Chamber Partners to Host Tourism Industry 'Fam Tour' April 29

Tourism/hospitality industry professionals invited to increase their knowledge of eastern CT arts, cultural, and tourism attractions
 
Eastern CT – A coalition of eastern CT tourism and hospitality industry partners, led by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT, will host an industry “Fam Tour” (familiarization tour) of regional arts, cultural, and tourism attractions on Monday, April 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Registration is open at ChamberECT.com/famtour or (860) 701-9113.

Produced in partnership with the Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition, Miranda Creative, Inc., the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, and New London Main Street, this unique, free tour is designed for hospitality industry professionals and those work on the front lines of the tourism industry.

The goal of the Fam Tour is to improve workers’ current understanding of regional offerings, pending events, special programs, and other details that will improve their respective organization’s value and impact on the guests they serve.

The April 29 Fam Tour begins and ends in Niantic. Stops along this day-long tour include:

  • Downtown Niantic
  • Children’s Museum of Southeastern CT
  • The Book Barn
  • Slater Memorial Museum
  • Canggio Restaurant and Bar
  • Uncas Leap
  • Hygienic Art Park
  • Eugene O’Neill Theater Center
  • Niantic Public House and Brewery
Comfortable transportation between all stops will be provided by Joshua’s Limousine Service. The tour features complimentary breakfast and lunch.

In addition to tours and important information, Fam Tour attendees will receive an industry "swag bag," featuring literature, giveaways, and cross-promotions from a large variety of regional tourism partners, designed to inform and educate for a successful 2019 tourism season.

"The Fam Tour’s goal is to help the front line of visitor relations be better prepared to advise guests and be knowledgeable about current cross-promotional opportunities,” said Gary Baker, Director of Sales for the Spa at Norwich Inn and Chair of the Chamber's Regional Tourism Marketing Committee. “Anyone who assists both local and out of town guests will benefit by attending this tour.”

“The Fam tour welcomes concierges, front desk workers, guest relations experts, and all who come into first-hand contact with visitors to eastern CT,” said Courtney Assad, Program Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT. “If you serve the hospitality or tourism industry, we want you to attend the April 29 Fam Tour. We promise you a rewarding day filled with energy, good food, and new insights. This is a professional development opportunity not to be missed!”

Attendance is free and open to all hospitality/tourism industry professionals, but space is limited. To learn more and register, visit ChamberECT.com/famtour or call (860) 701-9113.
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Testimonials from participants of the inaugural Fam Tour on February 25, 2019:
 
Gary Baker, Director of Sales, The Spa at Norwich Inn
"The Fam Tour on February 25 was beyond expectations for several reasons. The caliber of the attendees was diverse and from several areas. The same can be said for the destinations we stopped at. I did not know the Garde had group space. I had never been to the Lyman Allen Art Museum. The most important thing for me is how compact our area is and how much you can see and do by staying one or two nights. I'm excited for the tour on April 29."
 
Karen Etchells, Owner, Innovast Digital Marketing
“As a marketing professional, I see clear benefits in participating in the Fam Tour! There's a tremendous difference in being told about the various options for how to spend time visiting eastern Connecticut, and actually experiencing those activities first-hand. Good news travels fast, especially when shared by influencers who have opportunities to maximize the spread of information over the right channels.”
 
Christopher Zawada, Concierge, Mohegan Sun
“The Fam Tour is a great way for hospitality professionals to experience, first-hand, some of the amazing sights and destinations our region has to offer. It brings us together both professionally and as a community.”
 
Alex Correia, Sales Manager, Hyatt Place Mohegan Sun
“The inaugural Fam Tour was a Monday well spent! I got to learn so much about the local area, prefect for those who might not be familiar, or new, to Eastern CT.”
 
Victoria Davidson, Front Desk, Whaler’s Inn
"I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would definitely sign up for future tours if I have the opportunity to attend.  I have also highly recommend my colleagues to attend. The time allowed and pace at each venue was ideal. Insightful information enhanced known knowledge and experience, therefore increasing competency and confidence within my job role, which includes a concierge requirement and broadening our guests experience of eastern Connecticut. It was a great day!" 
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About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut:
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a collaborative of business and community leaders dedicated to securing and enhancing the economic vitality of eastern Connecticut. The Chamber works to create value for its members and the region by providing forums for business networking, leadership and discussions of issues that affect the region; providing opportunities for members to showcase their products, services and accomplishments; helping small businesses succeed through educational programs; and working to reduce the costs of doing business in Connecticut.  For more information, visit www.ChamberECT.com.