Mark Your Calendar for the IDE Religious Panel
Join a panelists of leading tourism representatives discuss the world’s top religious and holy sites. Come to hear and meet Her Excellency, Dr. Khouloud Diabes, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Palestine at the religious tourism panel, “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” hosted by Kevin Wright of WRTA.
Join the panel on Tuesday, April 20, in room Dolmabache A at the following times:
Session 1: 8:30am – 10:30am
Session 2: 10:45am – 12:45pm
Media are invited to a media session with Dr. Diabes at 2:30pm on Tuesday, April 20 in room Dolmabache B.
Learn more about The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Palestine by and visiting our Booth #F08 in the tradeshow floor. Read the full biography of Her Excellency, Dr. Khouloud Diabes.
For full program details visit www.asta.org/ide.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Modern Pilgrims: Refreshing in Mind, Body, and Soul
The Liguorian
Cover story/Spring 2010 http://bit.ly/LiguorianPilgrimages
Modern Pilgrims: Refreshing in Mind, Body, and Soul
by Kevin J. Wright
Travel is ministry. Yes, you read that right: travel is ministry. And there is no clearer connection between travel and ministry than within the context of pilgrimage. The Catholic Church has understood this relationship for centuries and therefore has promoted the concept of and importance of embarking on pilgrimages since the time of Jesus Christ. But it didn’t begin there; Jews also understood the significance of sacred travel, and the Old Testament is replete with stories of pilgrimage. Today, in the twenty-first century, pilgrimages remain a vital ministry and mission of the Christian faith.
But what exactly is “travel ministry”? Let’s first take a look at the word ministry. Ministry is generally defined as the spreading of the Gospel through evangelization, catechesis, and/or fulfillment of the spiritual and physical needs of others. Ministry is the rendering of one’s services to God and people.
Read full story here: http://bit.ly/LiguorianPilgrimages
Cover story/Spring 2010 http://bit.ly/LiguorianPilgrimages
Modern Pilgrims: Refreshing in Mind, Body, and Soul
by Kevin J. Wright
Travel is ministry. Yes, you read that right: travel is ministry. And there is no clearer connection between travel and ministry than within the context of pilgrimage. The Catholic Church has understood this relationship for centuries and therefore has promoted the concept of and importance of embarking on pilgrimages since the time of Jesus Christ. But it didn’t begin there; Jews also understood the significance of sacred travel, and the Old Testament is replete with stories of pilgrimage. Today, in the twenty-first century, pilgrimages remain a vital ministry and mission of the Christian faith.
But what exactly is “travel ministry”? Let’s first take a look at the word ministry. Ministry is generally defined as the spreading of the Gospel through evangelization, catechesis, and/or fulfillment of the spiritual and physical needs of others. Ministry is the rendering of one’s services to God and people.
Read full story here: http://bit.ly/LiguorianPilgrimages
Discovering Biblical Armenia (Going on Faith)
Going on Faith publication
Discovering Biblical Armenia
by Kevin J. Wright
Website link: http://www.goingonfaith.com/Article.aspx?id=123
Are you looking for that next destination to wow your members or clients? Are you looking for one that will generate unprecedented interest and enthusiasm among your group planners? And, are you looking for a destination that will make you a hero for discovering and recommending one of the most fascinating hidden gems of the faith-based travel industry? If so, then consider planning a tour to the biblical country of Armenia.
Read full story at Going on Faith http://www.goingonfaith.com/Article.aspx?id=123
Discovering Biblical Armenia
by Kevin J. Wright
Website link: http://www.goingonfaith.com/Article.aspx?id=123
Are you looking for that next destination to wow your members or clients? Are you looking for one that will generate unprecedented interest and enthusiasm among your group planners? And, are you looking for a destination that will make you a hero for discovering and recommending one of the most fascinating hidden gems of the faith-based travel industry? If so, then consider planning a tour to the biblical country of Armenia.
Read full story at Going on Faith http://www.goingonfaith.com/Article.aspx?id=123
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tourism Cares and NTA Give Back: Lear Theater in Reno
Tourism Cares and NTA Give Back
NTA delegates help award a grant to Lear Theater in Reno
Canton, Mass. (March 24, 2010)- Tourism Cares, the non-profit dedicated to preserving the travel experience for the future, and NTA are pleased to award a $2,500 grant, raised by delegates during the NTA Gives Back program at last November’s Convention, to the historic Lear Theater in Reno, NV.
