ONE OF NORTH AMERICA'S 100 BEST EVENTS FOR 2010--UBS PARADE SPECTACULAR

AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION NAMES UBS PARADE SPECTACULAR
ONE OF NORTH AMERICA'S 100 BEST EVENTS FOR 2010
Event is a Ticket to Fun and to Critical Group Tourism Dollars

The American Bus Association (ABA) announced today that the UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center to be held on November 21, 2010, has been designated as 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 the UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, said ABA.

With the release of the American Bus Association'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.

"The attractiveness of the UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center  as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Stamford, Connecticut," said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center 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 Stamford
an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."

According to studies recently completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $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 the UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center 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."

"We are proud to the recipient of this award for the third time," said Sandy Goldstein, president of the Stamford Downtown Special Services, the organization responsible for producing this fabulous event.  "We hope everyone attends the event this year as well on November 22, 2009 and hope to attract even larger crowds in 2010 as a result of this award." The Parade Spectacular was also awarded this prestigious award in 2001 and 2007.

ABA's 2010 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center 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.

The Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org.

 
 

Note: This year's parade is Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009.