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Event is a Ticket to Fun and to Critical Group Tourism Dollars

Washington, D.C. - The American Bus Association (ABA) announced that the "Trail Of Tears" drama, held June 22 through Labor Day Weekend, has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2002 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that the Trail of Tears Drama offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, said ABA.

"The attractiveness of the 'Trail of Tears' drama as a don’t miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for the Cherokee Heritage Center,” said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that the Trail of Tears Drama has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives the Cherokee Heritage Center an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."

According to a study recently completed by researchers at The George Washington University, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $7,000 to more than $11,000 in a local destination’s economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes. Other research released this month by travel research firm Dean Runyan Associates shows that group packaged trips have the longest duration of any other trip type studied, with an average of 6.8 nights versus 5.9 nights for independent travel.

"Simply put", said Pantuso, "motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer. That's why the Trail of Tears Drama is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay."

ABA’s 2002 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the Trail of Tears Drama from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and visitors bureaus. Judges considered the event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

The Top 100 Events list will be available online, visit the American Bus Association ( ABA) online.

For more information on the Cherokee Heritage Center, visit online.