LEXINGTON, Ky.– The first 25 travel agents to register for World Religious Travel Expo 2010 will qualify for a complimentary VIP Fam tour of Quebec’s famed shrines and religious sites. Escorted by WRTA President and The Christian Travel Planner author Kevin J. Wright, the Fam tour is valued at $500 and includes motorcoach transportation, local tourist guides, one-night lodging, meals and educational materials about the Canadian sanctuaries.
The Fam trip departs Montréal on the morning of November 16, the day following the Expo Final Night Dinner, and concludes at Montréal’s Trudeau International Airport Wed., Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. The province of Québec is home to four of Canada’s five National Sanctuaries:
· Oratoire Saint-Joseph (Montréal)
· Notre-Dame-du-Cap Sanctuary (Mauricie)
· Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica (Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré)
· Ermitage Saint-Antoine (Lac-Bouchette)
In addition, tour participants will enjoy an excursion to the spectacular Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean area and its breathtaking fjord. Agents who partake in the FAM trip will not only discover the celebrated shrines of Québec, but will also learn how to develop an itinerary around them and sell the travel package to clients.
For more information about attending the World Religious Travel Expo and qualifying for the post-Fam tour, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888.255.WRTA (9782) or +1.859.219.3529 or by e-mail at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit www.WRTAexpo.com .
The World Religious Travel Expo is the world’s pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering with more than 500 travel professionals and tourism organizations from over 30 countries in attendance. This November’s Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members opportunities for education, business expansion, networking and access to new markets.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Israel names new North American Tourism Commissioner
Article link: http://www.travelpress.com/PHP/news.php?sid=11726
Haim Gutin has been appointed Israel Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, taking over from Arie Sommer who returns to Jerusalem at the completion of his second term in the post. Prior to his posting to New York, Gutin was the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s senior deputy director-general for Human Resources and Logistics, based in Jerusalem. During his tenure in Jerusalem at the headquarters of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, Gutin served in a variety of posts including director of the marketing administration’s European department; supervisor of the domestic tourism promotion and marketing department and supervisor for the Jerusalem District’s Tourism Product Department.
Haim Gutin has been appointed Israel Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, taking over from Arie Sommer who returns to Jerusalem at the completion of his second term in the post. Prior to his posting to New York, Gutin was the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s senior deputy director-general for Human Resources and Logistics, based in Jerusalem. During his tenure in Jerusalem at the headquarters of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, Gutin served in a variety of posts including director of the marketing administration’s European department; supervisor of the domestic tourism promotion and marketing department and supervisor for the Jerusalem District’s Tourism Product Department.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Turkish show on Akhtamar
Full story at http://news.am/eng/print/28727.html
August 25, 2010 10:22
By Artur Hakobyan
The world economic crisis affected the world tourist industry, without, however, affecting faith tourism. In this context, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertuğrul Günay seeks to promote faith tourism, particularly on Akhtamar Island, Lake Van, reported Vatan.
According to the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), faith tourism is most rapidly developing throughout the world. Every fourth tourist prefers faith tourism.
In January-June, 2010, 4.5% of the tourists that visited Turkey preferred faith tourism. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism plans to increase the number of faith tourists up to 3m. Minister Ertuğrul Günay has always attached importance to faith tourism development, pointing out that faith tourists normally spend much more than those preferring seaside holiday.
Read full story at link above.
August 25, 2010 10:22
By Artur Hakobyan
The world economic crisis affected the world tourist industry, without, however, affecting faith tourism. In this context, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertuğrul Günay seeks to promote faith tourism, particularly on Akhtamar Island, Lake Van, reported Vatan.
According to the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), faith tourism is most rapidly developing throughout the world. Every fourth tourist prefers faith tourism.
In January-June, 2010, 4.5% of the tourists that visited Turkey preferred faith tourism. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism plans to increase the number of faith tourists up to 3m. Minister Ertuğrul Günay has always attached importance to faith tourism development, pointing out that faith tourists normally spend much more than those preferring seaside holiday.
