| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 06/11/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 80 |
| Copyright: Other |
Southern states by Alan Moore
Travel South offers united front at WTM
Area develops tour packages
THE 12 member states of the Travel South USA marketing organisation are presenting a united front to highlight the diverse nature of the Southern region.
Although each destination is competing separately for attention at World Travel Market, they are being promoted collectively in a theme-based guide to develop special-interestpackages and touring itineraries.
Representing more than 600,000sq miles and 2,000 miles of coastline, the states involved are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, the Carolinas, Tennessee and the Virginias, as well as Florida.
They come together in a Southern Itineraries Guide to some of the best places and aspects of each state, depending on specific interests.
These include top gardens to visit, outdoor adventure and activities, golf, heritage sites, events, crafts and stays in historic countryside inns.
There are also tips on the most interesting scenic drives in each state, music-based itineraries, wedding locations and seasonal festivities, including Christmas packages.
Tour itineraries
Travel South USA is targeting these ideas at the trade to build into tour itineraries along the lines of the successful Southern music packages, such as the Blues Alley route.
Travel South USA managing director Glen Couvillon said: “As well as attractions including theme parks, museums and thousands of miles of white sandy beaches, there is the beauty of many mountain ranges and sporting activities of every kind including superb golf and tennis.”
Couvillon added that since the region is synonymous with traditional Southern cooking, many state festivals are food related, featuring Cajun and Creole fare.
“Where there’s food and festivity, there’s also music and the South has plenty to offer. It was the birthplace of blues, gospel, jazz, country and rock and roll,” he said.
* The Travel South USAWeb site is at www.travel-south.com
Louisiana: famous for food and festivity