International Chains Have Opened Up Their First Hotel In Saudi ...
OfficialWire (press release) - Wilmington,DE,USAOne of the main drivers for the tourism industry is religious tourism. Saudi Arabia is home to two of Islam's holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, ...
October 31, 2009
Modern Pilgrimage to Spiritual Wales: A Popular Destination for Religious Tourism
Take a Modern Pilgrimage to Spiritual Wales: A popular destination ...
TravelVideo.tv (press release) -
USA“Religious tourism” is a growing trend with the World Religious Travel Association reporting that the faith tourism industry amounts to $18 billion with 300 ...
TravelVideo.tv (press release) -
USA“Religious tourism” is a growing trend with the World Religious Travel Association reporting that the faith tourism industry amounts to $18 billion with 300 ...
October 27, 2009
PASTORS, MINISTRY LEADERS & THOSE INTERESTED IN FAITH-BASED TRAVEL INVITED TO WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO
PASTORS, MINISTRY LEADERS & THOSE INTERESTED IN FAITH-BASED TRAVEL REGISTER TODAY! FOR THE WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
Have you continued to do the same trips year after year? Are you looking to plan new, exciting trips that will entice new members of your fellowship to travel? If so, we would love to invite you to attend the first-ever travel show for religious leaders and faith-based travelers- the World Religious Travel Expo.
Why Attend this Year?
Explore the diverse world of faith-based travel including pilgrimages, mission trips, Volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, and more
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
Have you continued to do the same trips year after year? Are you looking to plan new, exciting trips that will entice new members of your fellowship to travel? If so, we would love to invite you to attend the first-ever travel show for religious leaders and faith-based travelers- the World Religious Travel Expo.
Why Attend this Year?
Explore the diverse world of faith-based travel including pilgrimages, mission trips, Volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, and more
- Discover how to build a thriving travel program/ministry
- Meet personally with tourism/travel officials from Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Cyprus,
- Greece,Turkey, Switzerland, Britain, Scotland, Korea, India, Pakistan & more
- Discuss opportunities with missionary travel companies such as MTS Travel and volunteer vacation companies such as Lifetree Adventures
- Plan trips with leading pilgrimage tour companies such as Regina Tours, Unitours, as well as overseas Christian tour companies from Palestine, Turkey, Africa, Greece, Germany, and much more
- Explore Christian and faith-based attractions such as TBN's The Holy Land Experience, and The Shrine of Christ's Passion
- Design a fellowship cruise with faith-based cruise companies such as Premier Christian Cruises
- Discuss opportunities with retreat conference centers such as Lifeway Conference Centers
- Get ready for Oberammergau with The German National Tourist Office, as well as other local German tourism officials who can help you plan and prepare for your trip to next year's renowned Passion Play
- Tickets purchased in advance are $20...plus you get an autographed copy of The Christian Travel Planner! Books are limited so please fax back the below registration today to ensure your copy.
Tickets at the door are $35 (book not included).
FAX YOUR REGISTRATION TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR BOOK! (859.226.4434)
Download your registration.
Questions or would you like to register over the phone? Contact WRTA/Expo Staff at 859.226.4203 or visit
October 26, 2009
Pilgrims Prosper: Faith-Based Travel Proves Recession-Resistant
Read full story at http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/pilgrims_prosper
BY Tim Drake
Register Senior Writer
October 18-24, 2009 Issue
In a recent Gallup Poll, 42% of respondents said that they had delayed a vacation over the past 60 days in order to help make ends meet. Yet, despite the economic downturn, experts expect 2010 and 2011 to be banner years for religious travel.
Kevin Wright, president and founder of the World Religious Travel Association, said that the next two years look to be “fascinating” for Catholic and religious travel. “Tour operators expect 500,000 visitors for the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which only happens every decade,” he said. In addition, noted Wright, Spain has declared 2010 a holy year because the feast of St. James, July 25, falls on a Sunday, which means that many will be traveling to Santiago de Compostela, whose cathedral has a relic of St. James the Apostle.
According to Wright, religious tourism is, in fact, one of the oldest forms of tourism. “The first tour operator was Thomas Cook, a Baptist minister from England,” said Wright. “He took the first group to the Holy Land in 1861.” Cook’s business has grown into what is now one of the world’s largest travel agencies. Those who conduct tours say they’ve seen many changes since 1861.
Nick Mancino, president of New York-based Regina Tours, which leads between 150 to 200 tours per year, has also seen many changes over the past two decades. “Up until about 10 years ago, the Holy Land was one of the last places Catholics thought about going,” said Mancino. “But since the popes [Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI] have gone there, it has become a more popular destination.”
