LOUISVILLE, KY., Oct. 13, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the fourth consecutive year, Christmas at the Galt House Hotel has earned the elite designation as being a Top 100 Event in North American for 2015 by the American Bus Association (ABA). An experienced expert tourism industry selection committee evaluated hundreds of nominated events, and selected events that offer an excellent broad appeal, accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria. This ranking puts Christmas at the Galt House Hotel and Louisville, on a national platform as tour and event planners choose where to bring their groups.
"The attractiveness of Christmas at the Galt House Hotel as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Louisville," said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that Christmas at the Galt House Hotel 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 Louisville an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."
According to studies completed by researchers at Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave up to $25,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.
"Tour groups spend more and stay longer," Pantuso said. "That's why Christmas at the Galt House Hotel 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."
Christmas at the Galt House Hotel, owned by Al J Schneider Company, runs November 15, 2014 to January 1, 2015. Tickets are a great value with $12 for adults and $5 for children. Children ages three and younger are free. The event helps raise money for the not-for-profit Heuser Hearing Institute, an organization that provides the services necessary for children to be able to hear and communicate with their family, friends and schools to maximize students' potential to help them accomplish their dreams. It also provides clinical services through adulthood and works with the University of Louisville on groundbreaking research to improve the technology for better sound experiences. For more information, visit ChristmasAtTheGaltHouse.com.
The American Bus Association represents some 1,000 motorcoach and tour companies throughout the United States and Canada, and the Top 100 Events list is a sought-after resource for travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public. The Top 100 Events list is published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine and on the ABA's website.
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