Website: http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=28031
DAMASCUS - Syria is hoping to welcome six million tourists a year over the next three years and generate 3.4 billion dollars in tourism revenues, the official SANA news agency said on Wednesday.
SANA said the government wants to promote religious tourism in particular. It pointed to the more than 200 mosques in Damascus alone, including the world famous Umayyad Great Mosque, and to the country's rich Christian heritage.
About three-quarters of Syrians are Sunni Muslims, but there is a Christian minority. The country also has a significant Alawi community to which President Bashar al-Assad himself belongs.
The Damascus shrine of Sayidda Zeinab, daughter of the Shiite martyr Ali and granddaughter of the Muslim Prophet Mohammed, is a major draw for foreign pilgrims, particularly from Iran.
SANA said the shrine receives about two million visitors a year, who generate about 40 million dollars in revenues.
September 27, 2008
September 25, 2008
Nebraksa Travel Conference welcomes faith tourism expert on trend's potential impact
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nebraska Travel Conference welcomes Kevin Wright
Expert on faith tourism will speak on the trend’s potential impact
LINCOLN, NEB. (Sept. 25, 2008)—One in four Americans rank church and religious travel as important to them, according to the World Religious Travel Association. Kevin Wright, president of the WRTA, will let the Nebraska tourism industry know how they can get their piece of this growing market at this year’s Nebraska Travel Conference in Kearney.
In his presentation, “Nebraska and the New Era of Faith Tourism,” he’ll educate attendees on the faith tourism market, which includes pilgrimages, leisure vacations, short getaways, retreats, adventure travel, conferences, volunteer vacations, river cruising and attraction visits, just to name a few. Wright believes Nebraska is ripe to tap into this $18 billion industry and will teach attendees how to capitalize on it in his fast paced workshop.
The Nebraska Travel Conference will take place at the Kearney Ramada Inn and Conference Center, 301 S. 2nd Ave., October 21-23.
The conference includes educational workshops, general sessions and networking opportunities, as well as travel industry exhibitor booths displaying essential new products. Attendees can also participate in the Nebraska Travel Association’s Silent Auction, a fundraiser that will benefit tourism activities throughout Nebraska.
For more information on sponsorships, the conference or Nebraska Travel and Tourism, or to register online, visit www.VisitNebraska.org.
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Paula Bohaty at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3744, or email: pbohaty@visitnebraska.org
Sarah Baker at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3797, or email:sbaker@visitnebraska.org
###
Nebraska Travel Conference welcomes Kevin Wright
Expert on faith tourism will speak on the trend’s potential impact
LINCOLN, NEB. (Sept. 25, 2008)—One in four Americans rank church and religious travel as important to them, according to the World Religious Travel Association. Kevin Wright, president of the WRTA, will let the Nebraska tourism industry know how they can get their piece of this growing market at this year’s Nebraska Travel Conference in Kearney.
In his presentation, “Nebraska and the New Era of Faith Tourism,” he’ll educate attendees on the faith tourism market, which includes pilgrimages, leisure vacations, short getaways, retreats, adventure travel, conferences, volunteer vacations, river cruising and attraction visits, just to name a few. Wright believes Nebraska is ripe to tap into this $18 billion industry and will teach attendees how to capitalize on it in his fast paced workshop.
The Nebraska Travel Conference will take place at the Kearney Ramada Inn and Conference Center, 301 S. 2nd Ave., October 21-23.
The conference includes educational workshops, general sessions and networking opportunities, as well as travel industry exhibitor booths displaying essential new products. Attendees can also participate in the Nebraska Travel Association’s Silent Auction, a fundraiser that will benefit tourism activities throughout Nebraska.
For more information on sponsorships, the conference or Nebraska Travel and Tourism, or to register online, visit www.VisitNebraska.org.