Other changes Mancino has seen include an increase in younger pilgrims and a desire for a more comfortable experience.
“In the old days, travelers went for two or three weeks. Because of cost and time, most travelers were retired,” said Mancino. “Now, younger people are traveling, and most travelers are going for only eight to 10 days at a time.”
“Thirty-five years ago, people didn’t care how they flew or where they stayed,” said Mancino. “Now, they’re more prone to ask how they’ll get there and whether the hotel is a one-star or four-star hotel.”
BY Tim Drake
Register Senior Writer
October 18-24, 2009 Issue
In a recent Gallup Poll, 42% of respondents said that they had delayed a vacation over the past 60 days in order to help make ends meet. Yet, despite the economic downturn, experts expect 2010 and 2011 to be banner years for religious travel.
Kevin Wright, president and founder of the World Religious Travel Association, said that the next two years look to be “fascinating” for Catholic and religious travel. “Tour operators expect 500,000 visitors for the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which only happens every decade,” he said. In addition, noted Wright, Spain has declared 2010 a holy year because the feast of St. James, July 25, falls on a Sunday, which means that many will be traveling to Santiago de Compostela, whose cathedral has a relic of St. James the Apostle.
According to Wright, religious tourism is, in fact, one of the oldest forms of tourism. “The first tour operator was Thomas Cook, a Baptist minister from England,” said Wright. “He took the first group to the Holy Land in 1861.” Cook’s business has grown into what is now one of the world’s largest travel agencies. Those who conduct tours say they’ve seen many changes since 1861.
Nick Mancino, president of New York-based Regina Tours, which leads between 150 to 200 tours per year, has also seen many changes over the past two decades. “Up until about 10 years ago, the Holy Land was one of the last places Catholics thought about going,” said Mancino. “But since the popes [Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI] have gone there, it has become a more popular destination.”
Other changes Mancino has seen include an increase in younger pilgrims and a desire for a more comfortable experience.
“In the old days, travelers went for two or three weeks. Because of cost and time, most travelers were retired,” said Mancino. “Now, younger people are traveling, and most travelers are going for only eight to 10 days at a time.”
“Thirty-five years ago, people didn’t care how they flew or where they stayed,” said Mancino. “Now, they’re more prone to ask how they’ll get there and whether the hotel is a one-star or four-star hotel.”
October 25, 2009
ASTA’s IDE 2010: Discover How to Build a Thriving Faith-based Travel Program Centered on the World's Top Religious Sites in the Holy Land
Read full story at http://www.asta.org/News/PRDetail.cfm?itemnumber=5937
Niche Session
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.
Moderator: Kevin J. Wright, President - World Religious Travel Association.
Panelists will include leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern Destinations.
Travel agents will discover how to develop a thriving and diverse faith-based travel program centered on the great religious itineraries stretching across these ancient and biblically-rich lands such as Turkey, Armenia, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, and much more. Attendees will return home equipped with the much-needed knowledge and strategies to immediately impact their faith-based travel program, no matter whether they are new to religious tourism or a long-term expert.
Qualified travel agents and journalists who register to attend IDE will also receive free accommodation for the four nights of the conference, April 19-22, in Istanbul. Check www.ASTA.org/expo to register for IDE and see which hotels are available. For more information or to register, go to ASTA.org/events.
ABOUT ASTA
ASTA's (American Society of Travel Agents) mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable, growing and a rewarding place to work, invest and do business.
Niche Session
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.
Moderator: Kevin J. Wright, President - World Religious Travel Association.
Panelists will include leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern Destinations.
Travel agents will discover how to develop a thriving and diverse faith-based travel program centered on the great religious itineraries stretching across these ancient and biblically-rich lands such as Turkey, Armenia, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, and much more. Attendees will return home equipped with the much-needed knowledge and strategies to immediately impact their faith-based travel program, no matter whether they are new to religious tourism or a long-term expert.
Qualified travel agents and journalists who register to attend IDE will also receive free accommodation for the four nights of the conference, April 19-22, in Istanbul. Check www.ASTA.org/expo to register for IDE and see which hotels are available. For more information or to register, go to ASTA.org/events.
ABOUT ASTA
ASTA's (American Society of Travel Agents) mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable, growing and a rewarding place to work, invest and do business.
India online travel industry - religious tourism booming
Online Travel Industry India
PRMinds (press release)... from air to non-air segment, growing m-commerce platform and offline counters, entry of meta search engines, travelogues and booming religious tourism. ...
Online Travel Industry India
India is the most dynamic and fast growing online travel market in the APAC region. The online travel market in India has witnessed tremendous growth and is attracting large number of national and international players.
