The American Bus Association (ABA) has announced that the Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale to be held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, June 13 through September 7, 2008, is designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2008 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that Prix de West offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, said ABA.

With the release of the American Bus Association's 2008 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 25 years of the Top 100 Events. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

"The attractiveness of Prix de West as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum," said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that Prix de West has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives the National Cowboy Museum, located in Oklahoma City's Adventure District, an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."

According to studies recently completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $5,000 to more than $13,000 United States dollars in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

"Simply put," said Pantuso, "motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer. That's why Prix de West is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay."

ABA's 2008 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and convention and visitors bureaus. Judges considered the event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria. The Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org.

Editor's Note: This Top 100 logo and high-resolution photos are available at www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/mediapics. Click on PRIX DE WEST and MUSEUM IMAGES. After accepting Use Agreement, select photo and follow the instructions at the top of the page.