Sad that I will be missing another one(but happy as it is due to work)…another Olympics – prep for Vancouver 2010
Enjoy!
Jody Lang
President
MIAMILiaison, Inc.
Archive for June, 2009
ITMI Symposium 2010 Ideas
Monday, June 29th, 2009Symposium 2010 Ideas
Monday, June 29th, 2009Mobile phone applications relevant to TD’s and tricks with the Amazon Kindle relevant to TD’s. Those devices make schlepping a laptop almost obsolete.
Lauren Kahn
ITMI Symposium 2010 Ideas
Monday, June 29th, 2009Dear Ted, Randy and all,
My interest remains in the Cruise Industry, so my question would pertain to that area of the tour industry.
What are the duties of a Tour Director on cruise ships if there is even such a position at this time in cruising history?
In the past we assisted in the choice of shore excursions. Now the passengers make their selections weeks before they even board the ship. The excursion choices play over and over in the cabins on TV, so where does the TD usefulness come in?
Dinner rounds? Not with open seating in multiple dining rooms.
I know there is more on the list of duties than that, but I wonder if anyone is even selling groups anymore. I am sure most passengers book on the Internet, and that bookings are down as a whole in this economy.
So that would be my question. And If there is not longer a need for cruise TD’s I would appreciate it if you would let me know.
Thanks,
Fran Koerner
ITMI Symposium 2010 Ideas
Monday, June 29th, 2009Need to have speakers come in from the National Park Service to teach tour directors and tour operators how to behave and interpret in the national parks. Also to let the same know what the rules are in the parks, IE, water is not allowed to be sold on any buses in any national parks. Explain how the parks work, difference between concession sales and park store sales.
Tina Odenbaugh Fagan
ITMI Symposium 2010
Monday, June 29th, 2009Hi, Ted
There are 2 areas I’d like to see addressed. Firstly, I’d like to know how to start, design, and market my own tour company. Specifically, I want to start a company for people who want to take 1 day getaway tours, without having to drive themselves. I would include trips to the Redwoods, the Southern Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, local recreation areas, etc.
Secondly, I’m interested in writing about travel. I’ve had a blog published already through my employer. Could someone, perhaps a well-known travel author, be available at the Symposium?
Finally, tips on how to compensate travelers if part of their pre-paid itinerary gets changed, besides recommending travel insurance.
I hope this helps.
Betty Henagin
ITMI Symposium 2010 Ideas
Monday, June 29th, 2009As preparations are being made for the 23rd Annual ITMI Symposium in Tucson, Arizona January 17-21, at the World Class Hilton Conquistador Hotel and Resort (check out their website), we want to ask you a very important question before we finalize the program.
Since this is your Symposium, we want your input to make it the best ever!
So… The Question of the Week is…
What topics or speakers would you like included in Symposium 2010? Â And why do you believe they would be valuable or important? Â Please elaborate on your response with gusto !!!
Ted, Randy and the ITMI Staff
“My Life in Ruins”
Monday, June 29th, 2009Cute film, Nia’s a darling! But not a good advertisement for touring Greece. (OK by me, there are sooo many tours there!)
My experience is never anything like this. Buses are new, spotless, hotel managers (her husband playing this very was very funny)…maybe years ago but not my experience. Obviously  she hadn’t confirmed anything prior to her trip. Her tour operator needed ITMI! I would have stayed in Greece too! Actually, I have quit my work here to live in Greece before! I’ve also danced on the bus with one of the European tourists, while the bus driver watched the road but enticed us with great Greek music. I mean, you HAD to dance!
I need ITMI again.
Mary
Greek-American
Fantastic Emergency Response!
Thursday, June 25th, 2009Hello Alumni!
I was in Boston last week with People to People. We had a student that became ill with a very contagious illness, which I was exposed to. As I had to be pulled from the program, this company did an amazing job of immediately re-staffing, contacting all necessary parties and assisting the exposed staff and the student without hesitation or reservation. The professionalism displayed by this company was exemplary!  The students’ care and concerns were primary, of course, but the staff was well cared for at all times.  Luckily only the one student contracted the illness.  Contracts were honored without question.  A wonderful example of a company  with integrity and concern!
Joseph Breithart, class of, um, a really long time ago………..
“My Life in Ruins”
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009Hello Everyone:
Nice to hear from you. The Greek Guide. First, Â Perhaps learned a little etiquette. Take a short course on Greek history or read a book on its history. I enjoyed the film since I recall it was just a comedy with no real meaning.
I hope this helps you. I have been to Greece twice and have found it to be a very interesting country. We were well accepted there as Americans.
Thanks.
From,
Iva Voldase
4th of July Celebrations
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009Hi Everyone,
Last year I was conducting the Cosmos Trans-America Adventure and my group and were at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. I love staying at the North Rim as it is far less comercial and crowded than the South Rim. Being in a National Park, and for obvious fire hazzard concerns, there was no fireworks display. Instead (just as we were arriving at 4pm) the workers and any guests who want to participate had a “waterworks” parade. People dressed up, paraded or drove in makeshift floats -including the firetruck- and with hoses, buckets, waterguns, and waterballoons proceeded to get anyone who was in their line of fire soaking wet. My passengers, most of whom were from Australia or the UK and had never experienced the 4th of July in America, rushed off our coach -videocameras in hand- to record and participate in the festivities. They had a blast and afterwards they asked me if this was typical of a July 4th celebration. I told them absoutely not and while events range from smalltown parades to major concerts and fireworks in cities like Boston, NY, and the National Mall in Washington DC, I had never experienced a 4th as unique and memorable as the Grand Canyon Waterworks. This is an example of the many serendipitous and magical moments in my life as a Tour Director.
Barbara