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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
When Marilyn Hyde went on a trip to Europe more than 30 years ago, she got an idea. After dealing with the frustrations of mixed-up reservations, travel delays and detours, she knew she could actually do a better job as a travel agent. And when she got home, that's just what she did.
In 1983, Marilyn and her husband, Palmer, started their own company, Hyde's Encore Tours and Travel, in Salt Lake City. What began as a small, family-owned business with just a few clients soon grew to be a large full-service tour operator and travel agency. Today, the company offers between 30 and 50 tours each year.
Hyde's Encore Tours and Travel rarely runs ads in the newspaper. Palmer says they rely on giving their clients excellent customer service and then they "let them do the talking." And the method has worked. Over the past 25 years, hundreds of clients have joined the Hydes on more than 15 of their tours. Several have gone on more than 50 tours.
Some of the most popular tours are the famous "Mystery Tours." For those who love the thrill of a new adventure, these tours have become quite a hit. Travel enthusiasts sign up for the tour at the published price but have no idea where they're going.
Travelers have enjoyed "mystery tours" all over Europe, Asia, South America, Mexico, the Caribbean and more than 25 states and 4 Canadian provinces. Hyde's offers other specialty tours including "Women's Only Mystery Tours." It also specializes in family and individual travel and cruises.
It's not easy to be a successful tour and travel company these days. With recent airline and fuel price increases, it's hard for many companies to manage. Palmer says what keeps their company going is the loyal clients who have become as close as family.
So what's in store for Hyde's Encore Tours and Travel? Palmer says he and Marilyn will keep busy traveling the globe, along with their friends and clients who share their love for travel.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
