Collette Vacations Breaks Its 1999 Oberammergau Record
Leisure Group Travel - Willowbrook,IL,USA
In spite of a struggling economy, Collette Vacations reports that it has broken its prior record, set in 1999, for number of tickets sold to Oberammergau’s Passion Play.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Group Tour Magazine interview with Cindi Brodhecker
Group Tour Spotlight e-Magazine
December 2009 Vol. 412
Read full article at http://www.grouptour.com/spotlight/detail.php?recid=455&issue=412
Strengthening fellowship and faith
Cindi Brodhecker of Ephrata, Pa., owner of Faith Travel Development & Consulting, helps operators and suppliers find their way in the $18 billion a year faith-based travel market. Plus, she just launched a new division called The Priscilla Woman’s Tours.
Group Tour Spotlight: Tell me about your background in tourism.
Cindi Brodhecker: I call travel my midlife crisis.
I was in accounts payable and on the accounting side in office management for different companies. I decided I wanted to do something different and contacted a friend that had a motorcoach company and started there.
Group Tour Spotlight: What did you do there?
Brodhecker: I was a group tour planner for motorcoach tours.
Group Tour Spotlight: So you know all about setting up tours.
Brodhecker: Oh, absolutely. From finding the rest stops every two hours to the meals and the accommodations and attractions. I started at the ground level. The first tour I did was the Wisconsin Dells. They started talking about Branson, and I had no idea where Branson was. I was new to the travel world but enjoyed it immensely and everything just kept growing from that point on.
I got to plan group tours on motorcoaches, I got to escort some of the tours, and from there I went into the international side of it and that’s where my passion really grew. I’ve been involved in the travel business for 18 years and always with a company that had a focus on tours for Christian groups.
Group Tour Spotlight: So when did you start your company, Faith Travel Development & Consulting?
Brodhecker: In February of 2007.
Group Tour Spotlight: What services do you provide?
Brodhecker: Faith Travel Development & Consulting was designed to assist people who had an interest in the faith-based travel market — on both sides of the fence, so to speak. Many years ago, I worked for a company and was reprimanded for being too helpful to what at that time was called the competition. And I realized that is what I really enjoy doing: to help other people realize what this is all about. So the consulting and development part of it started as a result of my networking and helping other people.
I call myself a facilitator. I can help the individual home-based travel agent understand what the faith-based market is and help them to reach out to their community and beyond to try to gather clients that would be interested in this travel market. I also can help tour operators that don’t have this type of program do the same thing — to develop it and help them market it.
I can also help the church or organization realize the value of what a travel program or a travel ministry can do for their church or organization. There are benefits on both sides, from growing the community to using travel as a means of fund-raising for projects.
On one side, I represent tour operators who are located in destinations that are important to the faith-based market. I represent a company in Turkey, a company in Greece, a company in Egypt, and through an operator here in the States I represent someone in Israel. So I do trade shows and represent their destinations and work within the U.S. market to give leads that are gathered at those trade shows to tour operators here in the States that actually can work those leads. On the Faith Travel side, I do not book groups or handle group reservations. I pass the leads on to companies that work with the people I represent. It’s unique. I don’t know of anyone else that is doing it. It saves the international operators funds because I can represent them at a show and they don’t have that travel expense. On the other side, I’m not competition to anyone in the States working with those operators because I pass the leads to them.
Group Tour Spotlight: Sounds like you’ve found a niche.
Brodhecker: It’s working.
A new venture
Group Tour Spotlight: Tell me about the new division you just launched at the World Religious Travel Association conference.
Brodhecker: The new division is called The Priscilla Woman’s Tours. It is based on the person of Priscilla from the book of Acts in the New Testament. It’s a company that will serve the ladies that want to travel — either women traveling together, women that want to travel and not be in a group of 10 percent ladies and 90 percent couples, which is the demographics of most of the tour groups. What I’m trying to create is a travel environment where women can feel comfortable traveling with other women and using the person of Priscilla as women of noble character, strong faith, and joy. The Web site is www.priscillawomantours.com.
It’s for women that may be widowed, may be single, may be divorced, may want to go somewhere with a girlfriend or a niece or a daughter, or their husband just has no interest in that destination and they just want to go and see. It’s designed for women of like faith to travel together. It’s not necessarily that all tours will be to destinations of the Bible, but it’s women who will travel together for fun, fellowship, and spiritual enrichment. There will be some times when a tour will be created — I’m using the phrase, Priscilla can invite her Aquilla, which was Priscilla’s husband in the New Testament.
Gigi Graham, the daughter of Dr. Billy Graham, will travel on some of our tours. An author, who is a 9/11 widow, will go with us. I have a performing artist who does drama and re-creates characters from the Bible or historical women in costume and will provide music.
Group Tour Spotlight: Why did you develop The Priscilla Woman’s Tours?
Brodhecker: I listened to people talk about how they like to travel. Through the years, as I have escorted many groups to many different places, sometimes the ladies will fit in very well. And sometimes I can see them pulling back a little bit. So through conversation of hearing a need and basically it was an idea that came to me one morning as I was preparing to meet a friend for breakfast. I thought, no, I’m not going to do that. But it was an idea that just would not leave me. It was something that I felt I needed to develop, and it spiraled from there.
I’ve gotten very, very positive comments from everyone.
Every tour will be built with a commission for travel people who want to sell into the tour. And we will create tours for women’s groups using the artist and contacts we have to make it very special for them.
Read the rest of the article at
http://www.grouptour.com/spotlight/detail.php?recid=455&issue=412
Cindi Brodhecker
Faith Travel Development & Consulting
The Priscilla Woman’s Tours
263 Ridge Ave.
Ephrata, PA 17522
(717) 733-1655
www.faithtraveldevelopment.com
www.priscillawomantours.com
December 2009 Vol. 412
Read full article at http://www.grouptour.com/spotlight/detail.php?recid=455&issue=412
Strengthening fellowship and faith
Cindi Brodhecker of Ephrata, Pa., owner of Faith Travel Development & Consulting, helps operators and suppliers find their way in the $18 billion a year faith-based travel market. Plus, she just launched a new division called The Priscilla Woman’s Tours.
Group Tour Spotlight: Tell me about your background in tourism.
Cindi Brodhecker: I call travel my midlife crisis.
I was in accounts payable and on the accounting side in office management for different companies. I decided I wanted to do something different and contacted a friend that had a motorcoach company and started there.
Group Tour Spotlight: What did you do there?
Brodhecker: I was a group tour planner for motorcoach tours.
Group Tour Spotlight: So you know all about setting up tours.
Brodhecker: Oh, absolutely. From finding the rest stops every two hours to the meals and the accommodations and attractions. I started at the ground level. The first tour I did was the Wisconsin Dells. They started talking about Branson, and I had no idea where Branson was. I was new to the travel world but enjoyed it immensely and everything just kept growing from that point on.
I got to plan group tours on motorcoaches, I got to escort some of the tours, and from there I went into the international side of it and that’s where my passion really grew. I’ve been involved in the travel business for 18 years and always with a company that had a focus on tours for Christian groups.
Group Tour Spotlight: So when did you start your company, Faith Travel Development & Consulting?
Brodhecker: In February of 2007.
Group Tour Spotlight: What services do you provide?
Brodhecker: Faith Travel Development & Consulting was designed to assist people who had an interest in the faith-based travel market — on both sides of the fence, so to speak. Many years ago, I worked for a company and was reprimanded for being too helpful to what at that time was called the competition. And I realized that is what I really enjoy doing: to help other people realize what this is all about. So the consulting and development part of it started as a result of my networking and helping other people.
I call myself a facilitator. I can help the individual home-based travel agent understand what the faith-based market is and help them to reach out to their community and beyond to try to gather clients that would be interested in this travel market. I also can help tour operators that don’t have this type of program do the same thing — to develop it and help them market it.
I can also help the church or organization realize the value of what a travel program or a travel ministry can do for their church or organization. There are benefits on both sides, from growing the community to using travel as a means of fund-raising for projects.
On one side, I represent tour operators who are located in destinations that are important to the faith-based market. I represent a company in Turkey, a company in Greece, a company in Egypt, and through an operator here in the States I represent someone in Israel. So I do trade shows and represent their destinations and work within the U.S. market to give leads that are gathered at those trade shows to tour operators here in the States that actually can work those leads. On the Faith Travel side, I do not book groups or handle group reservations. I pass the leads on to companies that work with the people I represent. It’s unique. I don’t know of anyone else that is doing it. It saves the international operators funds because I can represent them at a show and they don’t have that travel expense. On the other side, I’m not competition to anyone in the States working with those operators because I pass the leads to them.
Group Tour Spotlight: Sounds like you’ve found a niche.
Brodhecker: It’s working.
A new venture
Group Tour Spotlight: Tell me about the new division you just launched at the World Religious Travel Association conference.
Brodhecker: The new division is called The Priscilla Woman’s Tours. It is based on the person of Priscilla from the book of Acts in the New Testament. It’s a company that will serve the ladies that want to travel — either women traveling together, women that want to travel and not be in a group of 10 percent ladies and 90 percent couples, which is the demographics of most of the tour groups. What I’m trying to create is a travel environment where women can feel comfortable traveling with other women and using the person of Priscilla as women of noble character, strong faith, and joy. The Web site is www.priscillawomantours.com.
It’s for women that may be widowed, may be single, may be divorced, may want to go somewhere with a girlfriend or a niece or a daughter, or their husband just has no interest in that destination and they just want to go and see. It’s designed for women of like faith to travel together. It’s not necessarily that all tours will be to destinations of the Bible, but it’s women who will travel together for fun, fellowship, and spiritual enrichment. There will be some times when a tour will be created — I’m using the phrase, Priscilla can invite her Aquilla, which was Priscilla’s husband in the New Testament.
Gigi Graham, the daughter of Dr. Billy Graham, will travel on some of our tours. An author, who is a 9/11 widow, will go with us. I have a performing artist who does drama and re-creates characters from the Bible or historical women in costume and will provide music.
Group Tour Spotlight: Why did you develop The Priscilla Woman’s Tours?
Brodhecker: I listened to people talk about how they like to travel. Through the years, as I have escorted many groups to many different places, sometimes the ladies will fit in very well. And sometimes I can see them pulling back a little bit. So through conversation of hearing a need and basically it was an idea that came to me one morning as I was preparing to meet a friend for breakfast. I thought, no, I’m not going to do that. But it was an idea that just would not leave me. It was something that I felt I needed to develop, and it spiraled from there.
I’ve gotten very, very positive comments from everyone.
Every tour will be built with a commission for travel people who want to sell into the tour. And we will create tours for women’s groups using the artist and contacts we have to make it very special for them.
Read the rest of the article at
http://www.grouptour.com/spotlight/detail.php?recid=455&issue=412
Cindi Brodhecker
Faith Travel Development & Consulting
The Priscilla Woman’s Tours
263 Ridge Ave.
Ephrata, PA 17522
(717) 733-1655
www.faithtraveldevelopment.com
www.priscillawomantours.com
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
NTA and UMA to Co-Locate Trade Shows in 2013
NTA and UMA to Co-Locate Trade Shows in 2013
Leisure Group Travel - Willowbrook,IL,USA
The World Religious Travel Association, which is co-locating its 2009 World Religious Travel Expo for the first time with NTA's Convention in Reno, Nov. ...
Leisure Group Travel - Willowbrook,IL,USA
The World Religious Travel Association, which is co-locating its 2009 World Religious Travel Expo for the first time with NTA's Convention in Reno, Nov. ...
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tauck Launches First-Ever Israel Tour
Tauck Launches First-Ever Israel Tour Insite Religious Travel ...
By admin Tauck World Discovery launches its first-ever tour to Israel.
Insite Religious Travel Directory - http://insite.religioustraveldirectory.com/
By admin Tauck World Discovery launches its first-ever tour to Israel.
Insite Religious Travel Directory - http://insite.religioustraveldirectory.com/
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
PASTORS, MINISTRY LEADERS & THOSE INTERESTED IN FAITH-BASED TRAVEL INVITED TO WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO
PASTORS, MINISTRY LEADERS & THOSE INTERESTED IN FAITH-BASED TRAVEL REGISTER TODAY! FOR THE WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
Have you continued to do the same trips year after year? Are you looking to plan new, exciting trips that will entice new members of your fellowship to travel? If so, we would love to invite you to attend the first-ever travel show for religious leaders and faith-based travelers- the World Religious Travel Expo.
Why Attend this Year?
Explore the diverse world of faith-based travel including pilgrimages, mission trips, Volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, and more
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
Have you continued to do the same trips year after year? Are you looking to plan new, exciting trips that will entice new members of your fellowship to travel? If so, we would love to invite you to attend the first-ever travel show for religious leaders and faith-based travelers- the World Religious Travel Expo.
Why Attend this Year?
Explore the diverse world of faith-based travel including pilgrimages, mission trips, Volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, and more
- Discover how to build a thriving travel program/ministry
- Meet personally with tourism/travel officials from Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Cyprus,
- Greece,Turkey, Switzerland, Britain, Scotland, Korea, India, Pakistan & more
- Discuss opportunities with missionary travel companies such as MTS Travel and volunteer vacation companies such as Lifetree Adventures
- Plan trips with leading pilgrimage tour companies such as Regina Tours, Unitours, as well as overseas Christian tour companies from Palestine, Turkey, Africa, Greece, Germany, and much more
- Explore Christian and faith-based attractions such as TBN's The Holy Land Experience, and The Shrine of Christ's Passion
- Design a fellowship cruise with faith-based cruise companies such as Premier Christian Cruises
- Discuss opportunities with retreat conference centers such as Lifeway Conference Centers
- Get ready for Oberammergau with The German National Tourist Office, as well as other local German tourism officials who can help you plan and prepare for your trip to next year's renowned Passion Play
- Tickets purchased in advance are $20...plus you get an autographed copy of The Christian Travel Planner! Books are limited so please fax back the below registration today to ensure your copy.
Tickets at the door are $35 (book not included).
FAX YOUR REGISTRATION TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR BOOK! (859.226.4434)
Download your registration.
Questions or would you like to register over the phone? Contact WRTA/Expo Staff at 859.226.4203 or visit
Monday, October 26, 2009
Lifetree Adventures Announces South Africa Christian Travel Itinerary for 2010
Read full/original release at http://www.pr-inside.com/print1533822.htm
Lifetree Adventures Announces South Africa Christian Travel Itinerary for 2010
2009-10-19 Lifetree Adventures on this Christian travel adventure will assist patients, visit homes to distribute health information, care for orphans and conduct life-skills lessons in the schools.
Loveland, CO, October 19, 2009 -- Today Lifetree Adventures announced its upcoming South Africa trip will take place January 30-February 12, 2010. This South African Christian travel opportunity combines sites like Robben Island with service days that will be spent assisting patients, visit homes and caring for orphans.
As a Lifetree Adventures volunteer, Christian travelers will be working at the front line of the greatest crisis facing South Africa, and the entire African continent: AIDS. Millions of people live with HIV in South Africa, and nearly a thousand people die as a result of AIDS every day. These people are not just numbers. They are individuals, precious in the sight of God, and with the same hopes and dreams that we all share.
Thankfully, this massive tragedy is being addressed with a practical demonstration of Christ’s love at the Living Hope Community Center in Cape Town. The Center assists community members to overcome the root causes of poverty and AIDS. Through early education at kids clubs, life skills training and healthcare centers for HIV and AIDS patients, Living Hope has become an active part of the community.
They will also help with a VBS-like kids club, sharing songs, reading stories and distributing snacks. While volunteers help the kids with fun craft projects, their parents can undergo life-saving blood tests. Other service opportunities include abstinence education, light maintenance, and helping out with youth sports. This promises to be a challenging adventure, but one where compassionate service will be remembered for a long time.
South Africa Christian Travel Itinerary:
DAY 1 Arrive in Cape Town and then transfer to our partner’s boarding house for dinner and orientation
DAY 2 Sunday church service and ministry tour including Cape Point and African Penguin colony
DAY 3-8 Service days will be spent assisting patients, visit homes, caring for orphans, running kids clubs while parents undergo blood tests, light maintenance projects, and sports camps
DAY 9 Morning ferry to Robben Island, V & A waterfront outing and afternoon visit to Table Mountain
DAY 10 Service projects
DAY 11 A free day to explore Cape Town followed by final dinner with our partners and new friends
DAY 12 Depart Cape Town for U.S
To learn more about this new Christian travel opportunity in South Africa visit: www.lifetreeadventures.com/SouthAfrica.aspx or call 800-747-2157.
