Before presiding over his last UMA Expo in February, METRO Executive Editor Janna Starcic spoke with Parra about the changes and challenges he’s seen in the industry, where he’s headed now, and what the industry needs to do next.
The goal with its new site is to provide a more functional and interactive place for members and the general public to learn about the motorcoach industry and have access to resources.
UMA supported passage of the critical legislation and applauds the House and Senate for its passage and recognition of the importance of business investment and creating jobs. UMA also participated in a coalition of over 500 other industry associations in support of the package of tax extenders.
With a focus of building on the co-located show with the NTA, understanding and growing new business relationships across the whole travel and tour industry is a key theme. Meanwhile, new vehicle models, including some new to the private bus market, make their debut.
Said that the NTSB is "interested in providing solutions, not just identifying problems," and said it is imperative to "educate the public to make the choice to put safety first."
Using methodology that is unique, predictive, legally defensible and proven over time, Scheig Associates' Motor Coach Works Hiring & Performance System is a three-phase system consisting of an online pre-employment assessment, behaviorally based interview questions and a performance evaluation.
Inaugural event, held January 2013 in Orlando, Fla., brought together more than 3,600 tour and travel buyers and sellers, including 1,176 buyers from 632 companies.
Co-located Travel Exchange aims to bring together motorcoach and group tour and travel industries to help form both partnerships and business relationships. Meanwhile, several companies mark major milestones on the show floor.
While accidents continue to occur because a driver was tired or fell asleep, many in the industry believe revamping federal hours of service regulations is not the answer. An operator’s best course of action is to properly train drivers and manage risks when scheduling trips. Even then, however, the onus remains on the driver to rest.
Websites such as Bus Rates.com and charterbusconnect.com do most of the homework for you. Some operators are using their current customers as sources for new leads. Additionally, trade shows offer the opportunity to establish personal relationships.