Tour Options - Honoring our nation’s heroes

Within a few hours drive of the Myrtle Beach area there are numerous sites and attractions where groups can pay tribute to veterans from all branches of the U.S. military. In the evening Myrtle Beach area theatres come alive with world-class entertainment honoring those veterans who served to protect our freedom.

Whether it is a hub & spoke tour based in Myrtle Beach, or simply a stop on the way here – no other destination and its surrounding area offers as many tour options honoring veterans. Here’s a Yellow Ribbon Tour that’s sure to please.

Day 1 – Regardless of the path traveled to the Myrtle Beach area there are military sites and attractions on virtually every route. All are within an easy drive to/from Myrtle Beach and blend easily into your itinerary.

• Just south on Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant, SC is Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Home to the USS Yorktown this historic ship houses the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum and priceless warplanes from WW II to present day conflicts. 843-884-2727 or www.patriotspoint.org (1 ¾ hours from Myrtle Beach) 
• Just north on Highway 17 in Wilmington, NC rests the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. This powerful ship rests peacefully now, but depicts daily life on-board for the crew and the furious combat they faced in the Pacific Theater. 910-251-5797 or www.battleshipnc.com (1 ¾ hours from Myrtle Beach)
• Further north on Highway 17 is Camp Lejeune. Since September 1941, Camp Lejeune has been the home of “Expeditionary Forces in Readiness” and throughout the years, it has become the home base for the II Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and other combat units and support commands. 910-451-7440 or http://www.lejeune.usmc.mil/visitors/group_visitations/ (3-hours from Myrtle Beach)
• In Columbia, SC just off I-20 Fort Jackson serves as the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Center of Excellence. Over 3,000 pieces representing the U.S. Army and its soldiers are on display at the base museum. 800-276-6984 or http://www.army.mil/info/organization/jackson/ (3-hours from Myrtle Beach)
• On Highway 378 an extraordinary opportunity awaits visitors at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, SC. The Poinsett Combat Weapons Range Complex is the only facility in the country that allows the public to view the bombing maneuvers of our nation's pilots. 803-666-4272 or http://www.shaw.af.mil/index.asp (2-hours from Myrtle Beach)
• On I-95 in Fayetteville, NC you’ll find the Airborne & Special Operations Museum. Beginning in 1940 with the birth of the U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon exhibits move the visitor through history ending with today’s airborne and special operations units. 910-643-2775 or www.asomf.org (2 ½-hours from Myrtle Beach.

Upon arriving in Myrtle Beach and checking into your accommodations, relax and than enjoy a great seafood dinner at Seafare Restaurant. Your choice of a plated seafood dinner, or wonderful buffet awaits you. Bring your first evening in Myrtle Beach to an enjoyable close at the Alabama Theatre. You’ll be moved with the closing number and their rousing tribute to veterans.

Day 2 – Plan on a day trip to Shaw Air Force Base, or Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Each is close enough and offers a memorable experience. Returning to Myrtle Beach you’ll have ample time to enjoy shopping at numerous outlet stores, specialty shops and malls. Enjoying a local attraction such as Brookgreen Gardens or Ripley’s Aquarium may be more to your liking and they both would welcome your visit. Do save room for dinner though. Any number of Myrtle Beach restaurants will be happy to provide a themed dinner for your group. Bring Day 2 of your Yellow Ribbon Tour to an end with the talented cast at Legends In Concert.

Day 3 - The short drive to Wilmington, NC and a visit to the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA makes for a memorable experience. Historic downtown Wilmington is a treat and one you’ll be sure to enjoy. Lunch downtown or an excursion on the riverboat should certainly be considered. Do find some quiet time on the return drive and be well rested for your last evening in Myrtle Beach. Dinner at Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse is a fun (and must) experience. Nobody leaves hungry. Your day is complete at The Carolina Opry and the show that’s celebrating 25-years of entertaining Myrtle Beach visitors. The cast’s final number pays tribute to those that protect us and fought so we may be free.