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Paula Bohaty at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3744, or email: pbohaty@visitnebraska.org
Sarah Baker at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3797, or email:sbaker@visitnebraska.org
###
September 21, 2008
Syria Tourism focusing on Religious Tourism through the Year of St. Paul
Website article: http://www.4hoteliers.com/4hots_nshw.php?mwi=4979
The Tourism Minister of Syria spoke about the Saint Paul festivities taking place in 2008 and 2009 (in celebration of "The Year of Saint Paul") and advised that these activities are being organized by the Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with the churches of Syria, with a focus on the message that Syria is the cradle of Christianity from which St. Paul spread his message.
For more information about the above story, click on the website above.
The Tourism Minister of Syria spoke about the Saint Paul festivities taking place in 2008 and 2009 (in celebration of "The Year of Saint Paul") and advised that these activities are being organized by the Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with the churches of Syria, with a focus on the message that Syria is the cradle of Christianity from which St. Paul spread his message.
For more information about the above story, click on the website above.
September 20, 2008
Bermuda's Premier Assembles Religious Leaders on Faith Tourism
Bermuda’s Premier Assembles Local Religious Leaders
HAMILTON, Bermuda - Premier Dr. Ewart F. Brown of Bermuda hosted a breakfast forum on Wednesday, September 17 with Bermuda’s religious leaders to discuss combating anti-social behaviour and the continuation of Faith-based Tourism.
About 70 religious leaders from a wide variety of local churches attended.
Premier Brown said: “Bermuda is blessed with a very strong faith community and I am grateful the leaders of that community are willing to come together and share their concerns and ideas. I told them today’s forum is not the end of the participation process, the Government wants to hear from the faith community often and we will create a structure that makes it easier to do so. ”
Parental responsibility legislation, life skills and morality teaching in schools and easing the financial burdens on working parents to allow them more time with their children were among a long list of issues discussed during an open dialogue on anti-social behaviour.
Wednesday’s event was held at the Evangelical Church of Bermuda in Paget.
About two-thirds of the two-hour session focused on anti-social behaviour, while the remaining time was spent on Faith-based Tourism
Emilygail Dill, as Acting Director of Sales and Marketing in the Bermuda Department of Tourism’s North America Office, has oversight for the Department’s Faith-based Tourism strategy. Today she briefed Bermuda’s faith leaders on the $18 billon global Faith-based Tourism industry. The industry generates more than 300 million travelers annually.
Mrs. Dill, an ordained minister, told the gathering the support of local faith leaders would be crucial to the future success of Faith-based Tourism in Bermuda.
HAMILTON, Bermuda - Premier Dr. Ewart F. Brown of Bermuda hosted a breakfast forum on Wednesday, September 17 with Bermuda’s religious leaders to discuss combating anti-social behaviour and the continuation of Faith-based Tourism.
About 70 religious leaders from a wide variety of local churches attended.
Premier Brown said: “Bermuda is blessed with a very strong faith community and I am grateful the leaders of that community are willing to come together and share their concerns and ideas. I told them today’s forum is not the end of the participation process, the Government wants to hear from the faith community often and we will create a structure that makes it easier to do so. ”
Parental responsibility legislation, life skills and morality teaching in schools and easing the financial burdens on working parents to allow them more time with their children were among a long list of issues discussed during an open dialogue on anti-social behaviour.
Wednesday’s event was held at the Evangelical Church of Bermuda in Paget.
About two-thirds of the two-hour session focused on anti-social behaviour, while the remaining time was spent on Faith-based Tourism
Emilygail Dill, as Acting Director of Sales and Marketing in the Bermuda Department of Tourism’s North America Office, has oversight for the Department’s Faith-based Tourism strategy. Today she briefed Bermuda’s faith leaders on the $18 billon global Faith-based Tourism industry. The industry generates more than 300 million travelers annually.
Mrs. Dill, an ordained minister, told the gathering the support of local faith leaders would be crucial to the future success of Faith-based Tourism in Bermuda.
RCI to promote Jordan's Premier Religious Tourist Destination
RCI, the world’s largest timeshare exchange company and a part of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN), has formed a strategic alliance with the Levant Heritage Resort to market and promote Jordan’s leading faith tourism timeshare development.
