$18 Billion Religious Travel Industry Gives Birth to International Association
Faith-based travel industry leaders launch World Religious Travel Association (WRTA).
Littleton, CO (PRWeb) January 29, 2007 -- Two of the most recognized faith-based travel industry authorities have launched the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) (http://www.religioustravelassociation.com/) to advise, build and connect the $18 billion worldwide religious travel industry. Kevin J. Wright (President, Religious Market Consulting Group) and Honnie Korngold (President, Christian Travel Finder) have established the organization in response to the growing demand for faith-based vacations and the increasing number of tourism companies entering or expanding their presence within the industry.
“WRTA’s overall mission is simple and clear: We will advise and assist the travel industry in working with the religious market, and establish faith-based vacations as a key travel option for the religious consumer,” said Kevin J. Wright, Executive Director of WRTA.
The association comes at a pivotal stage in the burgeoning faith-based travel industry that, according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), is one of the fastest growing travel segments. In November, 2006, the Travel Industry Association of America released survey findings that “one-quarter (25%) of travelers said they were currently interested in taking a spiritual vacation (e.g., religious retreat, pilgrimage), and that the appeal of a spiritual vacation spans the ages, with approximately one-third of each age group (18 – 34 years old, 35 – 54 years old and 55+) expressing current interest in taking such a vacation.” In October 2006, the International Conference on Religious Tourism (ICORET), held in Cyprus, estimated the size of the faith-based travel industry at $18 billion. In November 1998, the World Travel Market in London released research that identified faith-based travel as one of the top critical issues and trends in travel and tourism in the 21st century.
The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) will serve as the primary organization dedicated to leading, enriching, and expanding the global faith-based travel Industry. With an initial focus on the North American religious market and consumer, the association plans to expand throughout the world as emerging markets mature and consumer demand increases.
The three major goals of the association are:
* Advise and assist the worldwide travel industry in marketing, selling and developing product for the North American religious market and consumer.
* Build faith-based vacation and travel ministry opportunities for North American religious consumers.
* Connect the worldwide travel industry and the North American religious consumer (via various channels, venues and networking opportunities).
All seven segments of the $18 billion worldwide religious tourism industry are represented in the association: (1) Tour operators, cruise lines, and travel wholesalers (2) Travel suppliers and vendors (3) Travel agencies and consortiums (4) Religious suppliers and vendors (5) Churches and religious/non-profit organizations (6) Individuals and clergy (7) Media.
Among its many benefits, the new association will provide its members with the following market services and opportunities: leadership, networking, education, media (publicity), research, job market, advertising, consulting, travel ministry programs, and faith-based vacations. In addition, WRTA will promote every aspect of religious travel including escorted touring, cruising, missionary travel, adventure trips, FIT/Independent travel, attractions, retreats, conferences, and conventions/meetings. Memberships for the association include both trade and consumer, and feature a variety of level options. WRTA also will feature an Advisory Board, and is currently finalizing a select group of Charter Members.
WRTA also will launch the first-ever awards for the religious travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Winners will be announced in December, 2007 and will include categories such as “Tour Operator of the Year,” “Travel Agent of the Year,” “Religious Attraction of the Year,” “Religious Destination of the Year,” “Religious Travel Story of the Year,” “Religious Travel Professional of the Year,” and “Travel Ministry Program of the Year.” Beginning Jan. 29, members and non-members alike can place their votes at www.religioustravelassociation.com.
In September 2008, WRTA will host its first annual World Religious Travel Expo. In addition to providing a full schedule of seminars, the Expo will offer an excellent opportunity for companies and organizations to showcase their religious tourism products and services to the trade and consumer. For churches, religious organizations and individuals, the Expo will provide a tremendous opportunity for visiting numerous companies and organizations involved in religious tourism and hospitality -- all within one setting. For the media, it will serve as “the event of the year” for reporting on the faith-based travel industry. The Expo (http://www.religioustravelexpo.com/) is expected to feature a sold-out crowd of more than 1,000 exhibitors and attendees from around the globe.
“Among our many initiatives, education will be at the forefront of the Association and Expo,” said Honnie Korngold, Vice President of WRTA. “Our goal is to not only educate the trade about faith-based travel, but also the consumer -- for example, educating pastors and religious group leaders themselves about the value and benefits of traveling together as a community.”
WRTA is now accepting membership applications. To learn more about the Association or to register your individual or organization membership, visit http://www.religioustravelassociation.com/ (all registrations are completed on-line). Or, you can call WRTA at 1-800-657-1288 .
