Destination Gettysburg Hosts Operator FAM Tour July 19-21

Destination Gettysburg hosted 13 tour companies (18 operators and 3 guests) for a three-day, two-night familiarization tour on July 19-21. The companies invited to attend the FAM met one or more the following criteria:

• Currently do little-to-no business in Gettysburg
• Currently bring groups in for day-trips
• Have the potential to bring in new/additional overnight business to our area

 
An itinerary was developed by Destination Gettysburg based on what tour operators said they were looking for - fresh ideas, interactive experiences and new ways to enjoy the destination. With this in mind, the itinerary was created to focus on highlighting new experiences available for groups:

• Agritourism
  • Example: Covered wagon orchard tour and apple dumpling demonstration at Hollabaugh Bros.
• Culinary Experiences
  • Example: Savor Gettysburg motorcoach food tour; food & spirits pairing at Mason Dixon Distillery
• Interactive History
  • Example: “What in the world is a cyclorama?” at GNMP Museum & Visitor Center; “Become a Soldier” at Seminary Ridge Museum

 
Destination Gettysburg also offered several opportunities for members to participate in the FAM, including sponsorships, turndown gifts and the Operator FAM Member Expo. The expo luncheon took place on Wednesday, July 20, at the Gettysburg Hotel and 17 members participated. During the Expo, members were able to network with attendees over lunch as well as promote their property during the expo.
 
The Tour Operator FAM was a great success and we received positive feedback from the FAM attendees.
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• “Everything exceeded my expectations. There was a nice variety of venues that allowed us to get a lot of ideas for several potential trips. It is amazing how much has grown and improved in the last several years. I like that the venues will work together to make a successful trip. Thanks so much for this opportunity to sample Gettysburg.  I’ll be back.”
• “It’s been a great FAM! Learned a lot about Gettysburg. Discovered Gettysburg has so much to offer groups beyond the battlefield. Looking forward to planning a group tour.”
• “The FAM couldn’t have been any better - everything was so well organized and the places we visited were great.”
• “I thoroughly enjoyed the FAM tour. The focus on Gettysburg as more than just the battlefield is the way to go. Well done!”

 
Leads from the Tour Operator FAM Tour will be live in the Member Portal within the next week and will contact information of attendees, along with planner history and more information on what their groups are looking for.  If you have any questions on how to access the leads, please contact Nicole Absher, Group Sales Manager: nicole@destinationgettysburg.com or 717-338-3062.