By Don Glynn
Niagara Gazette
NIAGARA FALLS —
A local sightseeing tour and transportation company founded 14 years ago has added a new line of business to its thriving operations.
Niagara Majestic Tours has been awarded a coveted franchise Gray Line Worldwide franchise that covers the Niagara-Buffalo area on both sides of the border.
“Don’t be confused by the change,” Doreen O’Connor, president and chief executive officer, quickly points out. “It was a totally different company that previously operated this franchise and operated as Gray Line for many years before us.”
She adds, “That company lost the rights to the Gray Line brand name and these three franchised territories became available.”
To form a strong and vibrant link virtually overnight with a worldwide travel company provides Niagara Majestic with a key position in a highly competitive business.
“Our company already is experiencing an incredible growth pattern in inbound tour sales (domestically), as well as from our diverse global markets,” she added.
O’Conner, a veteran of 30 years in the hospitality industry, is fully aware of brand name recognition. “We’ve seen substantial increases in activity from our online website bookings and reservation systems,” she said, confident the new venture will take her company to the next level.
In addition to wide-ranging, narrated sightseeing tours, the local company offers customized day-trip excursions, wine trail adventures, specific historic sites, and 24-hour service to the Buffalo-Niagara and Toronto (Pearson) international airports.
Transportation for youth and senior groups, conference and convention delegates, military reunions and corporate meetings can also be accommodated, O’Connor said.
The local management team includes Sean O’Connor, vice president-Gray Line of Niagara Falls/Buffalo; Phil Harris, director of operations; Bill Torchia, director of sales and business development; and William Kingsley, group sales director.
Dale Berridge, vice president of sales-Grayline Worldwide, said the parent company’s blue diamond logo has long been a high profile brand in the market. “It is time, however, for new direction and leadership to take it to the next level. And I’m confident that Niagara Majestic Tours, which now has the rights to the brand in the Buffalo-Niagara Region, is the perfect choice in representing the blue diamond logo.”
Founded in 1910, the Denver-based Gray Line serves more than 700 destinations worldwide.
While it primarily offers bus tours throughout North America, the parent company has grown into a multifaceted, global sightseeing corporation.
Niagara Majestic/Grayline is based at 1625 Buffalo Ave., in the former Carborundum Co. headquarters building.
John Percy, president and chief executive officer of the Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp., said Friday he was glad that someone locally was able to secure the franchise and “keep that name visible in our marketplace.”
The parent Gray Line officials invited O’Connor to New York City this weekend to participate in the company’s centennial observance.
“I’ve been asked to give a 15-minute presentation on our company (Niagara Majestic) and how we reached where we are today in terms of growth ...”
That’s a story worth hearing.
