Sunday, January 31, 2010

Leisure Group Travel: Top 10 Emerging Destinations in Faith-based Tourism

Cover story for Leisure Group Travel Magazine (February 2010 Issue)
Top 10 Emerging Destinations in Faith-based Tourism
View the entire story at http://bit.ly/EmergingDestinationsFaithTourism2010

The president of the World Religious Travel Association identifies 10 places ripe for religious group tours.
1) Armenia
2) Colombia
3) Lebanon
4) Syria
5) India
6) Cyprus
7) Palestine
8) Ethiopia
9) Poland
10) Quebec, Canada

Friday, January 29, 2010

Special Invitation to Discover Turkey & Attend IDE 2010

Join me in Turkey this Spring.....

I am very excited to announce that WRTA is a proud sponsor of the 5th annual International Destination Expo (IDE). This April 19-22, in Istanbul, Turkey, the IDE will provide four action-packed days of educational sessions, networking with local suppliers from the Holy Land/Middle East, and captivating local sightseeing. IDE is unique in that it is the only destination-focused show that provides certifications of expertise to its attendees - this is a great way to expand your professional profile and attract new clients. Best yet, qualified travel agents will receive a 4 night hotel stay* with their registration.

I am also thrilled to share with you that I will be moderating the following panel discussion at IDE:

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

Our discussion will feature leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern destinations. Other faith-based seminars at IDE include Turkey, Europe's Unknown Pilgrimage Destination. In addition, you can explore Turkey's many religious sites firsthand on pre- and post- conference tours that are specially priced for IDE delegates.

I invite you to join me in Istanbul this April as we together discover what makes Turkey one of the world's leading religious destinations while also deepening our knowledge of this remarkable country!

See you in Turkey - where "East Meets West"...

Sincerely,
Kevin J. Wright

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Year of Pilgrimage Begins

by Tim Drake Thursday, January 07, 2010
Article link: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/year_of_pilgrimages_begins/

2010 is going to be a banner year for religious pilgrimages.

Ten million pilgrims are expected to travel to Compostela, Spain, to venerate the relics of St. James the Greater. 2010 is a holy year in Compostela, Spain, because the feast Day of St. James the Greater falls on a Sunday.

Another pilgrimage site set to receive a great number of visitors is the Italian town of Turin.

The Italian Archdiocese of Turin will be putting the Shroud of Turin on rare public display between April 10 and May 23, 2010. This is the shroud’s first public display since it underwent major cleaning and restoration in 2002. That work included the removing of 30 fabric patches and a fabric backing that was sewn onto the shroud in 1534 after a fire.

Pope Benedict XVI will make a pastoral visit to the shroud on May 2, 2010. The Italian newspaper Libero is reporting that some 600,000 people have already reserved tickets to see the Shroud during its 44 day display.

Of course, the Year for Priests continues in 2010. Multiple priest and seminarian pilgrimage groups have been making their way to Ars, France, home to St. John Marie Vianney, the patron saint of priests. In addition, an international gathering of priests will be on hand in Rome for the conclusion of the Year for Priests on June 9-11, 2010.

Finally, pilgrims will also be making their way to Oberammergau, Germany, for the performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play, which takes place every 10 years.

The history of the play dates back to 1633. After months of suffering from a plague, the people of Oberammergau vowed to perform the play every 10 years if they were spared. Miraculously, from that point on, they survived, and the villagers have performed the play ever since. This year, the play opens May 15, 2010, and ends on Oct. 3, 2010.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Join the World Religious Travel Association at a new low rate!

Join WRTA Now & Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever!
Now is your opportunity to join the premier association for faith-based travel at a new low rate!
The World Religious Travel Association is offering a low $499 rate for all destinations, attractions and suppliers looking to target the 300 million traveler religious market in 2010. Travel agents also have a low rate at $99.

Make 2010 your best year ever by becoming part of one of the fastest growing and most resilient markets in the travel industry -- Religious Travel and Hospitality.
WRTA is the only global association dedicated to the Religious Travel and Hospitality Industry. Our members come from 30-plus countries on 6 continents and include the entire "infrastructure" of the faith tourism marketplace including wholesalers, suppliers, destinations, travel agents, and planners.

Religious travel and hospitality is an industry comprised of 300 million travelers globally and is recognized as one of the fastest growing segments in the travel marketplace. Religious travel and hospitality today features virtually every type of travel and event including pilgrimages, conventions/ meetings, leisure vacations, cruising, adventure/ safaris, attractions, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, and much more. It is one of the most resilient markets.
To join WRTA, contact the staff or click here: http://bit.ly/JoinWRTA2010

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Jordan Travel Mart one month away

The 3rd Annual Jordan Travel Mart is only one month away. For more information, see below:

Official Website: http://www.jordantravelmart.com/

The Event: The Jordan Travel Mart sponsored by the Jordan Tourism Board.

Where: Jordan, at The Dead Sea: King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center.

When: February 21-23, 2010.