Day 4 – Depart Myrtle Beach after breakfast at your host hotel. Thanks for visiting and to all the veterans - We Salute You!

Supplier Spotlight - Seafare Restaurant a tradition of service to groups and community

Stephen Karos and his wife Nicole operate one of the most unique and long-standing restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area. Seafare Restaurant has continually been at the forefront of buffet restaurants for more than 20 years welcoming groups for an unforgettable dining experience.

Carrying on a tradition of service and generosity to the community comes naturally to Stephen and Nicole Karos. Stephen’s parents always considered their guests and the community they lived as part of their extended family. They treated them as such, contributing where they could to local causes and organizations.

The Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway serves at risk male teens with histories of neglect and abuse by providing them spiritual fulfillment, educational services and mental health counseling as well as room and board. Once each month Seafare hosts all the residents of the center for dinner, treating the young men to a delicious seafood buffet, while providing them time away to enjoy a fun evening. Stephen and Nicole enjoy visiting with the group and catching up on progress made since their last dinner. The entire Seafare crew comes together to contribute to the center. The Karoses also serve on the executive board of the center and help with individual fundraisers throughout the year.

“Jason’s House,” a mission supported by Surfside United Methodist Church and area businesses, provides free vacations to families burdened by the care of a child with life-threatening cancer. The Karoses and Seafare Restaurant proudly contribute meals each year to “Jason’s House” in hopes of providing both a delicious meal and a night of family togetherness.

With the same energy and commitment Stephen and Nicole extend in their community service, they welcome groups to their brand new restaurant. Having moved in March of this year from a smaller location in Surfside Beach, they are now serving their wonderful 120-item buffet on the north end of Restaurant Row. Located on Highway 17 N the completely re-modeled restaurant is just minutes from The Carolina Opry and Alabama Theatre.

In addition to a bountiful buffet, Seafare Restaurant is proud to offer for groups’ only, plated seafood dinners. To make your dinner arrangements or for more information: 843-232-1366, groups@seafarerestaurant.com or www.seafarerestaurant.com.

News - New additions for Broadway at the Beach Include restaurants and shops for sports, technology and apparel

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (April 12, 2010) - Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC announced today that 17 new leases have been signed. The new additions to the state's largest tourist attraction include Ron Jon Surf Shop, Wet Willie's, Sanibel Sunglass Company, Sports Fanatics, Sharkey's Bar & Grill, Pizza Hut Express, Vintage House, State Fair, Euphoria, Mason's at the Beach, XCell Wireless Technology and Accessories, Baja Bistro, Tervis Tumbler and Zhedo Fashions. All of these stores, which will be located throughout the 700,000-square-foot Broadway at the Beach, will open between March and July. Two merchants, Toys N Company and Tsunami Surf Shop, have signed new leases and moved into larger locations. For more information about Broadway at the Beach, visit www.BroadwayAtTheBeach.com.

Tour Options - Golf tours really are easy – Part 2

In the March 23^rd Myrtle Beach Tour Planner eMagazine we took a look at the traveling golfer, 11.4 million strong. We addressed some of the roadblocks that have kept both tour and charter operators from actively pursuing this huge market segment.

As you certainly know the cargo area in today’s coach is more than able to accommodate golf bags and luggage. We also addressed that even though you might not be a golfer and know the “lingo,” the hotelier suppliers advertising here have golf packages available to you. Local transportation is abundant for your customers wanting to explore the area on their own. Most importantly the Myrtle Beach area has a wonderful reputation of welcoming visiting golfers with true southern hospitality. It’s now time to sell some golf tour packages.

Results of recent research demonstrate that you’ll be marketing to a prospect that already knows and thinks highly of the Myrtle Beach area. The National Golf Foundation conducted a study in October 2009, when 2,058 golfers who have traveled in the past two years or intend to travel in 2010 were surveyed. Those respondents averaged 5.2 golf trips to Myrtle Beach, which are at least 1.5 trips more than travelers averaged to any other destination. Vacationers cited affordability, quality and selection, location and additional attractions for their affinity to Myrtle Beach area golf.

