The Convention & Visitors Bureau is planning a familiarization tour of Springfield for group tour planners with Travel South, an organization for group tour companies based in the south.

The CVB and Missouri Division of Tourism joined the organization in 2014 and Steve Ross, graphic designer at the CVB, will represent Springfield at the annual convention in December.

Following the convention, a group of about 10 international group tour planners will participate in a tour of the state, including Springfield on Dec. 3-4. While in Springfield, the group will stay at the DoubleTree Hotel and enjoy Springfield Brewing Co., Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Fantastic Caverns and presentation about Route 66 from John Sellars, executive director at The History Museum on the Square.

The goal is to encourage group tour planners to consider Missouri for future tours.