Testimonials from World Youth Day 2005

Derick Babin, Diocese of Yarmouth

"World Youth Day was fantastic. I loved the whole experience. It was my first time as a leader. I like things to run as smooth as possible. This was achieved by numerous things falling right with the tour company, the reps, and the hotel so a massive thank you for making the whole experience worthwhile and enjoyable."

Sean McMahon, Diocese of Lancaster, England

"Thanks for all of your hard work in organizing our WYD experience - the fruits of all our work are surely seen in the excellent comments and feedback that we've had from our young pilgrims. We mention looking at our website for comments - the WYD page has a diary and lots of photos from our group - I hope you'll get a chance to take a look at it all."

Jonathan Leach, Diocese of Shrewbury, England

"I want to thank you and your staff for everything you did to make our pilgrimage to Germany such a fabulous experience. I m deeply grateful for all your advice, patience and planning. All the emails and phone calls were appreciated: you/your staff were always available. I always had a sense that you were looking out for our best interests. Everything you promised, you delivered and then some. Everyone was really pleased with our accommodation, flights and coach transportation. I also mention Joyce and Barrett (Tour Design Directors in Cologne) who did everything they possibly could to make our stay as pleasant as possible. There were so friendly and helpful, and it was obvious that they were enjoying the experience as much as we were. It wasn't "work" for them. They just couldn't do enough for us. The fact that you and Rollie were there with us spoke volumes. To me it reflected the concern and interest you had in making certain that everything would be looked after."

Tom Griffin, Diocese of St. George's, Newfoundland

"Just a few words to let you know that I have spoken with most of the leaders and youth that went to Cologne for WYD. They had a wonderful experience. They especially mentioned Tour Design and the coordinators. The also mentioned how well organized the whole trip was. They appreciated the trip itself, the buses waiting for them and of course the accommodations. It made them feel very secure to know you and your staff were with them in this foreign country. Thanks again for all your help and dedication to this event. It was a blessing to have you on our path."

Helene Allain, Diosces of Moncton

"I would like to take a minute to once again thank you and your staff for the outstanding service you provided our WYD group throughout all phases of the operation - planning through execution both for the Cologne an Rome components. Everything went without a hitch. In all honesty, I haven't a single criticism. Well done. Many thanks and may God bless you for all your wonderful work with youth."

Tony Jozefowicz, St. Marks' Parish, Spencerille

"Well, what can I say - you and your staff have made World Youth Day 2005 another huge success. I cannot imagine traveling to Germany without the professional travel assistance of the Tour Design Staff. It is hard enough trying to keep a group of 52 together throughout an experience like World Youth Day but when you have staff that you can turn to for assistance and help, it makes it all so much easier. The plans and organization from your staff prior to our pilgrimage were not only helpful to a coordinator like myself but I also had the knowledge that everything that needed to be taken  are of was done. The accommodations were phenomenal - truly a case of advance planning on your behalf to be  able to book this incredible hostel in an ideal location.

You made a comment to me a number of weeks ago that stuck in my mind. You mentioned that you love to see the youth and their involvement and what joy it brought to you. I  can see that in the service you provided and I could see that in all of your staff as well. The "service" we received was far more than just providing good customer service - it is a love of doing what you are doing - a true gift to the pilgrims of World Youth Day 2005.

On behalf of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, thank you for making our pilgrimage one with memories that will last a lifetime and forever be a part of who and what these young adults will become in the future. Your assistance has played a huge part in the success of our pilgrimage. I personally thank you as well for the assurance as a coordinator that our plans would go off without a glitch. For all considering using Tour Design - tell them to give me a call - I will tell them they would be crazy to book with any firm other than Tour Design."

Pat Delmore, St. John the Baptist, Amherstburg

"Yes, you may use my comments, even if they are very short and simple. Thank you for all that you did to make this pilgrimage so wonderful. I have only positive feedback to give about WYD2000, WYD2002 and WYD2005. I do hope to be around for WYD2008. I will quote a few of the young people: Meg: 'I have more faith than other people and in the world after this WYD experience.' Jonathan: 'As diverse as the world is, deep down an experience like WYD trip also leaves me thinking that we are all not as different as we think we are.' Amy: 'Overall the trip to Germany was a great journey. It is something I will remember the rest of my life.' "

Sister Reine Driscoll, Labrador