PRMinds (press release)... from air to non-air segment, growing m-commerce platform and offline counters, entry of meta search engines, travelogues and booming religious tourism. ...
Online Travel Industry India
India is the most dynamic and fast growing online travel market in the APAC region. The online travel market in India has witnessed tremendous growth and is attracting large number of national and international players.
Secretary Clinton speaks about Iraq religious tourism
Secretary Clinton Speaks At The U.S.-Iraq Business and Investment ...
In September, international flights began service to a new airport in Najaf - a city once wracked by violence, now a popular destination for religious tourism. Electronic banking is on the rise, and several Iraqi and foreign private ...
In September, international flights began service to a new airport in Najaf - a city once wracked by violence, now a popular destination for religious tourism. Electronic banking is on the rise, and several Iraqi and foreign private ...
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority: Focusing on religious tourism
Website: http://www.island.lk/2009/10/20/business3.html
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) plans for 30,000 hotel rooms and new resorts to grow the economy of Sri Lanka. The targeted tourist arrival Sri Lanka hopes for by 2016 has been calculated to be two million according to the SLTDA web page.
"There are many sites which are being developed to attract the tourists to achieve the target, and now we are largely focusing on religious tourism." Chairman Bernad Gunathilaka said.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) plans for 30,000 hotel rooms and new resorts to grow the economy of Sri Lanka. The targeted tourist arrival Sri Lanka hopes for by 2016 has been calculated to be two million according to the SLTDA web page.
"There are many sites which are being developed to attract the tourists to achieve the target, and now we are largely focusing on religious tourism." Chairman Bernad Gunathilaka said.
Antakya, Turkey: Faith Tourism brings more income than any other to the city
Antakya on path to become a name brand
Hurriyet Daily News - Istanbul,TurkeyTourism is another strong point, with faith tourism bringing more income than any other to the city, which has long been home to different cultures and ...
Tourism is another strong point, with faith tourism bringing more income than any other to the city, which has long been home to different cultures and religions. Located in the Orontes Valley at the foot of Mt. Silpius, Antakya is home to a cave church known as St. Peter’s Grotto, where the first Christian community met. The city also holds a synagogue, an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque, lined up practically side-by-side on its main road.
Hurriyet Daily News - Istanbul,TurkeyTourism is another strong point, with faith tourism bringing more income than any other to the city, which has long been home to different cultures and ...
Tourism is another strong point, with faith tourism bringing more income than any other to the city, which has long been home to different cultures and religions. Located in the Orontes Valley at the foot of Mt. Silpius, Antakya is home to a cave church known as St. Peter’s Grotto, where the first Christian community met. The city also holds a synagogue, an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque, lined up practically side-by-side on its main road.
October 18, 2009
Going on Faith Interview with WRTA President: Outlook of Religious Tourism
To view the Going on Faith Conference interview between GOF Editor Brian Jewell and WRTA President Kevin J. Wright, click here: http://bit.ly/GoingOnFaith2009KevinWright1
Topics covered include:
1) The growth of Religious Tourism
2) The outlook for Religious Tourism
3) The Christian Travel Planner guidebook
Topics covered include:
1) The growth of Religious Tourism
2) The outlook for Religious Tourism
3) The Christian Travel Planner guidebook
Lebanon and Religious Tourism
Read full story at Lebanon : Religious tourism
Bechouat (Lebanon) - "She healed Christians and Muslims and her miracles have given life in the region." She is Our Lady of Bechouat and her sanctuary, a model in multiconfessionel Lebanon seeking to develop religious tourism.
Monasteries, churches and shrines abound in a country that remains a bastion of Christianity in the Arab world, although the Muslims have become the majority. "Formerly, in the Bekaa, tourism stopped at Baalbeck. Our village was forgotten", says Marie Keyrouz, who runs a souvenir shop in Bechouat, a town in the eastern plain of the Bekaa which become a place of pilgrimage after several witnesses of "miraculous cures" in 2004.
Bechouat (Lebanon) - "She healed Christians and Muslims and her miracles have given life in the region." She is Our Lady of Bechouat and her sanctuary, a model in multiconfessionel Lebanon seeking to develop religious tourism.
Monasteries, churches and shrines abound in a country that remains a bastion of Christianity in the Arab world, although the Muslims have become the majority. "Formerly, in the Bekaa, tourism stopped at Baalbeck. Our village was forgotten", says Marie Keyrouz, who runs a souvenir shop in Bechouat, a town in the eastern plain of the Bekaa which become a place of pilgrimage after several witnesses of "miraculous cures" in 2004.
