From America’s capital city, across the mid-Atlantic region, to the heart of the Midwest, there are many sacred sites ready to be woven into a classic sightseeing itinerary. Whether your group is looking for historic depth, architectural wonder, or spiritual inspiration, these next three destinations have everything you need to build a full day around sacred landmarks.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

As the symbolic heart of the nation, Washington is home to a remarkably diverse collection of religious landmarks that reflect its political, cultural, and ethnic history. Some of the most iconic churches and cathedrals in the United States are located here, just blocks from the Capitol and White House.

One-day itinerary (in town)

Washington, D.C.’s most important religious sites can be explored in a single day with efficient planning and a mix of walking and short drives:

1. Washington National Cathedral – Neo-Gothic masterpiece used for state funerals and national services
2. St. John’s Episcopal Church – The Church of the Presidents, located directly across from the White House
3. Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle – Seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
4. National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception – The largest Catholic church in North America
5. St. Nicholas Cathedral – Home of the Orthodox Church in America
6. Adas Israel Synagogue – The district’s oldest surviving synagogue building

One-day itinerary (out-of-town)

For those who wish to explore further afield, a loop through Annapolis and Baltimore offers a rewarding day trip filled with sacred and historic gems (90 miles total round-trip driving distance from DC):

1. National Shrine of the Assumption of Mary – First Roman Catholic cathedral built in the United States
2. St. James Church – Baltimore’s oldest African American Catholic parish.
3. Lovely Lane United Methodist Church – The Mother Church of American Methodism
4. Naval Academy Chapel – At the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, housing the crypt of John Paul Jones

CHICAGO

The Windy City may be better known for architecture and deep-dish pizza, but Chicago also offers a wealth of religious sites representing a wide spectrum of faith traditions and ethnic communities. With its mix of Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and interfaith landmarks, Chicago offers plenty for a full itinerary.

One-day itinerary (in town)

This route highlights some of the most beautiful and sacred spaces within Chicago and nearby Evanston and Oak Park:

1. Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows – A landmark of Italianate Baroque architecture
2. Basilica of St. Hyacinth – A vibrant Polish parish with a rich immigrant history
3. Madonna Della Strada Chapel – A Jesuit chapel located on the Loyola University campus
4. Alice Millar Chapel – A stained-glass-filled chapel on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston
5. Unity Temple – Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this Oak Park icon is a masterpiece of modernist architecture.

One-day itinerary (out-of-town: Milwaukee/Wauwatosa)

An easy drive north to Wisconsin offers a chance to visit three remarkable and very different churches (180 miles total round-trip driving distance from Chicago):

1. Basilica of St. Josaphat – A Milwaukee landmark inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica
2. St. Joan of Arc Chapel – A medieval chapel from France relocated to the Marquette University campus
3. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church – Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Wauwatosa, blending classical form with innovation

One-day itinerary (out-of-town: Notre Dame/Valparaiso)

Head east from Chicago to experience two of Indiana’s most iconic collegiate chapels, both rich in history and art (170 miles total round-trip driving distance from Chicago):

1. Basilica of the Sacred Heart – The famous centerpiece of the University of Notre Dame
2. Chapel of the Resurrection – One of the largest college chapels in the U.S., located at Valparaiso University

VIRGINIA PENINSULA

For those traveling through southeastern Virginia, the region between Jamestown and Hampton offers a powerful journey into early American religious life. These churches tell the story of English colonization, the growth of Anglicanism, and the formation of America’s religious identity:

One-day itinerary

This route is best approached as a day trip from Norfolk, Williamsburg, or Richmond. With moderate driving, all four sites can be experienced in one very full day:

1. Jamestown Church – Located at the original Jamestown, this is the spiritual birthplace of English America
2. St. John’s Episcopal Church – Oldest English parish in continuous use in the U.S., located in Hampton
3. Bruton Parish Church – A colonial-era church still in active use in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg
4. St. Luke’s Church – Smithfield landmark dating from the 1600s, one of the oldest churches in America

These are just a few suggestions of religious sightseeing itineraries to be found in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern United States. Whether your tour groups are looking for a bit of history, architectural inspiration or just a spiritual experience, these sacred destinations, and many others, are waiting to welcome you.

Howard Kramer, an NTA affiliate member who spoke at Travel Exchange ’17 in San Antonio, is the author of The Complete American Pilgrim: Guide to 250 of the most sacred, historic and beautiful religious sites in the United States.

