Tour Operators – Who are they and what do they Do?

What you need to know about working with Tour Operators

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•• Richard Buck Richard Buck –– Inbound Receptive tour operator Inbound Receptive tour operator since 1983since 1983

•• AgriAgri--Tourism speaker since 1987Tourism speaker since 1987•• AgriTours Canada and CanAmera Specialty AgriTours Canada and CanAmera Specialty

Tours Tours –– since 1999since 1999•• Serving inbound clients from 56 countriesServing inbound clients from 56 countries•• Pure Pure agriagri--tourism, farmers visiting farmerstourism, farmers visiting farmers•• Specialized and customized tours for Specialized and customized tours for

agricultural, technical and cultural groups.agricultural, technical and cultural groups.

About AgriTours Canada and CanAmera Specialty Tours

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AgriTours Canada AgriTours Canada –– Agricultural Tour Agricultural Tour Operator Operator –– What do we do?What do we do?

•• Study tours for technical training and Study tours for technical training and education of foreign farmers and education of foreign farmers and agribusiness specialistsagribusiness specialists

•• Buying missions bringing foreign Buying missions bringing foreign farmers to meet domestic farmers to farmers to meet domestic farmers to sell genetics, livestock, farm sell genetics, livestock, farm equipments, computer software, equipments, computer software, farm management services, farm management services, agricultural consulting, farm agricultural consulting, farm buildings, etc.buildings, etc.

•• Specialty agricultural programs Specialty agricultural programs custom designed for specific sectors custom designed for specific sectors of the agricultural industry.of the agricultural industry.

•• AgriTourismAgriTourism programs that give a programs that give a broad based overview of agriculture broad based overview of agriculture across Canada, custom designed. across Canada, custom designed.

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Seeing is believingSeeing is believing…………

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Who do we work with?Who do we work with?

•• Specialized agricultural tours Specialized agricultural tours for farmers and agricultural for farmers and agricultural specialists from all specialists from all agag--sectors.sectors.

•• Specialized programs in Specialized programs in cooperation with Agriculture cooperation with Agriculture Canada, Provincial Ministries Canada, Provincial Ministries of Agriculture in Canada, of Agriculture in Canada, foreign Agriculture foreign Agriculture departments, Canadian departments, Canadian agribusinesses.agribusinesses.

•• Farm families looking for Farm families looking for AgriAgri--vacations vacations -- both actively both actively farming and retired farmers.farming and retired farmers.

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What is a Receptive Operator?What is a Receptive Operator?A company or individual A company or individual which receives groups or which receives groups or FIT clientsFIT clientsA A ReceptiveReceptive’’ss Clients may Clients may be domestic or be domestic or internationalinternationalA Package Provider for A Package Provider for inbound guestsinbound guestsA Partner with suppliersA Partner with suppliersA company which extends A company which extends marketing capabilities of marketing capabilities of supplierssuppliersA tourism resourceA tourism resource

Receptives offer tour Receptives offer tour planning servicesplanning servicesReceptives have multiReceptives have multi--functional capabilitiesfunctional capabilitiesReceptives are tourism and Receptives are tourism and travel service providerstravel service providersProvider of meet and greet Provider of meet and greet servicesservicesMarketers, who offers Marketers, who offers clients new and unique clients new and unique tourism opportunitiestourism opportunities

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What Receptive Operators (R OWhat Receptive Operators (R O’’s) Do!s) Do!

•• R OR O’’s SERVE clientss SERVE clients’’ needs needs –– customization of packagescustomization of packages

•• R OR O’’s PARTNER with DMOs PARTNER with DMO’’s, hotels, transportation s, hotels, transportation services, restaurants and attractionsservices, restaurants and attractions

•• R OR O’’s SELL your services and products at no cost to you!s SELL your services and products at no cost to you!

•• R OR O’’s MARKET to new clients that some suppliers might s MARKET to new clients that some suppliers might not otherwise seenot otherwise see

•• R OR O’’s PROMOTE cities, regions, provinces/states, s PROMOTE cities, regions, provinces/states, countriescountries

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What is a Tour Operator?

• Tour Operators sell mostly pre-packaged tours

• A Travel Partner with suppliers of services and facilities

• Could be an airline, motor coach company or travel company selling packages

• A company which extends marketing capabilities of suppliers

• Provide tours that are “series” or weekly departures, i.e. Florida, the Caribbean, Europe, etc.

• Provider of meet and greet services in the destination country.

• Provide customized tour programs on special requests.