Lifetree Adventures is a division of Group Workcamps Foundation, a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian travel trips for youth and adults for over 30 years. Lifetree offers Christian travel options to South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Peru, Guatemala, Israel, New Orleans, Mazatlan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Fiji and Vanuatu with new destinations being constantly added. Through Group Workcamps, over 250,000 volunteers have provided more than 7 million hours of volunteer service to projects in hundreds of U.S. and international locations. www.lifetreeadventures.com
Contact:
Alexia Nestora
Lifetree Adventures
27 Long Spur
Littleton, CO 80127
303-898-3376
http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/
Lifetree Adventures Announces South Africa Christian Travel Itinerary for 2010
2009-10-19 Lifetree Adventures on this Christian travel adventure will assist patients, visit homes to distribute health information, care for orphans and conduct life-skills lessons in the schools.
Loveland, CO, October 19, 2009 -- Today Lifetree Adventures announced its upcoming South Africa trip will take place January 30-February 12, 2010. This South African Christian travel opportunity combines sites like Robben Island with service days that will be spent assisting patients, visit homes and caring for orphans.
As a Lifetree Adventures volunteer, Christian travelers will be working at the front line of the greatest crisis facing South Africa, and the entire African continent: AIDS. Millions of people live with HIV in South Africa, and nearly a thousand people die as a result of AIDS every day. These people are not just numbers. They are individuals, precious in the sight of God, and with the same hopes and dreams that we all share.
Thankfully, this massive tragedy is being addressed with a practical demonstration of Christ’s love at the Living Hope Community Center in Cape Town. The Center assists community members to overcome the root causes of poverty and AIDS. Through early education at kids clubs, life skills training and healthcare centers for HIV and AIDS patients, Living Hope has become an active part of the community.
They will also help with a VBS-like kids club, sharing songs, reading stories and distributing snacks. While volunteers help the kids with fun craft projects, their parents can undergo life-saving blood tests. Other service opportunities include abstinence education, light maintenance, and helping out with youth sports. This promises to be a challenging adventure, but one where compassionate service will be remembered for a long time.
South Africa Christian Travel Itinerary:
DAY 1 Arrive in Cape Town and then transfer to our partner’s boarding house for dinner and orientation
DAY 2 Sunday church service and ministry tour including Cape Point and African Penguin colony
DAY 3-8 Service days will be spent assisting patients, visit homes, caring for orphans, running kids clubs while parents undergo blood tests, light maintenance projects, and sports camps
DAY 9 Morning ferry to Robben Island, V & A waterfront outing and afternoon visit to Table Mountain
DAY 10 Service projects
DAY 11 A free day to explore Cape Town followed by final dinner with our partners and new friends
DAY 12 Depart Cape Town for U.S
To learn more about this new Christian travel opportunity in South Africa visit: www.lifetreeadventures.com/SouthAfrica.aspx or call 800-747-2157.
Lifetree Adventures is a division of Group Workcamps Foundation, a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian travel trips for youth and adults for over 30 years. Lifetree offers Christian travel options to South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Peru, Guatemala, Israel, New Orleans, Mazatlan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Fiji and Vanuatu with new destinations being constantly added. Through Group Workcamps, over 250,000 volunteers have provided more than 7 million hours of volunteer service to projects in hundreds of U.S. and international locations. www.lifetreeadventures.com
Contact:
Alexia Nestora
Lifetree Adventures
27 Long Spur
Littleton, CO 80127
303-898-3376
http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/
Pilgrims Prosper: Faith-Based Travel Proves Recession-Resistant
Read full story at http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/pilgrims_prosper
BY Tim Drake
Register Senior Writer
October 18-24, 2009 Issue
In a recent Gallup Poll, 42% of respondents said that they had delayed a vacation over the past 60 days in order to help make ends meet. Yet, despite the economic downturn, experts expect 2010 and 2011 to be banner years for religious travel.
Kevin Wright, president and founder of the World Religious Travel Association, said that the next two years look to be “fascinating” for Catholic and religious travel. “Tour operators expect 500,000 visitors for the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which only happens every decade,” he said. In addition, noted Wright, Spain has declared 2010 a holy year because the feast of St. James, July 25, falls on a Sunday, which means that many will be traveling to Santiago de Compostela, whose cathedral has a relic of St. James the Apostle.
According to Wright, religious tourism is, in fact, one of the oldest forms of tourism. “The first tour operator was Thomas Cook, a Baptist minister from England,” said Wright. “He took the first group to the Holy Land in 1861.” Cook’s business has grown into what is now one of the world’s largest travel agencies. Those who conduct tours say they’ve seen many changes since 1861.
Nick Mancino, president of New York-based Regina Tours, which leads between 150 to 200 tours per year, has also seen many changes over the past two decades. “Up until about 10 years ago, the Holy Land was one of the last places Catholics thought about going,” said Mancino. “But since the popes [Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI] have gone there, it has become a more popular destination.”
Other changes Mancino has seen include an increase in younger pilgrims and a desire for a more comfortable experience.
“In the old days, travelers went for two or three weeks. Because of cost and time, most travelers were retired,” said Mancino. “Now, younger people are traveling, and most travelers are going for only eight to 10 days at a time.”
“Thirty-five years ago, people didn’t care how they flew or where they stayed,” said Mancino. “Now, they’re more prone to ask how they’ll get there and whether the hotel is a one-star or four-star hotel.”
BY Tim Drake
Register Senior Writer
October 18-24, 2009 Issue
In a recent Gallup Poll, 42% of respondents said that they had delayed a vacation over the past 60 days in order to help make ends meet. Yet, despite the economic downturn, experts expect 2010 and 2011 to be banner years for religious travel.
Kevin Wright, president and founder of the World Religious Travel Association, said that the next two years look to be “fascinating” for Catholic and religious travel. “Tour operators expect 500,000 visitors for the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which only happens every decade,” he said. In addition, noted Wright, Spain has declared 2010 a holy year because the feast of St. James, July 25, falls on a Sunday, which means that many will be traveling to Santiago de Compostela, whose cathedral has a relic of St. James the Apostle.
According to Wright, religious tourism is, in fact, one of the oldest forms of tourism. “The first tour operator was Thomas Cook, a Baptist minister from England,” said Wright. “He took the first group to the Holy Land in 1861.” Cook’s business has grown into what is now one of the world’s largest travel agencies. Those who conduct tours say they’ve seen many changes since 1861.
Nick Mancino, president of New York-based Regina Tours, which leads between 150 to 200 tours per year, has also seen many changes over the past two decades. “Up until about 10 years ago, the Holy Land was one of the last places Catholics thought about going,” said Mancino. “But since the popes [Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI] have gone there, it has become a more popular destination.”
Other changes Mancino has seen include an increase in younger pilgrims and a desire for a more comfortable experience.
“In the old days, travelers went for two or three weeks. Because of cost and time, most travelers were retired,” said Mancino. “Now, younger people are traveling, and most travelers are going for only eight to 10 days at a time.”
“Thirty-five years ago, people didn’t care how they flew or where they stayed,” said Mancino. “Now, they’re more prone to ask how they’ll get there and whether the hotel is a one-star or four-star hotel.”
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Israel Tourism enjoys similar numbers in August 2009 to August 2008
Read full story at
http://www.travelagentcentral.com/israel/israel-tourism-bounces-back-17384
More than a quarter million tourists visited Israel in August 2009, a similar number to August 2008, according to Arie Sommer, Israel Tourism Commissioner, North and South America.
http://www.travelagentcentral.com/israel/israel-tourism-bounces-back-17384
More than a quarter million tourists visited Israel in August 2009, a similar number to August 2008, according to Arie Sommer, Israel Tourism Commissioner, North and South America.
ASTA’s IDE 2010: Discover How to Build a Thriving Faith-based Travel Program Centered on the World's Top Religious Sites in the Holy Land
Read full story at http://www.asta.org/News/PRDetail.cfm?itemnumber=5937
Niche Session
Discover How to Build a Thriving Faith-based Travel Program Centered on the World's Top Religious Sites in the Middle East and Holy Land.
Moderator: Kevin J. Wright, President - World Religious Travel Association.
Panelists will include leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern Destinations.
Travel agents will discover how to develop a thriving and diverse faith-based travel program centered on the great religious itineraries stretching across these ancient and biblically-rich lands such as Turkey, Armenia, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, and much more. Attendees will return home equipped with the much-needed knowledge and strategies to immediately impact their faith-based travel program, no matter whether they are new to religious tourism or a long-term expert.
Qualified travel agents and journalists who register to attend IDE will also receive free accommodation for the four nights of the conference, April 19-22, in Istanbul. Check www.ASTA.org/expo to register for IDE and see which hotels are available. For more information or to register, go to ASTA.org/events.
ABOUT ASTA
ASTA's (American Society of Travel Agents) mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable, growing and a rewarding place to work, invest and do business.
Niche Session
Discover How to Build a Thriving Faith-based Travel Program Centered on the World's Top Religious Sites in the Middle East and Holy Land.
Moderator: Kevin J. Wright, President - World Religious Travel Association.
Panelists will include leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern Destinations.
Travel agents will discover how to develop a thriving and diverse faith-based travel program centered on the great religious itineraries stretching across these ancient and biblically-rich lands such as Turkey, Armenia, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, and much more. Attendees will return home equipped with the much-needed knowledge and strategies to immediately impact their faith-based travel program, no matter whether they are new to religious tourism or a long-term expert.
Qualified travel agents and journalists who register to attend IDE will also receive free accommodation for the four nights of the conference, April 19-22, in Istanbul. Check www.ASTA.org/expo to register for IDE and see which hotels are available. For more information or to register, go to ASTA.org/events.
ABOUT ASTA
ASTA's (American Society of Travel Agents) mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable, growing and a rewarding place to work, invest and do business.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Thousands of Christian pilgrims arrive to fulfill ancient Succot prophesy
Source: Jerusalem Post
Read full story at:
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1254673317623&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
The Ministry of Tourism said this "Feast of the Tabernacle" is the largest annual tourist event that occurs in Israel and that the boost to the local economy is expected to be between $16 and $18 million.
"Christian tourism to Israel, in all its streams, represents one of our most important targets," said Tourism Minister Stash Misezhnikov in a press statement regarding the celebration.
Read full story at:
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1254673317623&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
The Ministry of Tourism said this "Feast of the Tabernacle" is the largest annual tourist event that occurs in Israel and that the boost to the local economy is expected to be between $16 and $18 million.
"Christian tourism to Israel, in all its streams, represents one of our most important targets," said Tourism Minister Stash Misezhnikov in a press statement regarding the celebration.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
NTA Can Open Door to Tour Sales
Read full story at http://www.travelagentcentral.com/home-based/conferences/nta-can-open-door-tour-sales-17797
More good news. The NTA – one of the largest and best-managed associations – has co-locating the conference with the World Religious Travel Association's (WRTA) Expo. This gives tour operators the opportunity to enhance their market share and grow their faith-based product line. Like the China inbound market, faith based products are a growing and lucrative market. The NTA hopes that tour operators can enhance their market share and grow their faith-based product line. WRTA expects about 100 exhibitors representing a variety of travel companies and destinations specializing in faith-based travel.
More good news. The NTA – one of the largest and best-managed associations – has co-locating the conference with the World Religious Travel Association's (WRTA) Expo. This gives tour operators the opportunity to enhance their market share and grow their faith-based product line. Like the China inbound market, faith based products are a growing and lucrative market. The NTA hopes that tour operators can enhance their market share and grow their faith-based product line. WRTA expects about 100 exhibitors representing a variety of travel companies and destinations specializing in faith-based travel.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Cyprus tourism eyes options as temperatures inch higher
Read full story at http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/climate-change/stories/cyprus-tourism-eyes-options-as-temperatures-inch-higher
The Mediterranean basin may need to shift its marketing focus into niche markets like cultural and religious tourism as its appeal as a sunny holiday destination diminishes.
Cyprus has a tourism intake of more than 2 million each year, attracted by its almost year-round sunshine and stunning beaches. The sector represents about 11 percent of its economy. But its key selling point, the sun, could be a malady if forecasts on changing weather patterns prove to be correct.
Industry stakeholders and scientists have launched a dialogue on how the tourism sector fits in to the changing weather landscape. That could include shifting marketing focus into niche markets like cultural and religious tourism.
The Mediterranean basin may need to shift its marketing focus into niche markets like cultural and religious tourism as its appeal as a sunny holiday destination diminishes.
Cyprus has a tourism intake of more than 2 million each year, attracted by its almost year-round sunshine and stunning beaches. The sector represents about 11 percent of its economy. But its key selling point, the sun, could be a malady if forecasts on changing weather patterns prove to be correct.
Industry stakeholders and scientists have launched a dialogue on how the tourism sector fits in to the changing weather landscape. That could include shifting marketing focus into niche markets like cultural and religious tourism.
Doing Jordan justice including through religious tourism
Read full story at http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/article-5817-doing-jordan-justice/
As mentioned by Herzog, Jordan is focused on developing alternative tourism streams. Under the National Tourism Strategy, which was developed with the assistance of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Jordan was well-advised to focus on niche hospitality offerings to target religious-, eco-, adventure- and cultural- tourists, who consistently spend more and in turn enjoy an enhanced visitor experience, reports Euromonitor.
As mentioned by Herzog, Jordan is focused on developing alternative tourism streams. Under the National Tourism Strategy, which was developed with the assistance of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Jordan was well-advised to focus on niche hospitality offerings to target religious-, eco-, adventure- and cultural- tourists, who consistently spend more and in turn enjoy an enhanced visitor experience, reports Euromonitor.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
TYPHOON KETSANA LEAVES THE PHILLIPPINES, EN-ROUTE TO VIETNAM
Contaminated Water, Mosquito-Borne Diseases a Health Hazard for Traveling Volunteers
BALTIMORE- 9/29/09- After Ketsana plowed through Philippines throughout the weekend many Filipinos experienced something they had never seen before: In Manila, streets were flooded to the highest levels ever recorded; and inside its houses, citizens dealt with water that rose up to 4 feet. Rivers and creeks, swollen after 24-hours rains that dumped more than a month's worth of average rainfall, flooded about 80 per cent of the city in which 15 million people live.
“It always saddens us to hear news like this,” said Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health, the nation’s leading provider of travel medical services and immunizations. “We were first respondents after the Katrina disaster and know first hand how devastating a [typhoon] can be. Our priority right now is to make sure that Typhoon Ketsana Volunteers leaving for The Philippines and Vietnam take adequate measures so that they do not succumb to illness,” she added. Passport Health keeps up-to date health alerts for all international travelers
On a recent interview with Voice of America, Stephen Anderson, the United Nations World Food Program's country director in Manila, compared the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana to Hurricane Katrina." It was more rain in fact than Hurricane Katrina and you know up to 20 feet of water engulfed some parts of Manila, especially the low lying areas," he stated. The Philippines are not out of the woods yet as another major storm is expected to enter Philippine waters on Thursday and make landfall later in the week on the northern island of Luzon; the same way Ketsana made landfall.
So far the death toll has risen to 240 people and over 1.9 million people were affected and 375,000 abandoned their homes and taken refuge in evacuation center because of Typhoon Ketsana, which also destroyed or damage 3,000 houses.
“There is great need for volunteers,” continued Lessans. “Precautionary measures to consider when entering areas affected by Typhoon Ketsana include:
Up-to-date vaccinations:
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertusis (TDaP)
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid Fever
Japanese Encephalitis (depending on location)
Malaria Prophylaxes
Water Purification Devices
Wound Care Kits
Anti-Diarrhea Prophylaxes, Medications, and oral rehydration solutions
“Passport Health will make recommendations for vaccines, portable water purifiers, and food, water and mosquito-borne illnesses for each volunteer. In these situations conditions are less than sanitary and we want to make sure no one gets sick. Clean water is an issue right now,” she concluded.