Why: The Jordan Tourism Board has created this event to provide an opportunity for travel professionals from the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America to learn about the wonders Jordan has to offer, and to experience the diversity of this unique destination.

To provide opportunities for these highly qualified travel professionals ("Buyers") to meet with Jordan Suppliers (receptive tour operators, hotels, airlines, etc) to create new business, and/or enhance valuable existing business relationships in a professional and organized environment.

Who will attend:
Travel professionals from the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Central & South America.
Jordanian Suppliers.
Travel Journalists.
Government Officials.

The Format:
Two (2) days of pre-scheduled 20 minute appointments between “Buyers and Suppliers.”
Presentations & Workshops about Jordan products and services.
Hosted breakfasts, lunches, dinners and social functions.
Pre and Post Tours – Jordan Highlight (3-4 days) and Jordan Experience (6-7 days).
Registration Fees:
Buyers - $175 USD

Includes: single room accommodations, airport welcome and transfers, ground transportation, pre-scheduled 20 minute buyer-supplier appointments, product presentations, JTM information CD; special discounted airfares and pre/post tours.

Suppliers - $1195 USD and $225 USD per additional delegate (Max 4 delegates per company/stand)

Includes: one (1) delegate badge, up to 20 pre-scheduled buyer-supplier appointments; 3m x 2m booth space, one (1) table with four (4) chairs, company’s sign, all official scheduled business and social functions.

Multiple Booth Discount - 2 Booths - $2145 USD (includes two delegate badges).

"EARLY” REGISTRATION DEADLINE is October 30, 2009. Fees increase after this date.

Buyer delegate fee increases to $225 after October 30th.

Supplier booth fee increases to $1,295 and Supplier delegate fee increases to $275 after October 30th.

Host Hotels:
Moevenpick Dead Sea Hotel.
Marriott Jordan Valley Dead Sea Resort & Spa.
Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea.

Official Host Airline: Royal Jordanian Airline

Pre & Post Tours:
Jordan Highlight (3-4 days) and Jordan Experience (6-7 days)

Event Management Firm:
William H. Coleman, Inc., 1613 King Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204
Telephone 904-398-6777 (800-874-2324 USA/Canada)
Travel Professionals/Buyers: EXT 8025, Jordan Suppliers: EXT 8025
E Mail: sales@whcoleman.com
Website: www.jordantravelmart.com

Passport Health: Haiti Earthquake Victims and Volunteers Face Clean Water Issues

Haiti Earthquake Victims and Volunteers Face Clean Water Issues
Water Safety, Access, Still Major Concern

BALTIMORE- 01/19/10—Six days after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked Haiti the health and sanitation situation is still less than optimal in the makeshift camps. "Access to shelter, sanitation, water, food and medical care remains extremely limited," announced Riccardo Conti on a bulletin yesterday from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC's). Conti is ICRC’s head of delegation in Haiti.

Medical facilities in Port-au-Prince still lack staff and medicine and access to clean water is an issue for victims as well as Haiti earthquake volunteers. Passport Health, the leading provider of travel medical services and vaccinations, and Hydro-Photon, maker of SteriPEN portable water purifiers, are joining together to support Operation USA in its efforts to assist victims of the Haitian earthquake. OP USA is an international relief agency that helps communities at home and abroad overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid. Since 1979, the Los Angeles-based nonprofit has worked in 99 countries, delivering over $350 million for relief and development projects.

“Hydro-Photon will provide quantities of its SteriPEN water purifiers to help protect the health of relief workers and earthquake victims on the ground in Haiti,” announced Miles Maiden, CEO of Hydro-Photon. SteriPEN utilizes ultraviolet light to destroy bacteria, viruses and protozoa in seconds, helping to prevent water-borne illness. Operation USA supports several field organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, Partners in Health and World Vision, all of which are presently working to improve conditions in Haiti. Please support its efforts through donations at www.opusa.org.

“The task facing humanitarian organizations is overwhelming," said Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health. Passport Health keeps up-to date health alerts for all international volunteers. “Water is essential, but clean water is scarce and volunteers have to take precautions with water purification devices so that they do not become ill while helping others,” she added. “We stand behind our partners Hydro-Photon and Doctors Without borders and encourage you to donate to Operation USA.

Passport Health will make recommendations for vaccines, portable water purifiers, and food, water and mosquito-borne illnesses for each volunteer. Clean water is an issue right now,” she concluded.

Passport Health is reaching out to all volunteer and relief organizations and is offering extended hours throughout their national network of clinics. Passport Health will also come on-site for departing volunteer groups.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Register today for ASTA IDE Istanbul, Turkey April 19-22, 2010

ASTA Rates Increase March 1st, Register NOW and Save!

Attending this year's International Destination Expo will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating destination of Turkey. Featuring education that focuses on training you to become an expert and networking with local companies, IDE equips you with the skills to exceed your clients' expectations!

Gain certifications of your expertise in exciting new sessions such as ASTA's newest destination specialist course: Turkey, the Cradle of Civilization: a Walk through 10,000 Years of History.