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Why Work With a Receptive?Why Work With a Receptive?•• R OR O’’s promote YOUs promote YOU

•• R OR O’’s sell YOUs sell YOU

•• R OR O’’s Increase YOUR s Increase YOUR RevenuesRevenues

•• R OR O’’s become part of YOUR s become part of YOUR TEAMTEAM

•• R OR O’’s are innovatorss are innovators

•• R OR O’’s think outside the boxs think outside the box

•• R OR O’’s are flexibles are flexible Receptives help multiply your business opportunities!

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AgriTours/CanAmera AgriTours/CanAmera –– Where we Sell !Where we Sell !

DO YOU sell your services at:DO YOU sell your services at:

The Royal Agricultural Winter FairThe Royal Agricultural Winter FairCanadaCanada’’s Outdoor Farm Shows Outdoor Farm ShowThe Agribition (SK) and The Farm Show (AB)The Agribition (SK) and The Farm Show (AB)The IntThe Int’’l Farm Equipment Show (ON)l Farm Equipment Show (ON)Ont. BeekeepersOnt. Beekeepers’’ Association Annual MeetingAssociation Annual MeetingOnt. Fed. of Agriculture Annual Convention Ont. Fed. of Agriculture Annual Convention Agricultural Tour Operators Association ConventionAgricultural Tour Operators Association ConventionITB, World Travel Mart, Pow Wow, RVC, CanadaITB, World Travel Mart, Pow Wow, RVC, Canada’’s West s West Marketplace, OMCA, Bienvenue QuebecMarketplace, OMCA, Bienvenue QuebecEach tour operator has their own markets, and they Each tour operator has their own markets, and they provide you with provide you with new clientsnew clients from diverse markets.from diverse markets.

WE DO!WE DO!

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Tour Operators sell toursTour Operators sell tours……..

To group or FIT clients via travel agenciesTo group or FIT clients via travel agenciesPromote and Sell at trade showsPromote and Sell at trade showsPromote and sell on the internetPromote and sell on the internetMarket and advertise in newspapers, Market and advertise in newspapers, magazines, hotels, or at conferencesmagazines, hotels, or at conferencesBus company tour operations sell packaged Bus company tour operations sell packaged tours through client lists, trade shows, tours through client lists, trade shows, brochuresbrochures

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Do you advertise where we do?Do you advertise where we do?

• The Ontario Farmer weekly paper

• Better Farming, Canada-wide

• AgriBusiness Digest – British Columbia

• The Agvisor and Advisor – Alberta

• On-Line Farmer

• Manitoba and Saskatchewan Farm Life

• In foreign magazines and journals

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How can you help Tour Operators?How can you help Tour Operators?

Understanding what we do is half the battle, knowing Understanding what we do is half the battle, knowing what to do with that knowledge wins the marketing war!what to do with that knowledge wins the marketing war!

Suppliers need to Suppliers need to ““talktalk”” with and with and ““cooperatecooperate”” with Tour with Tour Operators!Operators!

Think partnerships, not confrontations!Think partnerships, not confrontations!

Develop a working relationship with Operator and identify Develop a working relationship with Operator and identify ways you can help them to better sell YOU!ways you can help them to better sell YOU!

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What Tour Operators need from What Tour Operators need from Hotels!Hotels!

•• Pricing advantages over retail Pricing advantages over retail or group leaders or group leaders –– we need we need netnet--net ratesnet rates

•• Consistent booking policiesConsistent booking policies•• Flexible seasonal rates Flexible seasonal rates –– let let

us fill your bedsus fill your beds•• Blackouts kill relationships Blackouts kill relationships

with R Owith R O’’s and tour operatorss and tour operators•• 1 Free in 15 rooms (i.e.)1 Free in 15 rooms (i.e.)•• Flexible payment termsFlexible payment terms•• Driver ratesDriver rates•• Comp. MealsComp. Meals•• VIP upgrades VIP upgrades –– free?free?

Don’t

Be brave, talk to a tour operator

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Custom Receptive Tour Operators Custom Receptive Tour Operators –– bare bare with us pleasewith us please…………

•• Many Receptive Tour Operators do NOT do Many Receptive Tour Operators do NOT do Series tours Series tours –– we do ad hoc groups!we do ad hoc groups!

So What does that mean?So What does that mean?•• Receptives need good rates too Receptives need good rates too –– we book your we book your

services year round, unlike series tour operators services year round, unlike series tour operators who are mostly seasonal. who are mostly seasonal.

•• We cannot always predict when clients will call, We cannot always predict when clients will call, we customize!we customize!

•• Relationships with receptives are long termRelationships with receptives are long term•• Receptives have international clients too!Receptives have international clients too!