Passport Health supplied, on short notice, doctors and nurses to postal and publishing facilities along the east coast after the Anthrax attack of 2001. Additionally the company prepared relief workers and relatives of victims of the Tsunami in Indonesia. After hurricane Katrina, Passport Health nurses were deployed to the Gulf Coast to vaccinate utility and relief workers. Passport Health nurses also supplied free flu shots to residents and Emergency Response Teams affected by the recent California wild fires.
Jorge Eduardo Castillo
Jorge.castillo@passporthealthusa.com
410.727.0556
BALTIMORE- 9/29/09- After Ketsana plowed through Philippines throughout the weekend many Filipinos experienced something they had never seen before: In Manila, streets were flooded to the highest levels ever recorded; and inside its houses, citizens dealt with water that rose up to 4 feet. Rivers and creeks, swollen after 24-hours rains that dumped more than a month's worth of average rainfall, flooded about 80 per cent of the city in which 15 million people live.
“It always saddens us to hear news like this,” said Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health, the nation’s leading provider of travel medical services and immunizations. “We were first respondents after the Katrina disaster and know first hand how devastating a [typhoon] can be. Our priority right now is to make sure that Typhoon Ketsana Volunteers leaving for The Philippines and Vietnam take adequate measures so that they do not succumb to illness,” she added. Passport Health keeps up-to date health alerts for all international travelers
On a recent interview with Voice of America, Stephen Anderson, the United Nations World Food Program's country director in Manila, compared the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana to Hurricane Katrina." It was more rain in fact than Hurricane Katrina and you know up to 20 feet of water engulfed some parts of Manila, especially the low lying areas," he stated. The Philippines are not out of the woods yet as another major storm is expected to enter Philippine waters on Thursday and make landfall later in the week on the northern island of Luzon; the same way Ketsana made landfall.
So far the death toll has risen to 240 people and over 1.9 million people were affected and 375,000 abandoned their homes and taken refuge in evacuation center because of Typhoon Ketsana, which also destroyed or damage 3,000 houses.
“There is great need for volunteers,” continued Lessans. “Precautionary measures to consider when entering areas affected by Typhoon Ketsana include:
Up-to-date vaccinations:
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertusis (TDaP)
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid Fever
Japanese Encephalitis (depending on location)
Malaria Prophylaxes
Water Purification Devices
Wound Care Kits
Anti-Diarrhea Prophylaxes, Medications, and oral rehydration solutions
“Passport Health will make recommendations for vaccines, portable water purifiers, and food, water and mosquito-borne illnesses for each volunteer. In these situations conditions are less than sanitary and we want to make sure no one gets sick. Clean water is an issue right now,” she concluded.
Passport Health supplied, on short notice, doctors and nurses to postal and publishing facilities along the east coast after the Anthrax attack of 2001. Additionally the company prepared relief workers and relatives of victims of the Tsunami in Indonesia. After hurricane Katrina, Passport Health nurses were deployed to the Gulf Coast to vaccinate utility and relief workers. Passport Health nurses also supplied free flu shots to residents and Emergency Response Teams affected by the recent California wild fires.
Jorge Eduardo Castillo
Jorge.castillo@passporthealthusa.com
410.727.0556
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Lifetree Adventures Announces New Christian Travel Destinations
Loveland, CO (OPENPRESS) September 25, 2009 --
Lifetree Adventures today announced their Christian travel destinations for 2010. With 16 destinations including Vanuatu and Peru there is now a destination for everyone.Volunteers will be able to walk among biblical ruins and help bring in a harvest to feed hungry Israeli children, or live on an Amazon riverboat cruising up the Ucayali River and then stopping at an Indian village to help build their church.The 16 Christian travel destinations for 2010 include:
Alaska Christian Travel ItineraryVolunteers will journey into the Alaskan bush where they will live in a village and work alongside men, women, and their families. Experience everyday life in the Alaskan wild, and spend time learning about their traditions. Life in the village is very hard, and the time volunteers spend with them, showing God’s love to these amazing people, will make a difference for years to come.
http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/alaskafamily.asp...
Costa Rica Christian Travel ItineraryFrom cool, moist rainforests to sun-kissed beaches, Costa Rica offers something for everyone seeking adventure. This land is stunningly beautiful and peaceful—there hasn’t been an army in Costa Rica since 1949. http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/costarica.aspx
Egypt Christian Travel ItineraryVolunteers will see the Great Pyramid, the only Ancient Seven Wonders of the World” still standing, ride by camel among the pyramids, walk through massive temples in Luxor, and be transported back to a time when pharaohs ruled the land. http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/egypt.aspx
Israel Christian Travel ItineraryIn Israel the word “old” should be used sparingly— most of its cities’ ages are counted not in centuries, but in millennia. Israel is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and of course there is Jerusalem—a historical and spiritual home to the three main religions of the world. Christian travelers with Lifetree will serve in homes and help at a food bank. http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/israel.aspx
Kenya Christian Travel ItineraryIn the capital city of Nairobi, volunteers will work alongside Christ’s followers who selflessly help some of the city’s poorest people. The work that needs to be done includes: feeding programs, healthcare, vocational education, providing homes for children of parents who have died of AIDS, and empowering church leaders with training seminars. http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/kenya.aspx
Mazatlan Christian Travel ItineraryVolunteers will make a real difference in Mazatlan as they help build a home for a well-deserving family. Not only will they learn a couple of new skills, they’ll dig into the Mexican culture and feel at home in a suburb of Mazatlan. You’ll make new friends as you work alongside the people who will live in the house once it’s done. And you’ll take home wonderful memories of your service to people in need. It will be an unforgettable trip. http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/mazatlan.aspx
Peru Christian Travel ItineraryFor over 25 years Group Workcamp’s ministry partners have been reaching the people of the Ucayali River by boat. But recently they completed a new, large sailing vessel—the Evangelista—to expand their work of bringing the good news to the people on the river. This boat will be travelers’ home away from home. Be a part of a ministry expedition to serve, share experiences, and even learn from villagers. Volunteers will help educate, develop relationships, take part in construction projects, be a part of church activities, and micro-business development will make an impact on the community. http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/peru.aspx
For more information, or to reserve a spot on the new Christian travel itineraries, travel agents and travelers can go to http://www.lifetreeadventures.com or call 800-747-2157 Monday through Friday MST.Lifetree Adventures is a new division of Group Workcamps Foundation, a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian travel trips for youth and adults for over 30 years.
Lifetree offers Christian travel options to Kenya, Thailand, Peru, New Orleans, Israel, Mazatlan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Uganda and Vanuatu with new destinations being constantly added. Through Group Workcamps, over 250,000 volunteers have provided more than 7 million hours of volunteer service to projects in hundreds of U.S. and international locations.Contact:Michelle Clavijo-DiazLifetree AdventuresLoveland, CO800-747-2157 http://www.lifetreeadventures.com .
###
Lifetree Adventures today announced their Christian travel destinations for 2010. With 16 destinations including Vanuatu and Peru there is now a destination for everyone.Volunteers will be able to walk among biblical ruins and help bring in a harvest to feed hungry Israeli children, or live on an Amazon riverboat cruising up the Ucayali River and then stopping at an Indian village to help build their church.The 16 Christian travel destinations for 2010 include:
Alaska Christian Travel ItineraryVolunteers will journey into the Alaskan bush where they will live in a village and work alongside men, women, and their families. Experience everyday life in the Alaskan wild, and spend time learning about their traditions. Life in the village is very hard, and the time volunteers spend with them, showing God’s love to these amazing people, will make a difference for years to come.
http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/alaskafamily.asp...
Costa Rica Christian Travel ItineraryFrom cool, moist rainforests to sun-kissed beaches, Costa Rica offers something for everyone seeking adventure. This land is stunningly beautiful and peaceful—there hasn’t been an army in Costa Rica since 1949. http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/costarica.aspx
Egypt Christian Travel ItineraryVolunteers will see the Great Pyramid, the only Ancient Seven Wonders of the World” still standing, ride by camel among the pyramids, walk through massive temples in Luxor, and be transported back to a time when pharaohs ruled the land. http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/egypt.aspx
Israel Christian Travel ItineraryIn Israel the word “old” should be used sparingly— most of its cities’ ages are counted not in centuries, but in millennia. Israel is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and of course there is Jerusalem—a historical and spiritual home to the three main religions of the world. Christian travelers with Lifetree will serve in homes and help at a food bank. http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/israel.aspx
Kenya Christian Travel ItineraryIn the capital city of Nairobi, volunteers will work alongside Christ’s followers who selflessly help some of the city’s poorest people. The work that needs to be done includes: feeding programs, healthcare, vocational education, providing homes for children of parents who have died of AIDS, and empowering church leaders with training seminars. http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/kenya.aspx
Mazatlan Christian Travel ItineraryVolunteers will make a real difference in Mazatlan as they help build a home for a well-deserving family. Not only will they learn a couple of new skills, they’ll dig into the Mexican culture and feel at home in a suburb of Mazatlan. You’ll make new friends as you work alongside the people who will live in the house once it’s done. And you’ll take home wonderful memories of your service to people in need. It will be an unforgettable trip. http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/mazatlan.aspx
Peru Christian Travel ItineraryFor over 25 years Group Workcamp’s ministry partners have been reaching the people of the Ucayali River by boat. But recently they completed a new, large sailing vessel—the Evangelista—to expand their work of bringing the good news to the people on the river. This boat will be travelers’ home away from home. Be a part of a ministry expedition to serve, share experiences, and even learn from villagers. Volunteers will help educate, develop relationships, take part in construction projects, be a part of church activities, and micro-business development will make an impact on the community. http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/peru.aspx
For more information, or to reserve a spot on the new Christian travel itineraries, travel agents and travelers can go to http://www.lifetreeadventures.com or call 800-747-2157 Monday through Friday MST.Lifetree Adventures is a new division of Group Workcamps Foundation, a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian travel trips for youth and adults for over 30 years.
Lifetree offers Christian travel options to Kenya, Thailand, Peru, New Orleans, Israel, Mazatlan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Uganda and Vanuatu with new destinations being constantly added. Through Group Workcamps, over 250,000 volunteers have provided more than 7 million hours of volunteer service to projects in hundreds of U.S. and international locations.Contact:Michelle Clavijo-DiazLifetree AdventuresLoveland, CO800-747-2157 http://www.lifetreeadventures.com .
###
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Release- World Religious Travel Expo Provides an Opportunity to Increase Revenues Twelve-fold and Profits Four-fold
World Religious Travel Expo Provides an Opportunity
to Increase Revenues Twelve-fold and Profits Four-fold
LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 24, 2009) – Numbers don’t lie. A landmark study finds that for every dollar invested in travel for face-to-face meetings, companies can expect an average twelve-fold increase ($12.50) in revenues and four-fold increase ($3.80) in new profits. The World Religious Travel Expo 2009 is no exception as the tradeshow presents travel providers an opportunity to dramatically increase their revenues and profits in the $18 billion faith-based travel and hospitality industry.
The study commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association and completed by global research firm Oxford Economics, shows measurable negative impacts of cutting business travel and trade show attendance from the budget:
» The average business in the U.S. would forfeit 17% of its profits in the first year by eliminating business travel
» It would take three years to recover those lost profits
“These statistics clearly demonstrate the immense value of attending tradeshows, but even more, confirm once and for all the return on investment provided to conference attendees,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “This is all the more important in the burgeoning religious travel industry, where doing business face-to-face is simply expected in this marketplace. The World Religious Travel Expo features the premier venue for buying, selling and discovering new suppliers/product ideas in faith tourism.”
The WRTA Expo is positioned to provide delegates an even higher ROI, especially when taking into account the exceptional rates to attend the Expo, as well as the very affordable overnight hotel rates. Travel agents pay just $35 (for WRTA Members) and $85 (for non-WRTA Members) to attend the World Religious Travel Expo, which includes meal functions, tradeshow floor access, educational seminars, and entertainment events. Hotel rates at the official Expo host hotel (Atlantis Resort and Spa) in Reno, Nevada, begin at just $59 per night.
WRTA is currently taking registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to once again draw hundreds of tourism organizations, travel professionals, agents, and group planners from 30-plus countries.
A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Convention ‘09, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking and access to new market opportunities.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact WRTA at: 888-255-WRTA (9872) or +1-859-219-3529
to Increase Revenues Twelve-fold and Profits Four-fold
LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 24, 2009) – Numbers don’t lie. A landmark study finds that for every dollar invested in travel for face-to-face meetings, companies can expect an average twelve-fold increase ($12.50) in revenues and four-fold increase ($3.80) in new profits. The World Religious Travel Expo 2009 is no exception as the tradeshow presents travel providers an opportunity to dramatically increase their revenues and profits in the $18 billion faith-based travel and hospitality industry.
The study commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association and completed by global research firm Oxford Economics, shows measurable negative impacts of cutting business travel and trade show attendance from the budget:
» The average business in the U.S. would forfeit 17% of its profits in the first year by eliminating business travel
» It would take three years to recover those lost profits
“These statistics clearly demonstrate the immense value of attending tradeshows, but even more, confirm once and for all the return on investment provided to conference attendees,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “This is all the more important in the burgeoning religious travel industry, where doing business face-to-face is simply expected in this marketplace. The World Religious Travel Expo features the premier venue for buying, selling and discovering new suppliers/product ideas in faith tourism.”
The WRTA Expo is positioned to provide delegates an even higher ROI, especially when taking into account the exceptional rates to attend the Expo, as well as the very affordable overnight hotel rates. Travel agents pay just $35 (for WRTA Members) and $85 (for non-WRTA Members) to attend the World Religious Travel Expo, which includes meal functions, tradeshow floor access, educational seminars, and entertainment events. Hotel rates at the official Expo host hotel (Atlantis Resort and Spa) in Reno, Nevada, begin at just $59 per night.
WRTA is currently taking registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to once again draw hundreds of tourism organizations, travel professionals, agents, and group planners from 30-plus countries.
A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Convention ‘09, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking and access to new market opportunities.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact WRTA at: 888-255-WRTA (9872) or +1-859-219-3529
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Bahamas Growing the Religious Market
Article Link: http://www.thenassauguardian.com/religion/299774866559256.php
By STAFF WRITER ~ Nassau Guardian:
The Ministry of Tourism(MOT) is taking aggressive measures to receive a chunk of the religious tourism niche market — an 18 billion dollar industry which has the potential of providing The Bahamas with year-round visitors, according to MOT's Deputy Director Religious Group Market Linville Johnson.
Johnson said his department is working along with approximately 20 denominations to increase the number of visitors who attend religious events in the country annually.
Johnson was speaking at the first annual Kingdom Seminar hosted by international author and consultant Dr. Myles Munroe at The Diplomat Centre recently.
The winter season is the peak period for visitors, but Johnson emphasized the need for year round visitors.
"We have hundreds of visitors who come to The Bahamas annually solely for religious events. It's an 18 billion dollar global market that is large and is growing. We want to be at the cutting edge of this market so that we can get our fair share and statistics show that we are one of the destinations of choice for these religious groups," he said.
Tourism's religious market is targeting large church groups by giving them the best deals possible from the MOT's website. Other activities include marketing and advertising through specialty religious magazines and public relations activities at seminars and conferences.
Research by the MOT shows that the local religious tourism market is comprised of 54 percent female, ages 18-24 and 45-54, with household income from 25,000 to 75,000. Fifty-seven percent stay an average of six nights in hotels, accounting for approximately 3,057 visitors and 18,201 room nights in 2007/08.
"For example, [Bahamas Faith Ministries Senior Pastor] Myles Munroe's annual conferences for youth, Christians and international leaders have been drawing a large segment of that market for us [and] Florida is our biggest market," said Johnson. "What we want to do now is partner with other denominations during their events to increase the numbers through hotel bookings."
Munroe's three-day kingdom seminar attracted delegates from more than 30 countries including The United States, Indonesia, Malaysia, The United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.
"It's great when I can do what I love which is teaching and at the same time be a part of tourism in this country. This is a time when people everywhere are cutting back, but this event has not been impacted by the recession. Really, this seminar is a response to a demand for the past 10 years. When I travel, people always ask me, 'When are you going to have a seminar in The Bahamas?' So this is different from the conferences, but it still attracts Christians from around the world," he said.
