WRTA LAUNCHES CONSULTING FIRM AND SPEAKERS BUREAU FOR RELIGIOUS TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

WRTA LAUNCHES CONSULTING FIRM AND SPEAKERS BUREAU FOR RELIGIOUS TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Based on growing marketplace demands,the World Religious Travel Association expands its business services

LEXINGTON, Ky. (February 18, 2010) – In launching a new consulting program and speakers bureau, the World Religious Travel Association is expanding its business services to meet the growing demands of the $18 billion religious travel and hospitality industry.

“We’re thrilled with the debut of these two new enterprises,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As more organizations and companies enter religious tourism from throughout the United States and around the world, we’ve seen the demand rise for specialized consulting as well as requests for expert speakers within the marketplace. With the launch of these ground-breaking business services, WRTA will not only continue to facilitate the growth of the industry, but also further enrich and empower it.”

Since its inception, WRTA has provided select contracted services to destinations, travel providers, and suppliers that requested further assistance in tapping the religious market.
In response to the increased interest, WRTA is now making its specialized consulting services available to the industry. Each new project will be taken on a case-by-case basis and must fall outside the scope of WRTA’s traditional membership benefits. Current and past clients include international tourist offices, convention and visitors bureaus, tour operators, suppliers, retailers, and theme parks/attractions among others.

To accommodate the blossoming and ongoing demand for its speaking services, WRTA is also launching a Speakers Bureau. With the new venture, WRTA will continue to best fulfill and meet the ever-expanding needs and requests of the faith-based travel marketplace. WRTA president and four-time published travel author, Kevin J. Wright, will continue to serve as the bureau’s featured speaker. Wright has spoken at dozens of tradeshows, conferences, and events globally and nationally.

For companies and organizations interested in hiring WRTA’s consulting, speakers bureau, or video development services, or to submit a proposal, contact Jim Wright, WRTA VP Sales & Marketing at http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/.

WRTA President on Sirius XM Radio's The Busted Halo

Catch WRTA President, Kevin J. Wright, on Sirius XM Radio's "The Busted Halo" with Fr. Dave Dwyer on Feb 26 (8:20pm-8:40pm EST) discussing latest trends in faith tourism. For more information visit www.sirius.com/thecatholicchannel

WRTA President, Kevin J. Wright, on The Arthur Frommer Travel Radio Show

Hear WRTA President, Kevin J. Wright, on The Arthur Frommer Travel Show on WOR News Talk Radio 710 (featured on 100+ stations):

Official Website for Arthur Frommer Travel Show (Feb 16): http://www.wor710.com/The-Travel-Show-with-Arthur-Frommer/3600821

Audio: http://bit.ly/WRTAPresidentWright_ArthurFrommerTravelShow

Faith-based Travel Seminars/Panels at New York Times Travel Show

Full story at http://bit.ly/NYTIMESReligiousTravel

Press Release
NEW YORK , Feb. 9, 2010 – The seventh annual New York Times Travel Show will be held Feb. 26 to 28, 2010, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City . The Travel Show will feature nearly 500 exhibitors representing more than 150 countries. The Show will take place in the main hall located on the south side of the Javits Center. The focus of the event is to encourage people to book vacations for a wide variety of trips, taking advantage of the on-site special offers available only at the Show. For more information, visit http://www.nytimes.com/travelshow.

Advice for Travelers with Special Interests.
Get faith-based travel ideas from World Religious Travel Association president and author Kevin J. Wright.

Globus Reports Faith-Based Vacations On Rise

Feb 2, 2010
Article link: http://www.travelagentcentral.com/religious-travel/globus-reports-faith-based-vacations-rise-19612

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 by the end of this year when an additional 9.7 million people will have traveled internationally on religious journeys.

As the first and one of the only large tour operators to embrace faith-based vacations, having created a religious division in 2004, Globus is leading the industry in religious travel offerings. In addition to its Oberammergau itineraries, Globus has experienced great traveler excitement around Israel. "We unveiled Journey through the Holy Land this year and in less than 10 months, it's become our most popular getaway," said Schields. "In addition, Grand Catholic Italy and Footsteps of Apostle Paul round out our 'top three faith-based itineraries."

Tour Highlights of Palestine (Leisure Group Travel)

Written by Sandy Dhuyvetter
Published by Leisure Group Travel

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS OF PALESTINE
Religious tour groups find sacred shrines, archaeological treasures, great shopping and friendly people in Palestine. Fresh from a 12-day trip to the Holy Land, the writer gives her impressions of cities like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nablus and Jericho. She tells what group planners can expect in regard to security, tour guides, hotels and other practical matters.
Get an overview of what awaits tour groups in Palestine

http://www.leisuregrouptravel.com/archives/Jan2010/Tourist%20Highlights%20of%20Palestine.pdf