Developed by the Abu-Dhabi owned Global Management Group and located only 15 kilometres from the Dead Sea and half an hour’s drive from the capital Amman, the Levant Heritage Resort is aiming to become the Kingdom’s leading destination for religious tourists.
Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Group RCI stated, “As innovators in the timeshare industry, our new affiliation with Levant Heritage Resort not only adds a world-class resort to our global collection of nearly 4,000 upscale properties, but it also allows us to offer our members the chance to create a once-in-a-lifetime experiential travel experience. This new affiliation is in line with our plan to continually try and add resorts that excite and engage our members with sought- after vacation options in the most desirable locations.”
Situated near a number of prominent sites from the Holy Bible, the Levant Heritage Resort will include a 300 room resort and spa, with 75 units allocated as timeshare units. Residents and guests will also be able to enjoy the resort’s various restaurants and leisure facilities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Arshad Hussain, RCI Business Development Director, commented on the potential that exists for faith tourism in the region:
“The promotion of Jordan’s rich and varied history has proven to be a huge draw for travellers looking for a richer, more spiritual vacation experience. The Levant Heritage Resort will help fill a niche in the market whereby visitors want to enjoy the amenities of a five-star resort and be situated next to some of the world’s most important religious sites.”
The location of the tombs and shrines of companions of the Prophet Muhammad have proved popular with Muslim tourists who have begun to explore Jordan’s historical treasures. Partly as a result of the country’s expanding religious tourism sector,
Jordan’s tourism revenues reached JD 1.03 billion (US$1.45 billion) in 2007, and the country is targeting revenues of JD1.3 to 1.7 billion (US$1.83 to US$2.4 billion) in 2010.
“Jordan is truly the Holy Land, and is the one country in the region to offer a one-stop location that can meet the needs of faith-based travellers. We’re delighted to be working with Group RCI to showcase the uniqueness of the Levant Heritage Resort across the globe,” commented Abdul Aziz Al-Laham, general manager, Levant Heritage Resort.
For additional information on the services offered to developers by Group RCI and how they can add potential value to leisure real estate projects, visit www.grouprci.com
About Levant Heritage
Established by Abdulaziz Al-Lahham and the UAE-based Global Management Group in 2005, Levant Heritage is an organization that caters to the growing demand for religious tourist developments in Jordan. With projects that include the construction of the Levant Heritage Resort and spa, tourism facilities located at the site of the Baptism, products from the Dead Sea as well as catering and sponsorship of annual religious celebrations, Levant Heritage is one of the premier providers of religious tourism activities and hospitality in Jordan. For additional information, visit www.LevantHeritage.com
Developed by the Abu-Dhabi owned Global Management Group and located only 15 kilometres from the Dead Sea and half an hour’s drive from the capital Amman, the Levant Heritage Resort is aiming to become the Kingdom’s leading destination for religious tourists.
Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Group RCI stated, “As innovators in the timeshare industry, our new affiliation with Levant Heritage Resort not only adds a world-class resort to our global collection of nearly 4,000 upscale properties, but it also allows us to offer our members the chance to create a once-in-a-lifetime experiential travel experience. This new affiliation is in line with our plan to continually try and add resorts that excite and engage our members with sought- after vacation options in the most desirable locations.”
Situated near a number of prominent sites from the Holy Bible, the Levant Heritage Resort will include a 300 room resort and spa, with 75 units allocated as timeshare units. Residents and guests will also be able to enjoy the resort’s various restaurants and leisure facilities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Arshad Hussain, RCI Business Development Director, commented on the potential that exists for faith tourism in the region:
“The promotion of Jordan’s rich and varied history has proven to be a huge draw for travellers looking for a richer, more spiritual vacation experience. The Levant Heritage Resort will help fill a niche in the market whereby visitors want to enjoy the amenities of a five-star resort and be situated next to some of the world’s most important religious sites.”