By STAFF WRITER ~ Nassau Guardian:
The Ministry of Tourism(MOT) is taking aggressive measures to receive a chunk of the religious tourism niche market — an 18 billion dollar industry which has the potential of providing The Bahamas with year-round visitors, according to MOT's Deputy Director Religious Group Market Linville Johnson.
Johnson said his department is working along with approximately 20 denominations to increase the number of visitors who attend religious events in the country annually.
Johnson was speaking at the first annual Kingdom Seminar hosted by international author and consultant Dr. Myles Munroe at The Diplomat Centre recently.
The winter season is the peak period for visitors, but Johnson emphasized the need for year round visitors.
"We have hundreds of visitors who come to The Bahamas annually solely for religious events. It's an 18 billion dollar global market that is large and is growing. We want to be at the cutting edge of this market so that we can get our fair share and statistics show that we are one of the destinations of choice for these religious groups," he said.
Tourism's religious market is targeting large church groups by giving them the best deals possible from the MOT's website. Other activities include marketing and advertising through specialty religious magazines and public relations activities at seminars and conferences.
Research by the MOT shows that the local religious tourism market is comprised of 54 percent female, ages 18-24 and 45-54, with household income from 25,000 to 75,000. Fifty-seven percent stay an average of six nights in hotels, accounting for approximately 3,057 visitors and 18,201 room nights in 2007/08.
"For example, [Bahamas Faith Ministries Senior Pastor] Myles Munroe's annual conferences for youth, Christians and international leaders have been drawing a large segment of that market for us [and] Florida is our biggest market," said Johnson. "What we want to do now is partner with other denominations during their events to increase the numbers through hotel bookings."
Munroe's three-day kingdom seminar attracted delegates from more than 30 countries including The United States, Indonesia, Malaysia, The United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.
"It's great when I can do what I love which is teaching and at the same time be a part of tourism in this country. This is a time when people everywhere are cutting back, but this event has not been impacted by the recession. Really, this seminar is a response to a demand for the past 10 years. When I travel, people always ask me, 'When are you going to have a seminar in The Bahamas?' So this is different from the conferences, but it still attracts Christians from around the world," he said.
NACTA Predicts Continued Growth Despite Downturn
Read full story at Travel Agent Central: http://www.travelagentcentral.com/home-based/consortia/nacta-predicts-continued-growth-despite-downturn-17144
Another initiative is NACTA’s outreach to the industry. in June NACTA had a joint program with the National Tour Association (NTA) to help build agents awareness of he importance of tour sales. This includes the first of NACTA’s "destinationals." Koepf was to develop a strong destination familiarization capability that will expose NACTA agents to popular and off beat U.S. destinations to spark sales. Currently, 22 percent of NACTA travel agents sell tours, and about 370 NTA tour operators offers agents commissionable packages.
Koepf will also be a keynote speaker for the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) Travel Expo 2009. The Travel Expo & Educational Conference will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, NV.
The Expo includes co-locating with the NTA’s convention thus offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to new market opportunities.
“We are going to make it easier and affordable for suppliers to reach out and communicate with independent agents," said Koepf. "At the same time, we are going to provide our members with access to quality supplier programs.”
Koepf believes that NACTA is positioned to help many agents regardless of business models. This includes independent contractors, outside sales agents, cruise- and tour-oriented agents, group- oriented travel professionals and traditional ARC-appointed travel agencies that provide services and support to such professionals. NACTA itself was established in 1986 and is an affiliate of ASTA.
NACTA’s program runs the gamut of services from a new membership kit and lapel pin to access to NACTA’s Seminars at Sea, Land Fams, Destinationals, host and supplier webinars, the popular NACTA AgentDigest, special pricing and discounts including travel insurance from Travel Insured and access to CLIA and ASTA programs. NACTA annual dues are $95 (plus $50 for first year activation).
A gifted speaker and mentor to agents, Koepf’s goal is to make NACTA members the beneficiaries of the finest learning experiences available and to be a true support group that helps agents build their businesses and professional skills.
NACTA is for travel agents serious about their careers and who can see beyond the current economic downturn to long-term professional growth opportunities, Koepf believes. “NACTA membership rewards agents who make a true commitment of time and talent, a commitment to sharing ideas and experience and a commitment to professional growth,” he said.
Grand Bahama Island & Religious Tourism Six Goals
Read full story at http://www.bahamaislandsinfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3637:gb-port-authority-president-addresses-national-empowerment-seminar&catid=33:News%20&%20Info%20about%20Grand%20Bahama&Itemid=146
The nation benefits immeasurably when Godly people gather to pray and discuss issues central to transforming the human condition. In addition, the economic benefits are potentially huge if we are minded to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors motivated by our many events and our spiritual heritage. Religious Tourism I’m told is an 18 billion dollar industry.
The Bahamas religious history, geographical location and strong spiritual foundation make us ideal for setting up multi-purpose facilities, to accommodate:
1. Small or Mega Christian conferences
2. Mega gospel concerts
3. Christian camps or retreat facilities
4. Christian cruises throughout the islands, originating in Freeport
5. Christian tours exploring Bahamian churches, religious rituals, Bahamian burials and a multi-media history of religion in the Bahamas .
6. A full Christian village that reflects Christian motifs, art, family friendly facilities and events
The nation benefits immeasurably when Godly people gather to pray and discuss issues central to transforming the human condition. In addition, the economic benefits are potentially huge if we are minded to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors motivated by our many events and our spiritual heritage. Religious Tourism I’m told is an 18 billion dollar industry.
The Bahamas religious history, geographical location and strong spiritual foundation make us ideal for setting up multi-purpose facilities, to accommodate:
1. Small or Mega Christian conferences
2. Mega gospel concerts
3. Christian camps or retreat facilities
4. Christian cruises throughout the islands, originating in Freeport
5. Christian tours exploring Bahamian churches, religious rituals, Bahamian burials and a multi-media history of religion in the Bahamas .
6. A full Christian village that reflects Christian motifs, art, family friendly facilities and events
Rolle highlights potential of religious tourism in Grand Bahamas
Article link:
http://freeport.nassauguardian.net/national_local/299644510080916.php
Some suggestions on how Grand Bahama can use its religious background to try to attract more visitors to its shores were presented by the President of the Grand Bah-ama Port Authority (GBPA) Ian Rolle on Tuesday.
Rolle was one of the speakers at Tuesday's National Empowerment Summit wh-ich was hosted by the Bah-amas Christian Council.
Pointing out that religious tourism is an $18 billion industry, the GBPA president said the economic benefits are potentially huge if the island is able to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors motivated by its many religious events and its spiritual heritage.
The Bahamas' religious history, geographical location and strong spiritual foundation make it ideal for setting up multi-purpose facilities to accommodate small or mega Christian conferences and gospel concerts, Christian camps or retreat facilities and Christian cruises throughout the islands, originating in Freeport, Rolle said.
Christian tours exploring Bahamian churches, religious rituals, Bahamian burials and a multi-media history of religion in the Bahamas and even a full Christian village that reflects Christian motifs, art, family friendly facilities and events can also be developed, he added.
Noting that the revitalization of Grand Bahama will require a collaborative effort, Rolle said the GBPA is happy to partner with the Christian Council.
"We are all in this together and with God's help we will emerge stronger as a community," he said.
The GBPA is also working with The Ministry of Tourism and The Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board on several levels, he furthered, to refine, package and market the tourism product in Grand Bahama.
"Tremendous focus has been placed on making travel to our shores and the enjoyment of the product more affordable to our potential guests from around the world."
The GBPA also has as one of its goals to increase Bahamian ownership within the economy and is committed to putting the people of Grand Bahama in a position where they are the main agent determining their own success and destiny, he said.
It is understood that in order for empowerment to take place, he added, citizens must have access to information about opportunities, cha-llenges, where to go for help and what procedures they must follow to achieve their goals.
"Our people must have access to decision making bodies to weigh in on the governance of their institutions and communities. Ultimately they must have access to resources to realize their aspirations," he said.
"Daily we are working to ensure that these conditions continually improve for the families and businesses we serve. After all, it is largely the ingenuity and hard work of ordinary men and women that will stimulate and sustain industry in Grand Bahama once again."
Although these may be challenging times for Grand Bahamians, Rolle said he is confident that they can weather the storm.
He pointed out that Grand Bahama has a special mix of natural and man made features, complimented by a tax regime and skilled workforce that gives it a unique advantage in the Americas.
"Freeport, in particular, is carefully planned and its sheer size permits a mix of business enterprises to coexist," he said.
"The Grand Bahama we envision in the future will serve as a model internationally of how to construct a society that balances a high quality of life for families with an environment that is bustling with modern businesses."
As the island continues to face stiff competition in tourism, financial services, industry, technology and real estate development, residents must now, more than ever, keep abreast of global business trends, constantly upgrade their skills, and be prepared to out-think and out-work the competition.
"More than ever we need to form and join partnerships that will help us achieve some outcomes that as individuals or as organizations we have no chance of achieving alone," he said.
"Despite the challenges that we face, and those that may appear on the horizon, I'm confident that careful preparation, prudent management of resources and ability to adjust and adapt will put us all in good stead for the future."
http://freeport.nassauguardian.net/national_local/299644510080916.php
Some suggestions on how Grand Bahama can use its religious background to try to attract more visitors to its shores were presented by the President of the Grand Bah-ama Port Authority (GBPA) Ian Rolle on Tuesday.
Rolle was one of the speakers at Tuesday's National Empowerment Summit wh-ich was hosted by the Bah-amas Christian Council.
Pointing out that religious tourism is an $18 billion industry, the GBPA president said the economic benefits are potentially huge if the island is able to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors motivated by its many religious events and its spiritual heritage.
The Bahamas' religious history, geographical location and strong spiritual foundation make it ideal for setting up multi-purpose facilities to accommodate small or mega Christian conferences and gospel concerts, Christian camps or retreat facilities and Christian cruises throughout the islands, originating in Freeport, Rolle said.
Christian tours exploring Bahamian churches, religious rituals, Bahamian burials and a multi-media history of religion in the Bahamas and even a full Christian village that reflects Christian motifs, art, family friendly facilities and events can also be developed, he added.
Noting that the revitalization of Grand Bahama will require a collaborative effort, Rolle said the GBPA is happy to partner with the Christian Council.
"We are all in this together and with God's help we will emerge stronger as a community," he said.
The GBPA is also working with The Ministry of Tourism and The Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board on several levels, he furthered, to refine, package and market the tourism product in Grand Bahama.
"Tremendous focus has been placed on making travel to our shores and the enjoyment of the product more affordable to our potential guests from around the world."
The GBPA also has as one of its goals to increase Bahamian ownership within the economy and is committed to putting the people of Grand Bahama in a position where they are the main agent determining their own success and destiny, he said.
It is understood that in order for empowerment to take place, he added, citizens must have access to information about opportunities, cha-llenges, where to go for help and what procedures they must follow to achieve their goals.
"Our people must have access to decision making bodies to weigh in on the governance of their institutions and communities. Ultimately they must have access to resources to realize their aspirations," he said.
"Daily we are working to ensure that these conditions continually improve for the families and businesses we serve. After all, it is largely the ingenuity and hard work of ordinary men and women that will stimulate and sustain industry in Grand Bahama once again."
Although these may be challenging times for Grand Bahamians, Rolle said he is confident that they can weather the storm.
He pointed out that Grand Bahama has a special mix of natural and man made features, complimented by a tax regime and skilled workforce that gives it a unique advantage in the Americas.
"Freeport, in particular, is carefully planned and its sheer size permits a mix of business enterprises to coexist," he said.
"The Grand Bahama we envision in the future will serve as a model internationally of how to construct a society that balances a high quality of life for families with an environment that is bustling with modern businesses."
As the island continues to face stiff competition in tourism, financial services, industry, technology and real estate development, residents must now, more than ever, keep abreast of global business trends, constantly upgrade their skills, and be prepared to out-think and out-work the competition.
"More than ever we need to form and join partnerships that will help us achieve some outcomes that as individuals or as organizations we have no chance of achieving alone," he said.
"Despite the challenges that we face, and those that may appear on the horizon, I'm confident that careful preparation, prudent management of resources and ability to adjust and adapt will put us all in good stead for the future."
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Greg Stielstra, North America's Top Faith-based Marketing Expert to Headline World Religious Travel Expo
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug 31, 2009) – One of North America’s top authorities on faith-based marketing and word-of mouth marketing will address the travel industry, for the first time ever, at the World Religious Travel Expo 2009. The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) just named Greg Stielstra, the marketing director behind The Purpose Driven Life, the fastest-selling hardcover book in American history and a faith-based marketing phenomenon, as the
headline speaker at this fall’s celebrated event. Stielstra is also best known as the author of Faith-based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers (HarperCollins, 2005) and PyroMarketing: The Four Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep Them For Life (Wiley, 2009).
“We hit the jackpot in landing Greg Stielstra as the Sunday luncheon keynoter,” said WRTA President Kevin J. Wright. “The most frequently asked question by every travel provider and supplier in relation to the religious market is ‘How do we effectively reach pastors and the faith-based consumer?’ Greg will share the fascinating marketing principles behind the mega-success of The Passion of the Christ movie and The Purpose Driven Life book, and how these same
principles can and should be applied by each organization in the travel industry.”
Stielstra is an innovative thinker, speaker, consultant and author. An expert in word-of-mouth, faith-based, and social network marketing, he speaks regularly at Word of Mouth Marketing Association conference and numerous other events including AdTech New York and the prestigious Forbes CMO Summit. His work has been covered by The Economist, Advertising Age, Point Magazine, Business Week, Forbes, Wireless Age, Knowledge at Wharton, the
Wharton Leadership Journal, and the book 9 Minds on Marketing.
“People of faith are the largest, most loyal, and highest spending market segment in the United States with 140 million weekly church-goers who spend $5.1 trillion annually,” said Stielstra. “To be successful, you must first understand the religious consumer power niche—and how to effectively reach them. I will help the travel industry understand who makes up the faith community, what they want, and what it takes to appeal to them. We’ll also discuss common mistakes marketers make in dealing with the faith-based market; how to serve rather than sell to them; and what works and doesn’t work when dealing with pastors and other religious leaders. Above all, I’ll provide practical guidance for creating faith-based marketing plans that work.”
With one in four Americans expressing interest in taking a faith-based trip, and religious tourism expected to double by 2012, many travel providers and destinations have recently significantly expanded their faith-based marketing efforts including Trafalgar Tours, Globus family of brands, Collette Vacations, Faithful Holidays (division of Mayflower Tours), CIE Tours, Homeric Tours, TravelBound, Ed-Ventures Worldwide Tours, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, the Jordan Tourist Board, Switzerland Tourism, as well as many Convention and Visitor Bureaus and other suppliers including Passport Health. WRTA is currently taking registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most
important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations, travel professionals, and group planners from 30-plus countries.
A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Convention ‘09, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking and access to new market opportunities.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or +1-859-219-3529 or by email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com and http://www.wrtaexpo.com/ respectively.
headline speaker at this fall’s celebrated event. Stielstra is also best known as the author of Faith-based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers (HarperCollins, 2005) and PyroMarketing: The Four Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep Them For Life (Wiley, 2009).
“We hit the jackpot in landing Greg Stielstra as the Sunday luncheon keynoter,” said WRTA President Kevin J. Wright. “The most frequently asked question by every travel provider and supplier in relation to the religious market is ‘How do we effectively reach pastors and the faith-based consumer?’ Greg will share the fascinating marketing principles behind the mega-success of The Passion of the Christ movie and The Purpose Driven Life book, and how these same
principles can and should be applied by each organization in the travel industry.”
Stielstra is an innovative thinker, speaker, consultant and author. An expert in word-of-mouth, faith-based, and social network marketing, he speaks regularly at Word of Mouth Marketing Association conference and numerous other events including AdTech New York and the prestigious Forbes CMO Summit. His work has been covered by The Economist, Advertising Age, Point Magazine, Business Week, Forbes, Wireless Age, Knowledge at Wharton, the
Wharton Leadership Journal, and the book 9 Minds on Marketing.
