Top Event USA

[Karried]

Okay, the Bus Association is throwing me a bit, but hey, I'll take what I can get :tweeted:

Centennial named top U.S. event


From Staff Reports


The Oklahoma Centennial was named the top 2007 event in the country by the American Bus Association Wednesday.
Oklahoma Centennial Commission
Each year the association publishes the "Top 100 Events in North America," and the Centennial was selected as the top event in 2007. Tourism officials say they expect the designation to attract more people to Oklahoma as it celebrates 100 years of statehood.
The tourism department will make bus signs available for all Oklahoma buses advertising the Centennial and its top ranking, and will use the designation in all of its travel literature, officials said. "This is a tremendous honor and compliment to the state of Oklahoma and its people," said Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin, saying the ranking will lead to an increase in Oklahoma tourism from all over the country and world.

[jbrown84]

I saw that over at newsok. Even if it's just the American Bus Association, it's still a good distinction.

[writerranger]

The American BUS Association? I read not long ago that airfare is usually cheaper than busfare. Then again, there's no commercial flights to Little Axe, OK. For some reason I have a hard time hearing, "Honey, let's check Greyhound's rates to Oklahoma!!!!"

Just kidding. Nice nod to the state in '07.

I think.

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[Midtowner]

It's the American Bus Association. Who are they, and why do they matter?

[CowboyConservative]

Ranks up there is in same league as American Port-a-John Operators Association Event of The Year.

[PUGalicious]

The American Bus Association represents charter bus companies and bus tour agencies. Bus tours are very popular among seniors, especially those who can't afford or don't want the hassle of an RV, but want to go on trips around the country. Local bus tour companies keep very busy planning and facilitating groups of seniors going to many travel destinations, both within the state and to other states.

They matter because they can bring more bus tours to the city, which means more tourism dollars to the metro area.

[jbrown84]

Yeah, you guys are writing this off too much. These charter bus companies will be sending tons of business our way. We are their NUMBER ONE event of the year.

[Swake2]

I think Mary Fallin is smoking crack.......or meth, something, whatever it is, it's not for beginners.

Tourism from around the world, tremendous honor, have you seen the people that ride Greyhound? Good god.

Quick, someone ask Mary when the first Marlins game in OKC is!

[jbrown84]

SWAKE, this isn't the Greyhound. Have you ever heard of those things they call charter buses or motorcoaches? Those are people on tours. People (very decent middle class people) pay good money to visit places and events on nice buses that have kitchens, televisions, game tables, and snack bars in some cases. I know your attitude towards OKC, but it would be nice if you could lift your negative attitude when it comes to something that is good for the entire state (assuming the success of either of our cities is not in and of itself).

[Karried]

jbrown, I have to admit, I also didn't realize what type of bus association was voting us # 1 ..... I also had visions of the Greyhound Bus Terminal..

Thankfully, you've cleared it up for us! Now, it is a bit more exciting, like I said, I'll take what I can get as far as being recognized for something positive.

[Midtowner]

I agree with what most of y'all are saying here. My first impression was incorrect. This is fairly significant. I've been on a few European motorcoach tours. These tours were full of upper-middle-class retirees to folks who were just plain wealthy. These tours spent quite a bit of money in the places they visited. I drive by the bombing memorial a few times every day, and just about every time, there's one of these motor coaches parked outside.

Tourism is big money, this endorsement could turn out to be very significant. At the very least, it will get the attention of the tourism industry. I can't see how that'd be bad.

[TStheThird]

Maybe a bunch of old people will come on the bus tours and fall in love with OKC and move here. We could build hundreds of high rise retirement homes in downtown. Amazing!

[Flatlander]

Does OKC (Bricktown) have any tour bus parking areas?

[jbrown84]

I don't know that Bricktown needs specific parking for buses. Usually for something like that, the bus is going to drop the passengers off for a few hours while the driver goes and fills up with gas (which takes a couple hours) or take a nap. They can only go so many hours before legally they have to get some sleep.

[Midtowner]

Maybe a bunch of old people will come on the bus tours and fall in love with OKC and move here. We could build hundreds of high rise retirement homes in downtown. Amazing!

What would Florida be like without retirees?

If old people want to bring their money here, I'll definitely not turn them away.

[Karried]

That's exactly right.. we're all going to get old one day... if they want to come and invest in our city... welcome!

And, not only retirees take tours... anytime on a vacation, tour buses are the best way to get around in comfort.. cheaper than a rental, usually safer than driving around alone..

Here's an idea.. JBrown, Mid and anyone else, let's start a tour company now for Oklahoma Autumn Tours.. it could combine a tour of the newest Casinos, Bricktown, all the Centennial Festivities and as a grand finale.. a Fall Foliage trip .. what's not to like?

Who can drive a bus?

[Midtowner]

Who can drive a bus?

I'm only allowed on the short kind.

[TStheThird]

I wans't playing around. Old people spend money. If more people are spending money in this town, more developers and retailers will spend money in this town.

[okcmom]

This is a wonderful distinction. I know my cousins love doing bus trips/tours and if this provides the city with some additional exposure, that's great!