Today is National Michigan Day – January 18, 2022
National Michigan Day is celebrated every year on January 18. Michigan is fondly called ‘The Great Lakes State’ because it is bordered by four of the five Great North American Lakes — Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario, and Superior. The state is also the only one that’s spread across lower and upper peninsulas with over 60,000 ponds and inland lakes, and the Upper Peninsula is an important tourist destination thanks to its stunning natural vistas. Michigan is famous for its automobile industry, home to the ‘Big Three’ which refers to the three largest automobile manufacturers — General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler.
Upcoming Events:
Convos with Colleagues returns today, Tuesday, January 18, at 2:00pm EST. Join Jo-Ann as she welcomes Jennifer Ollinger Manager, Domestic and International Tourism with Visit Detroit! Born and raised in Metro Detroit, Jennifer has never left the city she loves. She has represented Detroit’s tourism product both domestically and internationally for over 20 years. Join us live on YouTube or LinkedIn
GTO Coach and Go! Thursday, January 20 at 1:00 EST – Join Jim and his guest as they give you some of the latest updates to the GTO system. Join us live on YouTube or LinkedIn
Check out the Business Class podcast from The Tourism Academy sponsored by GTO
The Business Class podcast is where you go to meet people who have built fulfilling careers. People with successful businesses. People who create sustainable local economies in tourism!
If you missed our live stream from ABA, please take a look at the amazing guests we had stop by our booth to talk about the latest in group travel.
GTO System Updates
When you add a hotel to your trip, an itinerary product for the hotel check out will automatically be added to your trip.
At last Thursday’s GTO Coach and Go! We discussed adding activities and tasks to your workflow in order to help you stay organized. If you missed it, please check it out here.
Supplier Updates
Multi-Location
BB Kings Nashville, New Orleans, and Orlando are permanently closed. The Memphis location has been updated with 2022 pricing
Florida
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Orlando now can customize student workshops in Music, Theater, Dance, or Technical Theater. With the price of the workshop, group will also get a behind the scenes tour of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Pricing now available in GTO
Kennedy Space Center, “To ensure all our guests are aware of our safety policies please add this language to all your Vouchers and Websites that is visible to your guests.
Please send us a copy of your voucher so we have confirmation that this language is clearly presented
and that you are following the COVID-19 Guidelines. We want to make sure you know before you go.”
For Questions, please contact Frank DaCosta, Global Sales Manger
Georgia
Atlanta GWCC Parking – Marshalling Yard has confirmed rates through June 2022.
Illinois
Chicago Architecture Center’s Step-on Guide bus tours have been added for 2022. River cruise pricing not expected until February 2022
Minnesota
SEA LIFE at Mall of America 2022 pricing has been updated
Missouri
Smallin Civil War Cave 2022 pricing now available in GTO
Ohio
Greater Cleveland Aquarium and Nautica Queen 2022 pricing now available
Tennessee
Nashville Zoo 2022 pricing has been updated
Virginia
Chevys Fresh Mex Arlington has changed their group menu to an Enchilada Bar – 2022 pricing now available
Helpful Information and Blogs
Industry News
Smithsonian Announces Modified Schedule for Museums and National Zoo Starting Tuesday, January 18 – Smithsonian
Updated Broadway Show Schedule – Broadway League
When an Industry Calls Out Sick: Cancellations, Staff Shortages – Travel Weekly
IITA Summit: San Diego postponed until 2023 – International Inbound Travel Association