TOUR GUIDE. New Group Tour Planner Incorporated into 2016 Vistors Guide. spring New & Notable

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1 spring 2016 TOUR GUIDE the quarterly Group Tour Newsletter from the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board New & Notable New Group Tour Planner Incorporated into 2016 Vistors Guide The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board s 2016 Vistors Guide carries a planning guide especially for groups. The eight-page supplement describes our tourism sites that have a special knack for welcoming the group-tour market. The insert is organized in a series of itineraries themed for: LOVERS OF HISTORY FRIENDS LOOKING TO RECONNECT BABY BOOMERS INTERESTED IN A SHARED EXPERIENCE FAMILIES ON THE GO TOGETHER KIDS WHO APPRECIATE THE PATRIOTISM AND CAMARADERIE OF THE BOY AND GIRL SCOUTS After browsing through some of the compelling reasons groups travel to our area, operators can see thanks to a stylized map on the back page just how easy it is to get here. The last page also contains a list of convenient and free services the VFTCB readily makes available to group travelers. For a copy of this special Visitors Guide, contact the VFTCB using the Stay in Touch information on the back page of this newsletter. VALLEY FORGE & MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA

2 WELCOME to the VFTCB s quarterly newsletter for group tour operators. We hope you not only enjoy this publication but also use it as a go-to resource when considering group-tour destinations that are enjoyable, engaging and memorable. Professional Distinction Jeffrey Yau, VFTCB Tourism Sales Manager, has earned his Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS) designation. He was recognized with fellow graduates at the American Bus Association Marketplace, January 9-13 in Louisville, Ky. Yau s newest credential deepens the VFTCB skillset in serving the group tour market. He joins Marc Kaminetsky, Director of Convention & Tourism Sales, as the second professional in the organization with the CTIS designation. The CTIS program is designed to improve personal and professional skills. It signals dedication to professional excellence and continuing education, and it represents a widely-respected stamp of approval for the highest-quality skill levels. Upcoming tradeshows The VFTCB Tourism Sales team is always on the move. Our schedule of upcoming events follows; if any of these are also on your agenda, be sure to find us for a heartfelt hello and handshake MARCH 30 PENNSYLVANIA BUS ASSOCIATION MARKETPLACE Lancaster, PA MARCH 31 MARYLAND MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION GROUP LEADER TRAVEL SHOWCASE Lancaster, PA JUNE IPW New Orleans, LA JUNE PENNSYLVANIA BUS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING Gettysburg, PA TOUR GUIDE SPRING 2016

3 On the local tourism H rizon The VFTCB is extremely eager to promote tourism in 2016, particularly the new adventures for group visitors. Among our high-profile openings are: Sullivan s Bridge, which provides a brand-new, picturesque way for bikers and runners to cross the Schuylkill River and enter Valley Forge National Historical Park. Additional connectors on the Schuylkill River Trail, opening up a paved, seamless, 15-mile, cross-county gateway for fitness buffs. Escape Room Mystery, King of Prussia, a series of four themed puzzle rooms that challenge groups to collectively use their brain power to get out A terminal for the historic Colebrookdale Railroad, enabling disembark for a full day of tourism exploration of historic Pottstown. LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Plymouth Meeting, a site of snappy, imaginative play that includes Master Builders, party rooms and a 4-D movie. ifly King of Prussia, offering indoor skydiving on a column of jet-propelled air. Pottstown On a cold January 2016 afternoon, The Carousel at Pottstown, a significant addition to local tourism, cranked to life, sending its circle of hand-crafted animals for a colorful spin. That fledgling run was the culmination of 16 years of effort that spanned the acquisition of the site (a former metal weld building), the resurrection of machinery dating to 1905 and the painstaking artistry behind each figure (250 hours per animal). Perched on its array of tigers, giraffes, and zebras were a corps of celebratory volunteers whose tireless dedication brought the ride to life. The Derek S. Saylor Memorial Carousel has been named for a local toddler who passed away from meningitis at the age of only 13 months. The initial sponsorship for the attraction came from his parents, Mark and Donna Saylor, who got behind the project in 2001 with not only funds but also dozens of volunteer hours. Saylor himself engaged the gears that set the platform turning for the very first time. The site will also contain group-friendly party rooms, a concession stand, outdoor seating and a restored band organ providing an appropriate oom-pah-pah background. Opening day is expected in Summer Groups looking to fill out a day s itinerary in Pottstown can also take advantage of: A ride on the nearby Colebrookdale Railroad A tour and sampling from Manatawny Still Works A round of mini-golf at Manatawny Green A bite to eat at Sly Fox Brewery An evening performance at Steel River Playhouse TOUR GUIDE SPRING 2016

