Travel Resource: The West
There’s no doubt about it: Group travel offers a host of benefits. From affordability to convenience to safety in numbers, traveling in a group is an increasingly popular choice for tourists. In this issue of Destinations, we’ve asked ABA members in the West to tell us what inspires them the most about group travel and what new and exciting experiences they are planning at their destinations in 2025 and beyond.
Alaska
Northern Alaska Tour Company
Inspiring groups with stress-free, affordable planning
“Alaska’s Arctic is a prime area for viewing the northern lights, although in the winter it can be a harsh environment for many travelers to explore on their own. That’s why a guided tour with the Northern Alaska Tour Company is a favorite choice for groups. Step on board one of our comfortable coaches for a magical and safe experience that showcases this remote region in an accessible and affordable way.
Led by expert guides specifically trained for the Dalton Highway (the only land route through the region), our group tours eliminate the stress of driving 200 miles from the nearest service station and out of cell phone range. Learn about each region and watch the vast nothingness come to life as guides share their knowledge and personal experience of Alaska throughout the journey, making stops at the Arctic tundra, Yukon River, Arctic Circle, and, of course, stops to search the sky for the northern lights during aurora season.
As we begin our 38th year of operation in 2025, we look forward to inspiring more groups with the wonders of Alaska’s Arctic and opportunities to see the beauty of the northern lights.”
—Kathy Hedges, Marketing Coordinator, Northern Alaska Tour Company
Expert guides at the Northern Alaska Tour Company take groups through some of Alaska’s most remote wilderness as they travel along the Dalton Highway.
When you take a one-day or overnight tour to the mighty Yukon River in winter, you’ll find a frozen river that you can walk on.
A stop at the small Arctic town of Wiseman, Alaska, can result in big thrills.
Northern Alaska Tour Company’s summer and winter excursions both focus on creating an experience that leaves groups with a deep understanding and appreciation of the natural history and cultural heritage of the region. For more information about each of the one-day and multi-day tours, visit northernalaska.com/tours. To make reservations for your land and/or air group tour, call (907) 474-8600.
Northern Alaska Tour Company | northernalaska.com, (907) 474-8600
Arizona
Tucson
Inspiring groups for 250 years
“I am inspired by the joy that comes from being outdoors and experiencing the beauty of Tucson’s unique environment with other curious travelers—a recipe for creating lifelong memories and friendships. Located 45 minutes from the Mexico border in the world’s lushest desert, the Sonoran Desert, Tucson’s sunny, magical landscapes guarantee a world of discovery. Whether you are taking a short hike to the Hohokam Indian petroglyphs at Signal Hill at Saguaro National Park (West) or an immersive Jeep tour exploring desert ecology with Trail Dust Offroad Tours, there is an adventure for groups of every interest and ability.
Groups seeking culinary experiences will find a city serious about its food. As the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the U.S., Tucson tastes different! For an off-the-beaten-path experience, explore Tucson’s 3,800-year agricultural history at Mission Garden. For an in-depth look at local culture, heritage, and food, Tucson offers an array of unforgettable guided tours, such as Taste of Tucson Downtown food tours, Borderlandia, and the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum. Stroll through the historic 4th Avenue District on the Presidio Museum’s Murals & Margaritas Tour, one of several walking tours through Tucson’s oldest neighborhoods, all of which provide the backdrop to Tucson’s 250th birthday in 2025.”
—Gail Godbey, Director of Tourism, Visit Tucson
Founded in 1775, Tucson celebrates its 250th birthday on Aug. 20. Hohokam Indians lived and farmed here for 4,000 years before that, making it one of the oldest continually inhabited areas in North America.
Spanish missionaries and soldiers arrived in the late 1600s and established local landmarks such as the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson (shown here) and the San Xavier del Bac Mission—the two most iconic and historic structures in the region.
Hohokam Indian petroglyphs at Signal Hill at Saguaro National Park (West).
The team at Visit Tucson is ready to help you plan an unforgettable visit to Southern Arizona’s desert oasis. For itineraries, guides, maps, and other travel trade resources, visit visittucson.org/travel-professionals or contact Gail Godbey at ggodbey@visittucson.org and (520) 770-2148.