Read full story at link above.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Travel Ministry Conference Comes to Montreal & World Religious Travel Expo
LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 3, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has announced it will bring its popular Travel Ministry Conference concept to this fall’s World Religious Travel Expo in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). As part of its declaration of 2010 as the “Year of Travel Ministry,” WRTA recently debuted these half-day gatherings to educate local pastors, ministry leaders and group planners on how to build a successful travel program at their respective faith communities.
Thanks to the popularity of the Travel Ministry Conferences, WRTA will now integrate the event into the World Religious Travel Expo, and it’s scheduled for Monday, Nov. 15.
“Several years ago I wrote in one of my guidebooks how every faith community should have a travel program. I discussed the many wonderful fruits and benefits that travel brings about among members - especially the experience of fellowship,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “It’s for reasons such as these, I am elated with WRTA’s recent successful launch of our Travel Ministry Conferences. These events bring us one step closer to realizing the goal of every faith community having a travel program. And now thanks to the Expo, we’re bringing this gathering to Montreal and the surrounding region.”
WRTA’s Travel Ministry Conferences offer educational seminars, networking opportunities, shared meals, and a group activity workshop. In Montreal, the Travel Ministry Conference will be integrated into the final day of the World Religious Travel Expo. This will give Travel Ministry Conference attendees access to the WRTA Expo tradeshow floor featuring destinations, travel suppliers and tour operators from around the world.
In the meantime, the kudos continue to stream in from attendees of WRTA’s recent Travel Ministry Conferences:
"Thanks again for the opportunity to be a part of the WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Nashville. The event was a wonderful experience and I enjoyed the fellowship! As a pastor who's planned and led church groups to 50 states and 14 countries for 30-plus years, I am very excited and passionate about all aspects of Travel Ministry. Keep up the good work! It's definitely making a difference."
- Roger McCurry, Pastor Activities & Senior Adults
"WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Chicago was a valuable tool providing insight for both the planner and suppliers on the challenges and benefits of creating a travel program. The opportunity to work directly with the planners as they learn how to develop a tour was invaluable. I made wonderful contacts that I know will turn into bookings."
- Jean Flynn
Group Sales Manager Fireside Dinner Theatre
“It was truly a pleasure attending the very well executed WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Chicago. The presentations were concise and the format creative. The Conference opened up a new world of travel groups for me.”
- Faith Mulvihill
Director of Sales and Events Skydeck Chicago
This fall’s World Religious Travel Expo will be held in conjunction again with the NTA Convention, making for a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members unprecedented opportunities for education, business expansion, networking, and 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 at WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit the WRTA and Expo websites respectively.
Thanks to the popularity of the Travel Ministry Conferences, WRTA will now integrate the event into the World Religious Travel Expo, and it’s scheduled for Monday, Nov. 15.
“Several years ago I wrote in one of my guidebooks how every faith community should have a travel program. I discussed the many wonderful fruits and benefits that travel brings about among members - especially the experience of fellowship,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “It’s for reasons such as these, I am elated with WRTA’s recent successful launch of our Travel Ministry Conferences. These events bring us one step closer to realizing the goal of every faith community having a travel program. And now thanks to the Expo, we’re bringing this gathering to Montreal and the surrounding region.”
WRTA’s Travel Ministry Conferences offer educational seminars, networking opportunities, shared meals, and a group activity workshop. In Montreal, the Travel Ministry Conference will be integrated into the final day of the World Religious Travel Expo. This will give Travel Ministry Conference attendees access to the WRTA Expo tradeshow floor featuring destinations, travel suppliers and tour operators from around the world.
In the meantime, the kudos continue to stream in from attendees of WRTA’s recent Travel Ministry Conferences:
"Thanks again for the opportunity to be a part of the WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Nashville. The event was a wonderful experience and I enjoyed the fellowship! As a pastor who's planned and led church groups to 50 states and 14 countries for 30-plus years, I am very excited and passionate about all aspects of Travel Ministry. Keep up the good work! It's definitely making a difference."
- Roger McCurry, Pastor Activities & Senior Adults
"WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Chicago was a valuable tool providing insight for both the planner and suppliers on the challenges and benefits of creating a travel program. The opportunity to work directly with the planners as they learn how to develop a tour was invaluable. I made wonderful contacts that I know will turn into bookings."