“People of faith are the largest, most loyal, and highest spending market segment in the United States with 140 million weekly church-goers who spend $5.1 trillion annually,” said Stielstra. “To be successful, you must first understand the religious consumer power niche—and how to effectively reach them. I will help the travel industry understand who makes up the faith community, what they want, and what it takes to appeal to them. We’ll also discuss common mistakes marketers make in dealing with the faith-based market; how to serve rather than sell to them; and what works and doesn’t work when dealing with pastors and other religious leaders. Above all, I’ll provide practical guidance for creating faith-based marketing plans that work.”
With one in four Americans expressing interest in taking a faith-based trip, and religious tourism expected to double by 2012, many travel providers and destinations have recently significantly expanded their faith-based marketing efforts including Trafalgar Tours, Globus family of brands, Collette Vacations, Faithful Holidays (division of Mayflower Tours), CIE Tours, Homeric Tours, TravelBound, Ed-Ventures Worldwide Tours, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, the Jordan Tourist Board, Switzerland Tourism, as well as many Convention and Visitor Bureaus and other suppliers including Passport Health. WRTA is currently taking registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most
important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations, travel professionals, and group planners from 30-plus countries.
A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Convention ‘09, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking and access to new market opportunities.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or +1-859-219-3529 or by email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com and http://www.wrtaexpo.com/ respectively.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Homeric Tours Launches New Faith Tours Brochure
Press Release from Homeric Tours: With the introduction of our new Faith Tours brochure evidencing our commitment to the religious audience, 2009 is indeed an exciting year for Homeric Tours. With over 40 years of experience serving the greater travel community, specializing in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Europe, it was time for Homeric Tours to distinguish its approach into this specialized area of the industry. This new brochure is a collaboration of our own research as well as the many requests that we have received over the years from our loyal group leaders. We are confident that our brochure will be well received by our existing clients as well as the marketplace as a whole.
Our new Faith Tours brochure has over 30 distinct itineraries that will help individuals achieve a better understanding of their faith, by visiting those sites significant to the beginnings of Christianity. The brochure is designed for coordinated group travel with an established group leader. However, we welcome the opportunity to work with active members of Churches, religious organizations and academic institutions looking to establish a trip within their organization. The general theme of the brochure is to promote an increase in faith oriented travel, not just enter into an existing market. We firmly believe that the Faith Based travel market is far from mature.
We feel that our brochure is unique in that it provides a broad spectrum of itineraries to choose from. In addition, not only can the itineraries be modified to suit the specific needs of your group, we can build an entire customized itinerary. Our experience as a provider of customized travel for so many years sets us apart from many of the existing participants in this industry.
We are very excited about our commitment to this niche industry and welcome the opportunity to assist members of the WRTA audience with. We invite you to visit our website where you can find additional information on our brochure, PDF versions of the brochure itself, a brochure and quote request kiosks and contact information to speak with one of our specialists. Our dedicated Faith Tours website is: http://faith.homerictours.com/ and our toll-free number is 800-223-5570. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
John A. Klados
VP Marketing & Sales
Our new Faith Tours brochure has over 30 distinct itineraries that will help individuals achieve a better understanding of their faith, by visiting those sites significant to the beginnings of Christianity. The brochure is designed for coordinated group travel with an established group leader. However, we welcome the opportunity to work with active members of Churches, religious organizations and academic institutions looking to establish a trip within their organization. The general theme of the brochure is to promote an increase in faith oriented travel, not just enter into an existing market. We firmly believe that the Faith Based travel market is far from mature.
We feel that our brochure is unique in that it provides a broad spectrum of itineraries to choose from. In addition, not only can the itineraries be modified to suit the specific needs of your group, we can build an entire customized itinerary. Our experience as a provider of customized travel for so many years sets us apart from many of the existing participants in this industry.
We are very excited about our commitment to this niche industry and welcome the opportunity to assist members of the WRTA audience with. We invite you to visit our website where you can find additional information on our brochure, PDF versions of the brochure itself, a brochure and quote request kiosks and contact information to speak with one of our specialists. Our dedicated Faith Tours website is: http://faith.homerictours.com/ and our toll-free number is 800-223-5570. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
John A. Klados
VP Marketing & Sales
Africa Travel Association (ATA) & WRTA Renew Partnership
NEW YORK, New York, August 24, 2009 – The Africa Travel Association (ATA) and the World
Religious Travel Association (WRTA) announced today the continuation of their partnership
agreement, aiming to support both organizations’ endeavors in the promotion of religious travel
trade.
“The Africa Travel Association (ATA) is excited to work with the World Religious Travel
Association (WRTA) to promote faith-based tourism to Africa,” said ATA Executive Director,
Edward Bergman. “Religious tourism is certainly a growing niche market for travelers to the
African continent and the partnership with WRTA will help us educate our membership on faithbased tourism opportunities.”
According to WRTA, religious travel and hospitality opportunities can be found across Africa in
four main ways: visiting a religious destination; attending a religious gathering; traveling for
missionary or humanitarian purposes; or leisure traveling with fellowship intent.
“Faith-based tourism attracts 300 million travelers worldwide, who spend $18 billion annually,”
said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA President. “We look forward to once again working with ATA,
especially as Africa has long served as a top destination for people of faith. In fact, among the
wide variety of travel experiences the continent offers, faith-based African safaris are quickly
becoming one of the most popular new trends in religious travel today.”
Under the new partnership agreement, ATA and its members will participate in the WRTA World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference to be held from November 14-16, 2009 in Reno, Nevada. WRTA will participate in ATA events in the United States and Africa, including ATA’s 35th Annual Congress to be held in The Gambia in May 2010.
About the Africa Travel Association (ATA).
The Africa Travel Association (ATA) was established as an international travel industry trade
association in 1975. ATA’s mission is to promote travel, tourism and transport to and within
Africa, and to strengthen intra-Africa partnerships. As the world’s premier travel industry trade association, ATA provides services to a broad range of members including: tourism, diaspora,
culture, and sports ministers, tourism boards, airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators,
travel trade media, public relations firms, consulting companies, non-profit organizations,
businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other organizations engaged in tourism
promotion. For more information, visit www.africatravelassociaton.org or call +1.212.447.1357.
Religious Travel Association (WRTA) announced today the continuation of their partnership
agreement, aiming to support both organizations’ endeavors in the promotion of religious travel
trade.
“The Africa Travel Association (ATA) is excited to work with the World Religious Travel
Association (WRTA) to promote faith-based tourism to Africa,” said ATA Executive Director,
Edward Bergman. “Religious tourism is certainly a growing niche market for travelers to the
African continent and the partnership with WRTA will help us educate our membership on faithbased tourism opportunities.”
According to WRTA, religious travel and hospitality opportunities can be found across Africa in
four main ways: visiting a religious destination; attending a religious gathering; traveling for
missionary or humanitarian purposes; or leisure traveling with fellowship intent.
“Faith-based tourism attracts 300 million travelers worldwide, who spend $18 billion annually,”
said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA President. “We look forward to once again working with ATA,
especially as Africa has long served as a top destination for people of faith. In fact, among the
wide variety of travel experiences the continent offers, faith-based African safaris are quickly
becoming one of the most popular new trends in religious travel today.”
Under the new partnership agreement, ATA and its members will participate in the WRTA World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference to be held from November 14-16, 2009 in Reno, Nevada. WRTA will participate in ATA events in the United States and Africa, including ATA’s 35th Annual Congress to be held in The Gambia in May 2010.
About the Africa Travel Association (ATA).
The Africa Travel Association (ATA) was established as an international travel industry trade
association in 1975. ATA’s mission is to promote travel, tourism and transport to and within
Africa, and to strengthen intra-Africa partnerships. As the world’s premier travel industry trade association, ATA provides services to a broad range of members including: tourism, diaspora,
culture, and sports ministers, tourism boards, airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators,
travel trade media, public relations firms, consulting companies, non-profit organizations,
businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other organizations engaged in tourism
promotion. For more information, visit www.africatravelassociaton.org or call +1.212.447.1357.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
WRTA to host Faith-based Travel Webcast with CCRA
Want to register for CCRA's Webcast with WRTA? Visit http://bit.ly/WebcastCCRAFaithTravel to register. For more information about the Webcast, see below.....
Title: Learn How to Succeed in Faith-Based Travel and Cruising
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am PDT; 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
CCRA International and the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) invite you to discover one of tourism’s hottest new markets: Faith-based travel and cruising.
Did you know one in four Americans is interested in joining a faith-based trip? And did you know 2008 served as a record year for religious tourism in Israel, Jordan, Lourdes (France), and the like? Best yet…. 2010 is expected to be another banner year in religious tourism especially with world renowned events taking place such as Oberammergau’s Passion Play, Santiago de Compostela’s Holy Year, and the unveiling of the Shroud of Turin in Italy. With world-class tour operators and cruise companies recently entering the marketplace and debuting faith-based trips and vacations, there’s never been a better time for travel agents to get involved!
Join Kevin J. Wright, President of the World Religious Travel Association and award-winning religious travel author, as he shares the 5 key steps to experiencing extraordinary success in today’s hot new market: faith-based travel and cruising. Sign up now!
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Title: Learn How to Succeed in Faith-Based Travel and Cruising
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am PDT; 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
CCRA International and the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) invite you to discover one of tourism’s hottest new markets: Faith-based travel and cruising.
Did you know one in four Americans is interested in joining a faith-based trip? And did you know 2008 served as a record year for religious tourism in Israel, Jordan, Lourdes (France), and the like? Best yet…. 2010 is expected to be another banner year in religious tourism especially with world renowned events taking place such as Oberammergau’s Passion Play, Santiago de Compostela’s Holy Year, and the unveiling of the Shroud of Turin in Italy. With world-class tour operators and cruise companies recently entering the marketplace and debuting faith-based trips and vacations, there’s never been a better time for travel agents to get involved!
Join Kevin J. Wright, President of the World Religious Travel Association and award-winning religious travel author, as he shares the 5 key steps to experiencing extraordinary success in today’s hot new market: faith-based travel and cruising. Sign up now!
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Monday, August 17, 2009
PASTORS REPRESENTING 10 NATIONS EXPERIENCE FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP IN BAHAMAS
RELIGIOUS MARKET GLOBAL OUTREACH – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation’s Religious Market, recently took advantage of an opportunity to pitch the country’s outstanding conference and meetings facilities to a group of Pastors visiting Nassau from the United States, Cuba and even places as far flung as China, Africa, Italy and Great Britain.
The group of spiritual leaders were in attendance at a "Kingdom Leadership Conference" being held at the Diplomat Center, Carmichael Road, under the direction of renowned Bahamian spiritual leader, Pastor Miles Munroe, President and Senior Pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, Nassau, Bahamas. The group of pastors representing 10 nations, were a part of a delegation of about 185 persons in attendance at the Conference.
During their visit to The Bahamas, the church leaders were given a tour of some of the Island's finest hotels and resorts, and then feted to a reception at their host hotel, The Wyndham Nassau Resort, Cable Beach. Pictured above, front center, Mr. Linville Johnson, MOT Director of Religious Market, and Dr. Myles Munroe are flanked by the Pastors.The Religious market is an $18 Billion Global Market, and the Bahamas, boasting the largest assortment of vacation spots of any tropical destination in the world, is poised to take advantage of a larger share of this growing market. No longer simply a fun vacation, the Bahamas can also offer its visitors faith and fellowship."The Bahamas...where God lives."
Linville Johnson, is available to answer questions on group needs for religious conferences, conventions, retreats etc., at ljohnson@bahamas.com. For more information on the Islands of The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com, or you can reach us at 1-800 Bahamas.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Leisure Group Travel Magazine Targeted Religious Market Coverage
Leisure Group Travel Magazine Targeted Religious Market Coverage
August 13, 2009
http://insite.religioustraveldirectory.com/featured-on-insite/leisure-group-travel-magazine-targeted-religious-market-coverage/
Leisure Group Travel’s August 2009 edition explores the world of religious tourism. This 100-page digital page flip e-magazine includes feature articles on group travel to Israel and a special on-site report from Cyprus by senior editor John Kloster. We also include an extensive section on Oberammergau Passion Play group tour packages for 2010 with sample itineraries from leading tour brands. Plus, check out the sneak preview of the World Religious Travel Expo coming up in November, 2009 along with news and updates from faith-based attractions and destinations.
August 13, 2009
http://insite.religioustraveldirectory.com/featured-on-insite/leisure-group-travel-magazine-targeted-religious-market-coverage/
Leisure Group Travel’s August 2009 edition explores the world of religious tourism. This 100-page digital page flip e-magazine includes feature articles on group travel to Israel and a special on-site report from Cyprus by senior editor John Kloster. We also include an extensive section on Oberammergau Passion Play group tour packages for 2010 with sample itineraries from leading tour brands. Plus, check out the sneak preview of the World Religious Travel Expo coming up in November, 2009 along with news and updates from faith-based attractions and destinations.
Friday, August 14, 2009
NACTA President, Scott Koepf, Keynote Speaker at World Religious Travel Expo
LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 14, 2009) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has named NACTA President, Scott Koepf, as keynote speaker for the final day of the World Religious Travel Expo 2009.
“We are ecstatic about Scott Koepf serving as a keynote speaker at the World Religious Travel Expo,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As a motivational speaker and sales trainer with two decades-plus experience in the travel industry, Scott is the ideal candidate for sharing with delegates how to make 2010 their best year ever.”
Koepf is recognized as one of the leading authorities and representatives of travel agents in the industry. With more than 25 years in retail travel, Scott became president of the National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) in 2008. Prior to his current position, Scott was with Sabre Holdings as general manager of the Jurni Consortium, TMA and the host Travel agency, Nexion. He opened a cruise travel agency in 1985 and in 1989 became president of Cruise Holidays International. Scott was responsible for taking the franchise company from 12 franchises to over 120. In 1991 he returned to owning an agency, which quickly became one of the top cruise selling agencies in the country.
“I am thrilled to be a keynote speaker for the WRTA Expo in Reno,” said Scott Koepf, NACTA president. “First, as a graduate of the University of Nevada in Reno, the destination will serve as a memorable homecoming. Secondly, the conference theme Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever is perfect and I will dig into how you can make that happen—even in these remarkable times. I might even slip in a few never-before-told college stories to spice things up!”
With a special partnership between WRTA and NACTA, all NACTA travel agent members are eligible for a special $35 rate to attend the World Religious Travel Expo.
The Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations and travel professionals from 30-plus countries.
A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association’s Convention, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to new market opportunities.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, including registering for the special NACTA member travel agency rate, contact the World Religious Travel Association
“We are ecstatic about Scott Koepf serving as a keynote speaker at the World Religious Travel Expo,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As a motivational speaker and sales trainer with two decades-plus experience in the travel industry, Scott is the ideal candidate for sharing with delegates how to make 2010 their best year ever.”
Koepf is recognized as one of the leading authorities and representatives of travel agents in the industry. With more than 25 years in retail travel, Scott became president of the National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) in 2008. Prior to his current position, Scott was with Sabre Holdings as general manager of the Jurni Consortium, TMA and the host Travel agency, Nexion. He opened a cruise travel agency in 1985 and in 1989 became president of Cruise Holidays International. Scott was responsible for taking the franchise company from 12 franchises to over 120. In 1991 he returned to owning an agency, which quickly became one of the top cruise selling agencies in the country.
“I am thrilled to be a keynote speaker for the WRTA Expo in Reno,” said Scott Koepf, NACTA president. “First, as a graduate of the University of Nevada in Reno, the destination will serve as a memorable homecoming. Secondly, the conference theme Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever is perfect and I will dig into how you can make that happen—even in these remarkable times. I might even slip in a few never-before-told college stories to spice things up!”
With a special partnership between WRTA and NACTA, all NACTA travel agent members are eligible for a special $35 rate to attend the World Religious Travel Expo.
The Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations and travel professionals from 30-plus countries.
A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association’s Convention, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to new market opportunities.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, including registering for the special NACTA member travel agency rate, contact the World Religious Travel Association
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Madaba gears up for religious tourism visitors with major overhaul
Full story at http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=19109
We are expecting to have a greater global profile,” he said, pointing out that with the Pope’s recent trip to the area, and the visit by US mayors on the sidelines of the recent mayoral conference in May, the city is becoming a leading destination for religious tourism.