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Tour Operators and modern TechnologyTour Operators and modern Technology…………

•• How can we learn about your How can we learn about your business? business? Do you have FAM Do you have FAM tours, agent discounts, tours, agent discounts, electronic literature, flyers, eelectronic literature, flyers, e--brochures, photos, etc.brochures, photos, etc.

•• How can we book your How can we book your services? services? Fax, phone, snail Fax, phone, snail mail, email, onmail, email, on--line????line????

•• How do you market your How do you market your products and services? products and services? Internet, local papers, trade Internet, local papers, trade shows?????shows????? Can we help?Can we help?

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Types of Tour OperatorsTypes of Tour Operators

•• Inbound Tour Operators Inbound Tour Operators –– Canada BasedCanada Based•• Inbound Tour Operators Inbound Tour Operators -- BC BasedBC Based•• Outbound Tour Operators Outbound Tour Operators –– NONNON--Canadian Canadian

based companies.based companies.Who do you want to work with?Who do you want to work with?•• Package Tour Operators Package Tour Operators –– Cosmos, WestJet Cosmos, WestJet

Vacations, Air Canada Vacations, Collette, Vacations, Air Canada Vacations, Collette, Anderson, etc. Anderson, etc.

•• Group Tour OperatorsGroup Tour Operators•• F.I.T. Tour OperatorsF.I.T. Tour Operators

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AgriTourismAgriTourism service providers working with service providers working with Tour Operators Tour Operators –– what we need from you!what we need from you!

Tour Operators need customer ready products and servicesTour Operators need customer ready products and servicesQuality is important, without quality Quality is important, without quality –– we wonwe won’’t be backt be backConsistency a necessity Consistency a necessity –– i.e. foreign companies can be sued by their i.e. foreign companies can be sued by their clients if they donclients if they don’’t get what they pay fort get what they pay forClearly defined seasonalityClearly defined seasonalityCleanliness and SafetyCleanliness and SafetyGroup or Special Price Points for tour operatorsGroup or Special Price Points for tour operatorsTours that are interesting and uniqueTours that are interesting and uniqueVisits that provide Visits that provide ““wowwow”” or or ““warm and fuzzywarm and fuzzy”” feelingsfeelingsSincerity and hospitality Sincerity and hospitality –– a feeling of being welcomeda feeling of being welcomed

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Attractions, Restaurants & Attractions, Restaurants & AgriTourismAgriTourism

•• Groups arenGroups aren’’t always 25 pax or more, be price flexible t always 25 pax or more, be price flexible –– price price consideration for groups that are various sizes! consideration for groups that are various sizes! (if they don(if they don’’t come t come in, they canin, they can’’t buy your products)t buy your products)

•• Provide Provide ““offoff--peakpeak--timetime”” discounts for groups discounts for groups

•• Group friendly menus donGroup friendly menus don’’t have to be boringt have to be boring……....

•• Discount prices for offDiscount prices for off--peak time periods peak time periods –– fill the gaps and fill the gaps and see the profits go up!see the profits go up!

•• Provide experiential opportunities on farms for nonProvide experiential opportunities on farms for non--city city visitorsvisitors

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Examples of specialty agritoursExamples of specialty agritours……

•• German German MaschinenringMaschinenring Study Study Tour (Farm mechanization)Tour (Farm mechanization)

•• Finland Rural Extension Study Finland Rural Extension Study Tour Tour –– use of computers by use of computers by Canadian farmers/businessesCanadian farmers/businesses

•• US Graduate student study US Graduate student study tour of dairy goat managementtour of dairy goat management

•• AgriAgri--Forestry Study Tours from Forestry Study Tours from Germany, Sweden, AustraliaGermany, Sweden, Australia

•• Greenhouse management Greenhouse management study tour from Australiastudy tour from Australia

•• Case IH Incentive Tour for Case IH Incentive Tour for Brazilian large scale cash crop Brazilian large scale cash crop farmersfarmers

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Who do Who do wewe bring to Canada?bring to Canada?

•• Ukrainian dairy specialistsUkrainian dairy specialists•• Russian Agricultural Risk Russian Agricultural Risk

Insurance Study tourInsurance Study tour•• Dutch FarmersDutch Farmers’’ Union study tour Union study tour

of Ontario agriculture of Ontario agriculture methodologiesmethodologies

•• French Thoroughbred Horse French Thoroughbred Horse BreedersBreeders

•• English beef and sheep specialistsEnglish beef and sheep specialists•• Welsh sheep and beef specialistsWelsh sheep and beef specialists•• Irish Sugar Beet specialistsIrish Sugar Beet specialists•• Dutch FarmersDutch Farmers’’ Association Association AgriAgri--

vacationvacation

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What kind of tourists do you want?What kind of tourists do you want?

