Jericho stands out as Palestinian tourism magnet
Arab News - Rachelle Kliger
Iyyad Hamdan, director of tourism and archeological sites in Jericho for the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism attributed the recent increase in Jericho's ...
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Report from Jordan Travel Mart
Travel Agent Central
Read full story at http://www.travelagentcentral.com/jordan/report-jordan-travel-mart
For a few balmy, sun-filled days in late February, the third annual Jordan Travel Mart (JTM) convened on the shores of the Dead Sea. Bringing together government officials, Jordanian suppliers, and travel professionals and journalists from North and South America, the event showcased Jordan’s touristic riches. Moreover, the trade show was an optimistic affirmation of the country’s promotional strategy. While the global economic crisis humbled the travel industry in 2009, Jordan showed remarkable resilience, with a 1.6 percent increase in overnight visitors. “We can’t help but be cautiously optimistic about 2010,” declared Nayef Al-Fayez, managing director of the Jordan Tourism Board, at the opening breakfast.
Since we first attended the JTM in 2008, we’ve witnessed the successful strategy of the Jordan Tourism Board North America (JTBNA) in marketing the country as a stand-alone destination in niche markets: religious/faith, history/culture, eco/nature, leisure/wellness, adventure, and voluntourism. Emphasizing Jordan’s year-round moderate climate and the diversity of its product, the JTBNA strives to increase the length of stay of American visitors. A major part of the economy (13 percent of GDP), tourism is the second foreign-currency earner after migrant work remittances, and the U.S. travel market is second only to the Arab region.
Read full story at http://www.travelagentcentral.com/jordan/report-jordan-travel-mart
For a few balmy, sun-filled days in late February, the third annual Jordan Travel Mart (JTM) convened on the shores of the Dead Sea. Bringing together government officials, Jordanian suppliers, and travel professionals and journalists from North and South America, the event showcased Jordan’s touristic riches. Moreover, the trade show was an optimistic affirmation of the country’s promotional strategy. While the global economic crisis humbled the travel industry in 2009, Jordan showed remarkable resilience, with a 1.6 percent increase in overnight visitors. “We can’t help but be cautiously optimistic about 2010,” declared Nayef Al-Fayez, managing director of the Jordan Tourism Board, at the opening breakfast.
Since we first attended the JTM in 2008, we’ve witnessed the successful strategy of the Jordan Tourism Board North America (JTBNA) in marketing the country as a stand-alone destination in niche markets: religious/faith, history/culture, eco/nature, leisure/wellness, adventure, and voluntourism. Emphasizing Jordan’s year-round moderate climate and the diversity of its product, the JTBNA strives to increase the length of stay of American visitors. A major part of the economy (13 percent of GDP), tourism is the second foreign-currency earner after migrant work remittances, and the U.S. travel market is second only to the Arab region.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
WRTA PROCLAIMS 2010 THE YEAR OF TRAVEL MINISTRY
WRTA PROCLAIMS 2010 THE YEAR OF TRAVEL MINISTRY
The World Religious Travel Association to host Travel Ministry Conferences in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 4, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has designated 2010 The Year of Travel Ministry. Serving as a year-long campaign promoting the benefits of travel direct to faith-based communities and individuals, the purpose and goal of the new theme is three-fold: (1) Encourage people to integrate travel with their faith. (2) Assist faith communities in developing travel programs. (3) Promote and increase awareness of the many faith-based vacation opportunities available.
To kickoff the celebrations, WRTA has announced the hosting of five Travel Ministry Conferences across the United States throughout the summer in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego. Each half-day event is designed for religious leaders as well as group travel planners and individual travelers to learn and discover how to build (or enrich) a travel program at their respective faith community. This year’s theme and focus follows on the heels of WRTA’s 2009 declaration as The Year of Faith Tourism.
“Of the many wonderful initiatives we’ve put into place here at WRTA, we are especially excited about our Travel Ministry Conferences,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “For several years both the travel trade and faith-based communities have been asking us to host such events. With our new announcement, we’ll be making a lot of people joyful in 2010 and we expect these new conferences to be both very successful, as well as the start of a new era for WRTA’s regional activities.”
