyrus, Crystal Gayle, the Judds, Patty Loveless, Loretta Lynn, Ricky Skaggs, Gary Stewart, and Dwight Yoakam. The activities and places included in the tour sample the mountain scenery and the unique history and culture, including mountain country music and cooking, of this part of Appalachia.

For more details, download our Mountain Country Tour PDF.

THROUGH CUMBERLAND GAP

Along the Wilderness Road and the Kingdom Come Parkway
This tour explores Pine Mountain and the Cumberland Mountains. The scenery is spectacular; this is one of the best fall foliage drives in the East. You will follow the original route of Daniel Boone and other early pioneers who came through Cumberland Gap and headed west on the Wilderness Road. The Gap was also important during the Civil War. Both the North and the South controlled it at various times. After the War, railroad companies extended their lines into the Cumberlands, and steel companies established towns to mine the precious coal. You’ll learn about the coal industry, life in the early coal towns, and the importance of coal in Kentucky’s history.

The drive from Lexington to Cumberland Gap follows one of Kentucky’s newly designated National Scenic Byways—the Wilderness Road—along the route of US 25E and SR 229 through very scenic countryside.

For more details, download our Cumberland Gap PDF.

DANIEL BOONE COUNTRY TRAIL

America’s First Frontier: Mining, Music and Mountain Heritage

For more details, download our Daniel Boone PDF.

HISTORY & CRAFTS ON THE CUMBERLAND PLATEAU

Along the Hal Rogers Parkway

This tour explores the scenery and small towns of Cumberland Plateau and the Daniel Boone National Forest in Eastern Kentucky. The Hal Rogers Parkway is a magnificent fall foliage drive and was recently featured as one of the ten most scenic drives in the U.S. by Outside magazine. Sample great traditional mountain crafts in Hindman and Whitesburg. Learn the history of eastern Kentucky from the early pioneers and settlers to the heartwarming 20th century stories of Alice Lloyd College and the Frontier Nursing Service, which provide insight into the character of the people in this unique part of America.

For more details, download our Cumberland Plateau PDF.

SOUTHERN WATERWAYS TO EASTERN MOUNTAINS

Along the Mighty Cumberland River
This tour explores the history and recreational opportunities of the mighty Cumberland River, flowing west from Cumberland Gap through south-central Kentucky. Visit Cumberland Falls and the magnificent scenery and coal ‘camps’ of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Enjoy the mellower scenery and recreational possibilities of the large lakes downriver. Experience Kentucky’s unique state resort parks, one of the best family and group tour bargains in the U.S. Along the way. Learn about Civil War history at Camp Nelson and Daniel Boone and the early pioneers at Cumberland Gap, where the Cumberland River enters Kentucky.

For more details, download our Southern WaterwaysPDF.

HEARTLAND TOUR

Along Kentucky Scenic Byways Heartland Waterways Corridor

This tour explores historical sites in the Green River and Cumberland River areas of south-central Kentucky illustrating the early settlement of the state and the state’s role in the Civil War. Other attractions reflect the unique folk culture—food, games, architecture, and crafts—and heartland values of present-day and former residents of the area. The tour is directed along many Kentucky scenic byways through the gently rolling farm country of these river valleys.

For more details, download our Heartland Tour PDF.

THE HERITAGE TRAIL

Along the Heritage Landmarks
This tour explores key sites in Kentucky's pioneer and Civil War history, including the most important African-American historical site in the state, as well as the first brick home, which was a starting point on the Wilderness Road for pioneers headed west and a gathering place for early Kentuckians, including Daniel Boone and George Rogers Clark. The William Whitley estate also featured the first circular racetrack in Kentucky. This tour also offers options for scenic beauty at Cumberland Falls and good down home entertainment at Renfro Valley.

For more details, download our Heritage Trail PDF.

KENTUCKY MUSIC TRAIL

Presented by the Kentucky Department of Travel

For more details, download our Kentucky Music Trail PDF.