Bookings for the Masses
As a world traveler, The Bend Tour Company founder Bret Graham says the Western European tour model is the inspiration behind The Bend Tour Company and Tour Center. “One place, 50 offerings and the location doesn’t own all of them. It’s a one stop tour shop. By and large the concept is that of the David Copperfield model. We want to educate, amuse and entertain folks.”
The Bend Tour Company offers SEGWAY, Cycle Pub, Electric Bike or open air Electric eCruiser Car tours and the Tour Center is host location for Let it Ride Electric Bikes and Pedicabs and Cycle Pub. In this arrangement, the Tour Center acts as the booking agent and houses equipment used in each of the activities.
John Flannery, long time Bend transportation celebrity and co-owner of The Bend Tour Company, says they offer the ABCs of tours. “Art Safari Tour, Brew Taps Tour, Centennial Historical Tour in The Old Mill, City Sights Tours and the Sunset Spectacular Tour cover all of Bend. The Sunset spectacular is one of the most popular. It ends at Crux where participants enjoy the view and a brew. We are also developing a Bend Cannabis Tour which is designed to educate and entertain.”
Flannery is locally known as the original pedicab pilot and GETIT Shuttle guy, which he maintained for ten years. In addition, Flannery has a day named in his honor, September 13, since 2006. Other throwback, notable community employment for Flannery includes West Side Video and Cup of Magic Coffee. He says he was able to “parlay” these experiences into his current role as the ultimate Bend tour guide.
“The 100 year anniversary party for the Box Factory generated a big buzz for our bookings. That was our grand opening. Killian Pacific has turned this nook between downtown and The Old Mill into a vibrant community asset. Now The Box Factory is like the cream filling in an Oreo, the best part,” Flannery reflects.
“Notoriety of the Box Factory location has definitely contributed to the month’s out bookings we are seeing. We still serve weeks out and foot traffic, but seeing our advanced bookings fill is a great benchmark for growth.”
Flannery points to the construction of Springhill Suites Marriott across the street as an indication sales will continue to rise.
Looking forward, The Bend Tour Company plans to add activity based partners to their roster. Flyboard of Bend and bungee opportunities are possibilities. Flannery encourages interested businesses to contact him to explore how partnering benefits.
For the winter, The Bend Tour Company hopes to utilize their space for holiday parties and events. “With The Brown Owl, Atlas and Immersion readily available for catering, this is a great space to have a shindig,” says Flannery.
Tours are available throughout the summer, five per day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, Central Oregon weather allowing.
The Bend Tour Company
The Box Factory, Bend, Oregon, 97702
541-408-8477
TheBendTourCompany.com