About the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA)
The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) is the world’s primary organization dedicated to leading, enriching, and expanding the faith-based travel industry. WRTA exists to bring the worldwide trade and North American religious consumer together for the primary purpose of promoting and providing quality religious travel experiences around the globe. All seven segments of the $18 billion worldwide religious tourism industry are represented: (1) Tour operators, cruise lines, and travel wholesalers (2) Travel suppliers and vendors (3) Travel agencies and consortiums (4) Religious suppliers and vendors (5) Churches and religious/non-profit organizations (6) Individuals and clergy (7) Media. WRTA’s vision and mission is to provide the following religious travel market services and opportunities: Leadership, Networking, Education, Media, Research, Job Market, Advertising, Consulting, Travel Ministry, and Faith-based Vacations. The WRTA will host the 1st Annual World Religious Travel Expo in September 2008. To learn more about the Association or to register your company, organization, or individual membership on-line (all registrations must be completed on-line), visit http://www.religioustravelassociation.com/. Or, contact WRTA at 1-800-657-1288 .
Contact:Christine Moore, epiphany media
Tel: 469-688-5683 # # #
Contact Information
Christine Moore
World Religious Travel Association (WRTA)
http://www.religioustravelassociation.com
469-688-5683
January 29, 2007
January 27, 2007
(article) Groups and Meetings: Unexpected Opportunity Revealed
Although the following article isn't necessarily specifically about Religious groups, it does speak about the growth of "groups traveling together" in general....
25 January 2007 Sherman, Conn. USA Companies seeking the next big travel opportunity need to explore the groups and meetings arena, according to a new report published by PhoCusWright Inc. The report is produced in conjunction with the Foundation of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). This complex but steady marketplace, valued at over US$164 billion in the U.S. alone, is one of the next frontiers and key competitive areas for e-commerce and one of the last major revenue streams to move online.
The U.S. groups and meetings marketplace is projected to reach $175 billion by 2008, with travel (air, hotel, car rental, ground transportation, cruise and tour) representing 54% of the total, according to PhoCusWright's Groups and Meetings: Market Opportunity Redefined. Non-travel expenses (e.g., meeting rooms, catering, audio/visual equipment) represent the remaining 46%. By 2008, 41% of all groups and meetings travel revenue, or $39 billion, will be booked online. But the online opportunity will be even greater for small leisure gatherings (under nine rooms), a segment which has fallen outside of the traditional "group" definition. This segment, which includes family reunions, weddings and religious groups, will have online penetration of 53% by 2008, nearly three times the rate of larger leisure groups.
Travel companies can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines taking a wait-and-see approach to the groups and meetings opportunity, according to the report. Suppliers need to automate their entire distribution network and supply chain supporting groups and meetings or else risk ceding control of this space to competitors and/or new entrants. Groups and meeting inventory and rates must be centralized and well integrated into other core systems, including hotel property management, revenue (yield) management, central reservations, customer relationship management, e-commerce and dynamic packaging. In addition, companies should apply Travel 2.0 capabilities to the groups and meetings arena, placing particular emphasis on the elements of community, user-generated content and social networking.
Innovation by new entrants and competitive posturing by other, more established players signify that this will be an exciting area poised for great opportunity and technology advances in the years to come.
Other Key Findings:
Smaller, simpler groups and meetings are on the rise in both the leisure and corporate segments. Because these tend to have fewer variables, they can be moved online with the entire business being transacted - from contract to bookings - without the need for a request for proposal (RFP).
Hotel companies are working to centralize their groups and meetings inventory and rates to enhance offerings and leverage/optimize resources to achieve efficiencies and economies of scale. As they build their technology capabilities, they will push supply online.
Components of large meetings (e.g., RFP processing, housing management, attendee registration) will continue to move online largely to achieve efficiencies and to empower or off-load tasks to planners and attendees.
The rise in new market entrants (e.g., Groople, Group Travel Planet, TripHub) and efforts by established players to automate portions of the groups and meetings lifecycle will help to draw attention to the technology tools, educate the marketplace and encourage people to book electronically online.
Groups and Meetings: Market Opportunity Redefined elaborates on these key market trends, opportunities, and overall estimates and forecasts, and describes how migration to an online world will evolve. The report puts the groups and meetings market into context by taking into account where the industry has been and where it is headed, and provides strategies and pragmatic tips to help companies determine how best to plan for the future.
An Executive Summary for Groups and Meetings: Market Opportunity Redefined is available for your review.
25 January 2007 Sherman, Conn. USA Companies seeking the next big travel opportunity need to explore the groups and meetings arena, according to a new report published by PhoCusWright Inc. The report is produced in conjunction with the Foundation of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). This complex but steady marketplace, valued at over US$164 billion in the U.S. alone, is one of the next frontiers and key competitive areas for e-commerce and one of the last major revenue streams to move online.
