News Release
For immediate release
September 14, 2009
Media contact: Donna Abbott
Public Relations Director
410-723-8609
American Bus Association names Ocean City's Winterfest of Lights one of North America's 100 Best Events for 2010
Ocean City, MD - The American Bus Association (ABA) has announced that Ocean City's Winterfest of Lights, set this year for Nov. 19- Jan. 2, has once again been designated one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2010 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that Winterfest of Lights offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, said ABA.
"The attractiveness of Winterfest of Lights as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Ocean City," said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that Winterfest 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 Ocean City an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."
According to studies completed by researchers at the George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $5,000 to more that $13,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.
"Simply put," said Pantuso, "motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer. That's why Winterfest 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."
ABA's 2010 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected Ocean City's Winterfest of Lights from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and convention and visitors bureaus. Judges considered the event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.
With the release of ABA's 2010 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 28 years of the Top 100 Events. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.
This year's Winterfest of Lights marks the event's 17th year with more than one million glittering lights covering hundreds of animated and stationary displays. Enter a land of enchantment at Northside Park, 127th St. and the bay, where you can take a ride on the Winterfest Express as it makes its way along a mile-long path filled with delightful illuminated displays. Winterfest train rides are a deal at $4 for those 10 years of age and older, and with children 9 years and younger riding for free.
While at Northside Park visit the Winterfest Village for a cup of hot chocolate, browse the new Yukon Cornelius Gift Shop for that special gift and have your photo taken with Santa. The Winterfest Village is located inside a huge heated tent decorated for the holidays.
Next, head south and drive along the Avenue of Trees on Baltimore Ave. from 15th to 32nd streets.
Ocean City's Winterfest of Lights shines nightly Sunday through Thursday 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. A special tree lighting ceremony will be held to kick off Winterfest on Thursday, November 19 at Northside Park. For more information, call the Ocean City Special Events Office at 410-250-0125 or visit the Ocean City web site at www.ococean.com.
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