The location of the tombs and shrines of companions of the Prophet Muhammad have proved popular with Muslim tourists who have begun to explore Jordan’s historical treasures. Partly as a result of the country’s expanding religious tourism sector,
Jordan’s tourism revenues reached JD 1.03 billion (US$1.45 billion) in 2007, and the country is targeting revenues of JD1.3 to 1.7 billion (US$1.83 to US$2.4 billion) in 2010.
“Jordan is truly the Holy Land, and is the one country in the region to offer a one-stop location that can meet the needs of faith-based travellers. We’re delighted to be working with Group RCI to showcase the uniqueness of the Levant Heritage Resort across the globe,” commented Abdul Aziz Al-Laham, general manager, Levant Heritage Resort.
For additional information on the services offered to developers by Group RCI and how they can add potential value to leisure real estate projects, visit www.grouprci.com
About Levant Heritage
Established by Abdulaziz Al-Lahham and the UAE-based Global Management Group in 2005, Levant Heritage is an organization that caters to the growing demand for religious tourist developments in Jordan. With projects that include the construction of the Levant Heritage Resort and spa, tourism facilities located at the site of the Baptism, products from the Dead Sea as well as catering and sponsorship of annual religious celebrations, Levant Heritage is one of the premier providers of religious tourism activities and hospitality in Jordan. For additional information, visit www.LevantHeritage.com
September 13, 2008
Historic World Religious Travel Expo to Debut Next Month
HISTORIC WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO TO
WELCOME PARTICIPANTS FROM 30 COUNTRIES ON SIX CONTINENTS
Travel providers, tourist boards, and planners from 30-plus countries will gather next month in Orlando, Florida to participate in the first-ever global faith tourism tradeshow and convention. The World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2008 is expected to welcome 500 delegates, 100 exhibitors, and 50 tourism industry leader speakers.
Destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, attractions, hotel properties, and a host of other providers and planners from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Holy Land will be represented at this assembly of Who’s Who in the bustling $18 billion faith tourism industry. Travel agents and group planners will have an opportunity to network first-hand with the leading companies in religious travel, while also earning CEU’s by attending the many Expo educational seminars.
Exclusive to this event only, each Expo delegate will receive a Booklet of Special Offers worth thousands of dollars in FAM trips, bonus commissions, gifts, and prizes – all of which are provided by the exhibitors. The cost for a travel agent or group planner to attend is as low as $49. The World Religious Travel Expo will feature two venues: The International Tradeshow and The Educational Conference.
The event will be held Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando (Florida), with a complimentary optional faith-based attractions excursion on Saturday, Nov. 1. For more information about the Expo or to register online, visit www.religioustravelexpo.com. Or call 1-800-657-1288 (ext. 101).
WELCOME PARTICIPANTS FROM 30 COUNTRIES ON SIX CONTINENTS
Travel providers, tourist boards, and planners from 30-plus countries will gather next month in Orlando, Florida to participate in the first-ever global faith tourism tradeshow and convention. The World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2008 is expected to welcome 500 delegates, 100 exhibitors, and 50 tourism industry leader speakers.
Destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, attractions, hotel properties, and a host of other providers and planners from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Holy Land will be represented at this assembly of Who’s Who in the bustling $18 billion faith tourism industry. Travel agents and group planners will have an opportunity to network first-hand with the leading companies in religious travel, while also earning CEU’s by attending the many Expo educational seminars.
Exclusive to this event only, each Expo delegate will receive a Booklet of Special Offers worth thousands of dollars in FAM trips, bonus commissions, gifts, and prizes – all of which are provided by the exhibitors. The cost for a travel agent or group planner to attend is as low as $49. The World Religious Travel Expo will feature two venues: The International Tradeshow and The Educational Conference.
The event will be held Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando (Florida), with a complimentary optional faith-based attractions excursion on Saturday, Nov. 1. For more information about the Expo or to register online, visit www.religioustravelexpo.com. Or call 1-800-657-1288 (ext. 101).