Top photo: Washington National Cathedral
Photo by ©Orhan Çam/Adobe Stock

The post How to build a day of exploring sacred sites into a classic American sightseeing itinerary Part II: Washington DC, Chicago, and the Virginia Peninsula appeared first on NTA Courier.

Whether visitors are eager for artistic expression, scientific discovery, or flavorful tasting excursions, Virginia Beach delivers memorable encounters at every turn that are even better when shared.

Nature at its most inspiring

Groups looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Virginia Beach will find an abundance of peaceful, scenic escapes within the city’s diverse parks and preserves. At First Landing State Park, Virginia’s most visited state park, groups can explore miles of shaded trails winding through rare maritime forests, dunes, and cypress swamps. With opportunities for ranger-led programs, guided hikes, and waterfront picnics, it’s an ideal setting for those seeking both recreation and reflection.

Just a short distance away, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers a tranquil retreat where migratory birds, wild marshes, and unspoiled beaches take center stage. Boardwalks and observation areas make it easy for groups to enjoy wildlife viewing and photography while learning about the region’s rich habitats.

For those interested in ocean conservation and unique guided experiences, False Cape State Park provides unforgettable outdoor adventure. Accessible by tram, bike, or hike through the refuge, this remote barrier spit rewards groups with pristine natural landscapes, ranger-led eco tours, and inspiring environmental education programs.

A creative community in full color

Arts and entertainment offerings provide countless ways for groups to experience the city’s vibrant culture. At the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, groups can enjoy an impressive lineup of concerts, touring productions, dance performances, and special events. The nearby Zeiders American Dream Theater stands out as a hub for original works, emerging artists, and inventive performances.

Groups that enjoy immersive exploration can make their way to the ViBe Creative District where a walkable outdoor gallery of colorful murals, sculptural installations, and locally owned studios provide a choice of creative experiences. Meanwhile, coffeehouses, galleries, and unique boutiques invite groups to linger, browse, and meet the makers who define this energetic neighborhood.

Discoveries for every curiosity

Those seeking interactive learning and inspiring educational experiences will find abundant opportunities in world-class history and science attractions.

At the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, travelers encounter diverse marine life and thoughtfully designed exhibits that reveal the intricacies of the area’s diverse ecosystem. Expansive habitats, hands-on educational programs, and the aquarium’s continuing evolution make it a centerpiece for any itinerary that values curiosity and conservation.

Meanwhile, aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the Military Aviation Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of fully restored World War I and World War II aircraft. Guided tours showcase the remarkable stories behind the planes, along with insights into the craftsmanship and engineering that bring aviation history to life.

For entertainment, dining, and leisure, Town Center offers a lively mix of performance venues, restaurants, boutiques, comedy clubs, and events. Its convenient, walkable atmosphere allows visitors to enjoy entertainment that appeals to diverse interests within a group.

A toast worth sharing

The craft beverage scene in Virginia Beach has grown into a flavorful and distinctive experience that’s ideal for adult group outings. Local wineries offer tastings that highlight varietals suited to the coastal climate, providing a relaxed setting for groups to enjoy scenic views and guided sampling sessions. Indoor and outdoor spaces accommodate larger groups comfortably.

The area’s breweries invite beer enthusiasts to explore tasting rooms filled with small-batch creations, seasonal flavors, and regionally inspired brews. Many feature live entertainment, chef events, or food truck partnerships, making them easy to pair with group dining experiences.

Complementing the breweries and wineries, local distilleries provide insight into the art and science of small-batch spirits. Tours showcase production techniques and flavor profiles unique to the region, followed by curated tastings of vodka, rum, gin, and whiskey. These behind-the-scenes experiences offer an enjoyable combination of education and indulgence.

With its diverse cultural institutions, hands-on attractions, inspiring public art and thriving craft beverage scene, Virginia Beach offers group travelers a welcoming and endlessly customizable coastal experience. Start exploring at VisitVirginiaBeach.com/group-travel.

Virginia Beach CVB
Contact: Jim Coggin

Top photo: Virginia Beach CVB

The post A coast with the most: Create memorable group getaways in Virginia Beach appeared first on NTA Courier.

Today’s tourism pipeline requires both short-term conversion efficiency and long-term demand generation to work in tandem. One without the other leaves revenue and opportunity on the table.

