What inspires a new tour? Why are
some flocking to Tuscany, but then taking side trips to Bologna?
“It’s all part of trying to fulfill a travel fantasy,” said
Virginia J. Chaves, director of Los Angeles-based Picasso Tours.
“We are dream makers. And there are lots of different dreams.”
Surprisingly, most new destinations are not customer-driven, at
least not at Picasso Tours.
“New tours are usually started when someone in our company falls
in love with a city or country,” said Chaves, who has been creating
tours for 30 years. “The personal connection is the heart of the
tour.”
After that, she researches the destination, listens to other
opinions and sees if the tour fills a void in the market.
Sometimes destinations are picked not only because someone loves
them, but also because the tour company wants to help a country
develop its tourism.
Since Italy’s art cities and Tuscany have been favorites for the
last couple of years, Picasso decided to add outlying cities like
Bologna that are a bit unknown. This adds depth to the Italian
experience for seasoned travelers and helps tourism in places that
may be overlooked. Eastern Europe is also emerging as a fascinating
spot for tourists since most of it was closed off for years.
Once the destination is agreed upon, Chaves contacts respected
tour operators in the area for their input.
“Accommodation comes first,” she said. “In picking a hotel the
first thing is the location. Is it safe and easy to travel from?
Next is value and uniqueness. Is it typical of the area? I ask
myself if the hotel is going to add to the experience and fulfill
the fantasy.”
Obviously cleanliness and friendly personnel are also
important.
“It’s good to have someone with a sense of humor at the front
desk,” she said. “Sometimes I sit in the lobby and watch the staff.
Are they helpful? Do they have a real desire to show off their city
to tourists? These qualities are important.”
On rare occasions when they drop hotels, it’s typically due to
housekeeping failures, a lack of needed renovations or severe
personnel problems.
“Our primary client is the travel agent,” said Chaves. “They
know the desires of their clients and we work with them, and give
them options.”
