Accent Travel Network

06/18/2024

Another FABULOUS itinerary from Accent West 2025. Lions and Bengals and Bears, Oh My! https://takeafuntrip.com/tour/lions-bengals-and-bears-oh-my/

06/13/2024

Second itinerary of seven - comprised at Accent West 2024. Ultimate Route 66 from St. Louis to Tulsa. https://takeafuntrip.com/tour/the-ultimate-route-66-road-trip-st-louis-to-tulsa/

06/11/2024

The Accent West 2024 itineraries are now live on MARS website. Here is the first of seven. Southwest Wonders: From Neon Lights to Natural Sights https://takeafuntrip.com/tour/neon-lights-to-natural-sights/

06/05/2024

May Accent Insider Newsletter. https://conta.cc/3VmwnM7

05/30/2024

In case you missed Accent West in Branson, here is the recap! https://leisuregrouptravel.com/2nd-annual-accent-west-branson-missouri/

05/22/2024

Accent East News You Can Use! Don't miss Traverse City November 10-14, 2024. And just announced - York PA November 12-16, 2025! The excitement is building! https://conta.cc/3ytsrAh

05/21/2024

More good news! I am excited to announce that Accent East 2025 will take place in York PA.
November 14-16: PreFam for Operators
November 16-18: Conference
Looking forward to seeing you all in York in 2025!

05/20/2024

Save the Dates! I am happy to announce 2025 Accent West.
April 22-24 - PreFam to Tucson and Southern AZ
April 24-26 - Conference in MESA AZ
Hope you can join us! Please share the information!

05/15/2024

Branson is a wrap! Make sure you have Accent East 2024 in Traverse City MI (November 10-14) and Accent West 2025 in Mesa AZ (April 22-26) on your calendars!

Send a message to learn more

04/26/2024

Check out April's Accent Insider! https://conta.cc/49Vk1Pk

04/11/2024

Why Traverse City and Why Accent?
https://conta.cc/43X0AnL

04/09/2024

Limited Space still available for Accent West 2024 in Branson!
May 6-8: Pre-Fam for operators
May 10-12: Conference
https://conta.cc/3J8QkiC

04/08/2024

Learn more about Accent Travel Network.

Join Jeff Gayduk, host of the Traveling Tribes Podcast, in an engaging conversation with Sue Arko, a recognized expert in the group travel industry. Sue shares insights from her extensive career, spanning from owning and operating Free Spirit Vacations and Events since 1996 to her current role as pr...

03/27/2024

As most of you are aware, the Accent Travel Network is owned and operated by MARS & Companies. I am excited to share a new development at MARS - the launching of Shared Departures by MARS.

[Arlington, VA, March 19, 2024] - MARS Tours & Travel, a leading name in the travel industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new division, Shared Departures by MARS. Designed to serve smaller group sizes, Shared Departures by MARS will provide operators the ability to work with smaller groups without sacrificing cost and quality of service and experience. This model will help prevent cancellations due to small numbers and maximize profits for operators.

Shared Departures by MARS is all about teamwork. Professional agents and operators can block space on any Shared Departure with no obligation or risk up to 75 days prior to departure. While MARS handles all contracts, reservations, and logistics, our partners can focus solely on marketing and selling to their customers.

"We understand the obstacles tour operators face in today's competitive landscape," said Kate Scopetti, President/Owner, MARS Tours & Travel. "With Shared Departures by MARS, we're providing greater access to top destinations as well as off-the-beaten-path gems." Damon Anderson, Director of Sales & Western Product Development for MARS adds, "MARS is committed to personalized service, quality product, and marketing and sales support. We want to help more people travel and believe this model will help us do just that."

Key features of Shared Departures by MARS include:
• Scheduled group tours to popular, as well as off-the-beaten-path, destinations. These tours are not a series, but custom, curated itineraries with unique inclusions.
• Quality product with dedicated operational support throughout the process, from the creation of the tour until guests return home from their trip.
• Enhanced flexibility to accommodate varying group sizes, minimizing costs and cancellations.
• Sales and Marketing support.

"We are better together," Kasie McElroy, GM, MARS Tours & Travel states. "Shared Departures by MARS is not just about facilitating tours, it's about increasing access to travel experiences for as many people as possible."

Tour operators interested in learning more about Shared Departures by MARS and how it can benefit their business are encouraged to check out the division's first tours for 2024, Navajo Nation (October 23-29, 2024) and Once Upon a Branson Christmas (November 18-22, 2024) to view the itineraries and downloadable flyers, or contact a MARS Representative.

For More Information, visit

Partnering small groups for epic vacations.

03/22/2024

Here is the March Accent Insider. https://conta.cc/4a3MN14 featuring information from our partners.

03/05/2024

Why should you attend an Accent Conference? I'm so glad you asked.