From awareness to action: A new buyer reality

Modern travelers no longer move neatly from inspiration to booking. Instead, they zigzag. They scroll Instagram or TikTok, compare prices across multiple websites, read reviews, pause planning altogether, then re-enter the journey through retargeted ads, referrals from friends, or digital visitor guides, if they return at all.

This scattered journey means tourism organizations must embrace a multi-channel, multi-touch pipeline that recognizes longer buying cycles and phased purchasing habits. The expectation is no longer “tell me once.” It’s “be there every time I’m ready to listen.”

Capturability: The revenue multiplier hiding in plain sight

Capturability is a measure of how easy it is to “capture” a potential customer who has already decided to convert. In many cases, the biggest threat to revenue is friction, not lack of demand.

Common capturability offenders include:

• Websites that aren’t mobile-optimized
• Slow load times
• Confusing navigation
• Inaccessible or non-assistive design
• No clear digital-to-human conversion options

The data is precise. If a website takes more than three seconds to load, roughly 40% of users abandon it. Slow load times are cited as the number-one cause of booking abandonment by travel brands. Meanwhile, 82% of travelers say booking entirely online is essential, and loyalty to traditional travel agencies continues to decline.

The golden rule of sales applies here: Make it easy for people to give you money.

Long-term demand: Winning hearts before wallets

While capturability drives near-term revenue, long-term pipeline health depends on demand generation. Travelers want to be inspired long before they’re ready to convert. That means meeting audiences where they already are (Instagram, TikTok, Reddit) by delivering content that feels authentic, personalized, and abundant.

Short-form video, travel blogs, virtual tours, and especially user-generated content all play a critical role—customization matters. One-size-fits-all content almost always produces one-size-fits-none results.

Connect with Red Sage

At Red Sage Communications, we believe the future of tourism growth belongs to organizations willing to rethink how demand is created, how interest is nurtured, and how conversion is captured. The pipeline is there. The question is: how easy are you making it to fill?

Contact: Michelle Stark, Red Sage Communications

The post Filling the pipeline: How tourism marketing and sales must work together now appeared first on NTA Courier.

The property’s 12-story hotel features 370 spacious and elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites that welcome guests with majestic floor-to-ceiling windows. Each guestroom highlights local Coast Salish artwork, created exclusively for Tulalip Resort Casino. Standard amenities include 55-inch HD televisions; makeup vanities; a glass-enclosed, spa-like shower with three body sprays; room service; and complimentary Wi-Fi, refrigerator, and coffee and tea service.

Guests looking for exciting entertainment need to look no further than Tulalip Resort Casino. Gaming has long been a Tulalip tradition, and the 192,000-square-foot casino features more than 2,300 of the newest slots and the most cashback of any Northwest casino. Thirty-seven table games offer everything from blackjack to craps, perfect for high-rollers and casual players alike to participate in the gaming action. There’s also a DraftKings Sportsbook for sporting enthusiasts, with a massive video wall. Nearby Quil Ceda Creek Casino offers additional gaming excitement, and Tulalip Bingo & Slots is just minutes away with regular daily sessions.

A 70,250-square-foot addition was recently completed at the property, which expanded gaming opportunities and amenities that highlight the Tulalip Tribes’ culture and traditions.

Canoes Cabaret offers musical performances to keep guests entertained with weekly live entertainment. The Orca Ballroom is a popular entertainment venue and features national acts, with an intimate 1,200-person seating capacity. Past acts include Night Ranger, Jonny Lang, Richard Marx, Tommy James and the Shondells, WAR, Ron White, and Bill Engvall. The Summer Concert Series also features national acts; it’s held from July through September at the outdoor Tulalip Amphitheatre, with a 3,000-person seating capacity. The Amphitheatre has a reputation for having a great sightline. There truly isn’t a bad seat in the house! Past performers include Sammy Hagar, Blake Shelton, Foreigner, Styx, Dianna Ross, Clint Black, Jamie Foxx, and more.

From sumptuous culinary artistry to traditional open-fire pit cooking, Tulalip Resort Casino showcases some of the best Seattle area restaurants. Exceptional dining options range from casual bites to sophisticated cuisine. At Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar, fresh northwest seafood is prepared using traditional tribal techniques.

