TULIP TIME FESTIVAL - one of North America's 100 Best Events for 2004

AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION NAMES TULIP TIME FESTIVAL
one of North America's 100 Best Events for 2004

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:
September 24, 2003 Tamra Bouman, Director, Tulip Time
800-822-2770 | 616-396-4221

(Washington D.C.) - The American Bus Association (ABA) announced today that the Tulip Time Festival, to be held May 1 to May 8, 2004, has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2004 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that Tulip Time offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, said ABA.

"The attractiveness of Tulip Time as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Holland, Michigan"said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that Tulip Time 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 Holland, Michigan an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."

According to a study recently completed by researchers at The George Washington University, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $5,000 to more than $11,000 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 Tulip Time festival 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 certainly honored by this selection from among many fine festivals and events around the country", says Tamra Bouman, Director of the festival. "We are proud of the festival, and delighted that this designation will bring recognition to a beautiful and supportive community like Holland, Michigan."

ABA's 2004 Top 100 Events Selection Committee seleceted Tulip Time from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices 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 will be available online at www.buses.org.

Tulip Time Festival, 171 Lincoln Avenue, Holland MI 49423
616-396-4221 or 800-822-2770 2004 dates: May 1-8