• Senior citizens• Public school students• Mixed adults• Corporate pre-formed groups• Incentive groups• Church groups• International groups• Special interest groups, etc.

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Tourism TerminologyTourism Terminology

•• DMODMO•• TIACTIAC•• CTCCTC•• VCBVCB•• ABAABA•• OMCAOMCA•• NTANTA•• OFCAOFCA

•• FAMFAM•• FITFIT•• FOCFOC•• HALFHALF--BOARDBOARD•• FULL BOARDFULL BOARD•• FABFAB•• PAXPAX•• SHOULDER SEASONSHOULDER SEASON

The following terms, acronyms, and expressions are commonly used in the tourism industry. Test your knowledge of these terms. Talk the talk!

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Tour Operators bring touristsTour Operators bring tourists……..

•• FarmersFarmers’’ marketsmarkets•• On farm pick your own On farm pick your own

operationsoperations•• Corn Corn maizesmaizes•• Hay rides / BBQHay rides / BBQ’’s for s for

family/company family/company functions.functions.

•• Winery toursWinery tours•• Farm staysFarm stays

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Agri-Tourism vs. Rural Tourism ActivitiesCategories of Participants – CHART # 1

1.farms and greenhouses2.agricultural colleges and universities3.research centres4.garden centers5.A. I. Units6.agricultural conferences7.agricultural expositions8.pick-your own farms9.agri-businesses (grain elevators, feed companies, ag. supply companies)10.agricultural museums11.wineries12.food processing companies13.maple syrup producers

1.farmers-domestic and international2.incentive programs - business specific agricultural visits3.trade association tour groups4.buying missions, genetics, food, equipment, technology, etc.5.agricultural education and training study tours6.convention and agricultural exhibition travel groups7.Students on ag. study tours8.student on-farm trainees9.flying farmers10.4-H, Young farmers

1.Country roads2.Road-side fruit stands3.Garden centres4.Forests and woodlots5.Small towns6.Historic sites7.Walking trails8.Swimming areas9.Trailer resort parks10.Conservation areas11.Scenic attractions12.Cultural centers (Mennonites, First nations, Amish)13.Country homes, barns, mills, etc.14.Pick-your own farms

1.F.I.T. travelers2.bus tour groups 3.school children.4.Senior citizens5.hunters6.hikers7.bird-watchers8.gardeners9.botanists10.snowmobilers11.cyclists12.farm stay visitors13.Sunday drivers14.wine-enthusiasts15.photographers16.rally car drivers17.cross-country skiers18.Cottagers

Agri-TourismAttractions and

sites

Specialty Agri-Tourists

Who they are?

Rural TourismAttractions and

sites

Rural/Agri-TouristsWho they are?

“Agri Tourism” Categories“Rural Tourism” Categories

This list is by no means complete. Feel free to add more examples to the list that you may know or which potentially could be added to any of the 4 columns listed above.

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Important Trade promote Comox Shows to Valley Agritourism region – Direct marketing to international and domestic tour operators!

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Tour OperatorTour Operator’’s secret s secret to Longevity?to Longevity?

•• InnovativeInnovative•• Quality productQuality product•• ConsistencyConsistency•• UniquenessUniqueness•• FriendlinessFriendliness•• PatiencePatience•• StickStick--tuitivnesstuitivness•• FlexibilityFlexibility•• Adaptable to the timesAdaptable to the times•• Keep breathingKeep breathing

AgriTourismAgriTourism Operations secret Operations secret to longevityto longevity…………

Innovation, quality, consistency, uniqueness, friendliness, patience, stick-tuitiveness, flexibility, adaptable……keep breathing!

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Tour Operators are good TEAM partners….

TTrustworthy – most are small to medium family owned businesses

EEnergetic because they own the company – get to know them!

AAmbitious and adaptable to change

MMotivated to succeed, it’s their life!

We want YOUYOU to be part of OUROURTEAMTEAM………….Let’s make a Deal!

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Our Goal is Your Goal Our Goal is Your Goal –– Success!Success!

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Making a living in agritourismMaking a living in agritourism……What kind of formula should one use to create and What kind of formula should one use to create and

develop a marketable tourism experience?develop a marketable tourism experience?

Have you ever been told to mind your Have you ever been told to mind your ““pp’’ss and and qq’’ss””??

In the old days, this was an English teacherIn the old days, this was an English teacher’’s way of teaching the s way of teaching the difference between the small letter p and the small letter q. difference between the small letter p and the small letter q.