We are expecting to have a greater global profile,” he said, pointing out that with the Pope’s recent trip to the area, and the visit by US mayors on the sidelines of the recent mayoral conference in May, the city is becoming a leading destination for religious tourism.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Globus Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Travel Market
Read full story at http://www.travelpulse.com/Resources/Editorial.aspx?n=57991
Globus in 2010 will mark the sixth anniversary of its religious tour division with the release of a dozen itineraries focused on the lands of the Bible, with products designed for both Protestant and Catholic denominations. Globus claims to be the largest tour operator to offer faith-based travel, says it is expecting the niche to continue to grow. According to Globus’ Religious Travel Study, conducted by Menlo Consulting Group, 4.5 million people have traveled internationally on a religious or faith-based vacation. That number is expected to increase exponentially in the next three years. The same study revealed that by 2012, an additional 9.7 million will have traveled internationally on religious journeys.
Globus in 2010 will mark the sixth anniversary of its religious tour division with the release of a dozen itineraries focused on the lands of the Bible, with products designed for both Protestant and Catholic denominations. Globus claims to be the largest tour operator to offer faith-based travel, says it is expecting the niche to continue to grow. According to Globus’ Religious Travel Study, conducted by Menlo Consulting Group, 4.5 million people have traveled internationally on a religious or faith-based vacation. That number is expected to increase exponentially in the next three years. The same study revealed that by 2012, an additional 9.7 million will have traveled internationally on religious journeys.
Meseznikov, US Evangelicals push for tourism boom
Jul. 25, 2009
E.B. SOLOMONT, Jerusalem Post correspondent , THE JERUSALEM POST
Read the full article at http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1248277886717&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
NEW YORK - Israel's Tourism Ministry is joining forces with a major American Evangelical movement to boost travel to the Jewish state.
The partnership, with United Christians for Israel, comes amid a major tourism push outlined by
Tourism Minister Stas Meseznikov during a recent visit to the United States. The multi-year campaign, which targets both Jews and non-Jews, will include a $38 million marketing budget - more than twice last year's budget.
The US is Israel's "No. 1 source country for incoming tourism," Meseznikov said. "The segmented, focused and intensive marketing activities of the Tourism Ministry will lead to a slowing down of the decrease in tourism and a return to an increase in incoming tourism next year."
The push for visits to Israel by Evangelicals was made during CUFI's annual summit, held last week in Washington. Officials outlined a new task force to promote Christian tourism in Israel. Led by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Meseznikov and CUFI Chairman Pastor John Hagee, it will include an annual conference in Israel and conference calls with senior Israeli officials every three months.
Amid the national push for tourism, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said he wants to expand the capital's tourism industry fivefold within a decade. During a trip to New York on Thursday, Barkat told reporters he hopes to increase the number of tourists visiting Jerusalem each year to 10 million, up from around 2 million. He cited other international cities - such as New York and Rome - which host more than 40 million tourists annually.
Read the rest of the article at http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1248277886717&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
E.B. SOLOMONT, Jerusalem Post correspondent , THE JERUSALEM POST
Read the full article at http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1248277886717&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
NEW YORK - Israel's Tourism Ministry is joining forces with a major American Evangelical movement to boost travel to the Jewish state.
The partnership, with United Christians for Israel, comes amid a major tourism push outlined by
Tourism Minister Stas Meseznikov during a recent visit to the United States. The multi-year campaign, which targets both Jews and non-Jews, will include a $38 million marketing budget - more than twice last year's budget.
The US is Israel's "No. 1 source country for incoming tourism," Meseznikov said. "The segmented, focused and intensive marketing activities of the Tourism Ministry will lead to a slowing down of the decrease in tourism and a return to an increase in incoming tourism next year."
The push for visits to Israel by Evangelicals was made during CUFI's annual summit, held last week in Washington. Officials outlined a new task force to promote Christian tourism in Israel. Led by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Meseznikov and CUFI Chairman Pastor John Hagee, it will include an annual conference in Israel and conference calls with senior Israeli officials every three months.
Amid the national push for tourism, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said he wants to expand the capital's tourism industry fivefold within a decade. During a trip to New York on Thursday, Barkat told reporters he hopes to increase the number of tourists visiting Jerusalem each year to 10 million, up from around 2 million. He cited other international cities - such as New York and Rome - which host more than 40 million tourists annually.
Read the rest of the article at http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1248277886717&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Jerusalem, Rome, and Istanbul ranked among top tourism cities
According to the prestigious Travel+Leisure Magazine, the holy and religious destinations of Jerusalem and Rome ranked among the "World's Best Cities" award for 2009. Istanbul, which also features a rich religious history, ranked among the top 20 cities as well.
For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/topreligiouscities
For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/topreligiouscities
Thursday, July 16, 2009
5 Great Reasons to Choose Ireland for Your Next Faith-based Trip (by CIE Tours)
Note: The following article by CIE Tours is taken from today's publication of the Members-only "On The Cutting Edge" Newsletter.
Ireland is a win/win product for faith-based travel -
a winning experience for the client and a winning sale for the tour organizer. Long known as the "Isle of Saints & Scholars," Ireland was the center of Christian learning, education, and traditions that were taught in the monasteries throughout Europe over a thousand years ago. This tradition has been carried forth into the 21st century, opening many doors for faith-based travel to Ireland. And, it is well known that "affinity" is the beauty of all group travel.
Here are 5 great reasons to choose Ireland for your next faith-based trip:
1. Ireland is the home of St. Patrick, St. Bridget, St. Kevin, St. Columba, St. Killian, St. Ciaran, and hundreds of other saints who have connections to US-based travelers.
2. The Book of Kells, an elaborately scripted 9th century version of the Four Gospels and truly one of the great religious treasures of the world, is a main attraction of Dublin.
3. Co. Mayo is the setting of Knock, a leading Marian shrine like Lourdes and Fatima, drawing close to 2 million people a year.
4. Many of Ireland's historic abbeys and churches are in beautiful settings, easily accessible and open to the public, such as Kylemore Abbey, Glenstal Abbey, Ballintubber Abbey, as well as cathedrals, churches, chapels, round towers and high crosses.
5. Ireland's mainstream visitor attractions include many places with religious significance - to trace in the footsteps of saints: 6th century Glendalough and Clonmacnoise monastic settlements; St. Patrick's Holy Mountain near Westport, Co. Mayo; St. Patrick's Grave and early cathedrals in Armagh and Down; St. Declan's round tower at Ardmore, Co. Waterford; The Rock of Cashel; Holy Island in Lough Derg, and more.
CIE Tours is geared to facilitating faith-based travel and building itineraries that blend religious links with enjoyable 21st century activities and luxuries. CIE's group department works to develop customized itineraries to fit every requirement - arranging visits to Mass rocks, holy wells, and other unusual religious places. No request is too difficult - CIE has all the right connections.
Jim Kelly Vice President - Sales
CIE Tours International
Tel: 1-800-243-8687
http://www.cietours.com/
Email: helpdesk@CIEtours.com
Ireland is a win/win product for faith-based travel -
a winning experience for the client and a winning sale for the tour organizer. Long known as the "Isle of Saints & Scholars," Ireland was the center of Christian learning, education, and traditions that were taught in the monasteries throughout Europe over a thousand years ago. This tradition has been carried forth into the 21st century, opening many doors for faith-based travel to Ireland. And, it is well known that "affinity" is the beauty of all group travel.
Here are 5 great reasons to choose Ireland for your next faith-based trip:
1. Ireland is the home of St. Patrick, St. Bridget, St. Kevin, St. Columba, St. Killian, St. Ciaran, and hundreds of other saints who have connections to US-based travelers.
2. The Book of Kells, an elaborately scripted 9th century version of the Four Gospels and truly one of the great religious treasures of the world, is a main attraction of Dublin.
3. Co. Mayo is the setting of Knock, a leading Marian shrine like Lourdes and Fatima, drawing close to 2 million people a year.
4. Many of Ireland's historic abbeys and churches are in beautiful settings, easily accessible and open to the public, such as Kylemore Abbey, Glenstal Abbey, Ballintubber Abbey, as well as cathedrals, churches, chapels, round towers and high crosses.
5. Ireland's mainstream visitor attractions include many places with religious significance - to trace in the footsteps of saints: 6th century Glendalough and Clonmacnoise monastic settlements; St. Patrick's Holy Mountain near Westport, Co. Mayo; St. Patrick's Grave and early cathedrals in Armagh and Down; St. Declan's round tower at Ardmore, Co. Waterford; The Rock of Cashel; Holy Island in Lough Derg, and more.
CIE Tours is geared to facilitating faith-based travel and building itineraries that blend religious links with enjoyable 21st century activities and luxuries. CIE's group department works to develop customized itineraries to fit every requirement - arranging visits to Mass rocks, holy wells, and other unusual religious places. No request is too difficult - CIE has all the right connections.
Jim Kelly Vice President - Sales
CIE Tours International
Tel: 1-800-243-8687
http://www.cietours.com/
Email: helpdesk@CIEtours.com
Thursday, July 9, 2009
History behind 3 top religious events in 2010
Source: http://www.missiontravelgroup.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66&Itemid=62
Three top religious travel events next year
Next year, we have the opportunity to experience 3 of the biggest travel events on the religious calendar in exceptionally rare circumstances. Firstly the once-in-a-decade Oberammergau Passion Play is generating huge interest and tours are filling fast. 2010 is a designated Holy Year at Santiago de Compostela as St James' day (25th July) falls on a Sunday and the iconic Shroud of Turin is available for public viewing for a short 6 weeks due to Papal decree making it available only once a decade.
HISTORY OF THE PASSION PLAY
The genesis of the Passion Play at the village of Oberammergau is at once compelling and inspiring. Here is the story…
In 1633 an outbreak of the Bubonic plague was racing through Central Europe, killing hundreds of thousands of people. The Black Plague, as it was known, took the lives of 15,000 people in Munich alone. Oberammergau was then – as it is today – a lovely bucolic village resting in the mountains of southern Germany, in the region known as Bavaria. Despite all the villagers’ efforts, the plague claimed many victims in the town. With no end to the plague in sight, the frightened residents gathered and vowed to perform a play depicting the Passion of Christ every ten years forevermore if the Lord would spare their village of further atrocity. The town was spared of further calamity. The Plague took no more lives. And with the first performance in 1634 a tradition was born. Despite the intervening centuries and threats to their town, the villagers of Oberammergau have maintained their vow for almost four hundred years, performing every ten years the play portraying the Passion of Jesus Christ.
In 2010 more than 1,700 Oberammergau residents fulfill the solemn promise of their forefathers and will perform the Passion Play for the world to see. This event has become the world’s most popular dramatic presentation of the Passion. Join thousands of people from around the world in attending the Play in 2010.
Mission Travel has a number of Oberammergau Tours and Individual 1 & 2 Day packages for next year’s Performances. Please contact Carmen Reinstein at Mission Travel Group via email carmen@missiontravel.com.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone our office on 1300 554 654
HISTORY OF THE HOLY YEAR AT COMPOSTELA Next to the Holy Land, the pilgrimage route to Santiago is best known and most traveled route in the Christian world. The pilgrimage visits the resting place of St. James, the Apostle, thus it is often called ‘The Way of St. James.’ The town of Santiago is located in northwest Spain, in the beautiful region of Galicia.
It is widely claimed that in 1122 Pope Calixtus II gave Compostela the privilege of granting the grace of the Jubilee (plenary indulgence) to those who visited the shrine of the Apostle St James in the years when the saint's day, 25th of July, fell on a Sunday. An additional condition of the indulgence was that while in Santiago, the pilgrims would make their confession, attend Mass, gave a donation for the upkeep of the shrine, and perform good works.
Mission Travel Group has a number of walking tours along the The Way of St. James. Please contact Carmen Reinstein at Mission Travel Group via email carmen@missiontravel.com.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone our office on 1300 554 654
SHROUD OF TURIN
Experience the thrill of viewing the Holy Shroud, a rectangular piece of Linen, which since the 14th century has been venerated as the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. The Shroud bears the imprint of the body of a man crucified in a way very similar to the biblical account of Jesus’ crucifixion. The face and the body imprinted on the 14 and ½’ cloth can be clearly discerned. Last time the Shroud was exhibited was in 2000 to crowds numbering hundreds of thousands. This is what is considered one of the holiest relics for Christians will not be seen again, publicly until 2020. In 2010 the Holy Shroud is on view only for 6 weeks based on a special Papal decree. Numerous books, articles, videos and scientific experiments have been published discussing the history and the authenticity of the Holy Shroud. It is one of the most controversial, yet fascinating religious and historic artifacts, we know of.
Mission Travel Group can assist you with your travel plans to Turin to view this exhibit. Please contact Carmen Reinstein at Mission Travel Group via email carmen@missiontravel.com.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone our office on 1300 554 654
Three top religious travel events next year
Next year, we have the opportunity to experience 3 of the biggest travel events on the religious calendar in exceptionally rare circumstances. Firstly the once-in-a-decade Oberammergau Passion Play is generating huge interest and tours are filling fast. 2010 is a designated Holy Year at Santiago de Compostela as St James' day (25th July) falls on a Sunday and the iconic Shroud of Turin is available for public viewing for a short 6 weeks due to Papal decree making it available only once a decade.
HISTORY OF THE PASSION PLAY
The genesis of the Passion Play at the village of Oberammergau is at once compelling and inspiring. Here is the story…
In 1633 an outbreak of the Bubonic plague was racing through Central Europe, killing hundreds of thousands of people. The Black Plague, as it was known, took the lives of 15,000 people in Munich alone. Oberammergau was then – as it is today – a lovely bucolic village resting in the mountains of southern Germany, in the region known as Bavaria. Despite all the villagers’ efforts, the plague claimed many victims in the town. With no end to the plague in sight, the frightened residents gathered and vowed to perform a play depicting the Passion of Christ every ten years forevermore if the Lord would spare their village of further atrocity. The town was spared of further calamity. The Plague took no more lives. And with the first performance in 1634 a tradition was born. Despite the intervening centuries and threats to their town, the villagers of Oberammergau have maintained their vow for almost four hundred years, performing every ten years the play portraying the Passion of Jesus Christ.
In 2010 more than 1,700 Oberammergau residents fulfill the solemn promise of their forefathers and will perform the Passion Play for the world to see. This event has become the world’s most popular dramatic presentation of the Passion. Join thousands of people from around the world in attending the Play in 2010.
Mission Travel has a number of Oberammergau Tours and Individual 1 & 2 Day packages for next year’s Performances. Please contact Carmen Reinstein at Mission Travel Group via email carmen@missiontravel.com.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone our office on 1300 554 654
HISTORY OF THE HOLY YEAR AT COMPOSTELA Next to the Holy Land, the pilgrimage route to Santiago is best known and most traveled route in the Christian world. The pilgrimage visits the resting place of St. James, the Apostle, thus it is often called ‘The Way of St. James.’ The town of Santiago is located in northwest Spain, in the beautiful region of Galicia.
It is widely claimed that in 1122 Pope Calixtus II gave Compostela the privilege of granting the grace of the Jubilee (plenary indulgence) to those who visited the shrine of the Apostle St James in the years when the saint's day, 25th of July, fell on a Sunday. An additional condition of the indulgence was that while in Santiago, the pilgrims would make their confession, attend Mass, gave a donation for the upkeep of the shrine, and perform good works.
Mission Travel Group has a number of walking tours along the The Way of St. James. Please contact Carmen Reinstein at Mission Travel Group via email carmen@missiontravel.com.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone our office on 1300 554 654
SHROUD OF TURIN
Experience the thrill of viewing the Holy Shroud, a rectangular piece of Linen, which since the 14th century has been venerated as the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. The Shroud bears the imprint of the body of a man crucified in a way very similar to the biblical account of Jesus’ crucifixion. The face and the body imprinted on the 14 and ½’ cloth can be clearly discerned. Last time the Shroud was exhibited was in 2000 to crowds numbering hundreds of thousands. This is what is considered one of the holiest relics for Christians will not be seen again, publicly until 2020. In 2010 the Holy Shroud is on view only for 6 weeks based on a special Papal decree. Numerous books, articles, videos and scientific experiments have been published discussing the history and the authenticity of the Holy Shroud. It is one of the most controversial, yet fascinating religious and historic artifacts, we know of.