September 11, 2008
Lourdes Pilgrimage: A Child's Vision, A Shrine to History
Lourdes pilgrimage: A child's visions, a shrine to history
By Susan Spano
Los Angeles Times
Website article: http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_10428719
SIDE COLUMN:
About 25 percent of American travelers are interested in taking a spiritually oriented vacation, a study last year by the U.S. Travel Industry Association showed. Increasingly, tour companies have begun offering religious cruises, package tours, pilgrimages and missionary travel.
The World Religious Travel Association, www.religioustravelassociation.com, a trade organization for the $18 billion-a-year faith travel industry, has an online directory to help religious travelers find the right tour company.
ARTICLE:
LOURDES, France - When Pope Benedict XVI visits this small town in the foothills of the French Pyrenees from Sept. 13 to 15, he will follow in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims who have come before him.
Like them, he will take Communion, drink from the holy spring and touch the stone at the base of a cliff by the Gave River, where heaven opened to a 14-year-old girl, known as Bernadette, who said she first saw the Virgin Mary there on Feb. 11, 1858. The pope will celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. Bernadette's apparitions, with a pilgrim's heart full of yearning for transformation.
Six million people visit Lourdes every year, including 100,000 volunteers and 80,000 ill and disabled pilgrims A group walks along the Stations of the Cross behind the grotto. (Susan Spano/Los Angeles Times)seeking cures for their afflictions or the strength to endure them. Since 1858, about 6,800 people have reported being cured at St. Bernadette's grotto, though the Roman Catholic Church has proclaimed only 67 of these to be miracles and hasn't recorded the number of spiritual healings said to have occurred at Lourdes.
Read the rest of the article at http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_10428719
By Susan Spano
Los Angeles Times
Website article: http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_10428719
SIDE COLUMN:
About 25 percent of American travelers are interested in taking a spiritually oriented vacation, a study last year by the U.S. Travel Industry Association showed. Increasingly, tour companies have begun offering religious cruises, package tours, pilgrimages and missionary travel.
The World Religious Travel Association, www.religioustravelassociation.com, a trade organization for the $18 billion-a-year faith travel industry, has an online directory to help religious travelers find the right tour company.
ARTICLE:
LOURDES, France - When Pope Benedict XVI visits this small town in the foothills of the French Pyrenees from Sept. 13 to 15, he will follow in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims who have come before him.
Like them, he will take Communion, drink from the holy spring and touch the stone at the base of a cliff by the Gave River, where heaven opened to a 14-year-old girl, known as Bernadette, who said she first saw the Virgin Mary there on Feb. 11, 1858. The pope will celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. Bernadette's apparitions, with a pilgrim's heart full of yearning for transformation.
Six million people visit Lourdes every year, including 100,000 volunteers and 80,000 ill and disabled pilgrims A group walks along the Stations of the Cross behind the grotto. (Susan Spano/Los Angeles Times)seeking cures for their afflictions or the strength to endure them. Since 1858, about 6,800 people have reported being cured at St. Bernadette's grotto, though the Roman Catholic Church has proclaimed only 67 of these to be miracles and hasn't recorded the number of spiritual healings said to have occurred at Lourdes.
Read the rest of the article at http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_10428719
September 10, 2008
Group RCI to promote Jordan as premier religious tourist destination
Group RCI signs agreement to globally promote Jordan's premier religious tourist destination
Website article: http://www.ameinfo.com/168364.html
RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, has formed a strategic alliance with the Levant Heritage Resort to market and promote Jordan's leading faith tourism timeshare development.
Jordan: Wednesday, September 10 - 2008 at 13:50 PRESS RELEASE
Developed by the Abu-Dhabi owned Global Management Group and located only 15 kilometres from the Dead Sea and half an hour's drive from the capital Amman, the Levant Heritage Resort is aiming to become the Kingdom's leading destination for religious tourists.
Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Group RCI stated:
'As innovators in the timeshare industry, our new affiliation with Levant Heritage Resort not only adds a world-class resort to our global collection of nearly 4,000 upscale properties, but it also allows us to offer our members the chance to create a once in a lifetime experiential travel experience. This new affiliation is in line with our plan to continually try and add resorts that excite and engage our members with sought after vacation options in the most desirable locations.'