The white-columned Lear Theater (www.leartheater.org) is situated adjacent to downtown on the Truckee River, in an arts and culture district, near the casinos, in Reno, Nevada. It is housed in the building that was originally the First Church of Christ Scientist, which is listed on City, State and National Register’s of Historic Places. It was designed in the neoclassical style in 1938 by internationally-acclaimed architect, Paul Revere Williams. He was the first African-American member of the prestigious American Institute of Architects, and also the recipient of the NAACP’s highest award, the Springarn Medal. The building was named after Moya Lear, widow of Bill Lear, Jr., the famous aviation inventor (i.e. Lear jet), who was a member of the church and purchased the building to transform it into a theatre.
“NTA Convention delegates wanted to leave a legacy to the city that hosted them,” said NTA President Lisa Simon, CTP. “We couldn’t think of a better way than to give a Tourism Cares grant to a site that represents the rebirth of the arts and culture of a bygone era.”
The Tourism Cares – NTA Special Grant will support the historic renovation of this important piece of the city’s history. Although the site is not open yet, once renovations are completed, the Lear Theater is expected to serve as a catalyst for the theater district in downtown Reno, attracting large numbers of tourists and locals alike to this venue.
“There are dozens of arts agencies and local schools that are anxiously awaiting the opening of the Lear”, said Cathy Blankenship, Chief Operating Officer for the Lear Theater. “It will provide a much needed arts performance venue and enhance the growing Arts District in downtown Reno. The grant from NTA and Tourism Cares will expedite our restoration efforts to bring this historical gem back to its original grandeur”.
This Special Grant was made possible by donations from NTA delegates during the November 2009 NTA Annual Convention in Reno as part of the NTA Gives Back Program, and the funds raised were matched by NTA.
Tourism Cares is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that benefits society by preserving the travel experience for future generations by giving grants to cultural, historic, and natural sites worldwide: by awarding academic, professional development, and service-learning scholarships to students of travel , tourism, and hospitality; and by organizing volunteer restoration events at tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. For additional information on Tourism Cares, please visit www.tourismcares.org.
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NTA delegates help award a grant to Lear Theater in Reno
Canton, Mass. (March 24, 2010)- Tourism Cares, the non-profit dedicated to preserving the travel experience for the future, and NTA are pleased to award a $2,500 grant, raised by delegates during the NTA Gives Back program at last November’s Convention, to the historic Lear Theater in Reno, NV.
The white-columned Lear Theater (www.leartheater.org) is situated adjacent to downtown on the Truckee River, in an arts and culture district, near the casinos, in Reno, Nevada. It is housed in the building that was originally the First Church of Christ Scientist, which is listed on City, State and National Register’s of Historic Places. It was designed in the neoclassical style in 1938 by internationally-acclaimed architect, Paul Revere Williams. He was the first African-American member of the prestigious American Institute of Architects, and also the recipient of the NAACP’s highest award, the Springarn Medal. The building was named after Moya Lear, widow of Bill Lear, Jr., the famous aviation inventor (i.e. Lear jet), who was a member of the church and purchased the building to transform it into a theatre.
“NTA Convention delegates wanted to leave a legacy to the city that hosted them,” said NTA President Lisa Simon, CTP. “We couldn’t think of a better way than to give a Tourism Cares grant to a site that represents the rebirth of the arts and culture of a bygone era.”
The Tourism Cares – NTA Special Grant will support the historic renovation of this important piece of the city’s history. Although the site is not open yet, once renovations are completed, the Lear Theater is expected to serve as a catalyst for the theater district in downtown Reno, attracting large numbers of tourists and locals alike to this venue.
“There are dozens of arts agencies and local schools that are anxiously awaiting the opening of the Lear”, said Cathy Blankenship, Chief Operating Officer for the Lear Theater. “It will provide a much needed arts performance venue and enhance the growing Arts District in downtown Reno. The grant from NTA and Tourism Cares will expedite our restoration efforts to bring this historical gem back to its original grandeur”.
This Special Grant was made possible by donations from NTA delegates during the November 2009 NTA Annual Convention in Reno as part of the NTA Gives Back Program, and the funds raised were matched by NTA.
Tourism Cares is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that benefits society by preserving the travel experience for future generations by giving grants to cultural, historic, and natural sites worldwide: by awarding academic, professional development, and service-learning scholarships to students of travel , tourism, and hospitality; and by organizing volunteer restoration events at tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. For additional information on Tourism Cares, please visit www.tourismcares.org.