Mission Travel Group can assist you with your travel plans to Turin to view this exhibit. Please contact Carmen Reinstein at Mission Travel Group via email carmen@missiontravel.com.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone our office on 1300 554 654
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The RCMA Survey Presents: The Religious Meetings Market
Full story/stats at: http://meetingsnet.com/religiousconferencemanager/mag/0601-religious-meetings-market-survey/?smte=wl
The RCMA Survey Presents: The Religious Meetings MarketJun 1, 2009 12:00 PM, RCM Staff Report
The annual RCMA Member Survey provides a snapshot of the religious meetings conducted by RCMA's meeting planners. The 2008 picture shows that RCMA members are a force in the meetings industry, as they build on strong relationships with the people, facilities, and communities that provide services for religious events.
The 2008 survey reveals:
Attendance at meetings conducted by RCMA members stood at 11.3 million.
Downtown sites are the top choice for religious meeting planners and organizations, hosting 17.5 percent of all religious meetings.
Suburban hotels grew in popularity as sites for religious meetings.
The duration of meetings continues to remain stable.
The percentage of meeting planners who said that they use venues throughout the U.S. stands at more than 22 percent.
The NumbersIn 2008, 11,387,533 people attended meetings that were conducted by RCMA members. Conventions and conferences accounted for 9.2 million of the total attendees, followed by 530,416 attendees at committee meetings and seminars. Retreats, with 346,404 attendees, and board meetings (118,890) followed.
Of the 13,981 meetings held in 2008, committee and seminars made up a significant portion; RCMA organizations held 4,697 such meetings in 2008. Conventions and conferences ranked second in the number of meetings in 2008, with 3,460, followed by other types of meetings (2,234), and board meetings (2,165).
Downtown RulesDowntown hotels continue to be the top choice for religious meeting planners: 17.5 percent of the meetings in 2008 were held at downtown hotels. Downtown hotels have led for the past 14 years.
As the second-most-popular option, conference centers continue to be a popular choice for RCMA planners and organizations. In 2008, 16.8 percent of all meetings were held in conference centers.
The third-most-popular meeting facilities, suburban hotels, rose in the percentage of business they received from RCMA planners. Suburban hotels garnered 13.1 percent of the business in 2008, up from 12.8 percent in 2007.
Next, convention/civic centers commanded 11.3 percent of the business.
Camps and retreats continue to be appealing, claiming 11.1 percent of the RCMA business.
In the sixth spot, resort hotels attracted 10.9 percent of the business in 2008.
Airport hotels remained in seventh place, hosting 10.8 percent of the meetings in 2008.
Colleges and universities continue to represent an important alternative for religious meeting planners, with 7.1 percent of the 2008 business. Cruise ships garnered just 1.5 percent of the religious meetings business.
Room BlocksIt was not unusual in 2008 for a religious meeting planner to need 100 to 200 rooms for his or her largest meeting. That category made up 18 percent of the survey, while meetings requiring 10 to 50 rooms came in at 15 percent.
Meetings requiring 50 to 100 rooms were 13 percent of RCMA business. Meetings with 300 to 500 rooms were at 12 percent. Meetings requiring 500 to 1,000 rooms and 200 to 300 rooms also represented 12 percent.
Only 5 percent of meetings needed more than 3,000 sleeping rooms, but those meetings are a significant share of religious-meetings business.
Meeting SizesIf you are a meeting planner whose largest seating capacity in 2008 was 500 to 1,000, then you are not alone in RCMA. Eighteen percent of respondents said that was their largest meeting of the year.
Seventeen percent of respondents said that 1,000 to 2,500 was their largest seating capacity. Meetings in the 100-300 size also represented 17 percent, followed by 300-500 (16 percent).
At the very high end, 2 percent of those surveyed said that their largest meetings in 2008 required seating for more than 25,000 people.
The survey indicates that when it comes to exhibits and trade shows, a significant majority of religious meetings use them. Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed needed exhibit space in 2008, which is a slight increase from 67 percent in 2007.
The member survey for 2008 showed little change in the size of exhibit space needed, with 27 percent of planners needing 3,000 to 4,000 square feet. On the high end, 2 percent of RCMA members said that their largest meeting required 40,000 to 50,000 square feet of exhibit space, and 7 percent needed more than 50,000 square feet.
Help WantedThe popularity of catering services continues to be high among RCMA planners. Just a few years ago, only a quarter of the RCMA members surveyed reported using catering and banquet services. In 2008, however, 80 percent used those services.
Audiovisuals, too, are an integral part of religious meetings. RCMA members used AV supplier services at 81 percent of their meetings.
Efficient ground transportation and tours are important to religious meeting planners as well, according to the survey. In 2008, 54 percent of those surveyed said that they used ground transportation and tour services.
Special air rates and ticketing were used by 49 percent of the RCMA members surveyed, while exhibit and decorating services were used by 46 percent of RCMA members surveyed. Forty-three percent of those surveyed made use of car rentals.
Time Well SpentAgain in 2008, the RCMA survey shows that people are willing to dedicate a significant amount of time to attending religious meetings.
The average length of conventions and conferences was 4.1 days in 2008, a statistic that has held steady for more than 10 years. The survey also seems to indicate that retreats are very important. The length of retreats remains high: 3.4 days in 2008. The length of the average board meeting was 2.3 days in 2008, and the average committee meeting and seminar lasted 2.2 days.
From Sea to Shining SeaThe Midwest continues to be popular for religious meetings, with 19.4 percent of planners reporting that they hold meetings there. The Southeast remains strong in the percentage of planners who chose it, at 15.4 percent in 2008. The Northeast states were used by 13.2 percent of the planners, followed by the Western states at 10.4 percent and South Central at 10.1 percent. The percentage of planners who hold meetings “throughout the USA” was 22.2 percent.
Of those surveyed, 9.3 percent said they hold meetings outside the United States.
Meeting Attendance
Fig. 1 Type of Meeting Total Attendance 2008
Convention/Conference 9,204,732
Board 118,890
Committee/Seminar 530,416
Retreat 346,404
Other 1,187,091
Total 11,387,533
Types of Meeting Facilities Used
Fig. 6 Facility
Downtown Hotel 17.5%
Conference Center 16.8%
Suburban Hotel 13.1%
Convention/Civic Center 11.3%
Camps/Resorts 11.1%
Resort Hotel 10.9%
Airport Hotel 10.8%
College/University 7.1%
Cruise Ship 1.5%
The RCMA Survey Presents: The Religious Meetings MarketJun 1, 2009 12:00 PM, RCM Staff Report
The annual RCMA Member Survey provides a snapshot of the religious meetings conducted by RCMA's meeting planners. The 2008 picture shows that RCMA members are a force in the meetings industry, as they build on strong relationships with the people, facilities, and communities that provide services for religious events.
The 2008 survey reveals:
Attendance at meetings conducted by RCMA members stood at 11.3 million.
Downtown sites are the top choice for religious meeting planners and organizations, hosting 17.5 percent of all religious meetings.
Suburban hotels grew in popularity as sites for religious meetings.
The duration of meetings continues to remain stable.
The percentage of meeting planners who said that they use venues throughout the U.S. stands at more than 22 percent.
The NumbersIn 2008, 11,387,533 people attended meetings that were conducted by RCMA members. Conventions and conferences accounted for 9.2 million of the total attendees, followed by 530,416 attendees at committee meetings and seminars. Retreats, with 346,404 attendees, and board meetings (118,890) followed.
Of the 13,981 meetings held in 2008, committee and seminars made up a significant portion; RCMA organizations held 4,697 such meetings in 2008. Conventions and conferences ranked second in the number of meetings in 2008, with 3,460, followed by other types of meetings (2,234), and board meetings (2,165).
Downtown RulesDowntown hotels continue to be the top choice for religious meeting planners: 17.5 percent of the meetings in 2008 were held at downtown hotels. Downtown hotels have led for the past 14 years.
As the second-most-popular option, conference centers continue to be a popular choice for RCMA planners and organizations. In 2008, 16.8 percent of all meetings were held in conference centers.
The third-most-popular meeting facilities, suburban hotels, rose in the percentage of business they received from RCMA planners. Suburban hotels garnered 13.1 percent of the business in 2008, up from 12.8 percent in 2007.
Next, convention/civic centers commanded 11.3 percent of the business.
Camps and retreats continue to be appealing, claiming 11.1 percent of the RCMA business.
In the sixth spot, resort hotels attracted 10.9 percent of the business in 2008.
Airport hotels remained in seventh place, hosting 10.8 percent of the meetings in 2008.
Colleges and universities continue to represent an important alternative for religious meeting planners, with 7.1 percent of the 2008 business. Cruise ships garnered just 1.5 percent of the religious meetings business.
Room BlocksIt was not unusual in 2008 for a religious meeting planner to need 100 to 200 rooms for his or her largest meeting. That category made up 18 percent of the survey, while meetings requiring 10 to 50 rooms came in at 15 percent.
Meetings requiring 50 to 100 rooms were 13 percent of RCMA business. Meetings with 300 to 500 rooms were at 12 percent. Meetings requiring 500 to 1,000 rooms and 200 to 300 rooms also represented 12 percent.
Only 5 percent of meetings needed more than 3,000 sleeping rooms, but those meetings are a significant share of religious-meetings business.
Meeting SizesIf you are a meeting planner whose largest seating capacity in 2008 was 500 to 1,000, then you are not alone in RCMA. Eighteen percent of respondents said that was their largest meeting of the year.
Seventeen percent of respondents said that 1,000 to 2,500 was their largest seating capacity. Meetings in the 100-300 size also represented 17 percent, followed by 300-500 (16 percent).
At the very high end, 2 percent of those surveyed said that their largest meetings in 2008 required seating for more than 25,000 people.
The survey indicates that when it comes to exhibits and trade shows, a significant majority of religious meetings use them. Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed needed exhibit space in 2008, which is a slight increase from 67 percent in 2007.
The member survey for 2008 showed little change in the size of exhibit space needed, with 27 percent of planners needing 3,000 to 4,000 square feet. On the high end, 2 percent of RCMA members said that their largest meeting required 40,000 to 50,000 square feet of exhibit space, and 7 percent needed more than 50,000 square feet.
Help WantedThe popularity of catering services continues to be high among RCMA planners. Just a few years ago, only a quarter of the RCMA members surveyed reported using catering and banquet services. In 2008, however, 80 percent used those services.
Audiovisuals, too, are an integral part of religious meetings. RCMA members used AV supplier services at 81 percent of their meetings.
Efficient ground transportation and tours are important to religious meeting planners as well, according to the survey. In 2008, 54 percent of those surveyed said that they used ground transportation and tour services.
Special air rates and ticketing were used by 49 percent of the RCMA members surveyed, while exhibit and decorating services were used by 46 percent of RCMA members surveyed. Forty-three percent of those surveyed made use of car rentals.
Time Well SpentAgain in 2008, the RCMA survey shows that people are willing to dedicate a significant amount of time to attending religious meetings.
The average length of conventions and conferences was 4.1 days in 2008, a statistic that has held steady for more than 10 years. The survey also seems to indicate that retreats are very important. The length of retreats remains high: 3.4 days in 2008. The length of the average board meeting was 2.3 days in 2008, and the average committee meeting and seminar lasted 2.2 days.
From Sea to Shining SeaThe Midwest continues to be popular for religious meetings, with 19.4 percent of planners reporting that they hold meetings there. The Southeast remains strong in the percentage of planners who chose it, at 15.4 percent in 2008. The Northeast states were used by 13.2 percent of the planners, followed by the Western states at 10.4 percent and South Central at 10.1 percent. The percentage of planners who hold meetings “throughout the USA” was 22.2 percent.
Of those surveyed, 9.3 percent said they hold meetings outside the United States.
Meeting Attendance
Fig. 1 Type of Meeting Total Attendance 2008
Convention/Conference 9,204,732
Board 118,890
Committee/Seminar 530,416
Retreat 346,404
Other 1,187,091
Total 11,387,533
Types of Meeting Facilities Used
Fig. 6 Facility
Downtown Hotel 17.5%
Conference Center 16.8%
Suburban Hotel 13.1%
Convention/Civic Center 11.3%
Camps/Resorts 11.1%
Resort Hotel 10.9%
Airport Hotel 10.8%
College/University 7.1%
Cruise Ship 1.5%
Friday, June 26, 2009
2010 to be "banner year" for religious pilgrimages and celebrations
The every-decade Passion Play takes place in 2010 in Oberammergau, Germany.
Santiago de Compostela to celebrate its Holy Year in 2010. An estimated 10 million pilgrims and visitors are expected.
If you are a travel provider for people of faith, be sure to integrate these itineraries into your portfolio. If you're a traveler, you might consider traveling to the Passion Play and/or Sanitago de Compostela.
Santiago de Compostela to celebrate its Holy Year in 2010. An estimated 10 million pilgrims and visitors are expected.
If you are a travel provider for people of faith, be sure to integrate these itineraries into your portfolio. If you're a traveler, you might consider traveling to the Passion Play and/or Sanitago de Compostela.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
World Religious Travel Expo Theme Announced: "Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever"
WRTA Announces Theme of Fall Expo
“Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever”
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 25, 2009) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced “Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever” as its official theme for this fall’s World Religious Travel Expo. The newly chosen motto will serve as the guiding principle and overall purpose of the three-day event.
“Our theme serves as an invitation to tap into the flourishing religious travel and hospitality industry,” said WRTA president, Kevin J. Wright. “We all know this is a very trying time for many companies. However, as faith tourism provides new market and revenue possibilities, the World Religious Travel Expo provides organizations with a renewed opportunity to experience their best year yet.”
Faith-based travel and hospitality has become an important new market segment for many tour operators, travel agents, destinations and suppliers in the industry. In the past year alone, the religious market has taken on even greater significance, due to its recession-proof and groups-dominated attributes. An estimated 75% of faith-based travelers prefer to travel in group settings while 80% would like to repeat their religious travel experience. Challenging times only serve to bring people of faith together in greater numbers for travel or convention purposes; providing a much needed “stimulus” to the industry.
WRTA recently opened registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations and travel professionals from 30-plus countries.
A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Annual Convention, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to new market opportunities.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or +1-859-219-3529 or by email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com and www.WRTAexpo.com respectively.
# # #
“Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever”
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 25, 2009) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced “Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever” as its official theme for this fall’s World Religious Travel Expo. The newly chosen motto will serve as the guiding principle and overall purpose of the three-day event.
“Our theme serves as an invitation to tap into the flourishing religious travel and hospitality industry,” said WRTA president, Kevin J. Wright. “We all know this is a very trying time for many companies. However, as faith tourism provides new market and revenue possibilities, the World Religious Travel Expo provides organizations with a renewed opportunity to experience their best year yet.”
Faith-based travel and hospitality has become an important new market segment for many tour operators, travel agents, destinations and suppliers in the industry. In the past year alone, the religious market has taken on even greater significance, due to its recession-proof and groups-dominated attributes. An estimated 75% of faith-based travelers prefer to travel in group settings while 80% would like to repeat their religious travel experience. Challenging times only serve to bring people of faith together in greater numbers for travel or convention purposes; providing a much needed “stimulus” to the industry.
WRTA recently opened registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations and travel professionals from 30-plus countries.
A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Annual Convention, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to new market opportunities.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or +1-859-219-3529 or by email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com and www.WRTAexpo.com respectively.
# # #
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The top 10 tips for international travel (provided by Passport Health)
Passport Health http://www.passporthealthusa.com
DENVER -- Michelle Reesman, RN, executive director of Passport Health Colorado, says far too many international travelers, from business travelers to the more adventurous types, leave home without taking the basic steps she suggests below. "People need to put the same kind of preparation into their health as they do into their destination choice, passport acquisition or flight plans," Reesman advises.