At Tula Bene Pastaria + Chophouse, which features Italian and steakhouse cuisines, you can savor mouthwatering lobster ravioli or a Tula Bene 16-ounce New York steak. 

Journeys East artfully combines the best culinary traditions of Japan, Thailand, China, Korea, and Vietnam in one modern, Zen-inspired space. From the sleek contemporary Asian décor to a central view of the display kitchen, diners will experience the equivalent of a passport stamp for a seasoned traveler.  

Salish Sun Taqueria, Bar & Burgers is a fiesta for the taste buds with south-of-the border dishes and signature burgers complemented by an impressive selection of draft beers, wines, premium whiskey, and agave craft cocktails.

The Draft Sports Bar & Grill is an urban pub offering craft brews, wines by the glass, cocktails, burgers, and wings befitting any sports fan.

Blazing Paddles features stone-fired artisan pizzas with more than 50 delicious toppings, while Cedars Café features a wide range of menu offerings from classic dishes to coffee shop favorites and from hearty breakfasts to burgers, as well as slow-roasted prime rib and seasonal salads. For a quick bite, visit Canoes Carvery or Killer Coffee.

For a rejuvenating, relaxing retreat, the 14,000-square-foot full-service T Spa boasts 14 treatment rooms and a variety of native-inspired services in addition to its full range of skin and body therapies designed to rejuvenate the body, enrich the mind, and soothe the soul. Separate men’s and women’s lounges include quiet rooms with double-sided fireplaces and grotto showers with rain shower heads and performance body sprays.

Finally, no shopaholic will be disappointed after visiting Seattle Premium Outlets, with 125 brand name designer outlet stores, including high-end designers such as Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Nike, DKNY, and Banana Republic. Visitors can also experience more Northwest culture with Tulalip’s proximity to The Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve. The cultural center features 23,000 square feet of rich history and the traditional culture of the Tulalip Tribes, The Future of Flight Museum, Boeing Tour Center, and Woodinville wineries.

For more information about Tulalip Resort Casino’s exceptional tour options, visit www.TulalipCasino.com or call (866) 716-7162.

Ashlee Gobin
Group Tour Operations & Account Manager
Direct: 360.716.6610
Fax: 360.716.6509

Photos submitted by Tulalip Resort Casino

The post Tulalip Resort Casino: Escape to a destination of premium luxury appeared first on NTA Courier.

Top image: Visit Baton Rouge

The post Let’s unpack Baton Rouge appeared first on NTA Courier.

History and heritage

From Indigenous peoples to founding fathers, from leaders of the suffrage movement to innovators in industry, technology, and art, educators will appreciate the plethora of historical attractions found across New York State. Visitors to the Ganondagan State Historic Site, the original site of a 17^th century Seneca town, will be engrossed in Native American history and experience a full-sized long house and the Seneca Art & Culture Center. Those creating Revolutionary War and military itineraries will want to include the George Washington Spy Trail on Long Island, the turning point of the Revolutionary War at the Saratoga National Historical Park, and the United States Military Academy at West Point. New York State’s impact on civil rights cannot be overstated and can be experienced at sites like the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, and the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

Immerse yourself in the moments and movements that shaped our country—it all happened in New York State. 

Arts and culture

New York State is the epicenter of fine and performance arts—from the bright lights of Broadway to the storied stage of the Chautauqua Institution. Literary icons called New York State home, and groups can take in the homes and studies of icons like Mark Twain, Edgar Allan Poe, and Walt Whitman, or visit the sites that inspired “The Great Gatsby” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Home to the influential Hudson River School art movement, New York enjoys renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, and many more. Students will be captivated by the hands-on glass-making experiences at the Corning Museum of Glass, can time travel to the 1960s and the Woodstock Festival at the Museum at Bethel Woods, or laugh the day away learning about the comedic arts at the National Comedy Center.

Outdoor adventures

New Yorkers love getting outdoors! Make some time to walk the Highline in New York City, some of the 750 miles of the Empire State trail, or among the treetops in the Adirondack State Park at the Wild Center’s Wild Walk—all where history, nature, art, and recreation come together.  Groups have a choice of over 180 state parks, each with unique learning opportunities, like Letchworth State Park and Niagara Falls State Park. They can celebrate New York’s Olympic History in Lake Placid at the Olympic Center and Museum and at the various Olympic sites. They can skate the Olympic Oval, take a bobsled ride, or ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola to the top of Whiteface Mountain. Top off your Olympic day with a ride on the longest coaster in North America at the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Cliffside Coaster.

