Tour groups to agents: help

The ailing Ontario Motor Coach Association is looking to agents to help it recover, according to the newsletter put out by CanadaTourism.com. The association suffered a 10 to 15% drop in business last year due to a combination of SARS, the Iraq war and North American tensions, said Ontario Motor Coach Association president Brian Crow. Mr Crow says this year appears more promising. But because many in the industry aren’t aware of the possibilities of tours, he says, agents need to be reminded. To help ensure that happens, the association has released an eight-page brochure as part of its “Road to Recovery” plan. The brochure was sent to travel agencies throughout the country via Canadian Travel Press. It also went to tour operators and group leaders. Another brochure is planned. Mr Crow has also been suggesting the travel agency community consider booking commissionable motor coach packages, adding they can provide an income to agents who have seen revenues dwindle from other sources. –Report by David Wilkening–