Situated near to a number of prominent sites from the Holy Bible, the Levant Heritage Resort will include a 300 room resort and spa, with 75 units allocated to a timeshare programme. Residents and guests will also be able to enjoy the resort's various restaurants and leisure facilities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Arshad Hussain, RCI Business Development Director, commented on the potential that exists for faith tourism in the region: 'The promotion of Jordan's rich and varied history has proven to be a huge draw for travellers looking for a richer, more spiritual experience. The Levant Heritage Resort
will help fill a niche in the market whereby visitors who want to enjoy the facilities of a five star resort can now do so whilst being situated next to some of the world's most important religious sites.
Jordan's tourism revenues reached JD1.03bn ($1.45bn) in 2007 and the country is targeting revenues of JD1.3 to 1.7bn ($1.83 to $2.4bn) in 2010.
The location of the tombs and shrines of companions of the Prophet Muhammad have proved popular with Muslim tourists who have begun to explore Jordan's historical treasures. Partly as a result of the country's expanding religious tourism sector, Jordan's tourism revenues reached JD 1.03bn ($1.45bn) in 2007, and the country is targeting revenues of JD1.3 to 1.7bn ($1.83 to $2.4bn) in 2010.
'Jordan is truly the Holy Land, and is the one country in the region to offer a one-stop location that can meet the needs of faith-based travellers. We're delighted to conclude this agreement with Group RCI to showcase the uniqueness of the Levant Heritage Resort across the globe,'commented Abdul Aziz Al-Laham, general manager, Levant Heritage Resort.
Website article: http://www.ameinfo.com/168364.html
RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, has formed a strategic alliance with the Levant Heritage Resort to market and promote Jordan's leading faith tourism timeshare development.
Jordan: Wednesday, September 10 - 2008 at 13:50 PRESS RELEASE
Developed by the Abu-Dhabi owned Global Management Group and located only 15 kilometres from the Dead Sea and half an hour's drive from the capital Amman, the Levant Heritage Resort is aiming to become the Kingdom's leading destination for religious tourists.
Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Group RCI stated:
'As innovators in the timeshare industry, our new affiliation with Levant Heritage Resort not only adds a world-class resort to our global collection of nearly 4,000 upscale properties, but it also allows us to offer our members the chance to create a once in a lifetime experiential travel experience. This new affiliation is in line with our plan to continually try and add resorts that excite and engage our members with sought after vacation options in the most desirable locations.'
Situated near to a number of prominent sites from the Holy Bible, the Levant Heritage Resort will include a 300 room resort and spa, with 75 units allocated to a timeshare programme. Residents and guests will also be able to enjoy the resort's various restaurants and leisure facilities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Arshad Hussain, RCI Business Development Director, commented on the potential that exists for faith tourism in the region: 'The promotion of Jordan's rich and varied history has proven to be a huge draw for travellers looking for a richer, more spiritual experience. The Levant Heritage Resort
will help fill a niche in the market whereby visitors who want to enjoy the facilities of a five star resort can now do so whilst being situated next to some of the world's most important religious sites.
Jordan's tourism revenues reached JD1.03bn ($1.45bn) in 2007 and the country is targeting revenues of JD1.3 to 1.7bn ($1.83 to $2.4bn) in 2010.
The location of the tombs and shrines of companions of the Prophet Muhammad have proved popular with Muslim tourists who have begun to explore Jordan's historical treasures. Partly as a result of the country's expanding religious tourism sector, Jordan's tourism revenues reached JD 1.03bn ($1.45bn) in 2007, and the country is targeting revenues of JD1.3 to 1.7bn ($1.83 to $2.4bn) in 2010.
'Jordan is truly the Holy Land, and is the one country in the region to offer a one-stop location that can meet the needs of faith-based travellers. We're delighted to conclude this agreement with Group RCI to showcase the uniqueness of the Levant Heritage Resort across the globe,'commented Abdul Aziz Al-Laham, general manager, Levant Heritage Resort.
