Travel colleges recognizing growth of religious tourism:
http://www.firststoponlinedegree.com/articles/faithbased-international-travel-sector.php
Faith-based International Travel Sector
March 23, 2007by J.V. StaplesFirst Stop Online Degree ColumnistThe faith-based international travel sector is flourishing. More and more consumers are choosing to take a retreat or pilgrimage, spelling billions in profits for the industry. How has faith-based travel changed business?
Travel in ParadiseAccording to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), the faith-based travel industry is one of the hottest growing travel sectors, bringing in some serious cash. The International Conference on Religious Tourism estimates the faith-based travel industry to be worth about $18 billion. A survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association of America in 2006 found that one in four travelers are presently interested in taking a spiritual vacation such as a retreat or pilgrimage. The pilgrim-soul apparently crosses generations, with about a third of each age group reporting a desire to go on a religious holiday.
Stepping Out in FaithIn response to the recent growth of the faith-based travel industry, two of the sector's authorities have launched the World Religious Travel Association. Kevin J. Wright (President, Religious Market Consulting Group) and Honnie Korngold (President, Christian Travel Finder) have created the organization to advise the worldwide travel industry in approaching the North American religious consumer, to build faith-based vacation and travel opportunities for them, and to connect them with the worldwide travel industry.
Tourism Degree Programs and Online DegreesThe travel industry is constantly changing, with niche markets opening up and evolving, and you'll need more than faith to get a travel agent job. A tourism degree will get you on the road to a career in international travel. You might have a degree program available at one of your local colleges. But, better yet, with an online degree, you can head off on your own-whether on a serious pilgrimage or a take-it-easy beach holiday--while enrolled in your degree program. Source:
$18 Billion Religious Travel Industry Gives Birth to International AssociationAuthor:J.V. Staples is a writer and teacher living on the southeast coast of Ireland. He has worked as a graphic designer; teacher of English as a foreign language; university writing instructor; and editor of Salt Hill, a literary magazine. John holds an honors BA in English from the University of Georgia and a Masters in creative writing from Syracuse University.
Features news, stories, and insight regarding the $18 billion and 300 million traveler worldwide faith-based vacations, cruise, and hospitality market.
About Me
- kevinjwright
- Kevin J. Wright is one of the world's most recognized religious travel and hospitality authorities. He founded and served as President of the World Religious Travel Association, the leading organization dedicated to the 300 million traveler faith tourism industry. He also served as Chairman of the World Religious Travel Expo, drawing more than 30 countries from around the world. Wright has been interviewed by the CBS Early Show, TIME Magazine, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, National Public Radio (NPR), National Geographic, Forbes Traveler, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, and dozens of other media outlets. He is the author of four travel guidebooks.
Faith-based Tourism
300 million travelers worldwide
