FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2010
CONTACT:
Cape Cod
Canal
Region Chamber of Commerce
Marie Oliva, President & CEO
(508) 759-6000, x12
moliva@capecodcanalchamber.org
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION NAMES BOURNE SCALLOP FESTIVAL
ONE OF
NORTH AMERICA
'S 100 BEST EVENTS FOR 2011
Event is a Ticket to Fun and to Critical Group Tourism Dollars
Bourne, MA - The American Bus Association (ABA) announced today that Bourne Scallop Festival has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2011 by an experienced expert tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published
as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that Bourne Scallop Festival offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, according to
ABA
.
With the release of the American Bus Association's 2011 Top 100 Events in North America,
ABA
celebrates 29 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.
"The attractiveness of Bourne Scallop Festival as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Bourne, MA," said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS,
ABA
's president and CEO. "The real news here is that Bourne Scallop Festival 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 Bourne, MA an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."
According to studies completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $13,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.
"Motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer,” Pantuso said. “That's why Bourne Scallop Festival 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 2011 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected Bourne Scallop Festival from among a record number of more than 650 event nominations submitted by
ABA
members. 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 is available online at www.buses.org/top100.