The American Bus Association (ABA) has announced that the Canadian Badlands Passion Play has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2014 by an experienced expert tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that The Badlands Passion Play offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, according to ABA.
The Canadian Badlands Passion Play has been named one of North America’s top attractions by the American Bus Association.
With the release of the American Bus Association’s 2014 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 32 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.
“The attractiveness of The Canadian Badlands Passion Play as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for this iconic play,” said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA’s president and CEO.
“The real news here is that the Canadian Badlands Passion Play has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives The Canadian Badlands Passion Play an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”
Executive Director of The Canadian Badlands Passion Play Vance Neudorf commented, “This is a genuine honour to be recognized among the top 100 events in North America. It is, above all, a testament to the hundreds of employees and volunteers that year after year place their heart and soul into creating a memorable play that resonates with people long after they have left the Passion Play grounds. It is also gratifying to receive this award following our 20th anniversary season.”
According to studies completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $11,000 in a local destination’s economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.
“Motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer,” Pantuso said. “That’s why The Canadian Badlands Passion Play is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay.”
ABA’s 2014 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected The Badlands Passion Play from hundreds of event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.
The Top 100 Events list is available online at http://www.buses.org/News-Publications/Top-100.