The Travel Ministry Conferences also provide an excellent venue for travel providers and tourism organizations to meet and interact with attendees, religious leaders, and travelers. Members of the travel trade can attend, exhibit at, or sponsor any or all of the Travel Ministry Conferences.
For more information about the Travel Ministry Conferences visit https://nymail.imgworld.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=bfe31953613b4b8b82c68ac1db947630&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wrtareligioustravel.com%2f. For faith-based communities, organizations and individuals interested in attending and participating in the Travel Ministry Conferences, contact WRTA staff.
The World Religious Travel Association to host Travel Ministry Conferences in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 4, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has designated 2010 The Year of Travel Ministry. Serving as a year-long campaign promoting the benefits of travel direct to faith-based communities and individuals, the purpose and goal of the new theme is three-fold: (1) Encourage people to integrate travel with their faith. (2) Assist faith communities in developing travel programs. (3) Promote and increase awareness of the many faith-based vacation opportunities available.
To kickoff the celebrations, WRTA has announced the hosting of five Travel Ministry Conferences across the United States throughout the summer in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego. Each half-day event is designed for religious leaders as well as group travel planners and individual travelers to learn and discover how to build (or enrich) a travel program at their respective faith community. This year’s theme and focus follows on the heels of WRTA’s 2009 declaration as The Year of Faith Tourism.
“Of the many wonderful initiatives we’ve put into place here at WRTA, we are especially excited about our Travel Ministry Conferences,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “For several years both the travel trade and faith-based communities have been asking us to host such events. With our new announcement, we’ll be making a lot of people joyful in 2010 and we expect these new conferences to be both very successful, as well as the start of a new era for WRTA’s regional activities.”
The Travel Ministry Conferences also provide an excellent venue for travel providers and tourism organizations to meet and interact with attendees, religious leaders, and travelers. Members of the travel trade can attend, exhibit at, or sponsor any or all of the Travel Ministry Conferences.
For more information about the Travel Ministry Conferences visit https://nymail.imgworld.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=bfe31953613b4b8b82c68ac1db947630&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wrtareligioustravel.com%2f. For faith-based communities, organizations and individuals interested in attending and participating in the Travel Ministry Conferences, contact WRTA staff.
Pilgrimage Opportunities Abound in 2010
Pilgrimage opportunities abound in 2010
By Tim PuetCatholic Times
March 7, 2010
Read full story at http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/TheCatholicTimes/pilgrimageoverview2010.aspx
The year 2010 should be one of the best ever for Catholic travelers, first-timers and veterans alike, who are looking for opportunities to take part in activities which are related to the Faith and don’t occur very often.
“This is a year for many big events that will attract pilgrims from around the world,” said Kevin Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, a Lexington, Ky.-based organization (http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/) which assists the $18 billion faith tourism industry by providing networking, educational, job market, and vacation opportunities for the travel trade and consumers.
“The Oberammergau Passion Play will be returning for its once-a-decade performances, the Shroud of Turin will be unveiled in Italy, it’s a Holy Year at Santiago de Compostela in Spain, one of the oldest pilgrimage sites, and the continuing Year of the Priest celebration is bringing large numbers of pilgrims to Ars,” the small town in France that was the home of St. John Vianney, declared as the universal patron of priests by Pope Benedict XVI.
Read full story at http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/TheCatholicTimes/pilgrimageoverview2010.aspx
By Tim PuetCatholic Times
March 7, 2010
Read full story at http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/TheCatholicTimes/pilgrimageoverview2010.aspx
The year 2010 should be one of the best ever for Catholic travelers, first-timers and veterans alike, who are looking for opportunities to take part in activities which are related to the Faith and don’t occur very often.
“This is a year for many big events that will attract pilgrims from around the world,” said Kevin Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, a Lexington, Ky.-based organization (http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/) which assists the $18 billion faith tourism industry by providing networking, educational, job market, and vacation opportunities for the travel trade and consumers.
