Las Vegas Tourist Guide Guild

Zion Tunnel

Mark Anthony — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 04:39:48 +0000

Construction Continues in the Zion Tunnel in Zion National Park. Work on the roadway will be done at night to limit closure. Tunnel is open 24 hours on weekends.

Fred Harvey – Appetite for America:

Mark Anthony — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 03:10:58 +0000

Before there was Xanterra, there was Fred Harvey. The man and the company. You see his name every time you enter the Grand Canyon National Park. or pass through Siligman, Barstow or many other western towns and National Parks.

What tour guide has ever wondered who this Fred Harvey character really was and why is his name plastered all over the west?? Here is your answer and what an answer it is.

Appetite for America: How Visionary Businessman Fred Harvey Built a Railroad Hospitality Empire That Civilized the Wild West

This is an amazing book, not only about a man so few of us know anything about, but a company that really was responsible for making the western United States civilized for people to live in.

This book is part biography, part business education, part American history; A definite “Must Read” for any tour professional who works the western united states and the National Parks. You get to see how his company shaped the world we work in and how he created and dominated an industry we belong to.

I found it to be a easy read and one that kept your interest as you watched a young immigrant get off the boat and literally start his career. How he saw America as a land of infinite opportunities as he turned what others saw as obstacles, into business deals that made him and others very wealthy.

This is a very well researched and well written book about a man and his passion for service and desire to be the best. You see the birth of the Harvey Houses and why theses wayside stops in the west, staffed with the iconic Harvey Girls were such a success and why he can be credited with making the west civilized as well as populated. How the processes he developed for delivering excellent service and quality dining to a remote frontier, are the same systems used today by the leading hospitality conglomerates.

After reading this book, you will never look at the Grand Canyon, a Xanterra gift shop, the railroad, or your job as a tour professional, the same ever again.

This book does not belong on your reading shelf, it belongs in your travel bag!

June Meeting

Mark Anthony — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 05:13:58 +0000

We were pleased to have as our speaker, Connie Mancillas from Nevada Commission on Tourism. She presented information and provided resources to help the local tour guides better understand their role in the marketing of Nevada as a tourist destination. That we are are in this together and that marketing one part of the state or the market, influences every other part of the market and the state.

She also brought members up to date with what the Nevada Commission on Tourism actually does for tourism and for the tour market in Las Vegas. Her presentation included an overview of its funding source and what all they do with that money. She provided a quick, yet in-depth overview of all the different markets and areas the department does and is doing around the world, to help promote Las Vegas and the state to the world.

It was an eye opening experience for the tour guides in attendance to see what her department can do for them as well as for her in understanding what all we do and the people we meet. There was healthy exchange of questions, comments and information between her and the Tour Guild.With more interactions to follow.

Connie is also helping the Guild apply for a state grant to provide some marketing material to help promote the Guild, its cause and its members.

January Meeting

Art — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:30:06 +0000

Good Meeting

CPTG Training info

Art — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:33:33 +0000

The LVTGG Professional Education Committee met this week, and discussed continuation of the Certified Professional Tourist Guides program for 2010. Training for the the CPTG program will begin on Monday February 8. There will be six three-hour training sessions, followed by a test. The location is unknown at this time.

This is a great opportunity for members who missed the 2009 CPTG training, and wish to earn their certification. Certification is good for two years. Members who are certified, and are interested in increasing their knowledge about the human and natural history of Las Vegas and Clark County are eligible to participate in the upcoming training. If you have any questions regarding the CPTG training, feel free to contact PEC Chair Char Cruze or Art.

Reminder: The LVTGG meeting will be held at 7 PM Monday January 11 at the Spring Valley Library. Join your colleagues Monday evening when we discuss “The Future of Las Vegas Touring.” It is time to renew membership for 2010.

I wish to thank Brian for the excellent Newsletter. Add the newsletter to your portfolio, and use the information during you tours.

Have a great weekend. I look forward to seeing you Monday evening, and at CPTG trainings

Art.