FAIRFAX STATION, Va. - National Motorcoach Network Inc., founded in the wake of deregulation of the over-the-road bus industry in the early 1980s, is marking its 20th year with an anniversary meeting later this month.
The motorcoach marketing organization also has issued its annual National Motorcoach Directory, a guide to its 41 motorcoach operator members, plus tour operators, travel resources and vendors.
"We continue to service the many tour operators, travel agents, businesses, schools, colleges, athletic teams and others who have come to rely on the National Motorcoach Directory over the past two decades," says Stephen Kirchner, president of the network.
Kirchner announced formation of the network in April 1983, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., shortly after the federal government deregulated the industry.
"The National Motorcoach Network provided an umbrella where many family owned motorcoach companies could develop their marketing talents to compete in a very different, challenging and competitive environment," says Kirchner. "A number of those companies have prospered through the years and are considered to be leaders in the industry today."
Now, Kirchner observes, operators are being severely challenged again, this time by the lingering impact of 9/11, the sour economy, the war in Iraq and higher insurance premiums. The weakened industry has forced companies out of business and produced attrition among members of the network.
Says Kirchner: "This year is critical for many motorcoach operators as the country seeks to return to some level of normalcy. . . . As always, those who survive and prosper will be those operators who serve the needs of their customers most effectively."
From Aug. 21-24, National Motorcoach Network will have its 20th anniversary meeting in Branson, Mo., the Ozark Mountain community that has been a top motorcoach destination for more than a decade.
The National Motorcoach Network Invitational 100, as the meeting is called, will be at the Radisson Hotel Branson. A number of Branson organizations are helping host the event. They include the Branson Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chinese Acrobats, Country Tonite, Great Southern Travel, IMAX Entertainment Complex, Jimmy Osmond's JukeBox Show, Legends in Concert, Moe Bandy Theatre, Ozark Mountain Sightseeing, Ozarks' Kirwood Tour & Travel, Silver Dollar City, Starlite Theatre, Sullivan Company, Lawrence Welk Theatre & Resort, and the Radisson.
"The Network Invitational brings together motorcoach charter and tour operators with suppliers from attractions, hotels, destination marketing organizations and industry vendors, such as manufacturers," says Kirchner. The meeting is limited to 100 suppliers.
In addition to its directory, the National Motorcoach Network also operates an Internet-based National Reservation Center, at www.motorcoach.com. The Web site handles motorcoach charter requests.
Information about the network and the 2003 Branson meeting is available by calling (888) 733-5287, or by e-mailing nmn@motorcoach.com.