- Jean Flynn
Group Sales Manager Fireside Dinner Theatre
“It was truly a pleasure attending the very well executed WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Chicago. The presentations were concise and the format creative. The Conference opened up a new world of travel groups for me.”
- Faith Mulvihill
Director of Sales and Events Skydeck Chicago
This fall’s World Religious Travel Expo will be held in conjunction again with the NTA Convention, making for a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members unprecedented opportunities for education, business expansion, networking, and 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 at WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit the WRTA and Expo websites respectively.
Monday, August 9, 2010
2010-2011 Religious Travel Buyer's Guide Just Published
The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has just published its 2010-2011 RELIGIOUS TRAVEL BUYER'S GUIDE. The publication is the industry’s preeminent guide to the religious travel and hospitality marketplace (a $49 value).
How will the Buyer’s Guide help you?
Discover new ideas and opportunities for enriching your faith tourism and hospitality travel program, while also finding suppliers, products, and services in faith tourism.
What types of faith-based travel services can you learn about in the Buyer's Guide?
Pilgrimages, conferences, events, cruising, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure, safaris, attractions, shrines and holy sites, leisure vacations, insurance, transportation, lodging, restaurants, retailers, destinations, and much more!
What type of travel providers can you find in the Buyer’s Guide?
Tour operators, travel agents, travel wholesalers, destinations and supplier members of WRTA—all of whom are involved in religious travel and hospitality. Our publication is easy to use, giving you quick e-links to web sites and emails, making it convenient for you to contact these distinguished travel providers.
How can you obtain your FREE (digital) copy of the Buyer's Guide?
Just click here http://bit.ly/WRTABuyersGuide2010-2011
How can your organization be featured in future editions of the Buyer's Guide?
Call 888-255-9782/859-219-3529 or email headquarters at WRTAreligioustravel.com.
Whether you are a religious leader who would like to learn more about developing a travel ministry program and how faith based travel can deepen spiritual growth, a travel agent looking for inspiring new travel product to offer your religious market segment or a supplier or destination who caters to the religious travel traveler, WRTA is your connection to growth and development in the religious travel industry.
I invite you to take full advantage of the resource you’ve been given through the Buyers Guide and I encourage you to consider membership in WRTA and/or attending the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo 2010, being held November 13-16 in Montreal, Quebec.
To learn how you can become more involved in WRTA or register for the Expo, please contact us via phone 888-255-9782/859-219-3529 or email headquarters at WRTAreligioustravel.com.
Best wishes to you in 2010 and 2011.
Kevin J. Wright
WRTA President
How will the Buyer’s Guide help you?
Discover new ideas and opportunities for enriching your faith tourism and hospitality travel program, while also finding suppliers, products, and services in faith tourism.
What types of faith-based travel services can you learn about in the Buyer's Guide?
Pilgrimages, conferences, events, cruising, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure, safaris, attractions, shrines and holy sites, leisure vacations, insurance, transportation, lodging, restaurants, retailers, destinations, and much more!
What type of travel providers can you find in the Buyer’s Guide?
Tour operators, travel agents, travel wholesalers, destinations and supplier members of WRTA—all of whom are involved in religious travel and hospitality. Our publication is easy to use, giving you quick e-links to web sites and emails, making it convenient for you to contact these distinguished travel providers.
How can you obtain your FREE (digital) copy of the Buyer's Guide?
Just click here http://bit.ly/WRTABuyersGuide2010-2011
How can your organization be featured in future editions of the Buyer's Guide?
Call 888-255-9782/859-219-3529 or email headquarters at WRTAreligioustravel.com.
Whether you are a religious leader who would like to learn more about developing a travel ministry program and how faith based travel can deepen spiritual growth, a travel agent looking for inspiring new travel product to offer your religious market segment or a supplier or destination who caters to the religious travel traveler, WRTA is your connection to growth and development in the religious travel industry.
I invite you to take full advantage of the resource you’ve been given through the Buyers Guide and I encourage you to consider membership in WRTA and/or attending the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo 2010, being held November 13-16 in Montreal, Quebec.