Middle East hotels looking to capitalize on growth in religious tourism
Abu Dhabi to be first choice for hotel developers
JLL’s investor sentiment survey showed 24 per cent of investors favoured the Abu Dhabi hotel and hospitality market compared with 19 per cent for Dubai. Saudi Arabia was also popular among investors looking to capitalise on growth in religious tourism.
JLL’s investor sentiment survey showed 24 per cent of investors favoured the Abu Dhabi hotel and hospitality market compared with 19 per cent for Dubai. Saudi Arabia was also popular among investors looking to capitalise on growth in religious tourism.
Leisure Group Travel: 2010 Outlook & Questions to Travel Industry Professionals
Source: WRTA Partner - Leisure Group Travel
Read full story at: http://www.leisuregrouptravel.com/ or
http://grouptravelnewsreview.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/usa-major-tour-operators-and-european-tourist-officials-express-cautious-optimism-about-a-rebound-in-transatlantic-travel-for-2010/
USA – Major tour operators and European tourist officials express cautious optimism about a rebound in transatlantic travel for 2010
By grouptravelnewsreview
In response to questions posed by Leisure Group Travel, several industry pros indicate the worst of the decline may be over. Sharing their opinions are U.S. representatives of the national tourism organizations of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Britain, Spain and Cyprus. Tour operators represented include Globus, Travel Bound, Collette, Travel Priorities and Virgin Vacations USA.
The forecast for American travel to Europe next year is not exactly rosy in some quarters of the industry, but tour operators and national tourism office representatives are cautiously optimistic about a rebound and believe the worst may be over. Michael Gigl, director of the Austrian National Tourist Office, North America, said, “I don’t expect things to improve rapidly, but I think we’ve seen the bottom. ”Citing a downturn of 10 to 15 percent in the first part of 2009, he said the drop in American tourists to Austria has been gradually leveling off, with numbers down only three percent in July. Gigl said he’s hoping 2010 will bring a double-digit increase over 2009.
Mike Schields, director of group sales and emerging markets for Globus Family of Brands, views 2010 with optimism, noting that booking volume is up 30-40 percent over 2009 levels. “Deposits are up 100 percent, which indicates buyers are more serious and have sat on the sidelines long enough. They have sacrificed their vacations in 2009 and are jumping back into the market.”Schields said Europe in 2010 will be generally less expensive than in 2009 because of the dollar’s improving strength against the pound and euro, and “a soft travel environment accounts for more favorable rates from suppliers.” Because of the fixed cost of cruising, Globus’ Avalon Waterways river cruise division is leading the recovery. France, Spain and Oberammergau also are selling well. Tommy Ryder, head of the groups department at Travel Bound, said,
“Bookings for 2010 are already higher than those for 2009. Europe is still our #1 destination, and there the strong seller is Oberammergau, which started slowly but is gaining momentum.” Ryder said group travel to Italy is rebounding for 2010, and “we are also seeing much more interest in Spain than previously.” France and the UK continue to be popular destinations for group travel, he added, and “bookings for Greece are on the rise, particularly pre-/post-cruise.”
SPAIN SNAPSHOT
Patricia Wood Winn, public relations manager of the Tourist Office of Spain in Chicago, said supplier feedback indicates an upturn in American visitors for 2010, with group cruises into Barcelona a big seller. Spurring travel to Spain, she said, will be Holy Year celebrations in Santiago de Compostela, an important religious pilgrimage destination. The city’s ornate cathedral is home to the reputed relics of St. James the Greater and attracts an annual average of 2.5 million visitors, a figure expected to quadruple in 2010, decreed by the Pope to be a Jubilee Year because the feast day of St. James falls on a Sunday (July 25).
Thanks to a dip in hotel prices caused by a rash of new hotels that need to be filled, “Spain is doing well in comparison to other destinations,” said Morris Stroz, president of Travel Priorities in Skokie. “Spain is still a bargain. The hotel rates in Barcelona are the lowest I’ve ever seen.” Besides Spain, Travel Priorities sells trips to Eastern Europe, Italy, England and France. Stroz said lower hotel rates in Italy and a better exchange rate against the British pound are promising signs. Travel Priorities handles many repeat groups and maintains a diversified client base, from medical to student, but group sizes are smaller in 2009 than they were last year, Stroz said. It’s hard to predict what 2010 will bring, he said, because “there’s a lot of last-minute stuff people don’t think ahead of time. It just doesn’t work like that anymore.” Nigel Osborne, president of Virgin Vacations USA, also reports late commitments as people are keeping money close to the vest. He said enquiries are up 30 percent over last year, but a lot of these are shoppers. Trips are slightly shorter, averaging 10 days instead of 12 or 14.
