Tourism - Do you have what it takes?

There is an unfilled opportunity waiting for local entrepreneurs to cash in on. Tour buses intersecting our borough May through September are in search of new attractions and tours to include in their Alaska tour product. Not another salmon bake or boat ride, but something new and different.

"Our passengers want life-changing experiences," explained Bob Stone of Royal Caribbean International. "We are constantly out there looking for something new and unique, like meeting with a local farmer or having lunch with a homesteader."

I have heard over and over from tour operators who bring thousands of passengers each year to Alaska how they would love to stop in the Valley at a local farm or homestead that had a well-organized tour and possibly even lunch. A one- to two-hour stop where visitors can experience the history and culture first-hand from the locals is what they want.

Motorcoach passengers no longer stay seated on the bus. They get off frequently and they want to learn about each destination they visit.

Before you open your door and expect busloads of visitors to automatically arrive, here are some points to consider and research. First of all, tour operators work at least 18-24 months out.

That means Princess Tours has already printed brochures for the 2003 season and is selling those itineraries now. Tour product departments are working on the summer of 2004 to include new attractions and activities.

The first step in starting a group product is to do your research. Find out how your tour would fit into their existing itineraries. Study different tour operator brochures and get to know what they already offer.

Is there enough time for the group to stop at your facility? Are you offering something new? Does your tour fit into the tour pattern? Can you handle the volume group tour business will bring? Can a motorcoach turn around in your driveway? Do you offer clean restrooms?

Another consideration is understanding insurance requirements. Insurance varies by the experience you provide and the volume of passengers you accept. You will be required to carry the tour operator on your policy.

You also need to be careful in pricing your product. Tour operators will require a discount on your rack rate, usually about 20 percent.

It also takes a person who can communicate well with people and has good customer service skills. The focus of a farm or homestead tour is the resident and sharing the life experiences living in the Mat-Su Valley with visitors. Good speaking skills are essential. And finally, you have to follow through on your commitments and deliver to the tour operator what you promised.

I understand there used to be a farm tour off Springer Loop where groups then would have a homemade lunch inside a Colony barn. Several tour operators have told me how passengers really enjoyed the stop and they hope someone will duplicate the idea.

Motorcoach tours usually have an escort onboard who acts as a guide while traveling through each destination. But tour operators realize the best guide or interpreter is a local resident and the experience of meeting and walking through the fields they live in.

The Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau not only markets the region to visitors outside, but is a resource for those living here who want advice in starting a business directed at visitors. Contact 746-5000 and learn how your property can welcome group tours.