Come for the tennis, stay for the destination.

While world-class tennis might anchor a visit to the BNP Paribas Open, the on-court action is just the beginning of a broader, unforgettable experience. 

Many passionate tennis fans arrive in Tennis Paradise a few days early or stay after the tournament to experience attractions like Joshua Tree National Park, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, championship golf courses, outstanding restaurants, shopping on El Paseo, the Palm Springs Air Museum and the McCallum Theatre.

As the tournament's official travel partner, Steve Furgal's International Tennis Tours curates the perfect blend of tennis and travel, from morning clinics and luxury catered suites to expertly planned excursions showcasing the very best of the Coachella Valley. 

“Our guests travel to Indian Wells not only for the world-class tennis but for everything the desert has to offer,” Furgal said. “The common thread is a love of tennis and a desire to enjoy a memorable vacation together.

“What makes this destination so unique is that it is much more than a tennis tournament - it is a complete vacation. Our guests love the opportunity to learn, explore, relax and experience the very best of the desert, all while enjoying one of the finest tennis events in the world.”

Guests of Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours enjoy some of the best seating options and access to two luxury hospitality suites. Long-standing relationships with many of the desert’s finest hotels allow the company to offer its clients a wide range of accommodations at excellent value.

“Perhaps the greatest advantage is convenience,” Furgal said of a key reason fans turn to his service. “We truly provide one-stop shopping. Guests can arrange their hotel, tournament tickets, hospitality, transportation, dining recommendations, clinics and optional activities all through one experienced team, eliminating the time and uncertainty of coordinating everything separately.”

Whether guests are traveling to the BNP Paribas Open, a Grand Slam or another premier tennis event, the company’s goal is to make the experience seamless, enjoyable and memorable, allowing guests to focus on the excitement of the tennis while it takes care of everything else.

Each destination has its unique personality, but none more than Indian Wells.

“What makes the BNP Paribas Open so special is that it combines world-class tennis with an incredible resort destination,” Furgal said. “Guests can watch the best players in the world compete during the day and then enjoy championship golf, outstanding restaurants, shopping, hiking, spas, theater and the beautiful desert scenery - all within minutes of the tournament.

“There is also a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere at the BNP Paribas Open that is unlike any other event on the tennis calendar. Fans have opportunities to see players practicing, interact with fellow tennis enthusiasts and enjoy the tournament at a comfortable pace. It truly feels like a vacation centered around tennis, rather than simply attending a sporting event and that is what keeps so many of our guests coming back year after year. 

“At some tournaments the city is the attraction and the tennis is the event. At the BNP Paribas Open, the tennis and the destination are equally spectacular.”

Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours has been bringing guests to the BNP Paribas Open for 35 years, giving it a front-row seat to the tournament’s evolution from the early days of the Hyatt Grand Champions to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, where it has won the ATP Masters 1000 Tournament of the Year award 10 times. The tournament’s permanent home has provided the base for it to grow in every possible way - from expanded seating and beautiful stadiums to outstanding practice courts, exceptional dining, hospitality and fan amenities.

Today the tournament is known not only for world-class tennis but also for its stunning setting against the Santa Rosa Mountains, meticulous attention to detail, beautifully landscaped grounds and the ideal desert weather that makes spending an entire day at the tournament a pleasure. 

“Having watched that evolution over the years has been incredibly rewarding,” Furgal said. “What began as a wonderful tournament has become a true destination event - one that is recognized around the world as one of the very best stops on the professional tennis calendar and one that we are proud to be a part of.

“Every year the experience seems to become even better with thoughtful improvements that enhance both the player and spectator experience.”

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH STEVE FURGAL

What attracts guests to your packages in Indian Wells?
Our guests come to the BNP Paribas Open not only because of their passion for tennis but also because they love the desert lifestyle and everything Indian Wells has to offer in the month of March. One of the things that makes the BNP Paribas Open so special is the friendships that develop. Guests meet on one of our tours, stay in touch throughout the year and often make plans to return together the following March.

Can you talk about the mix of guests and the different reasons they choose Indian Wells over other destinations?
Guests join our BNP Paribas Open travel packages from all over the world for a variety of reasons. Many are looking to escape the cold weather, whether they’re coming from the East Coast, the Pacific Northwest or countries such as Canada and spend some time enjoying the sunshine, great tennis and beautiful desert climate.

Another thing that makes this tournament so appealing is that it is truly enjoyable for all ages. The desert setting and the layout of the tournament make it easy to navigate, creating a wonderful experience for families, multi-generational families, tennis teams, groups of friends and couples alike.

Where did your passion for tennis begin?
My love of tennis began as a young player and grew into a lifelong passion. What started with junior tennis tours evolved into adult tennis travel and for the past 50 years I have been dedicated to helping tennis fans experience the sport I have loved all of my life

For you personally, what is the most rewarding part of the service you provide to tennis fans?
One of the most fulfilling aspects is the relationships we have built over the years. We have watched friendships begin on our tours, seen guests return year after year, welcomed multiple generations of the same families and celebrated countless milestones together. 

Hearing guests say ‘We’ll see you next year’ as they return home with wonderful memories is very rewarding.

You’ve watched a lot of tennis over the years. Who are some of your favorite players?
People often ask if we have favorite players, but from our perspective, our favorite matches are simply the ones that showcase great tennis. We want every guest to leave the tournament feeling that they have witnessed exciting competition, unforgettable moments and world-class performances.