September 1, 2008
Bethany Beyond the Jordan becoming global pilgrimage destination
Bethany Beyond the Jordan becoming global pilgrimage destination
Article link: http://admin.jordantimes.com/index.php?news=10174
By Dalya Dajani
AMMAN - Officials at the Baptism Site said on Tuesday major headway is being made on several projects set to transform the area into a global pilgrimage destination.
“The infrastructure work for the Russian Pilgrimage House, the Roman Catholic Church on the east bank of the Jordan River as well as the Greek Orthodox monastery have been completed and others are on track as planned,” Baptism Site Commission (BSC) Director Dia Madani told The Jordan Times yesterday.
“We are looking forward to seeing these projects completed as the site is already attracting larger numbers of visitors and pilgrims from around the world,” he added.
At least five churches representing various Christian denominations are set to be established on the revered grounds of Bethany Beyond the Jordan this year, including the Coptic, Armenian, Syrian and Ethiopian churches.
Madani said the site is already growing steadily in prominence among tourists and pilgrims, citing the Kingdom’s marketing efforts and the growing acknowledgement amongst the Christian community of the site as the place where Jesus was baptised.
Madani said tourist arrivals to the site increased by 99 per cent during the first seven months of this year, attracting 108,000 visitors compared to some 54,00 during the same period of last year.
European visitors topped the list of arrivals with 65,000 visitors, a 123 per cent increase, followed by 20,713 Jordanians and 15,000 Americans representing increases of 30 per cent and 106 per cent respectively.
The site also attracted 6,365 Arab tourists through July, a 45 per cent increase from 2007.
Most tourists or pilgrims on package tours to the region spend an average of two days in the Kingdom visiting religious sites such as Mount Nebo and the Baptism Site before heading to the holy land, according to travel agents.
The site of Jesus's baptism, which was officially recognised by Pope John Paul II in 2000, has since attracted thousands of archaeologists, pilgrims and visitors each year.
The ancient settlement is also thought to have a significant link to the Old Testament Prophet Elijah, who delivered the message of repentance, taken up by John the Baptist centuries later. The BSC undertook a series of developments to the site's infrastructure in 2002 to handle the rising number of visitors.
Madani said the development of new churches is set to further enhance the site's appeal for pilgrims.
“Once the churches are built and monks and priests settle in, the entire concept of the site will be transformed from a historically important site to a leading destination for Christian pilgrimage,” Madani said, adding that the site will be open 20 hours a day and offer facilities for pilgrims who choose to spend the night.
The Roman Catholic Church, to be erected in a pyramid shape using old stones used in biblical times, will be located in a 5,000-square-metre complex including a monastery and an indoor baptismal pool.
The Russian Pilgrimage House, being built on 30 dunums of land donated by His Majesty King Abdullah, will be managed by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Plans are also set for the establishment of a convention centre, according to Madani, who said the final designs for the BSC-funded centre are ready and a tender for its construction will be issued next month through the Ministry of Public Works and Housing.
According to Madani, a large belvedere with a panoramic view of the Jordan River is also being developed at the site. The structure, which includes wooden shelters and palm trees, will have a capacity for 750 people. He expressed hoped that the belvedere will be ready for next year’s celebrations marking the Epiphany.
With these developments under way, the official said he was confident the site would be able to attract up to half-a-million visitors annually within the next three years.
20 August 2008
Article link: http://admin.jordantimes.com/index.php?news=10174
By Dalya Dajani
AMMAN - Officials at the Baptism Site said on Tuesday major headway is being made on several projects set to transform the area into a global pilgrimage destination.
“The infrastructure work for the Russian Pilgrimage House, the Roman Catholic Church on the east bank of the Jordan River as well as the Greek Orthodox monastery have been completed and others are on track as planned,” Baptism Site Commission (BSC) Director Dia Madani told The Jordan Times yesterday.