The question remains, “Where do we find these traveling golfers?” Of course the most logical place to begin is your own database. Among your regular travelers, it’s quite probable you’ll find golfers that travel. Charter operators need only promote the convenience and safety of coach travel to golfers in their database. As a side note, on the morning last week the photo of Bailey Coaches was taken at World Tour Golf Links, Bailey had another coach of 38 golfers in town.

Tour operators too can tap their own database, but creativity in your packaging is the first step to successful marketing. Of course you’ll need a Value Package and a Premium Package as your product leaders. However, consider a Ladies Package that might include shopping and/or a spa treatment. Women are the fastest growing segment in the golf market. The Executive Women’s Golf Association (www.ewga.com) is a great place to find lady golfers.

A Multi-generational Package should also be considered. Many Myrtle Beach area golf courses allow juniors to play free when accompanied by a paying adult. There may be some restrictions like afternoon tee times only, but nothing that isn’t manageable. The market for this package may be more difficult to isolate, but it does exist.

The most important aspect of golf packaging is to work closely with your accommodations supplier. Once the packaging is in place, you can still depend on those suppliers. More than just a room provider they will also help you market your product. Here’s how.

It’s estimated that between Canada and the United States there may be as many as 100 consumer golf shows. From Toronto to Dallas and Seattle to Atlanta, chances are there’s a consumer golf show near you. The Myrtle Beach area is well represented by accommodations and golf course suppliers at many of those shows. For charter operators it just seems logical to have a transportation alternative exhibiting next to the destination.

Tour operators may consider cooping exhibit space with their accommodations, or golf course suppliers. Specific questions that the tour operator is unable to address may very well have an answer from the golf course or hotel partner. Even if you decide to do a show on your own, do not hesitate to ask your supplier partners for giveaways and photos to liven-up your booth.

Golf leagues, local businesses and club memberships are a good secondary place to look for business. However, you should be addressing traveling golfers, specifically. Not all golfers travel. 

We’d encourage you to target your product to pre-formed groups. You’ll find that most traveling golfers go as a regular group. Although challenging to find, it’s business you’ll enjoy for years to come. With 100-courses to choose from the Myrtle Beach area, as the research shows, enjoys a high level of repeat business. The Bailey Coaches group referenced above is now in their 12^th year of Myrtle Beach visits.

Myrtle Beach area golf is both a fun and profitable tour to offer your clients. Just as importantly, the packages are easily developed and the selling opportunities are certainly there for to the creative marketer. Readers of this eMagazine have an open invitation to contact the writer at tourplanner@discoverinfuzion.com with questions and concerns regarding golf tours to the Myrtle Beach area. Also, the Myrtle Beach Tour Planner Blog site is available to review past issues and entertain your comments. Log on at http://myrtlebeachtourplanner.blogspot.com/

Supplier Spotlight - Legends In Concert celebrating 15-years with style

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 15^th season along the Grand Strand,” stated Anne Eckenrode, director of group sales, Legends In Concert. “What really has us excited is to be introducing so many new things in 2010,” Eckenrode continued.

 It just seems logical to begin with the performers in what has become known as the “World’s Greatest Live Tribute Show.” On March 19, 1995 the opening line-up for Legends In Concert Myrtle Beach included Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, The Blues Brothers, Reba McEntire and Neil Diamond. Many of those favorites will perform in 2010, but for the first time ever on the Myrtle Beach stage, visitors will see tributes to Martina McBride, Conway Twitty and The Beatles! Also, for the month of July only, Michael Jackson “The King of Pop” will be entertaining Myrtle Beach audiences.

A host of new performers is just a beginning for the show that has entertained more than 16 million fans worldwide… and counting. Legends In Concert at Myrtle Beach is delighted to announce that Steve Fairchild has assumed the position of production manager. Fairchild has been with Legends for 10-years performing as Garth Brooks. “I am excited to assume the production manager role and anxious to expand the production values beyond even the Legends In Concert standards,” Fairchild commented. A new stage set and all new lighting in 2010 are contributing to those production values.