1. Get advice from a travel health professional. Four to six weeks before departure, consult a travel medicine specialist for the most up-to-date immunization, malaria recommendations and consultation. They can answer your questions and prepare you for a safe and healthy trip. It's important to get your immunizations early, as some of the vaccines take time to effectively protect you.
2. Protect yourself from disease-bearing insects. Wear protective clothing and use products containing 20 percent to 30 percent DEET, the insect repellant permethrin and bed nets.
3. Never go barefoot, even on the beach.
4. Make sure your water is purified. Do not use tap water when brushing your teeth.
5. Consume only well-cooked food. Fruits and veggies? Peel it, boil it or forget it!
6. Pre-fill your prescriptions, they may not be available at your destination. Take extra in case your trip is extended. In some countries counterfeit medications can be a problem. Carry medications in their original packaging and pack in your carry-on luggage.
7. Don't swim in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. Well-chlorinated pools and salt water are usually considered safe.
8. Take a basic first aid kit. Include medications for pain relief, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, topical preparations for minor skin wounds and infections, and medications for allergic reactions. Consider presumptive treatment (Imodium and an antibiotic) for traveler's diarrhea. Discuss the appropriate antibiotics for your destination with a travel health specialist.
9. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of medical problems among tourists. Avoid riding motorcycles or wear a helmet and don't drink and drive. Wear a seatbelt and only travel during daylight hours.
10. Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation. Most medical insurance plans aren't accepted when you travel internationally.
Source: Passport Health Colorado
DENVER -- Michelle Reesman, RN, executive director of Passport Health Colorado, says far too many international travelers, from business travelers to the more adventurous types, leave home without taking the basic steps she suggests below. "People need to put the same kind of preparation into their health as they do into their destination choice, passport acquisition or flight plans," Reesman advises.
1. Get advice from a travel health professional. Four to six weeks before departure, consult a travel medicine specialist for the most up-to-date immunization, malaria recommendations and consultation. They can answer your questions and prepare you for a safe and healthy trip. It's important to get your immunizations early, as some of the vaccines take time to effectively protect you.
2. Protect yourself from disease-bearing insects. Wear protective clothing and use products containing 20 percent to 30 percent DEET, the insect repellant permethrin and bed nets.
3. Never go barefoot, even on the beach.
4. Make sure your water is purified. Do not use tap water when brushing your teeth.
5. Consume only well-cooked food. Fruits and veggies? Peel it, boil it or forget it!
6. Pre-fill your prescriptions, they may not be available at your destination. Take extra in case your trip is extended. In some countries counterfeit medications can be a problem. Carry medications in their original packaging and pack in your carry-on luggage.
7. Don't swim in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. Well-chlorinated pools and salt water are usually considered safe.
8. Take a basic first aid kit. Include medications for pain relief, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, topical preparations for minor skin wounds and infections, and medications for allergic reactions. Consider presumptive treatment (Imodium and an antibiotic) for traveler's diarrhea. Discuss the appropriate antibiotics for your destination with a travel health specialist.
9. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of medical problems among tourists. Avoid riding motorcycles or wear a helmet and don't drink and drive. Wear a seatbelt and only travel during daylight hours.
10. Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation. Most medical insurance plans aren't accepted when you travel internationally.
Source: Passport Health Colorado
Monday, June 8, 2009
Marketing in times of financial crisis: Tourism recovery strategies for turbulent times
BY ERAN KETTER | JUN 03, 2009
Read the full story at http://www.travelvideo.tv/news/travel-industry-info/06-03-2009/marketing-in-times-of-financial-crisis-tourism-recovery-strategies-for-turbulent-times
A common believe among tourism professionals is that the financial crisis has damaged the entire tourism industry evenly. In contrast, a closer inspection of tourism news and statistics from the last 6 months indicates that this is not always the case. Hence, while some tourism segments were severely damaged, others are demonstrating unique stability and firmness. Taken together with past crisis situations, these cases can be induced into four tourism recovery strategies that can assist tourism professionals in developing and marketing better tourism products for these turbulent times.
Religious Tourism
A recent report from Rome, Italy, indicates that tourism to the Vatican City stayed the same in spite of the crisis. That, demonstrating the devotion of the religious target audience. Similarly, Israel focused on religious tourism to keep attracting visitors during the on-going conflict in the early 2000’s. Using the slogan: “Don’t let your soul wait any longer, come visit Israel”, the country successfully addressed a well-segmented target audience that is less vulnerable to crises situations.
Read the full story at http://www.travelvideo.tv/news/travel-industry-info/06-03-2009/marketing-in-times-of-financial-crisis-tourism-recovery-strategies-for-turbulent-times
A common believe among tourism professionals is that the financial crisis has damaged the entire tourism industry evenly. In contrast, a closer inspection of tourism news and statistics from the last 6 months indicates that this is not always the case. Hence, while some tourism segments were severely damaged, others are demonstrating unique stability and firmness. Taken together with past crisis situations, these cases can be induced into four tourism recovery strategies that can assist tourism professionals in developing and marketing better tourism products for these turbulent times.
Religious Tourism
A recent report from Rome, Italy, indicates that tourism to the Vatican City stayed the same in spite of the crisis. That, demonstrating the devotion of the religious target audience. Similarly, Israel focused on religious tourism to keep attracting visitors during the on-going conflict in the early 2000’s. Using the slogan: “Don’t let your soul wait any longer, come visit Israel”, the country successfully addressed a well-segmented target audience that is less vulnerable to crises situations.
Millions opt for religious tourism
Millions opt for religious tourism
6/6/2009
While there are no official statistics to confirm it, recent estimations have calculated that religious tourism in Portugal attracts several million tourists every year, generating around €700 million in revenue and representing 10 percent of the overall tourism in Portugal.
The lack of official figures is explained by the fact that ‘religious tourism’ (visits to places of religious interest) is not categorized as such, but is in fact classified as ‘cultural tourism’.
This has been criticized by researchers and tour operators who believe Portugal’s current Strategic Tourism Plan should be reformed to include an 11th tourism category, Religious Tourism.
Entities such as the Portuguese Tourist Board and the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) have also complained about the lack of statistics relating purely to this sector in Portugal. Kevin Wright, head of the WRTA, said “there is no specific data relating to Portugal in this sector with the exception of those relating solely to visitors to the Fatima Sanctuary”.
On a global scale, every year between 300 and 330 million people embark on a religion-based trip, which overall generates revenue of between 15 and 18 billion euros.
Portugal is believed to generate around two percent of that traffic. Of the seven million people who visit Portugal for religious purposes, around five million of those head for Fátima.
Internationally, Lourdes, in France, is one of the main religious destinations, with six million visitors every year. However the record goes to Kumbha Mela (India), whose celebrations take place every 12 years and saw 75 million people gather in 2001
To read the full article visit http://www.the-news.net/cgi-bin/google.pl?id=1013-12
6/6/2009
While there are no official statistics to confirm it, recent estimations have calculated that religious tourism in Portugal attracts several million tourists every year, generating around €700 million in revenue and representing 10 percent of the overall tourism in Portugal.
The lack of official figures is explained by the fact that ‘religious tourism’ (visits to places of religious interest) is not categorized as such, but is in fact classified as ‘cultural tourism’.
This has been criticized by researchers and tour operators who believe Portugal’s current Strategic Tourism Plan should be reformed to include an 11th tourism category, Religious Tourism.
Entities such as the Portuguese Tourist Board and the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) have also complained about the lack of statistics relating purely to this sector in Portugal. Kevin Wright, head of the WRTA, said “there is no specific data relating to Portugal in this sector with the exception of those relating solely to visitors to the Fatima Sanctuary”.
On a global scale, every year between 300 and 330 million people embark on a religion-based trip, which overall generates revenue of between 15 and 18 billion euros.
Portugal is believed to generate around two percent of that traffic. Of the seven million people who visit Portugal for religious purposes, around five million of those head for Fátima.
Internationally, Lourdes, in France, is one of the main religious destinations, with six million visitors every year. However the record goes to Kumbha Mela (India), whose celebrations take place every 12 years and saw 75 million people gather in 2001
To read the full article visit http://www.the-news.net/cgi-bin/google.pl?id=1013-12
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
New World Religious Travel Expo video released
WRTA just released its inspriational World Relgious Travel Expo video on YOU TUBE. It can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c25vbpwqQ1o
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Jordan hopes pilgrims will follow papal lead
Jordan hopes pilgrims will follow papal lead
The National - Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates
“In the coming months we are going to concentrate on the religious tourism in order to attract hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who can also benefit from ...
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090429/FOREIGN/704289910/1011/ART
The National - Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates
“In the coming months we are going to concentrate on the religious tourism in order to attract hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who can also benefit from ...
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090429/FOREIGN/704289910/1011/ART
Monday, April 13, 2009
Industry Leaders to Address Alternative Business Streams at Arabian Travel Market
Industry Leaders to Address Alternative Business Streams at Arabian Travel Market
While deteriorating global economic conditions look certain to dent the Middle East’s immediate inbound tourism growth, the burgeoning religious tourism sector – valued at $18billion per year - can play a decisive role in driving the region’s short-term industry revenues, says Kevin J Wright – President, World Religious Travel Association (WRTA).
The Middle East is already the world’s largest driver of religious travel, tourism and hospitality, with the sector fuelling the region’s current annual tourism growth of 11 percent per annum.
However, Wright insists specialist travel providers need to develop the best possible travel experiences to leverage income from the three billion people around the world who trace their religious roots and faiths to the Middle East.
“Religious tourism is recognised as one of the most resilient markets in the travel industry,” said Wright, who will conduct a seminar entitled ‘The New Era of Religious Tourism’ at May’s Arabian Travel Market - the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism event.
“Pilgrimages are not the sole driver of the religious market anymore and people of faith are increasingly seeking greater quality travel experiences across the full spectrum of sub-sectors which drive the industry,” he said.
“With more than 300 million global travellers annually, the faith-based travel and hospitality market provides destination management organisations, wholesalers, suppliers and travel agents unprecedented opportunities for new business avenues and clientele,” added Wright.
Saudi Arabia is the market’s primary driver, with the Islamic Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages seeing the Kingdom receive over six million worshipers annually.
“In Saudi Arabia alone the religious tourism industry generates an estimated US$7billion annually and with the market expecting 20 percent growth in the coming years, tour operators, hotels and airlines are already tailoring products to tap into the religious market,” said Wright.
However, he also identified Jordan and Palestine as growth markets: “Ninety-five percent of tourism in Palestine is religion-based, while Jordan is targeting tourism revenues of up to US$2.4billion, per year, by 2010 – over 60 percent higher than income generated in 2007.”
Iraq is also emerging as a serious player in the sector. Areas of religious significance, such as Najaf - home of the sacred shrine of the son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) – already welcomes eight million pilgrims a year, but a new airport will increase inbound capacity to over 20 million.
“Investment must not only be married to existing opportunities, it needs to be focused on surrounding infrastructures to ensure the increased visitors experience quality services at affordable prices,” said Wright.
Citing Abu Dhabi as an example of how feeder destinations can benefit from mass pilgrimages to Saudi, Iraq and other holy sites, Wright added: “Abu Dhabi International Airport handled nearly 15,000 Hajjes last year, which increased its passenger traffic rates to Saudi Arabia by 34.5 percent – the potential for everyone in the region to benefit is astounding.”
Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions - organiser of Arabian Travel Market, which takes place from 5-8th May, 2009 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre - said the need to examine robust tourism revenue streams would be critical in ensuring the industry weathers the current economic downturn.
“Our industry is changing and tour operators and travel companies need to examine alternative business avenues to increase profits during these challenging times. The religious tourism market is one such possibility and remains extremely relevant to Middle East based operations. Through these informed discussion sessions, exhibitors and visitors alike can better understand the business potential available to them.”
Wright is the latest speaker to be announced for Arabian Travel Market 2009’s expanded seminar programme, which will cover a wide-range of key trends and issues during the 16 sessions planned for the four day event.
Boasting a strong line-up of industry leaders, the seminars will examine trends such as the global cruise industry, its market potential and development of the cruise sector in Gulf region; recruitment and retention best practice in the hospitality sector; the outlook for the Gulf meetings industry and the future of air travel in the Middle East.
The online portal for Arabian Travel Market can be found at www.arabiantravelmarket.com. Signing up early will allow visitors to take advantage of extensive e-networking tools that will allow them to link up with the most relevant industry players to their business.
Arabian Travel Market is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and under the auspices of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai.
Visitor registration for Arabian Travel Market 2009 can be done through the show’s dedicated website on www.arabiantravelmarket.com/registertoday
While deteriorating global economic conditions look certain to dent the Middle East’s immediate inbound tourism growth, the burgeoning religious tourism sector – valued at $18billion per year - can play a decisive role in driving the region’s short-term industry revenues, says Kevin J Wright – President, World Religious Travel Association (WRTA).
The Middle East is already the world’s largest driver of religious travel, tourism and hospitality, with the sector fuelling the region’s current annual tourism growth of 11 percent per annum.
However, Wright insists specialist travel providers need to develop the best possible travel experiences to leverage income from the three billion people around the world who trace their religious roots and faiths to the Middle East.
“Religious tourism is recognised as one of the most resilient markets in the travel industry,” said Wright, who will conduct a seminar entitled ‘The New Era of Religious Tourism’ at May’s Arabian Travel Market - the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism event.
“Pilgrimages are not the sole driver of the religious market anymore and people of faith are increasingly seeking greater quality travel experiences across the full spectrum of sub-sectors which drive the industry,” he said.
“With more than 300 million global travellers annually, the faith-based travel and hospitality market provides destination management organisations, wholesalers, suppliers and travel agents unprecedented opportunities for new business avenues and clientele,” added Wright.
Saudi Arabia is the market’s primary driver, with the Islamic Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages seeing the Kingdom receive over six million worshipers annually.
“In Saudi Arabia alone the religious tourism industry generates an estimated US$7billion annually and with the market expecting 20 percent growth in the coming years, tour operators, hotels and airlines are already tailoring products to tap into the religious market,” said Wright.
However, he also identified Jordan and Palestine as growth markets: “Ninety-five percent of tourism in Palestine is religion-based, while Jordan is targeting tourism revenues of up to US$2.4billion, per year, by 2010 – over 60 percent higher than income generated in 2007.”
Iraq is also emerging as a serious player in the sector. Areas of religious significance, such as Najaf - home of the sacred shrine of the son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) – already welcomes eight million pilgrims a year, but a new airport will increase inbound capacity to over 20 million.
“Investment must not only be married to existing opportunities, it needs to be focused on surrounding infrastructures to ensure the increased visitors experience quality services at affordable prices,” said Wright.
Citing Abu Dhabi as an example of how feeder destinations can benefit from mass pilgrimages to Saudi, Iraq and other holy sites, Wright added: “Abu Dhabi International Airport handled nearly 15,000 Hajjes last year, which increased its passenger traffic rates to Saudi Arabia by 34.5 percent – the potential for everyone in the region to benefit is astounding.”
Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions - organiser of Arabian Travel Market, which takes place from 5-8th May, 2009 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre - said the need to examine robust tourism revenue streams would be critical in ensuring the industry weathers the current economic downturn.
“Our industry is changing and tour operators and travel companies need to examine alternative business avenues to increase profits during these challenging times. The religious tourism market is one such possibility and remains extremely relevant to Middle East based operations. Through these informed discussion sessions, exhibitors and visitors alike can better understand the business potential available to them.”
Wright is the latest speaker to be announced for Arabian Travel Market 2009’s expanded seminar programme, which will cover a wide-range of key trends and issues during the 16 sessions planned for the four day event.
Boasting a strong line-up of industry leaders, the seminars will examine trends such as the global cruise industry, its market potential and development of the cruise sector in Gulf region; recruitment and retention best practice in the hospitality sector; the outlook for the Gulf meetings industry and the future of air travel in the Middle East.
The online portal for Arabian Travel Market can be found at www.arabiantravelmarket.com. Signing up early will allow visitors to take advantage of extensive e-networking tools that will allow them to link up with the most relevant industry players to their business.
Arabian Travel Market is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and under the auspices of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai.
Visitor registration for Arabian Travel Market 2009 can be done through the show’s dedicated website on www.arabiantravelmarket.com/registertoday
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