IDE will also host a panel discussion, Discover How to Build a Thriving Faith-based Travel Program Centered on the World's Top Religious Sites in the Middle East and the Holy Land, featuring leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern destinations. Don't miss this exciting event!

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

Join Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), and leading tourism representatives from the Middle East, for an unforgettable and unprecedented discussion on the world’s top religious and holy sites in this extraordinary part of the world. Furthermore, discover firsthand 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.
Not only will you be inspired and fascinated by the discussions, but just as importantly, you’ll return home equipped with the much-needed knowledge and strategies to immediately impact your faith-based travel program ... no matter whether you are new to religious tourism or a long-term expert. Best of all, this remarkable discussion and seminar will be held in Istanbul (Turkey) ... not only the very crossroads and place where “East Meets West,” but also where the history of faith and religion spans the millenniums.

Register NOW to receive 4 nights complimentary hotel stay* in Istanbul -- hurry, space is limited!

*Space is limited. Offer is first-come, first-served while supplies last.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Passport Health to Participate in National Influenza Week

National Influenza Week Started January 10, 2010

Baltimore- 1/12/10- National Influenza Week had been postponed from December until January due to vaccine unavailability. National Influenza Week is taking place from January 10, 2010 until January 16, 2010.

Passport Health has responded to the CDC’s requests for a partnership and participating Passport Health locations plan to honor National Influenza Week by offering a 10% discount on Seasonal Influenza Vaccinations and H1N1 Vaccinations during the week of January 10, 2010 at participating locations,” said Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health, the largest provider of travel medical services and immunizations in the U.S.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each day of National Influenza Week will encourage a different at-risk group to receive the seasonal and H1N1 vaccination. This year’s CDC national schedule is as follows:

Day
CDC Focus
Tuesday, January 12
Those with a Chronic Illness
Wednesday, January 13
Children, Pregnant Women & Caregivers of Children >6 mo
Thursday, January 14
Young Adults (19-24 years of age)
Friday, January 15
Seniors

Seasonal influenza (Flu) can be a severe respiratory infection that is contagious and can lead to several missed days of work or school. On average there are approximately 36,000 U.S. deaths and 200,000 U.S. hospitalizations a year from seasonal influenza. As stated by the CDC, seasonal influenza is unpredictable and may be worse this year due to the 2009 H1N1 virus. “We are definitely not out of the woods yet with H1N1 influenza; and, seasonal influenza will not peak until late February.” Our message is consistent,” continued Lessans. “Get your flu shot.”

For more information on National Influenza Week and participating Passport Health locations please call your nearest Passport Health at 1-888-499-7277 or visit our website at http://www.passporthealthusa.com/.


Brianne Lacey
410-727-0556
Brianne.Lacey@passporthealthusa.com

Haiti Earthquake Mobilizes Relief Workers (Passport Health)

Haiti Earthquake Mobilizes Relief Workers
Donations, Volunteers Needed


BALTIMORE- 9/13/10—The most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Haiti’s history devastated parts of the island Tuesday. “We are saddened by the news and extend our condolences to those affected by this earthquake,” said Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health, the nation’s leading provider of travel medical services and immunizations. “Our priority right now is to make sure that Haiti Earthquake volunteers take adequate measures so that they do not succumb to illness,” she added. Passport Health keeps up-to date health alerts for all international volunteers.

Passport Health is encouraging everyone to help out any way they can. Passport Health (www.passporthealthusa.com) has added a link on their website to allow direct donations to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), an international medical humanitarian organization working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. MSF’s clinics have been damaged by this earthquake and teams are setting up clinics to treat those who are injured.

According to a MSF senior staff member "the situation is chaotic.” Many medical centers and one major hospitals are not functioning."

“There is a great need for volunteers,” continued Lessans. “Precautionary measures to consider when entering areas affected by the Hatian Earthquake include:
• Up-to-date vaccinations:
o Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertusis (TDaP)
o Hepatitis A and B
o Typhoid Fever
o Water Purification Devices
o Wound Care Kits
o 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 while trying to help others. Clean water is an issue right now,” she concluded.

Passport Health is reaching out to all volunteer and relief organizations and is offering extended hours throughout their national network of clinics. Passport Health will also come on-site for departing volunteer groups.


Jorge Eduardo Castillo
Jorge.castillo@passporthealthusa.com
410.727.0556

Monday, January 11, 2010

Religious Travel Top Travel Trend for 2010 (USA TODAY)

The top ten travel trends for 2010
USA Today
By Laura Bly

Religious Travel ranks as Top 10 Travel Trend for 2010.

Read full story at http://bit.ly/USATODAYReligiousTravelTopTrend2010

A Year for Christian Tourism - The New York Times

A Year for Christian Tourism
by David Farley
The New York Times

Article opening: It’s shaping up to be an auspicious year for Christian tourism, thanks to two infrequent religious events in Europe.

Click here to read the full story: http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/05/a-year-for-christian-tourism/