To learn how you can become more involved in WRTA or register for the Expo, please contact us via phone 888-255-9782/859-219-3529 or email headquarters at WRTAreligioustravel.com.
Best wishes to you in 2010 and 2011.
Kevin J. Wright
WRTA President
Expo Buzz Newsletter Aug 5, 2010
WRTA's Expo Buzz
Greg Stielstra is Back to Ignite Your Marketing Fire
The highly-rated speaker from Expo 2009 and author of PyroMarketing, Greg Stielstra, has just signed on for Expo 2010! He will be the keynote speaker during the Sunday luncheon.
Greg is excited and honored to be coming back to speak at Expo and see everyone again. Be sure to watch for our formal press release to the industry regarding this special announcement. In the meantime, want to learn more about Greg Stielstra and his topics of Faith-based Marketing and PyroMarketing – including his books? Visit Greg’s website: http://www.pyromarketing.com/
Buyers: Explore Mauricie & Québec City
on WRTA's Dime
The first registered 25 buyers to contact us will receive the $500 post-Fam tour of the Montréal area at no cost! The tour departs Montréal Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 8 a.m. with an overnight in Québec City. The tour concludes at Montréal’s Trudeau Int’l Airport Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. To register or read more about the post-Fam, visit the Expo Web site: http://www.wrtaexpo.com/
Just Announced!
Travel Ministry Conference Coming to Montréal
Based on the tremendous response of attendees at our new Travel Ministry Conferences, WRTA is elated to announce the new addition of our Travel Ministry Conferences to our Expo in Montréal. Travel Ministry Conferences are smaller, more intimate gatherings designed specifically for pastors, religious/ministry leaders, and other group planners. More details to come soon. Stay tuned!
For $ 5,000, you can become an official co-sponsor of the Montréal Travel Ministry Conference, along side Palestine. This sponsorship includes 5 minutes of promotional time and the opportunity to distribute marking materials at the event. This sponsorship also qualifies you for Silver Level Expo benefits: two Expo registrations, premium 10x10 exhibit space, recognition as an official WRTA sponsor, sponsor signage, sponsor listing on Expo Web site, sponsor icon with listing in Expo Program (part of the NTA Convention Catalog – giving you additional exposure to the 1800 NTA delegates), participation in e-mail blast to WRTA members and Expo delegates and sponsor ribbon with badge.
Due to limited availability, this offer won’t be on the market for long. Call +1.859.226.4402 or email sales@WRTAstaff.com today to reserve your spot!
WRTA Expo
Nov. 13 -16, 2010
Palais des congrès de Montréal
Montréal, Québec, Canada
Greg Stielstra is Back to Ignite Your Marketing Fire
The highly-rated speaker from Expo 2009 and author of PyroMarketing, Greg Stielstra, has just signed on for Expo 2010! He will be the keynote speaker during the Sunday luncheon.
Greg is excited and honored to be coming back to speak at Expo and see everyone again. Be sure to watch for our formal press release to the industry regarding this special announcement. In the meantime, want to learn more about Greg Stielstra and his topics of Faith-based Marketing and PyroMarketing – including his books? Visit Greg’s website: http://www.pyromarketing.com/
Buyers: Explore Mauricie & Québec City
on WRTA's Dime
The first registered 25 buyers to contact us will receive the $500 post-Fam tour of the Montréal area at no cost! The tour departs Montréal Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 8 a.m. with an overnight in Québec City. The tour concludes at Montréal’s Trudeau Int’l Airport Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. To register or read more about the post-Fam, visit the Expo Web site: http://www.wrtaexpo.com/
Just Announced!
Travel Ministry Conference Coming to Montréal
Based on the tremendous response of attendees at our new Travel Ministry Conferences, WRTA is elated to announce the new addition of our Travel Ministry Conferences to our Expo in Montréal. Travel Ministry Conferences are smaller, more intimate gatherings designed specifically for pastors, religious/ministry leaders, and other group planners. More details to come soon. Stay tuned!