The U.S. groups and meetings marketplace is projected to reach $175 billion by 2008, with travel (air, hotel, car rental, ground transportation, cruise and tour) representing 54% of the total, according to PhoCusWright's Groups and Meetings: Market Opportunity Redefined. Non-travel expenses (e.g., meeting rooms, catering, audio/visual equipment) represent the remaining 46%. By 2008, 41% of all groups and meetings travel revenue, or $39 billion, will be booked online. But the online opportunity will be even greater for small leisure gatherings (under nine rooms), a segment which has fallen outside of the traditional "group" definition. This segment, which includes family reunions, weddings and religious groups, will have online penetration of 53% by 2008, nearly three times the rate of larger leisure groups.
Travel companies can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines taking a wait-and-see approach to the groups and meetings opportunity, according to the report. Suppliers need to automate their entire distribution network and supply chain supporting groups and meetings or else risk ceding control of this space to competitors and/or new entrants. Groups and meeting inventory and rates must be centralized and well integrated into other core systems, including hotel property management, revenue (yield) management, central reservations, customer relationship management, e-commerce and dynamic packaging. In addition, companies should apply Travel 2.0 capabilities to the groups and meetings arena, placing particular emphasis on the elements of community, user-generated content and social networking.
Innovation by new entrants and competitive posturing by other, more established players signify that this will be an exciting area poised for great opportunity and technology advances in the years to come.
Other Key Findings:
Smaller, simpler groups and meetings are on the rise in both the leisure and corporate segments. Because these tend to have fewer variables, they can be moved online with the entire business being transacted - from contract to bookings - without the need for a request for proposal (RFP).
Hotel companies are working to centralize their groups and meetings inventory and rates to enhance offerings and leverage/optimize resources to achieve efficiencies and economies of scale. As they build their technology capabilities, they will push supply online.
Components of large meetings (e.g., RFP processing, housing management, attendee registration) will continue to move online largely to achieve efficiencies and to empower or off-load tasks to planners and attendees.
The rise in new market entrants (e.g., Groople, Group Travel Planet, TripHub) and efforts by established players to automate portions of the groups and meetings lifecycle will help to draw attention to the technology tools, educate the marketplace and encourage people to book electronically online.
Groups and Meetings: Market Opportunity Redefined elaborates on these key market trends, opportunities, and overall estimates and forecasts, and describes how migration to an online world will evolve. The report puts the groups and meetings market into context by taking into account where the industry has been and where it is headed, and provides strategies and pragmatic tips to help companies determine how best to plan for the future.
An Executive Summary for Groups and Meetings: Market Opportunity Redefined is available for your review.
January 23, 2007
New Passport Rules Take Effect Today
Beginning today, anyone flying anywhere outside the U.S. will need a valid passport.
(U.S. Department of State)
Website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.New Application for a U.S. PassportTo obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.For more information on getting a new passport, please click How to get a passport.Renewal of a U.S. PassportYou can renew by mail if: Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.You can get a passport renewal application form by downloading it from this site.If your passport has been, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail. You must apply in person.For more information on how to renew a passport, please click: How to renew a passport.
(U.S. Department of State)
Website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.New Application for a U.S. PassportTo obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.For more information on getting a new passport, please click How to get a passport.Renewal of a U.S. PassportYou can renew by mail if: Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.You can get a passport renewal application form by downloading it from this site.If your passport has been, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail. You must apply in person.For more information on how to renew a passport, please click: How to renew a passport.
January 13, 2007
Baby Boomers - Religious Travel top trend
Vacation.com predicts babyboomer travel boom
Friday, January 12, 2007
(excerpt from article)
The leisure travel industry is about to boom thanks to the Baby Boomers coming of age and having more free time and the desire to travel, according to Lauraday Kelley, CTC, MCC, vice president Education & Training for Vacation.com.
Drawing from recent research by ASTA, the Travel Industry Association and Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell (YPB&R), Lauraday Kelley released Vacation.com’s Top Ten Trends for 2007 included Religious Travel as #7 on the list:
Religious travel will continue to be a growing trend as a large number of consumers are taking pilgrimages to religious destinations.
Friday, January 12, 2007
(excerpt from article)
The leisure travel industry is about to boom thanks to the Baby Boomers coming of age and having more free time and the desire to travel, according to Lauraday Kelley, CTC, MCC, vice president Education & Training for Vacation.com.
Drawing from recent research by ASTA, the Travel Industry Association and Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell (YPB&R), Lauraday Kelley released Vacation.com’s Top Ten Trends for 2007 included Religious Travel as #7 on the list:
Religious travel will continue to be a growing trend as a large number of consumers are taking pilgrimages to religious destinations.
January 7, 2007
World Religious Travel Association launching in less than 25 days!
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We're only less than one month away from launching the first international association for the religious travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. The official date is still set for Jan 29, 2007. Tour operators, travel agents, hotels, museums, restaurants, churches, religious organizations, the media, and individuals will be able to register as association members on that date at http://www.religioustravelassociation.com/. Only 22 more days to go!....
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