Peter J. Pantuso, president and CEO, American Bus Association, wasn�t surprised by the results. He believes people are beginning to travel again and are looking to the places that they know and offer comfort. What�s interesting to note is just how wide the variety is in the destinations. �North American destinations have it all. Whether you�re looking for history and civic lessons in Washington, D.C.; shopping, theater, and dining in New York City; shows and family fun in Branson, Mo.; or you want to experience the natural wonders of Niagara Falls, in Canada, or the European flair of Toronto and Montreal, there is something here for everyone.�

As for hot, new destinations, motorocoach and tour operators cited Charlevoix, Quebec; San Antonio, Texas; and Banff, Alberta, where groups liked what they saw and plan to keep coming back.

Philadelphia�s Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) climbed two spots from last year�s results to earn kudos in this year�s survey as the CVB that works hardest for groups by providing a variety of itineraries, good on-line information, and co-op advertising possibilities. Branson, Mo.�s CVB ranked second, and new to the list of winners this year is number three, Nashville, Tenn.�s CVB.

What is the most popular group activity? According to the survey, it�s a trip to the theater, a historic/cultural tour, gaming, shopping, and festivals. All the activities ranked in the top five. That means motorcoaches will continue rolling into destinations like Atlantic City, N.J.; Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, Conn.; and the Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn., which ranked as the top gaming destinations. Reading and Lancaster, Pa.; New York City and and Prime Outlet destinations which led the list of top shopping destinations can also anticipate motorcoach visits.

And don�t forget, groups need a great place to eat and to stay when part of an overnight tour. The restaurants that do the most to welcome groups? Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Old Country Buffet, and Golden Corral offer the most, according to the Destinations survey. And what are the most popular hotels for groups? Hampton Inn, Drury Inn, and Best Western top the list and are noted for their customer service, cleanliness and food service.

Pantuso said, �What this survey really shows is the myriad of options for travelers by motorcoach. Whether it�s a day trip, a few days, or longer, people can choose to travel just about anywhere by motorcoach is affordable and there is lots of comfort. It�s a great way to travel!�

More than 300 of ABA�s top motorcoach and tour operators are surveyed each year for the Best and the Rest results. A complete listing of the survey can be found below.

About ABA
The American Bus Association is the trade organization of the intercity bus industry with more than 1000 motorcoach owner and tour company members in the United States and Canada. Its members operate charter, tour, regular route, airport express, special operations and contract services. Another 2,500 members are travel and tourism organizations and suppliers of bus products and services who work in partnership with the North American motorcoach industry.

Contact:
Lori Levy
Director of Communications
American Bus Association
202-218-7223

U.S. Destination With the Most to Offer Groups
1. New York, NY
2. Washington, DC
3. Branson, MO

Canadian Destination With the Most to Offer Groups
1. Niagara Falls, Ontario
2. Toronto, Ontario 
3. Montreal, Quebec

U.S. City With the Best Value for Money Spent
1. Branson, MO
2. Washington, DC
3. Myrtle Beach, SC

Canadian City With the Best Value for Money Spent
1. Niagara Falls, Ontario 
2. Toronto, Ontario
3. Montreal, Quebec

Top New Cities Added to 2003 Group Tours
1. Charlevoix, Quebec
2. San Antonio, TX
3. Banff, Alberta

CVB That Works Hardest for Groups
1. Philadelphia, PA
2. Branson, MO
3. Nashville, TN

Most Popular Group Activity
1. Theater
2. Historic/cultural
3. Gaming
4. Shopping
5. Festivals

Most Popular Live Entertainment
1. Dinner shows
2. Broadway-style musicals
3. Musical review/variety shows

Best Restaurant Chain for Groups
1. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
2. Old Country Buffet
3. Golden Corral

Best Hotel Chain for Groups
1. Hampton Inn
2. Drury Inn
3. Best Western

Favorite Shopping Venue
1. Outlets 
2. Small towns/villages
3. Mega-malls
4. Antique markets

Favorite Shopping Destination
1. Reading and Lancaster, PA
2. New York City
3. Prime Outlets

Best Gaming Facilities
1. Atlantic City, NJ
2. Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, CT
3. Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT

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