With tour prices in some cases lower than a decade ago, now is the time to travel, Osborne said. He noted that Virgin’s 2009 six-night “London Fling” is only $669, compared to $939 for its six-night “London Jaunt” in 1998. Good deals are also available in France, Ireland, Central Europe, Spain and Greece, Osborne said.
BRITAIN BOUND
Paul McDonagh, business development executive at VisitBritain in NewYork, is optimistic about a rebound for American travel to Britain in 2010 and sees things picking up. “I hope the worst is behind us. ”McDonagh said VisitBritain works closely with group operators and mentioned religious travel as “a new area we’ve been developing since last year.”
He said attending the first World Religious Travel Expo in Orlando last year with such partners as Visit Scotland, Canterbury Cathedral and St. Paul’s Cathedral (celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2010) was “good for us.” McDonagh looks forward to even more networking opportunities this November in Reno when the second religious expo is held in conjunction with the NTA convention. Britain is also going after the adult educational market, targeting university alumni groups and organizations like Smithsonian and Elderhostel. McDonagh said the annual Travelearning.org conference, set for February in Providence, R.I., will provide a platform for suppliers to meet with tour planners. The outlook for U.S. traffic to the island of Cyprus next year “looks promising,” according to Tasoula Manaridis, director of the Cyprus Tourism Organization in New York. “In 2010 we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Cyprus’ independence.
Many important events, such as concerts, exhibitions, theater performances and festivals, will take place all over the island the whole year.” Manaridis said more tour operators are including Cyprus in their programs, noting that Central Holidays and Group IST, a major religious tour operator, have recently printed brochures dedicated to Cyprus. Dan Sullivan, president of Collette Vacations, said, “We have seen a surge for 2010. With booking incentives in place, we are up over 57 percent in group reservations across the board. The economy will be better, but not robust, at least through the first quarter of 2010.” Sullivan said Collette’s new “Discover Tuscany” in February is doing well, as is Explorations by Collette, the small-group division (16-24 passengers). He also is bullish on the bank market and the religious sector, particularly to Oberammergau.
PASSION PLAY SCENARIOS
Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other Central European countries expect a significant tourism boost from the once-a-decade Passion Play in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau. The monumental event will be staged from May 15 to Oct. 3. Ricarda Lindner, regional manager of the Americas for the German National Tourist Office, said, “The Passion Play will be a huge part of the overall groups coming to Germany in 2010. The play is a great opportunity to showcase Germany… Therefore, we have incorporated it in all our activities and communication channels in 2009.” Lindner said she is optimistic about an increase in U.S. tourists in 2010 and points out two other major events the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest in Munich and European Capital of Culture festivities in the Ruhr region of Western Germany. Mirko Capodanno, Central USA & Canada manager of the Swiss National Tourist Office, said, “Of course, Oberammergau is important for us,” noting that Switzerland is only two hours away. Capodanno said Switzerland has recently seen an increase in U.S. travelers after a decline since fall of 2008. “I have seen that people tend to book more all-inclusive packages, where they can better foresee travel expenses. This clearly speaks well for group travel.” From bargains in Spain to special events in Germany, opportunities abound for group travel planners with Europe on their radar in 2010. Slowly improving economic conditions, combined with pent-up demand for a European vacation, may well give us something to cheer about.
(Source : LeisureGroupTravel.com)
Read full story at: http://www.leisuregrouptravel.com/ or
http://grouptravelnewsreview.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/usa-major-tour-operators-and-european-tourist-officials-express-cautious-optimism-about-a-rebound-in-transatlantic-travel-for-2010/
USA – Major tour operators and European tourist officials express cautious optimism about a rebound in transatlantic travel for 2010
By grouptravelnewsreview
In response to questions posed by Leisure Group Travel, several industry pros indicate the worst of the decline may be over. Sharing their opinions are U.S. representatives of the national tourism organizations of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Britain, Spain and Cyprus. Tour operators represented include Globus, Travel Bound, Collette, Travel Priorities and Virgin Vacations USA.
The forecast for American travel to Europe next year is not exactly rosy in some quarters of the industry, but tour operators and national tourism office representatives are cautiously optimistic about a rebound and believe the worst may be over. Michael Gigl, director of the Austrian National Tourist Office, North America, said, “I don’t expect things to improve rapidly, but I think we’ve seen the bottom. ”Citing a downturn of 10 to 15 percent in the first part of 2009, he said the drop in American tourists to Austria has been gradually leveling off, with numbers down only three percent in July. Gigl said he’s hoping 2010 will bring a double-digit increase over 2009.