Fun & games

Waterparks, ziplines and theme parks, aquariums and animal parks, hiking, biking and sailing— New York knows how to have fun. Statewide, there are cruises and kayak tours on the Erie and Champlain Canal as well as throughout the 1000 Island Seaway region. New York is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the Jackie Robinson Museum, Watkins Glen International, several minor league and two major league MLB teams, three NFL teams, three NHL teams, and two NBA teams. There is serious fun to be had across the state. A visit to the National Museum of Play at The Strong will have tours of all ages playing along—this is the world’s only museum dedicated to the exploration and discovery of play. The museum is located in the Neighborhood of Play, offering interactive toy technology exhibits, an outdoor board game-themed garden, a gaming-themed restaurant, and a hotel. Days spent on a farm or apple- picking at an orchard are also tour favorites—don’t miss the apple cider doughnuts!

Treat your group to a four-season destination rich with unparalleled variety and beauty, from the tranquil white sandy beaches to the roaring splendor of over 200 waterfalls, and from the high peaks of the Adirondacks to the skyscrapers of Manhattan to storybook island castles. New York’s 11 vacation regions offer second-to-none fall foliage views and harvest meals, summertime lake cruises and lakeside wine trails, and springtime floral festivals and raging waterfalls. Welcome to New York: Everything You LOVE!

For more information, contact Danae Jones-Persip with New York State Division of Tourism at 518.402.7008.

The post New York: Everything you LOVE! appeared first on NTA Courier.

Visitors descend upon “The Beehive State” for a variety of reasons, with two at the forefront. One is the natural beauty that can be found in literally every corner of the state. Utah features five national parks (“The Mighty Five,” as they are often called: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion), 46 state parks, nine national monuments, 15 ski resorts, 26 certified Dark Sky Places, and 28 scenic byways. With so many natural wonders contained within its borders, Utah is a destination that travelers cannot experience in one single trip.

This sentiment is confirmed by Emma Kwanin, global markets manager for the Utah Office of Tourism.

“Even living here all my life,” Kwanin says, “I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what Utah has to offer!” Not only is the landscape varied, but as Kwanin explains, the experience changes with the changing of the seasons. “From the snow-capped peaks of the Wasatch Range to the dramatic red rock canyons of the south, Utah provides an unparalleled variety of adventures that can’t be fully appreciated in a single trip.”

Utah’s diversity is striking to visitors, even during relatively short trips within the state.

“From Salt Lake City International Airport,” Kwanin shares, “you can be to Zion National Park in less than five hours. Going from alpine mountains to red rock canyons in that amount of time is pretty epic. Just imagine all the unique landscapes you see along the way!”

In fact, one of the itineraries that Kwanin encourages groups to experience is called “Hidden Gems,” which explores lesser-known sites along that very route.

When asked what other lesser-known itinerary ideas groups may want to consider, Kwanin provides two that could not be any more different from one another. One is an itinerary focused on dinosaurs.

“Utah’s history is rich and ancient,” Kwanin says. “Have you ever seen 1,500 dinosaur fossils on display? Have you ever touched a fossil along a trail still partially embedded in the rock it’s fossilized in? If not, it’s time for you to explore Utah’s dinosaur history!”

The other itinerary takes advantage of the aforementioned “Dark Sky Places” that Utah has to offer. In fact, Kwanin notes a multi-state itinerary, where travelers can experience stargazing not only in Utah, but in neighboring states Colorado and Arizona as well.

Though its natural beauty is a reason millions of visitors descend upon Utah each year, the other is its well-known religious heritage. As Kwanin explains, “When Latter-day Saint pioneers (commonly known as Mormons) arrived in the mid-19^th century seeking refuge from religious persecution, they established Salt Lake City on the ancestral homelands of the Ute, Goshute, and Shoshone peoples, who were the first residents of the land.” The history of these pioneers can be explored throughout the state at sites such as the America West Heritage Center in Wellsville as well as Cove Fort and Bluff Fort.

Of course, Salt Lake City is the destination most closely connected with faith travel in the state, and for good reason. It is the home of the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the site of Temple Square. Kwanin says that Temple Square “is an experience in and of itself. When the temple is open regularly again, there are multiple buildings you can explore, including the beautiful grounds with amazing landscaping.” Kwanin also mentions the world-famous Tabernacle Choir, whose practices each week are open to the public.