I truly believe that our small and mighty (by design) conference offers the best value and opportunity for those in our industry. When asked why travel industry professionals like attending Accent Travel Network conferences, the answer is often innovation – the itinerary planning session, the small and intimate size of the conference, the two to one ratio between suppliers and operators, and the numerous networking functions which take place throughout the conference. We have made some enhancements, such as “Accent Supports Local”, “Accent Supports Preservation”, and the Future Tour Operator Category. These are enhancements that you won’t find at other conferences. Here’s a little more information on each.

https://leisuregrouptravel.com/accent-travel-network-brings-innovation-to-the-group-travel-industry/

Additionally, Accent provides follow up marketing on behalf of the delegates. At the conference, suppliers and operators brainstorm and based on what they learn at the trade show, create new itineraries. These itineraries are then:
1. Presented to the entire group
2. Emailed to the MARS database of approximately 7500 buyers
3. Posted on the MARS website
4. Included in the Accent Insider Newsletter
5. Posted on the Accent Travel Network page.

Accent constantly and consistently promotes our partners.

More information on the conferences visit https://accenttravelnetwork.com/

Hospitality Partners Pushing the Boundaries of What's Possible

02/29/2024

I am really excited about our Accent East 2024 FAM and Conference in Traverse City MI. Check out all the details. https://conta.cc/432lEZx

02/28/2024

Here are 3 short itineraries created at Accent East in Beaufort. Pennsylvania and Jamestown, New York

This group created three short itineraries, namely, Lancaster with Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, Pennsylvania’s Americana Region with Lancaster, and The National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York. https://takeafuntrip.com/tour/pennsylvania-and-jamestown-new-york/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Pennsylvania%20and%20Jamestown%2C%20New%20York&utm_campaign=ATN%20East%202023%20Breakout%20Itineraries

02/26/2024

Itinerary #6 - coming your way!
History & Horticulture of the Mid-Atlantic

Featuring Lynchburg, VA, Fredericksburg, VA, Washington, DC, Wilmington, DE, and Kent County, DE, this itinerary is full of beauty and historical experiences. Come smell the flowers and experience exceptional locations! https://takeafuntrip.com/tour/history-and-horticulture-of-the-mid-atlantic/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=History%20%26amp%3B%20Horticulture%20of%20the%20Mid-Atlantic&utm_campaign=ATN%20East%202023%20Breakout%20Itineraries

02/23/2024

This itinerary sure sounds fun! It is yet another one developed at Accent East 2023. Sinners and Saints

This package begins in Detroit, MI, with Gangster and Speakeasy Tours, then travels to Cleveland, OH, for some Rock and Roll. Next stop will be in Sugarcreek, OH, for some Dutch hospitality, entertainment, and dining. The tour concludes in Williamstown, KY, at the amazing Ark Experience and Creation Museum. https://takeafuntrip.com/tour/saints-sinners/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Saints%20and%20Sinners&utm_campaign=ATN%20East%202023%20Breakout%20Itineraries

02/21/2024

Explore Branson has prepared an amazing pre-fam for our operators. Many have not experienced Branson in this way. I know you will be blown away. Check it out! https://conta.cc/42KY6IE

02/20/2024

The itineraries just keep on coming! Here is another one from Accent East 2023. Get Your Vibe on 65!

Following Interstate 65, this itinerary highlights the many vibes of Nashville, TN, and Sweet Home Alabama. Explore Nashville, Huntsville, Muscle Shoals, Birmingham, Monroeville, and Mobile on this toe-tapping package. https://takeafuntrip.com/tour/get-your-vibe-on-65/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Get%20Your%20Vibe%20on%2065%21&utm_campaign=ATN%20East%202023%20Breakout%20Itineraries

02/19/2024

Itinerary #3 - Smitten with Mitten
From the Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City to the bustling city of Detroit, this scenic and historical vacation envelops the calm of Northern, Michigan. You don't want to miss this one! https://takeafuntrip.com/tour/smitten-with-mitten/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Smitten%20with%20Mitten&utm_campaign=ATN%20East%202023%20Breakout%20Itineraries

02/16/2024

Here is Accent East itinerary #2. Peaches and Palmettos
Beginning and ending in the enchanting city of Savannah, Georgia, this tour will highlight the Gullah Culture and the eco-experiences of the area. In addition to Savannah, the tour visits Old Town Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Tybee Island, and Beaufort, SC. https://takeafuntrip.com/tour/peaches-palmettos/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Oak%20Tree%20%26amp%3B%20Moss&utm_campaign=ATN%20East%202023%20Breakout%20Itineraries

02/14/2024

For the two weeks, I will be posting seven itineraries that were comprised onsite at Accent East 2023 in Beaufort SC in November. These are great starting points for your tours to the area. They can all be revised to meet the needs of your travelers. It's great that industry professionals are willing to share their creations. Check out Georgia and South Carolina Treasures. https://takeafuntrip.com/tour/georgia-south-carolina-treasures/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Dolphins%20jumping%20&utm_campaign=ATN%20East%202023%20Breakout%20Itineraries

02/08/2024

Can't wait to go to Traverse City MI! Save the date.
November 10-12 - Pre-Fam for operators
November 12-14 - Accent East Conference
https://conta.cc/49bH4Wr

02/06/2024

See what others are saying about Accent Travel Network https://leisuregrouptravel.com/accent-travel-network-brings-innovation-to-the-group-travel-industry/?mc_cid=44a2e58144&mc_eid=95dedf8cd8