It is a basic, step by step formula for learning successfully anIt is a basic, step by step formula for learning successfully and just d just like in school, one can be successful in tourism by learning youlike in school, one can be successful in tourism by learning your r tourismtourism…………..

(P X Q) + C = $(P X Q) + C = $

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(P x Q) + C = $ Tourism $(P x Q) + C = $ Tourism $’’ss

What does the ‘p’ stand for?

“P” is for preparedness and includes the following key components required for a plan that can lead to success:

Planning, people, preparation, presentation, pricing, product, place, patience, packaging, personnel, promotion, pride and pleasure.

With a region, an attraction or a service - if the price, the product and presentation of that product are not outstanding, why would a tour operator or a tourist bother to come back?

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““QQ”” is for Qualityis for Quality• Without a QUALITY product, repeat business will

never happen.• Tourists want memories and they pay good dollars

for a quality memory. • Repeat business occurs after a satisfied customer

goes home and tells others about their “neat experience” or what a wonderful time they had.

• Quality not only refers to the product but the supplier. Not everyone can be involved in tourism whether he or she thinks they should or not.

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“C” is for Communication, community, consistency and customers

“C” is for Communication, community, consistency and customers – all are crucial elements of the tourism marketing formula.

Two important sub-sections are included in communication:

Communication with the buyers – direct sellingCommunication with the re-sellers – tour operators.

The only way that a tourist is going to find out about the tourism product or the region is if an effective marketing and advertising campaign!

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CommunicationCommunication

The farm or rural community is the supplier for agritourism! The farm or rural community is the supplier for agritourism!

Farmers become tourism suppliers and service providers. They neeFarmers become tourism suppliers and service providers. They need d to know their role to know their role –– and how to deliver the goods!and how to deliver the goods!

A region must be dynamic, with a A region must be dynamic, with a coordinatedcoordinated marketing strategy marketing strategy and long term goals and objectives and long term goals and objectives -- otherwise the entire initiative otherwise the entire initiative gets out of the blocks fast then fades over time.gets out of the blocks fast then fades over time.

Regular communication with buyers/operators is necessary.Regular communication with buyers/operators is necessary.

Community programs need to be designed so that staff changes do Community programs need to be designed so that staff changes do not affect a good campaign or marketing strategy.not affect a good campaign or marketing strategy.

Communications should be consistent, honest and imaginativeCommunications should be consistent, honest and imaginative

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Communication with the business and Communication with the business and political community political community –– a necessity!a necessity!

For For AgriTourismAgriTourism projects to survive they need to have projects to survive they need to have a unified effort.a unified effort.

It is an absolute necessity that the community It is an absolute necessity that the community understands the objectives and the benefits to understands the objectives and the benefits to everybody.everybody.

Business leaders need to be enlisted to get behind the Business leaders need to be enlisted to get behind the initiative.initiative.

Political leaders at all levels have to Political leaders at all levels have to ““buy inbuy in”” to the to the ideas and support the effort both publicly and behind ideas and support the effort both publicly and behind closed doors.closed doors.

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Community involvement and unityCommunity involvement and unity

CommunityCommunity relations are essential and the entire community in relations are essential and the entire community in the region must be involved.the region must be involved.

The agricultural community must be included in the planning The agricultural community must be included in the planning process from start to finish, it is a process from start to finish, it is a TEAMTEAM effort. effort.

Rural leadership is necessary for any Rural leadership is necessary for any agriagri--tourism project to tourism project to succeed.succeed.

Many projects have failed because they have not brought the Many projects have failed because they have not brought the urban and rural communities together to build strong and unifiedurban and rural communities together to build strong and unifiedsupport for agritourism projects.support for agritourism projects.

AgriTourismAgriTourism Suppliers create an economic multiplier effect of Suppliers create an economic multiplier effect of benefits from their activities, that benefits the entire communibenefits from their activities, that benefits the entire community.ty.

Funding for an Funding for an AgriTourismAgriTourism Society needs to be selfSociety needs to be self--supportingsupporting

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Why should farmers embrace agritourism projects?Why should farmers embrace agritourism projects?

Farmers are cautious gamblers. They gamble every day of Farmers are cautious gamblers. They gamble every day of their lives on the weather, with animal breeding programs, their lives on the weather, with animal breeding programs, using new technology/machinery or growing new crops, etc. using new technology/machinery or growing new crops, etc.

Farmers do not easily open their doors to the public without Farmers do not easily open their doors to the public without good reason good reason –– their livelihoods are at staketheir livelihoods are at stake……..

Farmers need to enlist allies from the community and the Farmers need to enlist allies from the community and the general public to survive, to grow and to be respected.general public to survive, to grow and to be respected.