Mike Schields, director of group sales and emerging markets for Globus Family of Brands, views 2010 with optimism, noting that booking volume is up 30-40 percent over 2009 levels. “Deposits are up 100 percent, which indicates buyers are more serious and have sat on the sidelines long enough. They have sacrificed their vacations in 2009 and are jumping back into the market.”Schields said Europe in 2010 will be generally less expensive than in 2009 because of the dollar’s improving strength against the pound and euro, and “a soft travel environment accounts for more favorable rates from suppliers.” Because of the fixed cost of cruising, Globus’ Avalon Waterways river cruise division is leading the recovery. France, Spain and Oberammergau also are selling well. Tommy Ryder, head of the groups department at Travel Bound, said,
“Bookings for 2010 are already higher than those for 2009. Europe is still our #1 destination, and there the strong seller is Oberammergau, which started slowly but is gaining momentum.” Ryder said group travel to Italy is rebounding for 2010, and “we are also seeing much more interest in Spain than previously.” France and the UK continue to be popular destinations for group travel, he added, and “bookings for Greece are on the rise, particularly pre-/post-cruise.”
SPAIN SNAPSHOT
Patricia Wood Winn, public relations manager of the Tourist Office of Spain in Chicago, said supplier feedback indicates an upturn in American visitors for 2010, with group cruises into Barcelona a big seller. Spurring travel to Spain, she said, will be Holy Year celebrations in Santiago de Compostela, an important religious pilgrimage destination. The city’s ornate cathedral is home to the reputed relics of St. James the Greater and attracts an annual average of 2.5 million visitors, a figure expected to quadruple in 2010, decreed by the Pope to be a Jubilee Year because the feast day of St. James falls on a Sunday (July 25).
Thanks to a dip in hotel prices caused by a rash of new hotels that need to be filled, “Spain is doing well in comparison to other destinations,” said Morris Stroz, president of Travel Priorities in Skokie. “Spain is still a bargain. The hotel rates in Barcelona are the lowest I’ve ever seen.” Besides Spain, Travel Priorities sells trips to Eastern Europe, Italy, England and France. Stroz said lower hotel rates in Italy and a better exchange rate against the British pound are promising signs. Travel Priorities handles many repeat groups and maintains a diversified client base, from medical to student, but group sizes are smaller in 2009 than they were last year, Stroz said. It’s hard to predict what 2010 will bring, he said, because “there’s a lot of last-minute stuff people don’t think ahead of time. It just doesn’t work like that anymore.” Nigel Osborne, president of Virgin Vacations USA, also reports late commitments as people are keeping money close to the vest. He said enquiries are up 30 percent over last year, but a lot of these are shoppers. Trips are slightly shorter, averaging 10 days instead of 12 or 14.
With tour prices in some cases lower than a decade ago, now is the time to travel, Osborne said. He noted that Virgin’s 2009 six-night “London Fling” is only $669, compared to $939 for its six-night “London Jaunt” in 1998. Good deals are also available in France, Ireland, Central Europe, Spain and Greece, Osborne said.
BRITAIN BOUND
Paul McDonagh, business development executive at VisitBritain in NewYork, is optimistic about a rebound for American travel to Britain in 2010 and sees things picking up. “I hope the worst is behind us. ”McDonagh said VisitBritain works closely with group operators and mentioned religious travel as “a new area we’ve been developing since last year.”
He said attending the first World Religious Travel Expo in Orlando last year with such partners as Visit Scotland, Canterbury Cathedral and St. Paul’s Cathedral (celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2010) was “good for us.” McDonagh looks forward to even more networking opportunities this November in Reno when the second religious expo is held in conjunction with the NTA convention. Britain is also going after the adult educational market, targeting university alumni groups and organizations like Smithsonian and Elderhostel. McDonagh said the annual Travelearning.org conference, set for February in Providence, R.I., will provide a platform for suppliers to meet with tour planners. The outlook for U.S. traffic to the island of Cyprus next year “looks promising,” according to Tasoula Manaridis, director of the Cyprus Tourism Organization in New York. “In 2010 we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Cyprus’ independence.
Many important events, such as concerts, exhibitions, theater performances and festivals, will take place all over the island the whole year.” Manaridis said more tour operators are including Cyprus in their programs, noting that Central Holidays and Group IST, a major religious tour operator, have recently printed brochures dedicated to Cyprus. Dan Sullivan, president of Collette Vacations, said, “We have seen a surge for 2010. With booking incentives in place, we are up over 57 percent in group reservations across the board. The economy will be better, but not robust, at least through the first quarter of 2010.” Sullivan said Collette’s new “Discover Tuscany” in February is doing well, as is Explorations by Collette, the small-group division (16-24 passengers). He also is bullish on the bank market and the religious sector, particularly to Oberammergau.
