The Back Story from Owner Dave Matthews
I founded a tour company I named Prime Tours in 1996, and built the firm up with continuous growth serving private groups for 23 years. In October 2019, I sold the firm to two staff members.
The sale gave me the opportunity to start a fresh company focusing on a small number of tours for private groups.
It has been an amazing journey, and rarely does a day go by when I don't think about how special it is to provide incredible experiences for so many guests.
People often ask how I got into this business. My background was journalism, public relations and marketing. In 1996, I was minding my own business and running my PR firm, PRime Communications, when I saw the need for a Rose Bowl tour for Ohio State students to the 1997 Rose Bowl. So in late 1996 I started tour company with a very similar name as the PR firm to do that one trip, which ended up having a number of seniors citizens on board.
It was a hit (especially when the Buckeyes won) and I went back to my PR business. But people started asking if I could do a tour for this group and that group, so I talked to some group leaders, and we started doing senior center tours. The first was started at Munich's Oktoberfest and ended in Rome with an audience with the pope. Within a year, I decided to change from PR to full-time tours. The support from our group leaders and guests was wonderful and I consider many group leaders as friends. From the start, our goal was to focus on private groups and create great travel experiences for their members, executives, parishioners or students.
But the Rose Bowl wasn't actually my first group tour. Well before that, I was an Army airborne officer in Italy in the 1980s and was asked to do a week-long ski trip in the Italian Alps for 150 paratroopers. I didn't even realize I was being a tour operator. The trip was amazing, and I had a blast at that lovely resort. Then it was back to being a paratrooper until 1996 when that Rose Bowl tour popped into my head.
The tour company became a recognized leader in sports travel, as well as group tours for schools, bands, senior centers, corporations and other groups.
Building on that success and my travel experience abroad, the firm added European Tours, specializing in Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Italy and more.
Aside from custom tours, I have kept my fingers in freelance writing when time permits. I've written hundreds of travel articles for various publications, and in recent years have been assigned to write how-to articles for travel industry trade magazines. I also have background in video production, photography and marketing.
Call me today at 614-581-2126 or e-mail us at Dave@EnrichmentTravel.com if you need assistance in planning your next trip.
Testimonials
"I had a fantastic experience. The country is amazingly beautiful and the historic insights Joe, our driver, provided, added a depth of interest along the tour. The food, accommodations and transportation were all top notch. We didn't get to see the ghost (probably a good thing) but never lacked for fun, comradery and a wonderful experience that will never be forgotten, leaving me longing to return soon. Even a flight cancelation was barely a hiccup, as Brenda got it sorted out promptly, like the rock star she is. I would not hesitate to use Enrichment Travel again. "
By Mary Anne F.
I recently got back from Ireland on a tour with Enrichment Travel. We had a fantastic time. Made a lot of new friends with the people we traveled with. The places we stayed were really great. Not only was our guide knowledgeable about the sites we visited, he was also very entertaining. We would recommend Enrichment Travel."
By Hugh B.
"Thank you to Brenda, Dave and Devon for a magical trip!!! All accommodations and dinners were superb!! I made many new friends and memories!!!! I can’t wait for the next one!"
By Kimberly H.
"It was a fantastic experience I loved every minute of it the people, food , the experiences and Joe our driver Brenda and Devon made this trip magical!!!!"
By Shelley S.
"We had an amazing trip across Ireland! Brenda and her team made the trip enjoyable and Joe the bus driver provided so much history as we passed through different parts of Ireland!"
By Steve B.
"I had a great time. Great company and conversations with others that were on the trip. The food was delicious and plentiful. Great variety of things to see and experience. A terrific job was done by Brenda. She deserves a medal."
By Susan W.
I can not even begin to describe how wonderful this trip was! Ireland is a beautiful country. Enrichment Travel Services put together a trip that allowed us to see and experience things I wouldn't have found or done if vacationing on my own. It was scheduled in a way where I never felt rushed for one moment. This was a once in a lifetime trip that I hope to repeat again next year.
By Jane Elizabeth B.
This trip was over-the-top!! top-notch!! It was so organized, the daily pace was doable. Our driver Joe was the best!! extremely knowledgeable! Brenda Willis is the best also! We saw & did a variety of things. I loved the trip, had a fantastic time. Ready to go again!
By Linda S.
"Thank you guys for everything you did for us on this trip. It really was the trip of a lifetime! You took such good care of us. I was looking at our pictures and still can’t believe we were there!" - Kathy M.
"It was an amazing experience and I am beyond grateful to have been part of it all!! Y’all know how to put on a great tour!! Wow!!" - Linda R.
"We had the time of our lives, just an altogether magnificent experience. Your staff tended to everyone's little needs with endless patience and unfailing smiles. It was such a joy to be around you guys." - Donna G.