For $ 5,000, you can become an official co-sponsor of the Montréal Travel Ministry Conference, along side Palestine. This sponsorship includes 5 minutes of promotional time and the opportunity to distribute marking materials at the event. This sponsorship also qualifies you for Silver Level Expo benefits: two Expo registrations, premium 10x10 exhibit space, recognition as an official WRTA sponsor, sponsor signage, sponsor listing on Expo Web site, sponsor icon with listing in Expo Program (part of the NTA Convention Catalog – giving you additional exposure to the 1800 NTA delegates), participation in e-mail blast to WRTA members and Expo delegates and sponsor ribbon with badge.
Due to limited availability, this offer won’t be on the market for long. Call +1.859.226.4402 or email sales@WRTAstaff.com today to reserve your spot!
WRTA Expo
Nov. 13 -16, 2010
Palais des congrès de Montréal
Montréal, Québec, Canada
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Faith Tourism Product Seminar to be Featured at THETRADESHOW
For Immediate Release
THETRADESHOW Spotlights Travel Product Seminars
Alexandria, Va., July 22, 2010 – THETRADESHOW (Orlando, Sept. 12-14) partners are pleased to announce the event’s newest presentation pavilion sponsors and product seminars. These sessions will provide an opportunity for travel agents to further their knowledge about the latest offerings from some of the most popular travel suppliers, as well as showcase the islands of Puerto Rico and St. Lucia.
“Product seminars and sessions carried out in the presentation pavilions provide travel agents a wonderful opportunity to keep up on the latest from some of the industry’s top suppliers, destinations and trends,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, a partner of THETRADESHOW. “Those who take advantage will have a definite edge when it comes to planning the ideal trip for their clients.”
Presentation Pavilions
• How to Be Successful in Today’s Religious Marketplace as a Travel Provider. Brought to you by the World Religious Travel Association. Presented By Kevin J. Wright. In 20 minutes, travel agents who attend this session will receive the all-important “10 keys to success” in the religious marketplace from the industry’s top faith-based travel educator and four-time published author: Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. This seminar will provide agents: an opportunity to learn about the new era of today’s faith-based customer; concrete ideas on how to enter or expand their religious travel business; and an enriched vision, mission and strategy for accomplishing their agency goals.
THETRADESHOW (Travel Retailing and Destination Expo) is a 3-day, in-depth networking and educational event. Global and inclusive, THETRADESHOW unites under one roof travel suppliers and buyers from all over the world, representing every segment of the travel and tourism industry. It is the trade show event for travel decision makers. For more information on THETRADESHOW, please call visit THETRADESHOW.org.
Contact: Kristina Rundquist/Laura Gajewski 703.739.8710
###
THETRADESHOW Spotlights Travel Product Seminars
Alexandria, Va., July 22, 2010 – THETRADESHOW (Orlando, Sept. 12-14) partners are pleased to announce the event’s newest presentation pavilion sponsors and product seminars. These sessions will provide an opportunity for travel agents to further their knowledge about the latest offerings from some of the most popular travel suppliers, as well as showcase the islands of Puerto Rico and St. Lucia.
“Product seminars and sessions carried out in the presentation pavilions provide travel agents a wonderful opportunity to keep up on the latest from some of the industry’s top suppliers, destinations and trends,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, a partner of THETRADESHOW. “Those who take advantage will have a definite edge when it comes to planning the ideal trip for their clients.”
Presentation Pavilions
• How to Be Successful in Today’s Religious Marketplace as a Travel Provider. Brought to you by the World Religious Travel Association. Presented By Kevin J. Wright. In 20 minutes, travel agents who attend this session will receive the all-important “10 keys to success” in the religious marketplace from the industry’s top faith-based travel educator and four-time published author: Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. This seminar will provide agents: an opportunity to learn about the new era of today’s faith-based customer; concrete ideas on how to enter or expand their religious travel business; and an enriched vision, mission and strategy for accomplishing their agency goals.
THETRADESHOW (Travel Retailing and Destination Expo) is a 3-day, in-depth networking and educational event. Global and inclusive, THETRADESHOW unites under one roof travel suppliers and buyers from all over the world, representing every segment of the travel and tourism industry. It is the trade show event for travel decision makers. For more information on THETRADESHOW, please call visit THETRADESHOW.org.
Contact: Kristina Rundquist/Laura Gajewski 703.739.8710
###
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