4 featured itinerary OUR SHOPPING IS HOPPING

5 Finding a great bargain or the perfect addition to a wardrobe is a delight by itself. But sharing that treasure with a friends and family increases the pleasure exponentially. For fans of shopping, the following sample itinerary in Montgomery County, Pa., puts a great day in the bag. The King of Them All King of Prussia Mall may be an obvious starting point, but this mega-mall - on the verge of getting even larger (and more enticing) this summer - cannot and should not be overlooked. King of Prussia Mall is a one-of-a-kind, over-the-top, extravaganza of goodies spanning the luxurious (Prada) to the expected (H&M) to the millionaire s treasure chest (Tesla). The onsite restaurants provide a great place to fill up and keep exploring, with options that range from white-linen to takeaway service. A Bonanza of Bargains For premium items at everyday prices, Philadelphia Premium Outlets is a shopping Shangri-La. The everyday savings are percent off name brands, from Adidas to Zumiez and everything in between. Traveling between stores can be a bit breezy, but a light jacket (and perhaps a Starbucks coffee) are all that s needed to counter spring s occasional chill. Get Around to Our Square Suburban Square has all the tony shops of Philadelphia without the exorbitant parking fees. The mall is open air, which helps spread the scent of the decorative blossoms that bloom in the milder weather of April, May and June. From clothing Free People, Gap, Barbour to gifts City Sports, Govberg Jewelers, Sephora it s a great destination to freshen your look. The Main Point For items that are hand-crafted and unusual, Montgomery County s quaint main streets and specialty stores overflow with options: Ambler s Butler Avenue is a breath of fresh air with a classic- Americana feel. Shopping hotspots include various small-town clothing, gift and art shops, as well as niche galleries, lively theaters and some of the best dining in the county. Skippack Village offers charming boutiques that offer everything from ceramics to crafts, against a historical background. Route 73, on which many of the stores are nestled, was a transportation artery for the Continental Army. Piazza on the Square in Jenkintown is an easily walkable collection of one-of-a-kind merchants. Bring home something unique for the grandchildren: Rhinoceros Gamery, Activity Center and Toy Store was co-founded by a pair of sisters who are to kidcentric play what Willie Wonka was to candy. VISIT US AT VALLEYFORGE.ORG/GROUP-TOURS

6 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID 1000 First Avenue Suite 101 King of Prussia, Pa spring 2016 TOUR GUIDE The hotel front desk might be able to provide those forgotten toothbrushes, but what if you want something more memorable from the destination you just visited? The VFTCB provides complimentary welcome gifts to all groups overnighting in a member hotel. We are consistently rotating and trying new gift ideas, eager to provide something useful or even just whimsical. If you have any suggestions for an appropriate giveaway, let us know. Drop an to: Jeffrey Yau, CTIS, Tourism Sales Manager yau@valleyforge.org. The Tour Guide newsletter is published four times a year by: The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board 1000 First Avenue, Suite 101 King of Prussia, Pa., valleyforge.org STAY IN TOUCH Follow the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board on social media. facebook.com VisitValleyForge twitter.com/visitvf youtube.com/visitvalleyforge instagram.com/visitvalleyforge pinterest.com/visitvf snapchat.com/visitvf The Tourism and Sales staff can be reached as follows: Marc Kaminetsky, CTIS, Director of Convention Tourism Sales kaminetsky@valleyforge.org Jeffrey Yau, CTIS, Tourism Sales Manager yau@valleyforge.org