“The Oberammergau Passion Play will be returning for its once-a-decade performances, the Shroud of Turin will be unveiled in Italy, it’s a Holy Year at Santiago de Compostela in Spain, one of the oldest pilgrimage sites, and the continuing Year of the Priest celebration is bringing large numbers of pilgrims to Ars,” the small town in France that was the home of St. John Vianney, declared as the universal patron of priests by Pope Benedict XVI.
Read full story at http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/TheCatholicTimes/pilgrimageoverview2010.aspx
Cyprus and Palestinian Authority sign Memorandum of Cooperation in tourism
Memorandum of Cooperation in the sector of tourism between Cyprus and the Palestinian Authority was signed on Friday after official talks in Nicosia between Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides and Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Kholoud Daibes.
Article link: http://www.financialmirror.com/News/Business_and_Finance/19587
March 01, 2010
Speaking after the talks, Paschalides said that through the Memorandum Cyprus will be providing support to the Palestinians in tourism issues, and would be including the Palestinian Authority in exhibitions.
The two Ministers exchanged views on issues concerning the promotion and support of tourism in the Palestinian territories. Paschalides noted that in 2011 Cyprus would be offering various scholarships in tourism related courses.
Daibes referred to the strong ties between the two peoples, adding that Cyprus and the Palestinian territories are unique tourist destinations, especially concerning religious tourism.
She added that Friday's talks also included the exchange of expertise, investments, cooperation between businesspeople of the private sector, and mutual support on all levels.
Article link: http://www.financialmirror.com/News/Business_and_Finance/19587
March 01, 2010
Speaking after the talks, Paschalides said that through the Memorandum Cyprus will be providing support to the Palestinians in tourism issues, and would be including the Palestinian Authority in exhibitions.
The two Ministers exchanged views on issues concerning the promotion and support of tourism in the Palestinian territories. Paschalides noted that in 2011 Cyprus would be offering various scholarships in tourism related courses.
Daibes referred to the strong ties between the two peoples, adding that Cyprus and the Palestinian territories are unique tourist destinations, especially concerning religious tourism.
She added that Friday's talks also included the exchange of expertise, investments, cooperation between businesspeople of the private sector, and mutual support on all levels.
Lifetree Adventures Announces Ecuador Mission Trip
Lifetree Adventures Announces Ecuador Mission Trip
BigNews.biz (press release)
Loveland, CO March 5, 2010- Imagine a mother who doesn’t have enough food to put on the table each night. The painful dilemma of either working to support her family or caring for her children is a choice she has to make every day. And even if she chooses to work, she can just barely get by. This is the situation for many parents in Ecuador.
Lifetree Adventures, along with its local partner organization, reaches out to impoverished families and orphans by providing daycare and feeding programs that serve the many kids who come to our partner’s facility each day during our mission trips. More than just food or shelter for the day, the extension of compassion gives new hope and encouragement to the thousands of people who live near the facility. You’ll be humbled by their gratitude for the simplest of life’s necessities, while being transformed yourself by a greater appreciation of all you have back home.
Another dimension of the Ecuador mission trip is working with small business owners who are utilizing micro-economic resources to improve their standard of living, support their families and create jobs in the region. A little bit goes a long way here as these small-scale entrepreneurs bring economic vitality to their towns and villages. This effort includes helping these local entrepreneurs as well as pastors-in-training improve their English language skills through nighttime classes. Your impact here will be felt for generations to come.
Ecuador Mission Trip Itinerary:
DAY 1 Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel
DAY 2 City tour of colonial Quito, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. Visit the Mitad del Mundo (0º latitude) and stand on both hemispheres
DAY 3 Today begins your time of service. Help with a multitude of needs from home visits, to light repairs and assisting with the ministry’s micro-business program.
DAY 4 Service with home visits, light repairs and micro-business program
DAY 5 Service this morning will take place at the City Dump daycare. Then spend your afternoon at the Teleférico, and ride an aerial tramway ride up the side of the volcano.
DAY 6-7 Service with home visits, light repairs and micro-business program
DAY 8 Depart for a real hacienda in the Andes Mountains. Ride horseback above tree line and take part in a hike/zip-line adventure in the mountain jungle to finish out your time in Ecuador. Enjoy a final dinner tonight with new friends.
