Currently, our state has the honor of hosting the American Bus Association (ABA) 2005 Marketplace. Under way since February 4, McCormick Place's Lakeside Center is packed with the largest gathering of travel professionals in our industry.

The ABA is a vital tourism organization in that they represent much of the group tours and motorcoach industry. They promote group travel to the general public and lobby for their interests in Washington D.C. Their members include approximately 950 motorcoach and tour companies throughout North America. Additionally, the ABA partners with more than 2,000 organizations that service and supply the vehicles. All together, they are responsible for moving more people than any other commercial entity in the U.S. They serve six times more destinations than airlines and seven times more than passenger rail.

Chicago can expect great benefits for hosting this important convention as host cities regularly see a significant increase in the group tour business in the five years following the event. Moreover, $2.5 million in additional spending is expected as tour group members tend to spend more than individual travelers and, on average, stay longer at accommodations. This is a prime opportunity to showcase to our fellow tourism industry members the many exciting travel opportunities visitors to Illinois can expect. With our diverse products, the positive word-of-mouth will be a great benefit in bringing large numbers of new travelers to the Land of Lincoln.

Many delegates will choose to take advantage of the sightseeing tours and familiarization — or "fam" tours — that will be made available. The sightseeing tours will take place during the conference and will showcase the Chicago area through architecture, museum and neighborhood visits.

Beyond the Chicago area, Illinois will be prominently featured through fam trips scheduled around the dates of the conference. Delegates can choose from “The Mississippi River Experience” in Galena and the Quad Cities; “Steeples Tower, Eagles Soar and the Journey Begins” in Southwestern Illinois; “Chicago’s Front Yard” in Lisle and Oak Park; “Gardens Galore, Horses and More” in Greater Woodfield and Lake County; “Antiques, Archeology & Applause” in the Rock River Valley; and “The Past Meets the Present” in Springfield. These trips will cover most areas of the state and provide a fine showcase of our wealth of statewide sites and attractions. Continued >

Industry Insider: Jim Crowley

To help you get to know who’s who in Illinois tourism, ITN profiles an industry leader each month. This month we introduce Jim Crowley, Director of Marketing for Six Flags Great America.

According to Jim Crowley, Six Flags Great America’s director of marketing, Gurnee is quite busy these days. And with everything on deck for the upcoming year, it doesn’t look like it’s going to slow down anytime soon.

It all started back on September 16, 2004 with the announcement of their new capital for the 2005 season — Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Carrying the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor brand name, the massive new Caribbean-themed water park will be located right next to Six Flags Great America in north suburban Gurnee. The Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park is the largest addition in the history of Six Flags Great America. These two world-class parks will offer guests nearly 120 acres of wet and dry thrill rides, great shows, attractions and fun for guests of all ages.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor will feature 25 exhilarating water slides, a gigantic family water playground with the world’s largest interactive water structure, a massive wave pool, a half-mile long adventure river and hours of activities for the entire family. The new water park will also give guests the opportunity to vacation close to home, providing a full complex of world-class entertainment.

Understandably, Crowley has been busy with the new addition and is anxiously awaiting its opening this summer.

Crowley started his career as an outer sales representative for Marriott’s Great America in February 1983 (he claims he was only 12 years old!). He lived in Madison, Wis. and his territory covered nearly two-thirds of the state. He moved to Chicago in 1984 — the same year Six Flags bought Marriott’s Great America — to work in a newly created sales territory, and did so until 1986 when he was promoted to a regional sales manager. After five years, Crowley was given the opportunity to manage the entire sales team and became the general sales manager.

In 1996, the manager of advertising and promotions position became available and Crowley jumped at it. He remained in that position until 2000 when he was given another great opportunity to manage the entire Marketing Department, and continues to serve as the director of marketing. This month, Crowley will be celebrating his 22nd year with Great America and continues to feel very fortunate to work for a company whose major focus is putting smiles on people’s faces. Continued >