VBT is Proud to Be Voted #4 in the World in the Travel + Leisure Magazine World’s Best Awards

VBT receives prestigious 2013 World’s Best Award for fourth consecutive year

BRISTOL, VT—VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations has been voted fourth among the World’s Best Tour Operators by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine for 2013. It is also the fourth consecutive year that VBT has made the list of the world’s top tour operators and the second year in a row VBT has been in the Top 5.

“We are extremely appreciative of our travelers who continue to support us in a wide variety of ways” said VBT President Gregg Marston. “To be voted on to this distinguished list for four consecutive years is a huge testament to the continuous hard work and dedication of the VBT team in Bristol, Vermont and around the world.”

“I am so pleased for our worldwide associates, as this is an acknowledgement by our travelers of their achievements.” Marston added. “Their efforts and focus on quality over the years is what translates into such resounding customer satisfaction, which is what we are all about: high quality and excellent experiences every step of the way.”

Marston also thanked Travel + Leisure for organizing the poll and publishing the results internationally. “We consider this award to be one of the most prestigious in our industry,” Marston said, “and it’s particularly impressive when you take into account that there are hundreds of tour operators throughout the world who were included in the voting for this award.” Marston added that 98% of VBT Travelers say they would travel with VBT again, an illustration of the close relationship travelers feel with VBT’s Trip Leaders.

For the 18th annual poll, the readers of Travel + Leisure were asked to cast their votes for the hotels, destinations, and companies that define the very best in travel. In the Tour Operator category, readers were asked to assess each operator in six categories: staff/guides, itineraries/destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and value. Out of a highest possible score of 100, VBT scored 94.42 placing it fourth on the list of the World’s Best and only a half of a point out of the first position.

As noted by Paul Williams, VBT’s Director of Marketing, “Seeing that we are ranked so close to the top in these areas gives us an understanding of why travelers vote for us - we strive to make our tour packages affordable, especially with the inclusion of roundtrip airfare on international vacations, and yet never lose focus on providing great experiences. The fact that our local Trip Leaders provide our travelers with unparalleled insight in to local culture and prepare unforgettable daily adventures - along with the outstanding, authentic cuisine and the charming inns and lodges that await our guests at the end of each day - makes for unforgettable vacations.”

Founded in 1971 by a Middlebury College professor, VBT offers deluxe, small group bicycling, walking and cross-country ski tours worldwide - including 16 new vacations in 2014 - throughout Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Peru, Argentina, Canada and the United States. 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 roundtrip international airfare from up to 30 U.S. cities for all overseas vacations.

For reservations or more information, and to receive the 2013 Catalog, call 1-888-487-7603.