###
Tourism Cares Rolls up Sleeves for San Francisco Bay
Hundreds of Volunteers Headed for Angel Island To Help Cash-Strapped State Park
Tourism Cares Rolls up Sleeves for San Francisco Bay
Canton, Mass. (March 24, 2010)- Tourism Cares, the premier charity in the travel industry dedicated to preserving the travel experience, is targeting Angel Island State Park for a massive, work-day volunteer event. Hundreds of volunteers will gather together on June 4 on Angel Island to roll up their sleeves and come to the assistance of California State Parks, a system hit hard in recent years by a sagging economy and budget shortfalls.
Angel Island, in the midst of the San Francisco Bay, is one of California’s most iconic tourism sites. It has been selected for the eighth annual Tourism Cares for America volunteer event. This important California State Park, which has been hit by budget shortages, will benefit greatly from this public-private partnership from the travel industry by improving the condition of various recreational and historic areas across the island.
“This is the time when tourism destinations like Angel Island need us the most,” said Bruce Beckham, executive director, Tourism Cares. “Tough budget times are the best times for our people to step up and provide their substantial resources in manpower to help keep America’s tourism industry strong and support California’s economic recovery. It’s a gratifying event that makes a lasting impact.”
The Tourism Cares for America project typically brings together over 300 travel and tourism industry leaders from all over the United States, Canada and other destinations around the world to restore historic sites in need of care and rejuvenation. Annually, these volunteers will roll up their sleeves and work side by side with other travel professionals to make a lasting impact. In a single day, Tourism Cares for America will bring more than $50,000 worth of free labor, helping California State Park staff to accomplish tasks that would take years to complete. Registration is now open to members of the travel and tourism industry at www.tourismcares.org/tourism-cares-for-san-francisco-bay-2010.
Angel Island is a picturesque California State Park with magnificent views of the San Francisco skyline, Oakland, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Its rich and diverse history dates back nearly 3,000 years, beginning as hunting and fishing grounds for the ancient Miwok Indians. Since then, it has served as a Civil War encampment, an immigration station for thousands of Chinese immigrants from 1910-1940, a discharge depot and recruitment center during WWI, an embarkation station and POW camp during WWII and a Nike missile base from 1955-1962. Today, the island is visited by thousands of people who go to experience its history and enjoy its recreational facilities.
Some of the largest and most prominent tourism associations such as: NTA, Student Youth Travel Association, US Travel Association, United States Tour Operators Association, San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the California Travel & Tourism Commission have come forward as sponsors, as well as private corporations and individuals including: PIER 39, Amadeus, Marriott International, Wyndham, MaCher, Dan Dipert Tours, Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino, Save America’s Treasures, Angel Island Company, Blue & Gold Fleet, MTR Western and Edelman.
Tourism Cares is a 501c(3) non-profit public charity that benefits society by preserving the travel experience for future generations by awarding grants to natural, cultural and historic sites worldwide; by presenting academic and service-learning scholarships to students of hospitality and tourism; and by organizing volunteer efforts to restore tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. For additional information about Tourism Cares, visit www.tourismcares.org.
Tourism Cares Rolls up Sleeves for San Francisco Bay
Canton, Mass. (March 24, 2010)- Tourism Cares, the premier charity in the travel industry dedicated to preserving the travel experience, is targeting Angel Island State Park for a massive, work-day volunteer event. Hundreds of volunteers will gather together on June 4 on Angel Island to roll up their sleeves and come to the assistance of California State Parks, a system hit hard in recent years by a sagging economy and budget shortfalls.
Angel Island, in the midst of the San Francisco Bay, is one of California’s most iconic tourism sites. It has been selected for the eighth annual Tourism Cares for America volunteer event. This important California State Park, which has been hit by budget shortages, will benefit greatly from this public-private partnership from the travel industry by improving the condition of various recreational and historic areas across the island.
“This is the time when tourism destinations like Angel Island need us the most,” said Bruce Beckham, executive director, Tourism Cares. “Tough budget times are the best times for our people to step up and provide their substantial resources in manpower to help keep America’s tourism industry strong and support California’s economic recovery. It’s a gratifying event that makes a lasting impact.”
