VBT Named #3 Among World’s Best Tour Operators by Travel + Leisure Magazine

VBT receives prestigious 2012 World’s Best Award for third consecutive year

BRISTOL, VT—VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations has been named third among the World’s Best Tour Operators by Travel + Leisure magazine for 2012. It is the third consecutive year that VBT has made the list of the world’s top tour operators.

“What a tremendous honor to be ranked this high in the World’s Best Awards by the readers of Travel + Leisure,” VBT President Gregg Marston said. “All of us at VBT offer our travelers a heartfelt thank-you for your great support. We are deeply gratified, and, I have to add, we are very proud of this achievement.”

Marston said that the prestigious award was a tribute to VBT’s worldwide associates, who remain devoted to putting travelers first.

“All of our associates—from here in our offices in rural Vermont to every corner of the world—are committed to providing travelers with life-changing experiences, unforgettable personal encounters with local people, and valuable cultural highlights,” Marston said. “It’s so rewarding to know that our work has taken root in the lives of our travelers.”

VBT’s award comes in the Tour Operator category.

Each year, Travel + Leisure works with an independent agency to poll its readers about their preferred worldwide hotels, cruise lines, airlines, and other travel industry providers. In the Tour Operator category, readers were asked to evaluate six areas: staff/guides, itineraries/destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and value. Out of a highest possible score of 100, VBT scored 95.36 placing it third on the list of the World’s Best.

“To be honored this way by our travelers three years in a row—and now to be named the third-best in the world—is a remarkable record,” Marston said, “especially when you bear in mind that there are literally hundreds of tour operators around the world who can qualify for the award.”

Marston also thanked Travel + Leisure for organizing the survey and publishing the results internationally.

“We strive to offer the highest quality travel experiences for the mind, body, and spirit,” Marston said, “an active vacation that rewards all the senses. To receive recognition that our travelers appreciate our efforts is a wonderful reward. We are so pleased and truly humbled by being named an industry leader.”

Marston added that 98% of VBT Travelers would refer VBT to family or friends—a testimony to both the close relationship travelers feel with VBT’s Trip Leaders and to the overwhelming number of travelers who return to VBT again and again as their tour operator of choice.

“It’s our travelers who have motivated us to continue to do our best to offer fascinating and flexible bicycling and walking itineraries, internationally and domestically, as well as to provide a level of personal exploration that we believe fosters the most authentic travel experience,” Marston said. “This award belongs to them and their abiding spirit of discovery.”

Founded in 1971 by a Middlebury College professor, VBT offers deluxe, small group bicycling and walking tours worldwide, including destinations in Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Peru, Argentina and the U.S.A. Each trip includes all accommodations, many meals, two expert local Trip Leaders, unique sightseeing and cultural activities, and full vehicle support. Unlike other companies, VBT also includes international airfare in its trip cost.

For reservations or more information, and to receive the 2012 catalog, call 1-855-382-1553 or log on to the company’s website at www.vbt.com.