Today is World Consumer Rights Day – March 15, 2022
World Consumer Rights Day, celebrated on March 15 every year, is a global event that aims to raise awareness about consumer rights and needs. Consumer rights mean that every person who buys various products, goods, and services, has the right to have information on the quality, purity, price, and standard of those products. Did you know that you have the right to file a complaint from anywhere, anytime as a consumer? Most people are not aware of their rights as consumers, so by celebrating this day, we make others aware of the right to demand protection and stay safe from fraudulent activities in the marketplace.
Upcoming Events:
GTO Coach and Go! Tuesday, March 15 at 2:00 EDT – Join Jim, Seaira, and Taylor as they discuss searching for suppliers and products in GTO. Join live on YouTube, LinkedIn, or Facebook.
Destination Dispatch, Thursday, March 17 at 2:00pm EDT. Join us each Thursday as we explore some amazing group destinations and find new and unique experiences for your groups. This week we will experience Ireland, with Shannan Carter from Live Travel & Tours! Join us on this St. Patrick’s Day to find out more about the amazing experiences your groups can have traveling to Ireland. Join us live on YouTube, LinkedIn or Facebook.
If you didn’t catch our first Business Navigator on Wednesday, Please make sure to check it out. Traveling with Groups – Managing New Challenges & Expectations. Keith hosted this roundtable discussion on managing traveler expectations with guests Robert Miller, President/Owner of Travel Advocates, Karen Pitcherello, Director of Business Development at Mears Transportation and Pete Pantuso, President and CEO of American Bus Association. See the stream here: https://youtu.be/DTewakSKy5Y
As a companion piece for our user companies, we developed a “Dear Traveler” video. Let us know if you would like this short informational video customized with your branding. You can send this to your upcoming groups.
Take a look: https://youtu.be/K54j1YLZ_Rw
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!
We have a new Facebook page. Make sure to like Group Travel Odyssey on Facebook!
GTO System Updates
A few reminders:
Don’t forget to check out your Community Forum in GTO. This is a way to keep up with other GTO users, share ideas, ask questions. The Community Forum can be found in the My Apps tab in GTO.
We have an easy way for you to submit a Help Desk request! Just send an email to help@gtonetwork.com and make sure to put Help in the subject field. This will automatically create a ticket and will email you updates as your ticket is being worked on.
Supplier Updates
United States
Multi-location
Pinstripes Chicago, Cleveland, Georgetown, and North Bethesda have all been updated with 2022 pricing
Festivals of Music have released their 2023 tentative dates. Registration opens middle of April. Dates are in GTO, pricing will be updated when released.
California
As of March 4, 2022, Universal Studios Hollywood will no longer require proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test prior to Park entry. Per state and local guidelines, everyone is strongly recommended to wear a face covering indoors.
Florida
Universal Orlando 2023 pricing now available in GTO. If your company cannot see it, please contact GTO’s help desk as we have not set your companies Tier pricing level for Universal yet.
New York
THE RIDE 2022 student group pricing has been updated
RBTL Auditorium Theatre in Rochester has inputted shows and group pricing levels through Nov 13, 2022
Pennsylvania
Turkey Hill Experience 2022 pricing has been updated
Helpful Information and Blogs
Last Thursday on Destination Dispatch, we welcomed Susan Travis from Visit Tyler to learn more about this wonderful group destination. From roses to BBQ, from coffee to wineries, from historic homes to amazing museums, Tyler, Texas has something for everyone and is ready to welcome you with open arms. See the Destination Dispatch episode here: https://youtu.be/e3mBzUwN-CE and follow up with the wonderful blog below.
Industry News
WeTravel to Host Women in Travel Webinar – TravelPulse
Leisure Travel Rebounds Again, Business Travel Lags – TravelPulse
TSA Extends Mask Mandate for Public Transportation – Travel Weekly
Tour Operators Say They Will Avoid Fuel Surcharges – Travel Weekly