The Tourism Cares for America project typically brings together over 300 travel and tourism industry leaders from all over the United States, Canada and other destinations around the world to restore historic sites in need of care and rejuvenation. Annually, these volunteers will roll up their sleeves and work side by side with other travel professionals to make a lasting impact. In a single day, Tourism Cares for America will bring more than $50,000 worth of free labor, helping California State Park staff to accomplish tasks that would take years to complete. Registration is now open to members of the travel and tourism industry at www.tourismcares.org/tourism-cares-for-san-francisco-bay-2010.
Angel Island is a picturesque California State Park with magnificent views of the San Francisco skyline, Oakland, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Its rich and diverse history dates back nearly 3,000 years, beginning as hunting and fishing grounds for the ancient Miwok Indians. Since then, it has served as a Civil War encampment, an immigration station for thousands of Chinese immigrants from 1910-1940, a discharge depot and recruitment center during WWI, an embarkation station and POW camp during WWII and a Nike missile base from 1955-1962. Today, the island is visited by thousands of people who go to experience its history and enjoy its recreational facilities.
Some of the largest and most prominent tourism associations such as: NTA, Student Youth Travel Association, US Travel Association, United States Tour Operators Association, San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the California Travel & Tourism Commission have come forward as sponsors, as well as private corporations and individuals including: PIER 39, Amadeus, Marriott International, Wyndham, MaCher, Dan Dipert Tours, Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino, Save America’s Treasures, Angel Island Company, Blue & Gold Fleet, MTR Western and Edelman.
Tourism Cares is a 501c(3) non-profit public charity that benefits society by preserving the travel experience for future generations by awarding grants to natural, cultural and historic sites worldwide; by presenting academic and service-learning scholarships to students of hospitality and tourism; and by organizing volunteer efforts to restore tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. For additional information about Tourism Cares, visit www.tourismcares.org.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
WRTA Opens Registrations to World Religious Travel Expo 2010
3rd Annual World Religious Travel Expo Provides New and Expanded Market Opportunities
WRTA opens exhibitor reservations to the industry’s largest religious tourism and hospitality tradeshow
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 18, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has opened exhibitor reservations for the 3rd Annual World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference. WRTA also unveiled the official theme of Expo 2010: Discover the World of Faith Tourism. The tradeshow will be held for the first time internationally in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from November 13-16, 2010.
“The World Religious Travel Expo is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the industry, so I’m thrilled to open up this opportunity to travel companies, destinations, and suppliers eager to take part in this remarkable event,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As we prepare to highlight the year in faith tourism, we’re expecting record attendance again at this fall’s tradeshow, especially with our second co-location with the annual NTA Convention. The Expo remains ‘the place to be’ for any organization or travel professional that wishes to buy, sell, and network in the religious marketplace.”
Faith-based travel and hospitality has evolved into a major market and pillar of the global travel industry. More than 300 million people each year embark on trips or events with their faith communities including pilgrimages, cruises, leisure vacations, conferences/events, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure travel, safaris, and more. The World Religious Travel Expo attracts tour operators, tourist offices, convention and visitor bureaus, motorcoach companies, hotels, attractions, suppliers, media, travel agents, and other tourism companies/professionals from throughout North America and around the world.
“We are excited about the upcoming WRTA Expo in Montreal and very much look forward to it,” said Mirko Capodanno, Manager Central USA and Canada. “Switzerland Tourism and our partners will be participating for the third consecutive time and the Expo marks an important and key event for us. Not only will it be a platform to promote faith-based travel in Zurich, Lucerne and the Ticino, but we’ll also be able to highlight train travel in Switzerland and our new partnership with Sunstar Hotels. Plus, it’s always a great opportunity to meet with the religious travel industry which is vital for us and also a lot of fun – an opportunity not to be missed!”
For Expo 2010, WRTA is excited to welcome new sponsors such as the Italian Government Tourist Board, Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, Innsbruck Tourist Board, and Tourisme Montréal. As well as our returning sponsors Switzerland Tourism, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, and VisitRochester.
The World Religious Travel Association will host this fall’s Expo again in conjunction with the NTA Convention. 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. Last year’s WRTA Expo 2009 featured the theme “Make 2010 Year Best Year Ever” and the event’s Gold and Silver Sponsors included Reno-Tahoe, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, Globus family of brands, Switzerland Tourism, Jordan Tourism Board N.A., German National Tourist Office, Leipzig Tourism and Marketing Company, Routes to Luther, VisitBritain, VisitScotland, Canterbury Cathedral, VisitRochester, PhotoVision, Epiphany Media, LifeWay, and TBN Holy Land Experience.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/ or http://www.wrtaexpo.com/.
