Spend less and experience more. It is easier than ever for meeting and event planners to book once-in-a-lifetime Grand Canyon experiences for attendees. Papillon Airways, Inc. has eliminated all existing packages. In its place: a new, simplified way to book groups to the Grand Canyon by helicopter, airplane or bus.
Once planners select how they would like to travel, they have the option to upgrade, whether it be traveling during sunset or adding adventure components such as ATVs, kayaking, pontoon tours or walking on the Grand Canyon’s Skywalk, the transparent walkway composed of glass and steel extending 70 feet beyond the rim with a nearly 4,000 foot drop below to the canyon floor. Basic tour prices begin at $127 with add-on prices starting at $30 with additional price breaks available depending upon the group size.
“Making this as simple as possible to book with the greatest value was the goal,” says Robert Graff, vice president of marketing, Papillon. “Demand is there and if groups are going to spend money, they want to control the experience from start to finish. That’s truly what we have empowered them to do by creating basic tours with add-ons.”
Papillon Grand Canyon tours are customizable for all planners, whether booking incentive groups or structuring programming for traveling spouses or team-building activities. Papillon can accommodate groups up to 1,000. Special group pricing is available depending upon size, time of year and scheduled activities.
Additional services can include placing company logos on seats inside the helicopter, airplane or bus or creating welcome signs and banners for groups upon arrival to the terminal. Papillon can also provide champagne tastings prior to take-off and create customized Grand Canyon-themed gift bags for attendees. In addition, all tours are commissionable up to 20 percent.
No matter the planner’s budget or desire for the event programming, Papillon can fulfill.
“We can do anything and everything groups need,” says Robert Graff, vice president of marketing, Papillon. “We can fly attendees to the floor of the Grand Canyon and serve sushi. We can have Elvis impersonators greet or fly with guests. A 3-piece orchestra can be waiting in the Grand Canyon when the helicopter arrives. Really, the planner’s wish is our command.”
