The number of people riding buses continues its recent upward trend, the American Bus Association said in its "Motorcoach Census 2013" report out recently. Despite the name, it actually looks at 2012 figures, and finds a 1.7 percent hike in passenger trips on buses, making it nearly 6 percent higher than three years ago. Read the full report or a chart of the basic figures.
But how can you be sure your event or attraction is motorcoach friendly? In order to draw more of this business, see if you can answer these questions about your attraction or event:
ATTRACTION CRITERIA
- Do you have motorcoach parking?
- Is there somewhere for the driver to rest away from the motorcoach?
- If an on-site lounge is unavailable, do you provide complimentary meals or drinks for the drivers?
- Is it easy for motorcoaches to maneuver in and out of the parking facility?
- Will the group have to walk far?
- How many bus parking spaces do you have?
- How is this communicated?
- Communicated through a greeter, available online, or via telephone hotline?
- Can you provide directions to nearby fueling, dumping or maintenance facilities?
EVENT CRITERIA
- Does the event have a history of drawing groups? How many?
- Is the event motorcoach friendly?
- How does the event treat bus drivers and group escorts—free admission?
- A dedicated driver area?
- Prize drawings for drivers bringing the most groups?
- Do you have dedicated parking areas for motorcoaches? Free?
- Are embark/disembark points close to the event entrance?
- Can nearby hotels accommodate a motorcoach group?
- Can the event handle passengers being dropped off 55 at a time?
Keeping these things in mind can help make you more attractive to motorcoach groups. For more ideas, contact the Kankakee County CVB.
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