Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of “Destinations” magazine, “indicates that Canyonlands By Night and Day’s 50th anniversary offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world,” according to the ABA news release.
The ABA list, which was launched 31 years ago, began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new experiences into their itineraries. Since that time, the list has become one of the “most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public,” ABA officials said.
The Canyonlands By Night and Day event was selected from among hundreds of nominations by ABA members, officials said.
“The attractiveness of Canyonlands By Night and Day’s 50th anniversary as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Canyonlands By Night and Day,” said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA’s president and CEO. “The real news here is that Canyonlands By Night and Day’s 50th anniversary 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 Moab 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 add $5,000 to $11,000 to a local destination’s economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.
The full top 100 Events list is available online at http://www.buses.org/News-Publications/Top-100.