Visit Tucson | visittucson.org, (520) 770-2148
California
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Inspiring groups through the performing arts
“Group travel offers a unique opportunity for shared experiences and connection. There is no better shared experience than attending a live performance or event. Segerstrom Center for the Arts offers everything from touring Broadway to live music performances from jazz greats to the best cabaret performers. A night at the theater creates fun and memorable experiences and fosters deeper connection to the destination and to each other, making group travel even more meaningful.”
—Anne McNiff-Gaeta, Director, Group Services, Segerstrom Center for the Arts
With its close proximity to Disneyland, the Southern California beach cities such as Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, and the global shopping destination South Coast Plaza (right across the street!), Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a must-add stop to any trip to Orange County. One of the nation’s premier cultural institutions, the theater presents a broad range of world-class performances and innovative education programs, including an internationally acclaimed dance series, top Broadway shows, intimate performances of jazz and cabaret, leading artists from classical music, family entertainment, up-and-coming indie bands, contemporary theater and performance artists, and many more.
For a calendar of shows and events as well as information about parking, accessibility, educational and community programs, visit scfta.org/plan-your-visit. For details about group services, such as advance access, priority seating, senior and student discounts, and more, visit scfta.org/shows-events/group-services or contact Anne McNiff-Gaeta at amgaeta@scfta.org or (714) 755-0236.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts® | scfta.org, (714) 556-2787
Groups will experience the performing arts like never before at each of the six venues that make up the campus of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Groups will experience the performing arts like never before at each of the six venues that make up the campus of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Hawaii
Waikiki Trolley and E Noa Tours
Inspiring groups through shared discovery
“Group travel is a celebration of connection, camaraderie, and shared discovery. At Waikiki Trolley and E Noa Tours, we’ve seen firsthand how traveling together strengthens bonds—whether it’s families reconnecting, friends embarking on new adventures, or colleagues creating shared memories. Traveling as a group makes every moment more meaningful and every laugh more contagious.
What inspires us most about group travel is its ability to bring people together through collective exploration. For 2025 and beyond, we’re excited to offer a blend of cultural, adventure, and entertainment-based activities tailored to groups of all sizes. Our ‘Ultimate Pearl Harbor & Circle Island’ tour combines the historical significance of Pearl Harbor with Oahu’s breathtaking landmarks, offering the perfect one-day experience to create lasting memories.
Our Waikiki Trolley routes feature stops at local gems like Leonard’s Bakery, Pioneer Saloon, and Bogart’s Cafe, as well as historical spots like the King Kamehameha Statue and Iolani Palace. These tours immerse groups in Hawaii’s rich history and culture. It’s a hop-on, hop-off experience, allowing groups to create memories at iconic locations.
At Waikiki Trolley and E Noa Tours, we ensure every group leaves Oahu with unforgettable stories and a deep appreciation for Hawaii’s beauty and its people.”
—Vy Nguyen, Sales and Marketing Manager, Waikiki Trolley and E Noa Tours
The Nu’uanu Pali Lookout offers expansive views of the Ko’olau Mountain Range.
See the Halona Blowhole, a breathtaking natural wonder in Oahu, on a Waikiki Trolley tour.
Guided tours immerse groups in the history of Pearl Harbor.
For more information about Waikiki Trolley’s routes, guides, and vehicle options, visit waikikitrolley.com. To book one of E Noa’s Pearl Harbor Tours, the iconic “Magic Circle Island Tour,” or a customized tour of Oahu, visit
enoa.com. Groups can also call (808) 591-2561 or email aloha@waikikitrolley.com.
E NOA Corporation | waikikitrolley.com and enoa.com, (808) 591-2561
Montana
Fairfield Inn & Suites Livingston Yellowstone
Inspiring groups under Montana’s Big Sky
Home to vast, unspoiled nature and charming small towns, Montana is a four-season destination with breathtaking experiences by day and relaxing hospitality at night. Groups visiting Yellowstone National Park and the Yellowstone Country region will find the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Livingston Yellowstone to be that perfect respite amidst a jam-packed Montana itinerary.
Nestled along the majestic Yellowstone River and surrounded by four stunning mountain ranges, the Fairfield Livingston Yellowstone is located just an hour’s drive away from Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance in the historic town of Livingston. Groups will appreciate spacious rooms, luxurious bedding, complimentary breakfast buffet, a fitness center, indoor pool, outdoor hot tub and whirlpool, meeting rooms, and easy access to Montana’s full range of experiences.