PASSION PLAY SCENARIOS
Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other Central European countries expect a significant tourism boost from the once-a-decade Passion Play in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau. The monumental event will be staged from May 15 to Oct. 3. Ricarda Lindner, regional manager of the Americas for the German National Tourist Office, said, “The Passion Play will be a huge part of the overall groups coming to Germany in 2010. The play is a great opportunity to showcase Germany… Therefore, we have incorporated it in all our activities and communication channels in 2009.” Lindner said she is optimistic about an increase in U.S. tourists in 2010 and points out two other major events the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest in Munich and European Capital of Culture festivities in the Ruhr region of Western Germany. Mirko Capodanno, Central USA & Canada manager of the Swiss National Tourist Office, said, “Of course, Oberammergau is important for us,” noting that Switzerland is only two hours away. Capodanno said Switzerland has recently seen an increase in U.S. travelers after a decline since fall of 2008. “I have seen that people tend to book more all-inclusive packages, where they can better foresee travel expenses. This clearly speaks well for group travel.” From bargains in Spain to special events in Germany, opportunities abound for group travel planners with Europe on their radar in 2010. Slowly improving economic conditions, combined with pent-up demand for a European vacation, may well give us something to cheer about.
(Source : LeisureGroupTravel.com)
Bulgaria and Religious Tourism
Bulgaria to woo tourists with cultural gemsAFP... the capital Sofia and the central city of Plovdiv, as well as the Black Sea coast and mountainous regions which offer ecological and religious tourism
Others included the capital Sofia and the central city of Plovdiv, as well as the Black Sea coast and mountainous regions which offer ecological and religious tourism.
Others included the capital Sofia and the central city of Plovdiv, as well as the Black Sea coast and mountainous regions which offer ecological and religious tourism.
October 13, 2009
Tourism Cares announces partnership with the World Religious Travel Association
Canton, Mass. (October 13, 2009) – Tourism Cares, the tourism industry’s premier charitable organization for preservation, conservation, restoration and education, has announced its association partnership with the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), the leading global network for the 300 million traveler faith tourism industry.
“We are excited and privileged to name Tourism Cares as WRTA’s official philanthropy,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA President. “Preserving the travel experience for future generations is imperative for all segments of the tourism industry. For this reason, WRTA looks forward to promoting and supporting Tourism Cares’ many important events, including this fall’s Tourism Rocks at the co-located NTA Convention and World Religious Travel Expo in Reno, Nevada.”
WRTA exists to serve as a networking and educational venue for religious tourism, including both trade and traveler. WRTA’s role is to also promote the faith-based travel experience around the world. The partnership with Tourism Cares provides the travel industry with another significant voice to preserving the travel experience for future generations.
“There are no travelers in the world more conscious of culture and antiquities than those who travel to discover the roots of religion. Part of Tourism Cares’ mission is to make sure these treasures are there when they arrive.”, said Bruce Beckham, Executive Director, Tourism Cares. “I am sure the WRTA members will be avid supporters of our cause.”
As part of the partnership, WRTA will be highlighting direct to its members the many ways they can get involved with the mission of Tourism Cares. This includes everything from promoting Tourism Rocks to the NTA Convention Auction to volunteering time at Tourism Cares projects and much more.
About Tourism Cares:
Tourism Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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-focused 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, please visit www.tourismcares.org.
“We are excited and privileged to name Tourism Cares as WRTA’s official philanthropy,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA President. “Preserving the travel experience for future generations is imperative for all segments of the tourism industry. For this reason, WRTA looks forward to promoting and supporting Tourism Cares’ many important events, including this fall’s Tourism Rocks at the co-located NTA Convention and World Religious Travel Expo in Reno, Nevada.”
WRTA exists to serve as a networking and educational venue for religious tourism, including both trade and traveler. WRTA’s role is to also promote the faith-based travel experience around the world. The partnership with Tourism Cares provides the travel industry with another significant voice to preserving the travel experience for future generations.
“There are no travelers in the world more conscious of culture and antiquities than those who travel to discover the roots of religion. Part of Tourism Cares’ mission is to make sure these treasures are there when they arrive.”, said Bruce Beckham, Executive Director, Tourism Cares. “I am sure the WRTA members will be avid supporters of our cause.”
As part of the partnership, WRTA will be highlighting direct to its members the many ways they can get involved with the mission of Tourism Cares. This includes everything from promoting Tourism Rocks to the NTA Convention Auction to volunteering time at Tourism Cares projects and much more.
