Today is World Freedom Day! – November 9, 2021
World Freedom Day is a federal holiday observed on November 9. On this day 22 years ago, the momentous event in history when the Berlin Wall was abolished took place. The wall separated families and communities for almost three decades. Today, it marks the rise of democracy and freedom, and the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. Learn more about World Freedom Day here.
Upcoming Events:
Convos with Colleagues
Join us TODAY, November 9 at 2 p.m.
Jo-Ann Moltz hosts a casual discussion with Gillian Amaral and Stacey Warren from Three Chics Hospitality. Tune in for some great conversation and find out about new and exciting experiences in Western Massachusetts and how they can help create unique, custom experiences for your groups. Today at 2 p.m. via LinkedIn or YouTube.
GTO Coach and GO!
Coach and Go! – Thursday, November 11, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Please join Jim and Kory as they take you through the Company Manager App as well as show you how to find and track your existing help desk requests
If you missed last week’s episode with Floyd Morris about Travel Advocates, you can watch that on our YouTube page along with all the past episodes filled with great information.
Mark your calendars. Convos with Colleagues and GTO Coach and Go! will be joining forces on Tuesday, November 16 at 2p.m. for GTO, LIVE FROM NTA! Join Jim and Jo-Ann for some lively conversation and insights from the NTA floor!
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!
GTO System Updates
Watch this week’s GTO Coach and Go! for updates to the Company Manager app. Thursday at 1pm on YouTube or join us on LinkedIn.
Supplier Updates
Multi-Destination
Earl Enterprises has released their 2022 tour operator pricing. All Buca di Beppos, Bertucci’s, Chicken Guy, Earl of Sandwich, Planet Hollywood, and Seaside on the Pier are up to date.
Buca di Beppo Los Angeles (6333 W 3rd Street) location has permanently closed
Bertucci’s at 1 Blackfan Circle, Boston has permanently closed
Reminder – Planet Hollywood New York has permanently closed, but looking for a new location
Hard Rock Café closed the following locations permanently in 2021: Mall of America, Houston, Louisville. 2022 Tour & Travel pricings have been released and all locations have been updated: https://grouptravelodyssey.quickbase.com/db/bqvjjint8?a=dr&rid=30
15 different Main Event Entertainment Centers across multiple states have been created in GTO with 2022 packages and pricings linked with the parent company. There is 1 National Sales Contact for all. https://grouptravelodyssey.quickbase.com/db/bqvjjint8?a=dr&rid=146
Six Flags – GTO was notified about a change to all Six Flags group sales processes:
Group pricing works a little differently at the Six Flags now. Our pricing will vary based on the date that you visit and is subjects to change. The best way to receive the most accurate pricing would be to drop a request for information in on the website for the respective park. Based on your group size and date of visit, we’ll be able to provide you the best purchase options. Please note that pricing for 2022 is not currently available. Your best source for the most current pricing will be the park’s website. When you click on the group tab and select “groups of 10-99,” it will take you to a calendar view showing the current dates and prices that are available. If you are looking at a date that doesn’t feature a price, the park is either closed that day or pricing has not been released. – Via Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, Group Sales
DC
Harry’s and Harriet’s Family Restaurant 2022 menus and pricing are now updated
https://grouptravelodyssey.quickbase.com/db/bn54t83hq?a=dr&rid=45502&rl=drk
Florida
Walt Disney World announced that groups will no longer need to send COVID waivers
Maryland
Maryland Science Center pricing has been updated
Missouri
St. Louis Arch will no longer allow student group performances. They suggest Ballpark Village for performance groups. St. Louis Union Station also has performance opportunities; however, the space has limited availability.
New York
Broadway Classroom has released their updated workshop pricing valid through 8.31.2022 and GTO is now up to date.
Levy’s Unique New York guided tours has permanently closed. However, one of the owner’s started a new guided tour company called Spread Love NYC Tours, website and logos still being finalized. Guided tour pricing is in GTO through June 2022.
Texas
Go Rio Cruises pricing has been updated through 9/30/2022
Helpful Information and Blogs
Group hotel reservations made easy. How A Travel Service Company Can Help Your Travel Business Grow
https://groupexperience.com/group-hotel-reservations-made-easy/
If you missed our GTO Coach and Go! with Floyd Morris from Travel Advocates, you can watch it here!
Industry News
Mask and vaccine mandates extended for Broadway shows through February, 2022 – Broadway.com
U.S. ends international travel ban, opening doors to vaccinated tourists – CNBC