Livingston’s Old West ambiance, vintage neon signs, eclectic boutiques, distinctive restaurants, vibrant arts community, and museums can be explored by foot or motorcoach, serving as your group’s launching pad to unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. Knowledgeable tour guides make outdoor recreation a group effort with adventures like hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, scenic boat tours, river floats, and fly fishing on the Yellowstone River, the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. In the winter, dogsledding, skiing, and wildlife viewing are best followed up with a hot cup of coffee and warm conversation at one of Livingston’s cafes and independent coffee shops. For the ultimate group bonding experience, stargazing under Big Sky Country’s dark skies inspires a sense of wonder, awe, and connection to something bigger than ourselves.
The original gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Livingston has a colorful railroad history. Learn more at the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, housed in a historic, 1906 schoolhouse.
Downtown Livingston feels like an authentic Old West movie set with brick storefronts and vintage neon signs, yet its shopping, dining, and arts and culture are distinctive and vibrant.
For help planning your group stay, call the hotel directly at (406) 222-4914 .
Fairfield Inn and Suites Livingston Yellowstone | marriott.com, (406) 222-4914
Nevada
Inspiring groups through new perspectives
“Travel Nevada believes that group travel succeeds when the itinerary is centered on meaningful experiences that bring the group together to participate in activities they can’t find elsewhere. From curated dining tours in the state’s metropolitan areas to guided outdoor recreation excursions in our rural communities, Nevada offers small group tours that will have participants reminiscing for years to come. We also think that the best group travel is one that provides an educational element that aims to change perceptions and widens one’s perspective of our state. With the help of our partners, we develop itineraries that show a wide scope of the available offerings in Nevada to provide a story that’s not often told about the Silver State.
Everything we do at Travel Nevada is to encourage visitors to ‘get a little out there’ into the heart of Nevada, and those experiences are oftentimes best accompanied by fellow travelers who become forever friends by the end of the trip.”
—Tracie Barnthouse, Chief Communications Officer, Travel Nevada
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the scenic hike to Liberty Lake, but everyone can experience stunning beauty when they drive the 12-mile Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway in the heart of the Ruby Mountains.
Experience Nevada’s Lake Tahoe on a guided snowshoe hike at Chickadee Ridge, a winter paradise at 8,000 feet above sea level.
A daytime or dinner cruise on the 500-passenger M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler mesmerizes groups as it cruises the waters of Lake Tahoe.
The team at Travel Nevada is ready to help you plan your trip into the heart of Nevada. For a list of road trip ideas, excursions, attractions, festivals and events, places to stay, and more, visit travelnevada.com.
Travel Nevada | travelnevada.com, (702) 486-6887
New Mexico
Tucumcari
Inspiring groups along Route 66
Located at the crossroads of U.S. Hwy. 54, Interstate 40, and Route 66 in Eastern New Mexico, Tucumcari is a notable destination that inspires groups with its wide-open vistas, Old West history, Route 66 nostalgia, and fascinating sites and museums that take groups on a journey through the region’s prehistoric beginnings to today’s thriving food and art scenes.
Tucumcari’s story unfolds at each of its four museums. The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum displays both replicated and original fossils—from miniature footprint castings to a giant 40-foot-long skeleton of a Torvosaurus, a rare carnivorous dinosaur of the Jurassic Period. Originally a 1903 schoolhouse, the Tucumcari Historical Museum tells of Tucumcari’s past through memorabilia, artifacts, and a museum store filled with locally made gifts, books by local authors, and books about the Old West. The Tucumcari Railroad Museum explains the city’s colorful railroad history in a restored 1926 railroad depot.
Not to be missed are the exhibits at the New Mexico Route 66 Museum, located at the Tucumcari Convention Center. See a vintage Rock-Ola jukebox, a “Route 66” guitar signed by Loretta Lynn, classic automobiles, and historic photos before taking a group photo beside the Route 66 Monument, a sculpture that captures the glory days of Route 66 and the great American road trip.
Magnificent murals by local artists are on display throughout Tucumcari. Hot tip: Tucumcari is pronounced TOO-kum-kair-ee.
Magnificent murals by local artists are on display throughout Tucumcari. Hot tip: Tucumcari is pronounced TOO-kum-kair-ee.
Prehistoric civilizations, dinosaurs, Anasazi Indians, Apaches, Comanches, and other nomadic tribes all roamed the land that is now Quay County. Tucumcari Mountain provided an excellent vantage for hunting buffalo and antelope.