“We are looking forward to seeing these projects completed as the site is already attracting larger numbers of visitors and pilgrims from around the world,” he added.
At least five churches representing various Christian denominations are set to be established on the revered grounds of Bethany Beyond the Jordan this year, including the Coptic, Armenian, Syrian and Ethiopian churches.
Madani said the site is already growing steadily in prominence among tourists and pilgrims, citing the Kingdom’s marketing efforts and the growing acknowledgement amongst the Christian community of the site as the place where Jesus was baptised.
Madani said tourist arrivals to the site increased by 99 per cent during the first seven months of this year, attracting 108,000 visitors compared to some 54,00 during the same period of last year.
European visitors topped the list of arrivals with 65,000 visitors, a 123 per cent increase, followed by 20,713 Jordanians and 15,000 Americans representing increases of 30 per cent and 106 per cent respectively.
The site also attracted 6,365 Arab tourists through July, a 45 per cent increase from 2007.
Most tourists or pilgrims on package tours to the region spend an average of two days in the Kingdom visiting religious sites such as Mount Nebo and the Baptism Site before heading to the holy land, according to travel agents.
The site of Jesus's baptism, which was officially recognised by Pope John Paul II in 2000, has since attracted thousands of archaeologists, pilgrims and visitors each year.
The ancient settlement is also thought to have a significant link to the Old Testament Prophet Elijah, who delivered the message of repentance, taken up by John the Baptist centuries later. The BSC undertook a series of developments to the site's infrastructure in 2002 to handle the rising number of visitors.
Madani said the development of new churches is set to further enhance the site's appeal for pilgrims.
“Once the churches are built and monks and priests settle in, the entire concept of the site will be transformed from a historically important site to a leading destination for Christian pilgrimage,” Madani said, adding that the site will be open 20 hours a day and offer facilities for pilgrims who choose to spend the night.
The Roman Catholic Church, to be erected in a pyramid shape using old stones used in biblical times, will be located in a 5,000-square-metre complex including a monastery and an indoor baptismal pool.
The Russian Pilgrimage House, being built on 30 dunums of land donated by His Majesty King Abdullah, will be managed by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Plans are also set for the establishment of a convention centre, according to Madani, who said the final designs for the BSC-funded centre are ready and a tender for its construction will be issued next month through the Ministry of Public Works and Housing.
According to Madani, a large belvedere with a panoramic view of the Jordan River is also being developed at the site. The structure, which includes wooden shelters and palm trees, will have a capacity for 750 people. He expressed hoped that the belvedere will be ready for next year’s celebrations marking the Epiphany.
With these developments under way, the official said he was confident the site would be able to attract up to half-a-million visitors annually within the next three years.
20 August 2008
Religious tourism is on the upsurge in Iraq
http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/news_story.php?id=1105
Religious tourism is already on the upsurge, thanks in part to an $80-million renovation of a military airfield in Najaf. Iraq's newest airport opened to commercial traffic on July 20. The airport provides access to several of the Islamic world's holiest sites in Najaf and nearby Karbala. An investment group led by the Kuwaiti firm Al-Aqeelah plans to pump another $170 million into the project as traffic into the airport increases.
Religious tourism is already on the upsurge, thanks in part to an $80-million renovation of a military airfield in Najaf. Iraq's newest airport opened to commercial traffic on July 20. The airport provides access to several of the Islamic world's holiest sites in Najaf and nearby Karbala. An investment group led by the Kuwaiti firm Al-Aqeelah plans to pump another $170 million into the project as traffic into the airport increases.
Religious Tourism in Iraq
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080831/BUSINESS/118528439/1005&profile=1005
However, Mr Khajah said that tapping into the religious tourism sector in Iraq, which attracts millions of visitors every year despite the violence and lack of facilities, would be much more profitable than leisure.
However, Mr Khajah said that tapping into the religious tourism sector in Iraq, which attracts millions of visitors every year despite the violence and lack of facilities, would be much more profitable than leisure.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)