DAY 9 Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
This Ecuador Christian mission will be offered August 7-15 at a cost of $1595 per person. For more information, or to reserve a spot on the new Ecuador mission trip, travel agents and travelers can go to http://www.lifetreeadventures.com or call 800-747-2157 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00p.m.MST.
Lifetree Adventures is a new division of Group Cares™ (formerly known as Group Workcamps Foundation), a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian travel for youth and adults for over 30 years. Lifetree Adventures offers Christian travel options to Alaska, New Orleans, Navajo Nation, Dominican Republic, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, Peru, Israel, Egypt, Mazatlan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Fiji and Vanuatu. Through Group Cares™ 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
BigNews.biz (press release)
Loveland, CO March 5, 2010- Imagine a mother who doesn’t have enough food to put on the table each night. The painful dilemma of either working to support her family or caring for her children is a choice she has to make every day. And even if she chooses to work, she can just barely get by. This is the situation for many parents in Ecuador.
Lifetree Adventures, along with its local partner organization, reaches out to impoverished families and orphans by providing daycare and feeding programs that serve the many kids who come to our partner’s facility each day during our mission trips. More than just food or shelter for the day, the extension of compassion gives new hope and encouragement to the thousands of people who live near the facility. You’ll be humbled by their gratitude for the simplest of life’s necessities, while being transformed yourself by a greater appreciation of all you have back home.
Another dimension of the Ecuador mission trip is working with small business owners who are utilizing micro-economic resources to improve their standard of living, support their families and create jobs in the region. A little bit goes a long way here as these small-scale entrepreneurs bring economic vitality to their towns and villages. This effort includes helping these local entrepreneurs as well as pastors-in-training improve their English language skills through nighttime classes. Your impact here will be felt for generations to come.
Ecuador Mission Trip Itinerary:
DAY 1 Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel
DAY 2 City tour of colonial Quito, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. Visit the Mitad del Mundo (0º latitude) and stand on both hemispheres
DAY 3 Today begins your time of service. Help with a multitude of needs from home visits, to light repairs and assisting with the ministry’s micro-business program.
DAY 4 Service with home visits, light repairs and micro-business program
DAY 5 Service this morning will take place at the City Dump daycare. Then spend your afternoon at the Teleférico, and ride an aerial tramway ride up the side of the volcano.
DAY 6-7 Service with home visits, light repairs and micro-business program
DAY 8 Depart for a real hacienda in the Andes Mountains. Ride horseback above tree line and take part in a hike/zip-line adventure in the mountain jungle to finish out your time in Ecuador. Enjoy a final dinner tonight with new friends.
DAY 9 Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
This Ecuador Christian mission will be offered August 7-15 at a cost of $1595 per person. For more information, or to reserve a spot on the new Ecuador mission trip, travel agents and travelers can go to http://www.lifetreeadventures.com or call 800-747-2157 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00p.m.MST.
Lifetree Adventures is a new division of Group Cares™ (formerly known as Group Workcamps Foundation), a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian travel for youth and adults for over 30 years. Lifetree Adventures offers Christian travel options to Alaska, New Orleans, Navajo Nation, Dominican Republic, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, Peru, Israel, Egypt, Mazatlan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Fiji and Vanuatu. Through Group Cares™ 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
Monday, March 1, 2010
Special Invitation to Discover Turkey & Attend IDE 2010
Special Invitation to Discover Turkey & Attend IDE 2010
Sign up today--Rates increase March 1
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 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!
As a reminder, rates increase March 1st so register today at
http://www.asta.org/Events/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1609
*Limited quantity available. Offer is first come, first served.
Attend our seminar at ASTA IDE 2010:
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
The panel's 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.
See you in Turkey - where "East Meets West"...
Sincerely,
Kevin J. Wright
WRTA President
Sign up today--Rates increase March 1
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 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!
As a reminder, rates increase March 1st so register today at
http://www.asta.org/Events/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1609
*Limited quantity available. Offer is first come, first served.
Attend our seminar at ASTA IDE 2010:
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
The panel's 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.
See you in Turkey - where "East Meets West"...
Sincerely,
Kevin J. Wright
WRTA President
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)