| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 06/11/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 74 |
| Copyright: Other |
Heartlands by Alan Moore
New touring options maximise exposure for the Real America
Itineraries to take travellers along the history trail
MISSOURI is the leading player in the group of states that make up America’s Heartland region competing at World Travel Market for the title of ‘Real America’.
In its favour is the gateway city of St Louis, with daily non-stop flights from Gatwick by TransWorld Airlines. It is also a jumping-off point for Missouri’s ‘Blues Highway’ and for travelling on a key section of historic Route 66. These are attractions that Missouri’s Division of Tourism is focusing on at the show in an effort to widen interest in the area.
Wild West
In a broader marketing context, Missouri is also working with the Heartland state partners Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma and Nebraska to showcase the region’s Wild West roots.
The group is presenting a series of multi-state itineraries to the trade in its efforts to develop the product and create more consumer awareness. Modules can be adapted for independent and group tours.
One is a nine-day Heartland Tour of Luck and Chance with a gambling theme, including visits to Native American and European ethnic communities. It visits casinos and race meetings, museums, John Wayne’s birthplace and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
A shorter, seven-day itinerary labelled The Wild, Wild West Tour features Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, and a similar duration is being promoted under the title of On the Trail with Lewis and Clark.
Following the footsteps
This covers the famous explorers’ route through America’s Heartland from St Louis. It includes visits to St Charles, Jefferson City, Kansas City and St Joseph, all in Missouri.
On day six, the tour moves on to Omaha, Nebraska, with a stop at the Fort Atkinson State Park where Lewis and Clark held their council meeting with Native American Indians in 1804. The final night on this historic trail is in Sioux City, Iowa, after visiting the Lewis and Clark State Park at Onawa.
The Heartland’s delegation has a number of other themed itineraries that it plans to propose to the trade next week.
St Louis: the gateway to America’s Heartland