There is even new product being introduced at Legends In Concert. Working with educators the Legends team has developed a brand new program for the student/youth market. The 3-R Education Program: Rhythm, Rock N’ Roll engages students in a choice of language arts, art, history, science and math. Each discipline can be expanded to include a 30-minute Q & A with members of the cast and a 20-minute performance prior to the show.

From new performers and a new production manager to new facility additions and a new program, Legends In Concert truly is celebrating their 15^th anniversary with style. Make plans for your group to join the party. For information: 800-955-3436, aeckenrode@legendsinconcert.com, or visit online at www.legendsinconcert.com.

News - Beach Music Festival opens new Myrtle Beach boardwalk

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (March 25, 2010) –Plans for the scheduled May 15, 2010 Beach Music Festival include a ribbon cutting for the new boardwalk. A 2/3-mile section from 4^th Avenue North to the 14^th Avenue Pier will be completed. Performances by several beach music groups from Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs and Billy Scott and the Prophets to the legendary Ben E. King will be part of the festivities. Buddy Valastro of TLC's "Cake Boss" will attempt to make the world's largest flip-flop-shaped cake. The free festival will be from 10 AM to 10 PM.

Tour Options - Golf packaging really is easy - Part 1

With just a few exceptions the tour & travel industry is still waiting to embrace the traveling golfer. Maybe now is the time to take a serious look at a market the National Golf Foundation estimated at 11.4 million.

In the next two issues we’ll be talking about the golf market. In this issue we’ll breakdown some of the barriers to “booking” your golf tours. In the April 6^th issue we’ll share some insight into how your golf tours can be “sold.” In both issues it will be clear that the Myrtle Beach area is a great golf tour destination.

Over the years there have been numerous reasons – many valid – why the golf market was overlooked. Until the introduction of today’s large motorcoach, the cargo areas could not accommodate golf bags and luggage. Operators believed golf to be a male thing. Even with the advent of gender specific tours that barrier is being broken down. Men, women, couples, seniors and boomers are all found on the golf course and all traveling to play golf.

The biggest obstacle to overcome is possibly the fear of the unknown. More than once the statement has been made, “I don’t play golf and don’t understand anything about the game.” Here is exactly where the Myrtle Beach area is far ahead of the curve. They’ve been packaging golf for more than 30-years making it easy for millions of visitors to enjoy the sport they love.

Mark Masten, Assistant Golf Professional at Arrowhead Country Club, reflects the entire community’s feeling when he says, “We’re very experienced working with large groups of 20 or more and love to have them.” Arrowhead Country Club (www.arrowheadcc.com) like most Myrtle Beach area courses will go out of their way to extend some good old-fashioned southern hospitality. From golf clinics and box lunches to great rates and logo merchandise for prizes, the golf courses will make your group feel welcome.

“Golf is an activity. Just like booking a theatre or a garden visit, we will package golf for tour operators,” stated Jennifer Morse, Corporate Director of Sales for Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts (www.MyrtleBeachSeasideResorts.com). “There seems to be increasing interest from tour operators regarding golf packages,” Morse continued.

Oceana Resorts commitment to group golf is evident on their web site at www.oceanagroups.com. From tours and weddings to meetings and golf, all segments fall under the group umbrella. Long a major contributor to the golf packaging business the Days Hotel Surfside Beach and Scotty’s Golf at http://www.scottysgolf.com/get_started.htm is a great place to begin.

A telephone call to any accommodations supplier listed here can get your golf tour underway. Each property has a variety of packages available and is more than willing to go a step further and create one to your specific needs. The typical package includes room, breakfast and golf, but theatre, attractions and meals can easily be added. The non-golfer accompanying the group is not forgotten.

With groups of 20 or more significant value added can be added to golf packages. Complimentary suites, clinics, tournaments with prizes and receptions can certainly be included. If a local step on guide (golf ambassador) is required, the Myrtle Beach Tour Planner (tourplanner@discoverinfuzion.com) will be happy to recommend one that suits your group.

Yes, it really is that easy.