Communication through agritourism efforts, strengthen Communication through agritourism efforts, strengthen support for farmers in their communitiessupport for farmers in their communities

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Consistency is crucial in agritourismConsistency is crucial in agritourism

ConsistencyConsistency is one of the biggest problems of agritourismis one of the biggest problems of agritourism

If a product varies in quality from one time to the next, it is If a product varies in quality from one time to the next, it is not likely to continue to sell? not likely to continue to sell?

A tourist or a tour operator looks for consistency, for A tourist or a tour operator looks for consistency, for repeatability and for successful product acceptance by the repeatability and for successful product acceptance by the consumer. consumer.

Success at maintaining consistency means repeat business Success at maintaining consistency means repeat business for the farmer and the tour operator.for the farmer and the tour operator.

Consistency is also necessary so the tourism association, Consistency is also necessary so the tourism association, DMO or Chamber of Commerce can confidently market the DMO or Chamber of Commerce can confidently market the agritourism product.agritourism product.

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Nature can provide consistencyNature can provide consistency……..

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Agritourism needs to be consistentAgritourism needs to be consistent…………

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We put ourselves in our clients shoes in order to We put ourselves in our clients shoes in order to provide a better serviceprovide a better service…….. We are tour operators!.. We are tour operators!

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Sample Tour ItinerarySample Tour Itinerary…………

Calgary Stampede Rural Routes Tour 2008Calgary Stampede Rural Routes Tour 2008Client Itinerary Client Itinerary -- Friday, June 27 Friday, June 27 –– July 6, 2008July 6, 2008

(June 12, 2008 (June 12, 2008 –– REB)REB)

1 1 –– Fri., June 27 Fri., June 27 –– Arrive in CalgaryArrive in Calgary•• Richard Buck is in Calgary to meet the group from the UK and theRichard Buck is in Calgary to meet the group from the UK and the couple from couple from

Australia.Australia.•• UK Guests arrive in Calgary on Air Canada 851 from Heathrow InteUK Guests arrive in Calgary on Air Canada 851 from Heathrow International Airport. rnational Airport. •• Transfer to Transfer to Carriage House HotelCarriage House Hotel by Richard Buck, AgriTours Canada agent.by Richard Buck, AgriTours Canada agent.•• Richard Buck to meet the Duggans at the Train Terminal after theRichard Buck to meet the Duggans at the Train Terminal after they disembark from y disembark from

the Rocky Mountaineer train.the Rocky Mountaineer train.•• Transfer to the hotel.Transfer to the hotel.•• Dinner on your own in the hotel. Orientation in the evening in hDinner on your own in the hotel. Orientation in the evening in hotel restaurant or bar otel restaurant or bar

with Richard.with Richard.•• Overnight at the Carriage House Inn, CalgaryOvernight at the Carriage House Inn, Calgary

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Experiential and visualExperiential and visual……....

2 2 –– Sat., June 28 Sat., June 28 –– Calgary Calgary -- Banff Banff –– Crossing Resort (B, D)Crossing Resort (B, D)

•• BreakfastBreakfast in the hotelin the hotel

•• Driver guide Driver guide meets with group for checkmeets with group for check--out and luggage loadingout and luggage loading

•• Depart forDepart for Tour Tour of Banff (done by Richard)of Banff (done by Richard)

•• Lunch on their own in BanffLunch on their own in Banff

•• Continue toContinue to Lake Louise, Peyto and Bow Lake, viewing several glaciers along Lake Louise, Peyto and Bow Lake, viewing several glaciers along the way, and stops en route for wildlife and photo opportunitiesthe way, and stops en route for wildlife and photo opportunities..

•• Estimated arrival at the Estimated arrival at the Crossing ResortCrossing Resort

•• Dinner Buffet Dinner Buffet at the Crossing Restaurant.at the Crossing Restaurant.

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The Rockies, the FoothillsThe Rockies, the Foothills……....3 3 –– Sunday, June 29 Sunday, June 29 –– Banff Banff –– Claresholm (B, L, D)Claresholm (B, L, D)

•• BreakfastBreakfast at the Crossing Resort at the Crossing Resort

•• Depart for Johnston Canyon on Old Highway #1 Depart for Johnston Canyon on Old Highway #1 •• Coffee break and walk along the Johnson Canyon trail to the loweCoffee break and walk along the Johnson Canyon trail to the lower falls. r falls.

