Destinations of the World News
Cover Story - Religious Travel
By Leah Larkin
April 2008
Website link: http://www.dotwnews.com/TheMagazine/April08Edition/tabid/187/Default.aspx
More and more tourists are following in the footsteps of the faithful. Leah Larkin pays homage to the global impact of the travel trade’s increasingly spiritual dimension.
Faith tourism is growing dramatically with more people than ever before travelling for spiritual enlightenment. Whether it is in search for a deeper meaning in life or connecting with their roots, there are said to be 330 million religious travellers generating US$18 billion annually with roughly US$10 billion in the United States alone. A survey by the Travel Industry Association of America in 2006 revealed that approximately one third in each age group (18-34 years, 35-54 years and 55+) were interested in a spiritual holiday. The American National Tour Association says more than 200 of its 600 members offer religious tours, up nine per cent from 2003.
The trend is now strong enough for many countries to start focusing on faith travel as part of their national strategy and for hotel companies to develop new properties in significant faith centres. And the message is global.
At the United Nations World Travel Organisation (UNWTO) meeting in Cordoba, tourism organisations were urged to “advance the importance of inter-religious dialogue as one of the major aims of tourism”.
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