Discover the history of Route 66 in Tucumcari when you tour the diverse and fascinating exhibits at the Route 66 Museum.
To learn more about Tucumcari and Quay County, including outdoor adventures, scenic byways, dining, culture, events, and more, visit visittucumcarinm.com.
Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce | visittucumcarinm.com, (575) 461-3451
Oregon
Inspiring groups through local, authentic experiences
“What I find most inspiring about group travel is how it allows people to enjoy shared experiences that enrich their understanding of a destination, and Oregon is a perfect place to do this. For example, Oregon has exceptional wine regions, and the Willamette Valley provides incredible opportunities for group wine tours through tastings and vineyard experiences. The state’s food scene is equally compelling, offering travelers the chance to explore Oregon Food Trails with farm-to-table dining, local food festivals, and culinary excursions that showcase fresh, regional ingredients such as marionberries, hazelnuts, and locally caught seafood.
Oregon’s natural beauty also adds to the allure with a mix of adventure options for any group. Travelers can take in scenic viewpoints like Multnomah Falls, feel the rush of jetboating on Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Rivers, or see migrating whales along the Oregon Coast. In 2025, we are continuing our focus on providing guided experiences that allow groups to go beyond the surface and truly engage with the local and authentic Oregon culture.”
—Thomas Moser, Global Sales Manager, Travel Oregon
Cape Perpetua scenic overlook is the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast.
Horsetail Falls, located along the Columbia River Gorge in Multnomah County, plunges 176 feet.
Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood in Oregon offers special group packages, including hotel and meeting rooms, entertainment, and memory-making experiences.
To learn more about Oregon and each of its seven distinct regions, visit traveloregon.com. Travel professionals will find trip-planning resources, such as expert consultants, Oregon facts and stats, press releases, and more at industry.traveloregon.com.
Travel Oregon/Oregon Tourism Commission | traveloregon.com, (800) 547-7842
Washington
Tulalip Resort Casino
Inspiring groups with a little bit of ‘everything’
“What inspires me about group travel is the opportunity for people to have experiences and explore new destinations more deeply and safely while meeting new people and creating lasting memories together.
For tour operators and groups, the award-winning Tulalip Resort Casino offers a prime location conveniently located between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, just off Interstate 5. A favorite regional gaming destination, its distinctive blend of gaming, accommodations, meeting, dining, entertainment, shopping, and cultural offerings has been attracting Pacific Northwest group travel clients for more than 20 years.
Tulalip Resort Casino’s gleaming 200,000-square-foot Vegas-style casino, AAA Four-Diamond luxury hotel featuring 370 guest rooms and suites, and 30,000 square feet of premier meeting space and world-class amenities easily accommodate groups of all sizes and needs.
The casino features the largest selection and variety of gaming options in Western Washington, 2,300 of the newest slots, a variety of table games, and the DraftKings Sportsbook. Additional gaming excitement can be found nearby at Quil Ceda Creek Casino, and Tulalip Bingo & Slots is just minutes away with regular daily sessions.
‘When all you want is everything,’ groups can experience award-winning restaurants and casual dining options; the full-service T Spa; and entertainment in the intimate Canoes Cabaret, Orca Ballroom, and a 3,000-seat outdoor Tulalip Amphitheatre. At the nearby Seattle Premium Outlets, 130 designer stores await shoppers, and just a few miles away, the Hibulb Cultural Center welcomes groups with interactive exhibits and a 50-acre natural history preserve.”
—Ashlee Gobin, Leisure Travel Operations & Account Manager, Tulalip Resort Casino
Located between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, the Tulalip Resort Casino offers groups luxury, dining, entertainment, a spa, and world-class gaming.
Grasslands National Park is a designated Dark Sky Preserve that offers some of the best night sky viewing on earth.
To learn more about Tulalip Resort Casino—including its new 70,250-square-foot expansion—visit tulalipcasino.com or email Ashlee Gobin at ashlee.gobin@tulalipresort.com.
Tulalip Resort Casino | tulalipcasino.com, (360) 716-6610
Photo credits: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Northern Alaska Tour Company;VisitTucson; National Park Service; Doug Gifford; Todd Rosenberg Photography; Todd Rosenberg Photography; RMA Photography Inc.; E Noa Corporation; National Park Service; Keelia Jo Photography; Travel Nevada; Kristine Olsen; Connie Loveland; Connie Loveland; Travel Oregon; Tulalip Resort.