WRTA opens exhibitor reservations to the industry’s largest religious tourism and hospitality tradeshow
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 18, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has opened exhibitor reservations for the 3rd Annual World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference. WRTA also unveiled the official theme of Expo 2010: Discover the World of Faith Tourism. The tradeshow will be held for the first time internationally in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from November 13-16, 2010.
“The World Religious Travel Expo is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the industry, so I’m thrilled to open up this opportunity to travel companies, destinations, and suppliers eager to take part in this remarkable event,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As we prepare to highlight the year in faith tourism, we’re expecting record attendance again at this fall’s tradeshow, especially with our second co-location with the annual NTA Convention. The Expo remains ‘the place to be’ for any organization or travel professional that wishes to buy, sell, and network in the religious marketplace.”
Faith-based travel and hospitality has evolved into a major market and pillar of the global travel industry. More than 300 million people each year embark on trips or events with their faith communities including pilgrimages, cruises, leisure vacations, conferences/events, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure travel, safaris, and more. The World Religious Travel Expo attracts tour operators, tourist offices, convention and visitor bureaus, motorcoach companies, hotels, attractions, suppliers, media, travel agents, and other tourism companies/professionals from throughout North America and around the world.
“We are excited about the upcoming WRTA Expo in Montreal and very much look forward to it,” said Mirko Capodanno, Manager Central USA and Canada. “Switzerland Tourism and our partners will be participating for the third consecutive time and the Expo marks an important and key event for us. Not only will it be a platform to promote faith-based travel in Zurich, Lucerne and the Ticino, but we’ll also be able to highlight train travel in Switzerland and our new partnership with Sunstar Hotels. Plus, it’s always a great opportunity to meet with the religious travel industry which is vital for us and also a lot of fun – an opportunity not to be missed!”
For Expo 2010, WRTA is excited to welcome new sponsors such as the Italian Government Tourist Board, Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, Innsbruck Tourist Board, and Tourisme Montréal. As well as our returning sponsors Switzerland Tourism, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, and VisitRochester.
The World Religious Travel Association will host this fall’s Expo again in conjunction with the NTA Convention. 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. Last year’s WRTA Expo 2009 featured the theme “Make 2010 Year Best Year Ever” and the event’s Gold and Silver Sponsors included Reno-Tahoe, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, Globus family of brands, Switzerland Tourism, Jordan Tourism Board N.A., German National Tourist Office, Leipzig Tourism and Marketing Company, Routes to Luther, VisitBritain, VisitScotland, Canterbury Cathedral, VisitRochester, PhotoVision, Epiphany Media, LifeWay, and TBN Holy Land Experience.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/ or http://www.wrtaexpo.com/.
CIE Tours: St. Patrick's Trail
CIE TOURS on St. Patrick's Day
http://www.cietours.ie/us/
http://www.cietours.ie/us/
Follow St. Patrick's Trail
Millions of people around the globe pay tribute to the Patron Saint of Ireland each year on the 17th March in unique displays of color, traditional Irish music, cuisine, song and dance. It's a fantastic time to visit Ireland and experience the excitement of the festival. Of particular interest is the St. Patrick's Trail. Delve into Northern Ireland's strong Saint Patrick connections with sites and attractions such as The Saul Church, The Saint Patrick Centre and Saint Patrick's Trian demonstrating the rich legacy he left behind waiting to be discovered. Year round events and exhibits make anytime of the year an ideal time to visit Northern Ireland's Saint's Patrick's County, Counties Down and Armagh, with their strong links to his heritage. Uncover more of Saint Patrick, Discover Northern Ireland.
Millions of people around the globe pay tribute to the Patron Saint of Ireland each year on the 17th March in unique displays of color, traditional Irish music, cuisine, song and dance. It's a fantastic time to visit Ireland and experience the excitement of the festival. Of particular interest is the St. Patrick's Trail. Delve into Northern Ireland's strong Saint Patrick connections with sites and attractions such as The Saul Church, The Saint Patrick Centre and Saint Patrick's Trian demonstrating the rich legacy he left behind waiting to be discovered. Year round events and exhibits make anytime of the year an ideal time to visit Northern Ireland's Saint's Patrick's County, Counties Down and Armagh, with their strong links to his heritage. Uncover more of Saint Patrick, Discover Northern Ireland.
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