About Tourism Cares:
Tourism Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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-focused 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, please visit www.tourismcares.org.
WRTA Expo to Host Industry’s Largest-Ever Educational and Business Seminar Program on Faith Tourism
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct 7, 2009) – After hosting the industry’s first-ever, historic international gathering for the $18 billion religious travel marketplace in fall 2008, the World Religious Travel Association is expanding its vision and reach yet again in 2009. At this fall’s 2nd annual World Religious Travel Expo, WRTA will host the industry’s largest and most comprehensive educational seminar and business program ever assembled. As a result of the remarkable caliber of the event and presentations scheduled, Expo delegates can earn a maximum of 3 CEUs through The Travel Institute.
The all-star line-up of impressive speakers includes the globally-recognized religious travel expert, Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president; North America’s top faith-based marketing authority, Greg Stielstra, Faith-based Marketing and Pyromarketing author; travel industry’s leading retail expert and NACTA president, Scott Koepf; as well as government officials including Jordan Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Her Excellency Mrs. Maha Khatib, and Palestine Minister of Tourism & Antiquities, Her Excellency Dr. Khouloud Daibes.
Numerous travel industry executives and authorities have also been selected to speak including Torre Ossmo, vice president Faithful Holidays/Division of Mayflower Tours; Bob Faucett, vice president Unitours; George Vella, sales manager North America, German National Tourist Board, Jim Buddendorf, president MTS Travel; George Van der Wath, president Groups 2 Africa; Mirko Capodanno, Switzerland Tourism; Fuad Kattan, president ACA Travel & Tourism (Palestine); Michelle Clavijo-Diaz, Lifetree Adventures; Cindi Brodhecker, president Faith Travel Development and Consulting, and many more. With dozens of speakers planned for Expo 2009, the presenters represent a wide variety of backgrounds and destinations including India, Armenia, Cyprus, Africa, Germany, Switzerland, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Canada, Mexico, the United States, and more.
“I’m like a kid in a candy store with this remarkable array of speakers,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “The sheer wealth of knowledge and wisdom among these speakers is exactly what is needed for every Expo delegate to plan and prepare for their best year ever in 2010. It is simply a tremendous honor for WRTA to host such an extraordinary and inspiring group of speakers. This is a testament to the power and prestige of today’s faith tourism marketplace.”
The Expo 2009 General Sessions and Educational Seminars are listed as follows, each expanding upon the convention theme: Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever. For a complete listing of all educational opportunities and speakers, visit www.wrtaexpo.com/WRTA+Expo/Education/.
GENERAL SESSIONS
* Soundbites from the Global Faith Tourism Industry: What’s Happening & What’s to Come in 2010 (Speakers include leading tourism representatives)
* Faith-based Marketing: How to effectively reach, and serve, America's highest spending consumer group (Greg Stielstra, North America’s Top Authority on Faith-based Marketing)
* Five things to do to Make 2010 your Best Year Ever! (Scott Koepf, NACTA President)
* Signature Event: The Holy Land Panel Moderated by Malia Asfour, Director North America, Jordan Tourism plus leading tourism officials from Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece
EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS
* How to build a thriving religious travel program with the right products, experiences, and quality. Moderator: Cindi Brodhecker, President, Faith Travel Development and Consulting
* Discover fascinating new trends, destinations and faith vacation experiences for the 21st century religious traveler: Faith-based cruises, missionary travel, African safaris, India, Armenia, and much more. Moderator: Darrell Burrow, Director of Sales, Premier Christian Cruises
* Make 2010 your best year ever in religious group travel: Learn about Oberammergau, Santiago de Compostela’s Holy Year, Shroud of Turin, Year of the Priest, and Much More Moderator: Bob Faucett, Vice President, Unitours
* How to effectively use Social Media and PR to build your religious clientele: Includes LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, blogging, creating your own social network, writing press releases and much more. Moderator, Kevin J. Wright, WRTA President
* PyroMarketing: Igniting “group travel planner” evangelists and keeping them for life Moderator: Greg Stielstra plus prominent group planners/leaders
"As a speaker and exhibitor for the second year, I am honored to play such an important part again this year," said Torre Ossmo, vice president and general manager for Faithful Holidays. "I want to congratulate and thank WRTA for having such a great line up for the educational conference this year. The presentations, discussion topics and information provided at the educational conference will be crucial to the attendees, especially as we’re all looking for success as we address the market challenges ahead."WRTA is currently taking registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations, travel professionals, and group planners from 30-plus countries.
A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Convention ‘09, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to new market opportunities.
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