Continue to SeebeContinue to Seebe

•• Lunch Lunch at at Rafter Six Ranch Resort Rafter Six Ranch Resort

•• Continue to Claresholm Circle Six RanchContinue to Claresholm Circle Six Ranch

•• Explore the ranch and learn about the cattle operation at CircleExplore the ranch and learn about the cattle operation at Circle Six Ranch Six Ranch ––Beef Booster Breed of cattle is a unique breed developed for useBeef Booster Breed of cattle is a unique breed developed for use in Alberta and in Alberta and western Canada.western Canada.

•• DinnerDinner in in ClaresholmClaresholm•• Overnight at Circle Six RanchOvernight at Circle Six Ranch

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Ranching and farmingRanching and farming…………

4 4 –– Mon., June 30 Mon., June 30 –– ClaresholmClaresholm -- Pincher Creek Pincher Creek -- ClaresholmClaresholm (B, L)(B, L)

•• BreakfastBreakfast at Ranchat Ranch•• Driver guide Driver guide meets with group for departuremeets with group for departure

•• Visit to aVisit to a Highland Cattle auction facilities in High River.Highland Cattle auction facilities in High River.

•• Continue to High River areaContinue to High River area

•• Visit a Visit a Tongue Creek Feedlot east of Tongue Creek Feedlot east of OkotoksOkotoks

•• Lunch at a local Lunch at a local CayleyCayley Hutterite Colony Hutterite Colony

•• Tour Tour of the Colony with Elizabeth Hoferof the Colony with Elizabeth Hofer

•• Return to Return to ClaresholmClaresholm for dinner on our own at restaurant in town.for dinner on our own at restaurant in town.

Overnight at the Circle Six RanchOvernight at the Circle Six Ranch

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Historic sites, museumsHistoric sites, museums……..

5 5 –– Tues. July 1 Tues. July 1 –– ClaresholmClaresholm––LethbridgeLethbridge--ClaresholmClaresholm (B, L, D)(B, L, D)

•• BreakfastBreakfast at the ranchat the ranch•• Driver guide Richard BuckDriver guide Richard Buck meets with group for departuremeets with group for departure•• Depart for the Depart for the CrowsnestCrowsnest PassPass

•• Visit the Visit the Frank SlideFrank Slide natural disaster site west of Pincher Creeknatural disaster site west of Pincher Creek•• Visit Visit SprouleSproule’’ss Charolais purebred farm and feedlotCharolais purebred farm and feedlot

•• LunchLunch at the Remington Carriage Museum in Cardston. Tour of facilitieat the Remington Carriage Museum in Cardston. Tour of facilities.s.

•• After the Remington Museum, we travel north to After the Remington Museum, we travel north to Head Smashed in Buffalo JumpHead Smashed in Buffalo Jump, , a historic site and Canadian aboriginal museum.a historic site and Canadian aboriginal museum.

•• Return to the Circle Six Ranch in the foothills west of Return to the Circle Six Ranch in the foothills west of ClaresholmClaresholm..

•• BBQ BBQ Dinner Dinner at the ranch at the ranch –– celebrate Canada Daycelebrate Canada Day

•• Overnight at the Circle Six RanchOvernight at the Circle Six Ranch

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The prairies, unique experiencesThe prairies, unique experiences

6 6 –– Wednesday, July 2 Wednesday, July 2 –– ClaresholmClaresholm -- Drumheller (B, L)Drumheller (B, L)

•• Breakfast Breakfast at the ranchat the ranch•• Group departs for farm tours and travel to Drumheller.Group departs for farm tours and travel to Drumheller.•• Depart for Depart for AldersydeAldersyde areaarea•• Visit to Visit to HirscheHirsche Fraser FarmsFraser Farms

Continue to De WintonContinue to De Winton•• Visit to the Visit to the Saskatoon Berry Farm Saskatoon Berry Farm and free time to explore this horticultural and free time to explore this horticultural

operationoperation, , producing Saskatoon Berries, bedding plants, garden plants, fruiproducing Saskatoon Berries, bedding plants, garden plants, fruit trees t trees and many other horticultural products.and many other horticultural products.

•• LunchLunch at the Saskatoon Berry farmat the Saskatoon Berry farm•• Continue to DrumhellerContinue to Drumheller•• Visit the Visit the Royal Tyrell Dinosaur MuseumRoyal Tyrell Dinosaur Museum•• Continue to the hotelContinue to the hotel•• Estimated checkEstimated check--in at the in at the Super 8 HotelSuper 8 Hotel in in DrumhellerDinnerDrumhellerDinner on your own.on your own.Overnight at the Super 8 Hotel, Drumheller.Overnight at the Super 8 Hotel, Drumheller.

