"Bus Stops Here" sales blitz to pitch Yuma to 2,010 tour operators
Town will rally 200 volunteers to make phone calls
YUMA, ARIZONA - This town in the southwest corner of Arizona is known for sunshine, the notorious Territorial Prison and winter lettuce production. But soon, it may be famous as the community that pulled out all the stops to bring bus groups to local restaurants and hotels.
The Yuma Visitors Bureau is planning an all-out, one-day sales blitz to contact 2,010 tour operators across North America on Oct. 15. It hopes to round up 200 volunteers for the grassroots effort it's calling "The Bus Stops Here." The aim is to boost the local hospitality industry by enticing tour bus operators to include Yuma on their itineraries – for a short stop or an overnight stay.
Serving as the one-day “call center” will be the Best Western Coronado, a charter member of the brand that’s one of the oldest operating Best Westerns in the country – yet high-tech enough to offer two phone lines and high-speed Internet in each room.
"An average motorcoach tour group spends anywhere from $5,000 to $11,000 per day in a community," said Susan Sternitzke, YVB's interim executive director. "The longer we can keep a group here, the better for our economy.
With unemployment in Yuma County at record levels, getting bus groups to pause even for a "gas and grub" stop would benefit local businesses, Sternitzke said. "Of course, we're aiming for overnight stays, but if some of the buses already traveling between San Diego and Tucson stop for lunch, that's a shot in arm for the local economy.
"The bottom line is that when the bus stops here, the buck stops here," Sternitzke added.
No special training or knowledge is required for "Bus Stop" volunteers -- only the energy to make a sales pitch and enthusiasm for Yuma's attractions. Orientation will be provided to bring callers up to speed with on Yuma tour options, including new agritourism packages and military, nature, history and "south of the border" offerings.
In fact, recruiting folks who are not sales professionals – along with local celebrities -- is part of the "Bus Stops Here" strategy:
"If you're a tour operator, and you get a call from a CPA or a waitress or a city council person, even if the destination doesn't ring a bell, you're going to remember the tenacious town that rallied to get your business," Sternitzke added. "We want everyone in town to be part of our pitch, to make it clear that our welcome here is from the heart."
And if you're not comfortable making phone calls, you're not off the hook -- Sternitzke said volunteers can also stuff envelopes, update databases -- or lead cheers. Among those who’ve already signed up are staffers from the Arizona Office of Tourism, who’ll drive three hours from Phoenix to lend a hand.
To volunteer - at least an hour but longer shifts are welcome - call YVB at 928-376-0100 to get the best time slot selection. YVB is also looking for sponsors to help keep "Bus Stops Here" volunteers fed and refreshed. For more information about sponsor opportunities, email Shannan Louser (Shannan@visityuma.com), or call 376-0100.
Yuma Visitors Bureau markets the Yuma area within the travel and tourism industry and to the general public. The nonprofit is funded in part by City of Yuma hospitality tax revenues.
Direct travel spending in Yuma County totaled more than $577 million in 2009 and supported nearly 6,000 local jobs. Travel spending in the county also generated more than $36 million in state and local taxes.
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Ann Walker, 928-376-0100 (office), 928-210-9044 (cell), ann@visityuma.com
202 S. 1st Avenue, Suite 202, Yuma, Arizona 85364 / www.visityuma.com