VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations Named Among World’s Best Tour Operators by Travel + Leisure Magazine for 2011

Second consecutive year that VBT makes prestigious top 25 list

BRISTOL, VT — VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations has been named among the 2011 World’s Best Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters by Travel + Leisure magazine. It is the second consecutive year that VBT has made the list of the world’s top 25 tour operators.

“We are so grateful to our travelers for voting us to this prestigious list,” VBT President Gregg Marston said. “It’s a strong sign of our deep commitment to providing our travelers with the best value, unforgettable cultural discoveries, and life-changing experiences. I’m extremely proud of the work of our worldwide associates, who have continually made diligent and focused efforts to put our travelers first.”

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 and Safari Outfitter 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 92.45, placing it 13th on the 2011 list of the World’s Best.

“We view this award as one of the most prestigious in our industry,” Marston said, “and we are pleased and humbled by this extraordinary recognition two years in a row. It’s especially remarkable when you consider that there are hundreds of tour operators in the world who qualify for this award. We’d like to thank Travel + Leisure for this acknowledgement of our efforts to make travelers’ dreams come true here in the USA and around the world.”

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.

“All of us at VBT—here in Vermont and around the world—are absolutely committed to helping our travelers make new discoveries each day: being surrounded by beautiful vistas, making warm encounters with local people, and savoring delightful food, wine, and regional specialties,” Marston said. “We’re proud that our work leads to such excellent customer satisfaction.”

Founded in 1971 by Middlebury College professor, John Freidin, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year. The company offers 37 deluxe, small group bicycling and walking tours in 26 countries worldwide, including destinations in Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Vietnam, 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 and air fuel surcharges in its trip cost.

See the top 25 list

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