As Kwanin’s quote suggests, the temple has not been open to the public since 2019. However, an extensive renovation is well underway and the temple is expected to reopen in 2026, with a public “open house” scheduled in 2027. In fact, tour operators and group leaders who are interested in learning more about the temple reopening are invited to a webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. Mountain Time. Those interested can click here to register (the meeting ID is 847 5274 8286).

The reopening of the Salt Lake Temple isn’t the only event that faith groups will want to have on their radar. The Springville Museum of Art hosts the Spiritual and Religious Art of Utah exhibit each fall and winter, while Spanish Fork hosts a Diwali Festival of Lights celebration each November. These events show that Utah isn’t only for visitors of the Mormon faith, a fact confirmed by the popularity of other faith sites throughout the state. These include the Montefiore Cemetery, one of three Jewish cemeteries in Salt Lake City; and the site of a personal memorial to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.

Travelers who are not members of the LDS Church may also want to visit the beautiful Cathedral of the Madeleine, which is the “mother church” for Roman Catholics in the state of Utah, as well as the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple and the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Hindu Temple, also located in Salt Lake City.

With its diversity of faith travel offerings and sites of natural beauty, it’s obvious that Utah has indeed become the treasure that President Lincoln predicted it would be. It’s also a place that, as mentioned, cannot be truly experienced in one visit. “After you come once,” Utah native Kwanin explains, “you’ll be dying to see every nook and cranny of the state, knowing how much exploration and beauty there is to see and experience.”

Todd Probus is NTA’s director of member solutions and education, and he also coordinates NTA’s Faith Travel Association. For more information about group travel to Utah, contact Kwanin at [email protected].

Top photo: churchofjesuschrist.org

The post Utah’s heritage and natural wonders appeared first on NTA Courier.

When the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel was completed in 1930, it provided a connection between Zion National Park’s east and west sides. But in recent years, the tunnel was the scene of more and more collisions and traffic tie-ups caused by large vehicles. Last year, the U.S. National Park Service announced that, beginning in mid-2026, Zion National Park would reroute oversized vehicles, including most full-size tour buses, around the famous tunnel.

With that announcement, tour operators who take groups into Zion and other national parks in Utah were looking at a drive around the tunnel that would take away from their guests’ sightseeing time—along with the tunnel experience. Then Southwest Adventure Tours stepped up with an idea.

“We created a work-around,” says Shawn Horman, director of large group sales for Southwest. “We can use our fleet of Mercedes Sprinter vans to meet your motorcoach on either the east or west side of the park, take your guests through the historic tunnel, make a few photo stops along the way, and then meet back up with your motorcoach on the other side.”

In anticipation of the tunnel restrictions, tour operators can work with Shawn now to choose among several Southwest shuttle plans that give their guests a full Zion experience.

“It’ll be pretty seamless—and enjoyable—for your guests,” Shawn says. “Each shuttle is driven by a professional guide who adds comments and insights along the way, and our park-approved Sprinter vans are a smooth, efficient way to keep your group inside the park and on schedule.”   

To learn more about Southwest Adventure Tours’ Zion shuttle service—itinerary, costs, and scheduling options—contact Shawn at [email protected] or call 800.970.5864.

Photos submitted by Southwest Adventures

The post One company’s tunnel vision appeared first on NTA Courier.

I struggled with my commitment, though. As a non-retail tour operator, I couldn’t, for example, implement a policy against using plastic water bottles. I wanted to pick something that was more meaningful and could make a real difference. I left the event without making my commitment. 

A few weeks later, I happened to meet Patty Janes. Patty is a professor in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Grand Valley State University. After serving on the Tourism Cares board, Patty wanted to start something closer to home in Michigan. Michigan Cares for Tourism (MC4T) was born. After meeting Patty and learning about MC4T, I immediately asked how I could get involved. Patty invited me to join their board of directors. 

It felt a little like kismet. I was looking for a way to make my commitment, and then the perfect fit seemed to fall into my lap! MC4T, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a 100% volunteer, 100% give-back partnership where tourism professionals come together to help restore Michigan’s historic, cultural, and natural attractions; learn about a Michigan tourism destination; and network across our industry segments to ultimately enhance the visitor experience. It also helps us become more engaged professionals. MC4T has put on more than 60 events with 5,000-plus volunteers across the state. They have saved an estimated $2 million for attractions and tourism destinations in Michigan, with an estimated nine million Michigan tourists impacted.

