Although Pat Whitley discusses and recommends restaurants throughout New England on his radio show, he just happened to mention during a show more than 20 years ago a restaurant in Aruba where he ate. A few days later, Pat's office received a phone call from the restaurant manager. He said that Pat’s story of his meal there resulted in a many new customers, even though Boston is 2,500 miles from Aruba. 

Shortly after that conversation with the restaurant manager, Pat decided to arrange a tour to Aruba, so listeners could dine at some of the island’s top restaurants. The idea was discussed with a travel wholesaler that laughed at the feasibility of the project. He was convinced, however, to give Pat just one week to promote the trip to gauge interest.

A tour package was quickly created and presented on Pat’s radio show. The package was so basic that it did not include any pricing, hotel accommodations or even the names of the restaurants. Listeners were asked to send a self-addressed stamped envelope if they were interested. Within two days, hundreds of responses were received. At the end of the week, a briefcase full of deposits was spilled across the wholesaler’s desk and Pat asked for a second plane. More than 250 people took that inaugural trip.

The power of Pat’s radio show and the loyalty of his listeners resulted in more trips being created and offered, and the founding of Pat’s Cruises that serves thousands of travelers today.