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Prairie farming, city lifePrairie farming, city life…………

7 7 -- Thursday, July 3 Thursday, July 3 –– Drumheller Drumheller -- Calgary (B, L)Calgary (B, L)

•• BreakfastBreakfast at the hotelat the hotel•• Depart for Three HillsDepart for Three Hills•• VVisit to Kingisit to King’’s Seed Farm, a s Seed Farm, a large scale prairie grain farmlarge scale prairie grain farm producing producing

wheat, barley, canola and other pedigree seeds.wheat, barley, canola and other pedigree seeds.•• Visit to Three Hills Visit to Three Hills seed cleaning plant in Three Hills.seed cleaning plant in Three Hills.•• LunchLunch in Three Hillsin Three Hills•• Travel to Red Deer area to visit dairy farm operation.Travel to Red Deer area to visit dairy farm operation.•• Travel to Calgary for our overnight Travel to Calgary for our overnight -- checkcheck--in at the Sandman Hotel in at the Sandman Hotel

DowntownDowntown•• Dinner tonight is on your own. Several restaurants in the area aDinner tonight is on your own. Several restaurants in the area and in the nd in the

hotel. hotel.

Overnight at the Sandman Downtown Calgary Hotel (on parade routeOvernight at the Sandman Downtown Calgary Hotel (on parade route))

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Cultural ExperiencesCultural Experiences…………

8 8 -- Friday, July 4 Friday, July 4 –– Calgary (B)Calgary (B)

•• BreakfastBreakfast in the hotel.in the hotel.

•• Attend the Attend the Calgary Stampede Parade. Calgary Stampede Parade. Map of parade route and timing will be Map of parade route and timing will be provided when group arrives. Recommend the group members bring sprovided when group arrives. Recommend the group members bring some kind of ome kind of inflatable seat cushion as the parade takes place along the streinflatable seat cushion as the parade takes place along the streets of Calgary and ets of Calgary and seating is on the curb or provide your own. An inflatable neck rseating is on the curb or provide your own. An inflatable neck ring for sleeping on the ing for sleeping on the plane works well.plane works well.

•• Lunch on own during the parade.Lunch on own during the parade.

•• Remainder of the day free time, optional shopping, the Bow MuseuRemainder of the day free time, optional shopping, the Bow Museum, Calgary Tower.m, Calgary Tower.•• Dinner on ownDinner on own

•• Overnight at the Sandman Hotel in CalgaryOvernight at the Sandman Hotel in Calgary

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Special events, Special events, ainain’’tt it grandit grand……..

9 9 -- Saturday, July 5 Saturday, July 5 –– Calgary (B)Calgary (B)

•• BreakfastBreakfast at the hotelat the hotel•• Driver guideDriver guide meets with group for departuremeets with group for departure•• Depart for the Stampede Grounds in the van and check in to the Depart for the Stampede Grounds in the van and check in to the

International VisitorsInternational Visitors’’ Centre where the group can rest throughout the day, Centre where the group can rest throughout the day, refreshments during the day.refreshments during the day.

•• Spend the day enjoying the Spend the day enjoying the Calgary Stampede ShowCalgary Stampede Show•• Lunch on your own at the StampedeLunch on your own at the Stampede•• Attend the Attend the Afternoon RodeoAfternoon Rodeo at 2:00 p.m. at 2:00 p.m. –– prepre--booked seating.booked seating.•• Dinner on your ownDinner on your own•• Attend theAttend the Grand Stand Show at 7:30 p.m. Grand Stand Show at 7:30 p.m. –– prepre--booked seating.booked seating.•• After the show group takesAfter the show group takes the vanthe van back to the hotelback to the hotel•• Overnight at the Overnight at the Sandman Hotel DowntownSandman Hotel Downtown

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Time to say goodTime to say good--byebye……....

10 10 –– Sunday, July 6 Sunday, July 6 –– Calgary Calgary –– Home Home –– Three Valley Gap (B, L)Three Valley Gap (B, L)

•• Breakfast Breakfast at the hotel at the hotel

•• Last minute free time in the city for shopping Last minute free time in the city for shopping –– or go to the Chinook or go to the Chinook Shopping Mall.Shopping Mall.

•• Lunch Lunch in Calgary at Buzzardin Calgary at Buzzard’’s Cowboy Cuisine Restaurant.s Cowboy Cuisine Restaurant.

•• UK Guests depart for the airport and check in for departure on AUK Guests depart for the airport and check in for departure on Air Canada ir Canada 850 to Heathrow International Airport. 850 to Heathrow International Airport.

•• UK Group departs on AC850 from Calgary.UK Group departs on AC850 from Calgary.

•• Australian Group transfers to bus station for transfer to Banff.Australian Group transfers to bus station for transfer to Banff.