I participated in my first two events this year. In the spring, we conducted a half-day clean-up event at the Detroit Zoo in partnership with the Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism. In September, our annual event was at Tawas Point State Park. With almost 150 volunteers in Tawas Point, we completed 16 projects within the park. Volunteers also got to enjoy the area with half-day Fam activities that included kayaking, painting, jewelry making, bike riding, and checking out the town. I invited Dawn Pettus, NTA executive vice president, to join me at the event. Our team painted a pavilion, fixed screens, and re-stained picnic tables. We made a meaningful difference for visitors to Tawas Point State Park. 

After I met Patty, I was able to make my Tourism Cares commitment, which is to remain involved with Michigan Cares for Tourism. I’m now able to take the things I’ve learned from Tourism Cares and continue to learn and implement them in a real way in my home state of Michigan. It was my involvement with NTA that led me to make a positive, lasting impact on my community. 

Brittany Dykla is the chief financial officer for Brilliant Edventures and serves on the NTA Board of Directors.

Photos submitted by Brittany Dykla

The post How I made my Tourism Cares commitment appeared first on NTA Courier.

Tours can include religious accommodations (including priories and monasteries), hosted lunches with deans, private services in cathedrals, behind-the-scenes tours of crypts, archives and cloisters, music workshops with lead choristers, and priority seating at Evensong.

Popular choices include the Celtic Christianity tour, covering ancient religious buildings, sacred sites, and famous places of worship in the UK and Ireland, such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Hill of Tara, the legendary seat of Irish pagan high kings. Also, the Holy Isle of Iona, birthplace of Christianity in Scotland; and Durham Cathedral, with St. Cuthbert’s tomb and the remains of St. Bede in England, as well as the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

Discover the foundations of Methodism with the acclaimed John Wesley tour, visiting his house and chapel in London, the beautiful city of Oxford where he studied, and Bristol, home to The New Room, now the oldest Methodist Chapel in the world.

Fusing early Christianity with Anglo-Saxon history is the St. Augustine tour, beginning in medieval Canterbury. Crossing the south coast through pretty villages and ancient monastic sites, the tour tracks St. Augustine’s hazardous route and the growth of early Christianity.

For more drama, book the Thomas Becket tour and explore the turbulent relationship between king and church in the Middle Ages.

The Early English Pilgrimage tour is a deep dive into the very roots of English Christianity, from St. Augustine and his converts and Abbey, Priory, and Church communities, through to the great kings of England and the nobility. The tour includes Rochester Cathedral, founded in A.D. 604, as well as a 13th century priory, Westminster Abbey, Lambeth Palace, and Windsor Castle, nearly 1,000 years old and the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

The story of the Pilgrim Fathers is a fascinating tale of bravery and determination. Follow the Mayflower Trail across England and learn about the Pilgrim Fathers and Puritans who left England for America, in search of new beginnings.

New for 2025 are the pilgrims’ walking tours. Walk the St. Cuthbert’s Way from Scotland into England, starting in Melrose, where St. Cuthbert began his religious life in A.D. 650, and ending on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Another pilgrims’ route is the famous London to Canterbury Pilgrim’s Way, or you can echo King Henry II’s penitential pilgrimage from Southampton to Canterbury, which he did barefoot after Thomas Becket’s murder.

Across into mainland Europe, the Luther and the German Reformation Tour is the ideal way to discover Germany and key sites associated with Luther, with bonus visits to Berlin and beautiful Bavaria. Any traveler in Italy knows that time is precious with such a great wealth of heritage and beauty, and the Italian Pilgrimage Group Tour program includes the must-see highlights, with the option to customize the tour with the many great churches, relics, and museums the country has to offer.

Contact the team at Tours International for a customized tour, exceptional customer service, and excellent attention to detail. For groups of all sizes.

www.tours-international.com/christianity-group-tours
[email protected]
USA/Canada toll free: 888-505-1050
+44 (0) 1892 515825

Top photo: Melrose Abbey | ©Visit Scotland

Photos submitted by Tours International

The post Tours International: Specialist in faith-based and Christianity tours for groups in the UK and Europe appeared first on NTA Courier.