American Bus Association FoundationEconomic Impact of the Motorcoach Tourism Industry

2009 Data Indiana Direct Economic Impact

Companies in Indiana that provide motorcoach services to tourists, travelers, and commuters employ as many as 3,409 people in the state. In addition, companies that

supply services to motorcoach passengers, such as hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues employ as many as

10,872 additional people in Indiana.

The Motorcoach Tour and Travel Industry Creates Jobs in Indiana

American Bus Association FoundationEconomic Impact of the Motorcoach Tourism Industry

2009 Data Indiana Direct Economic Impact

Jobs Wages OutputMotorcoaches 3,409 $148,908,853 $217,183,311Hotel/Lodging 2,511 $73,420,219 $219,075,086Eating/Drinking Places 3,416 $56,578,644 $175,191,752Entertainment/ Amusement 4,713 $118,512,577 $259,644,637Retail 232 $5,217,403 $44,587,517

Total 14,281 $402,637,697 $915,682,304

305 Current ABA Bus and Tour Operators list Indiana as a tour destination

They represent 4,377 MotorcoachesThese companies also represent:

Total charter trips per year: 788,686Total charter passengers per year: 58,785,163

Total tour trips per year: 53,571Total tour passengers per year: 2,004,617

American Bus Association Membership 2010

Number of ABA Bus and Tour Operatorsthat list Indiana as a tour destination.

0American Bus Association Membership

2010

Motorcoach Tourism

The Ins and Outs of attracting motorcoach tourism to your hotel and your community.

What is a Motorcoach?A vehicle carrying many passengers.

29 Passenger Mid Size35 Passenger 48 Passenger54/56 Passenger

What is a Tour Operator?A person or company that organizes package tours

combining the tour and travel components.

Transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, attractions, meals, and guides.

What is a Tour Operator?Think of a Tour Operator as the middleman. We work

with the group and then work with you.

This allows you to build a relationship with one person or company so therefore you know their wants and needs and they know yours.

Are you Group Friendly?Are you willing to host groups?

Do you offer group rates?

Do you have the facilities needed for a large group?

Are you motorcoach accessible?

A motorcoach is not coming to Indiana just for you!

They Need Hotels

They Need Restaurants

They Need Attractions

They Need Tourism Representatives

Tourism is Based on Relationships

Relationships Start at a Local LevelKnow the Tour Partners in your region.

Know what they have to offer.

Know how to work with them.

Know how to promote your region as a complete package.

Having regional relationships in place strengthens your relationships with Tour Operators.

Tour Operators see you as knowledgeable and as a United Front to welcome their motorcoach to your area.

Relationships Start at a Local Level

Top 10 Ways to Create Long Lasting Relationships

10. Ease of Access

Location to Tour RouteLayout of PropertyFacilities to Properly Handle Large GroupsClearance (Height, Length, Width)Designated Motorcoach Loading Zone & Parking

Top 10 Ways to Create Long Lasting Relationships

9. Quick Reply

It is important to remember that the Tour Operator is waiting on you so that they can reply to the person who is waiting on them.

Top 10 Ways to Create Long Lasting Relationships

8. Follow Through

Information DeliveryConsistency of Contact Product Delivery

Top 10 Ways to Create Long Lasting Relationships

7. Options

One “Size” does not fit ALL!

Top 10 Ways to Create Long Lasting Relationships

6. RateBest Time, Date, and RateCommissionable RateTiered PricingWeekday Discounts / Weekend DiscountsComplimentary Policy & Driver Rate

Rate is not the most important thing!

Top 10 Ways to Create Long Lasting Relationships

5. Amenities

Continental Breakfast vs. Full BreakfastWelcome Reception / PacketPool / Fitness CenterLong Distance / WIFISecurity State Sanctioned Curriculum

Top 10 Ways to Create Long Lasting Relationships

4. Partnership

When a Tour Operator calls, they want you to recommend partners within your region.

Top 10 Ways to Create Long Lasting Relationships

3. Value of Product / Service

Does your product / service equal the price you are asking a Tour Operator to pay?

Top 10 Ways to Create Long Lasting Relationships

2. Flexibility

ReservationsDepositsFinal PaymentFinal NumbersProduct / Service Offered

Top 10 Ways to Create Long Lasting Relationships

1. Appearance of Product / Service

CleanlinessUpkeep / Outward AppearanceProfessionalism of Staff