Hi All:    What a dreadful year for work!  Still, I would like to see a lecture on humor included.  I have learned a lot from watching TD who are virtual stand-up comedians, but sadly, this isn’t me.  So I have to work at it, but when I include it, the guests relax and have fun and in the end, that’s where it’s at.  So my coach is equipped with a blue Jacuzzi…etc.

I would like to see someone work that into an introductory day one speech, and other examples.  We could all use a little humor, especially now!  So help us “lighten up”

On another note – I have 2 $50 certificates for sending students to you that I haven’t used.  Can I use them towards symposium?  I lost one, but it was for Donna Knoy.  The other I still have.

BTW – do you or do you know of anyone who has route notes/historical comments for Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell,  Bryce Canyon, Las Vegas Mammoth Lakes (Visalia) Santa Maria,  Los Angeles? And any knowledge of the company American Ring Travel…

Gracias, Lee

I would like to see successful and quality tour leaders on the podium, and talk about sustainability and eccotourism travel, and also what are they doing to make aware their clients, hotels, resorts, SPA about eccotorurism, and I would like to have some tour leaders create a fund for all of the tour leaders in the world for a special cause.

Annie

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.

Dear 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

Need 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

Hi, 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