Religious Tourism News

John Paul II beatification ceremony to draw a million pilgrims to Rome

2011-01-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

Pope Benedict XVI has confirmed a miracle attributed to his predecessor, John Paul II, paving the way for him to be beatified at a ceremony which could draw up to a million pilgrims to Rome.
Article link:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/8260125/John-Paul-II-beatification-ceremony-to-draw-a-million-pilgrims-to-Rome.html

2nd World Apostolic Congress on Divine Mercy

2010-12-01T16:26:00.000-08:00

The 2nd World Apostolic Congress on Divine Mercy which will take place in Krakow, October 2011. The year 2011 will bring the 80th anniversary of Jesus appearing to Faustina Kowalska and revealing to her the message of Divine Mercy. It is also the 70th anniversary of the martyrdom of St Maximilian Kolbe.

Website of the 2nd World Apostolic Congress:
http://www.worldapostoliccongressonmercy.org

The above information provided by:
Pawel Baczek
Sales Director

JAN-POL Incoming Tour Operator Sp. z o.o.
ul. Misiolka 8, 31-525 Krakow, Poland
tel: +48 12 421 42 06
fax: +48 12 421 27 26
e-mail: janpol@janpol.com ; www.janpol.com

Organ rejestrowy: Sad Rejonowy dla Krakowa - Srodmiescia w Krakowie
XI Wydzial Gospodarczy Krajowego Rejestru Sadowego
KRS: 0000227346
NIP 676-22-83-637
Kapital zakladowy: 60 000,00 PLN

Creation museum to build theme park

2010-12-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

Full article at
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/12/01/v-print/1548034/creation-museum-to-get-wooden.html

By Shawntaye Hopkins - shopkins@herald-leader.com FRANKFORT — Gov. Steve Beshear announced plans Wednesday morning for a new tourist attraction in Northern Kentucky that will include a wooden ark and a theme park.

The governor made the announcement during a news conference at the Capitol Building in Frankfort. Representatives of Answers in Genesis, which opened the Creation Museum in Northern Kentucky about three years ago, will partner with other investors in the project.

The park, called the Ark Encounter, will be on 800 acres off Interstate 75 in Grant County and is expected to be complete by 2014. Answers in Genesis will handle daily operations of the theme park.

Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2010/12/01/1548034/creation-museum-to-get-wooden.html#ixzz16tMqeOL3

Just Published: Frommer's Jerusalem Day by Day

2010-11-29T16:30:00.000-08:00

Frommer's Jerusalem Day by Day (Frommer's Day by Day: Jerusalem)
Buzzy Gordon (Author)

Product Description from Amazon
Frommer's Jerusalem will guide readers through this historic city and the best of the neighboring sites, quickly and with an insider's knowledge of the extraordinary experiences found here. With hundreds of color photos, dozens of annotated maps and walking tours, thematic tours for every taste and star-rated advice on where to eat, stay, shop, and have fun, this book is the perfect accompaniment to any visit.

From the Back Cover
20 Self-guided Tours. 31 Maps. One Great Trip.
At last, a travel guide that tells you how to see the best of everything—in the smartest, most time-efficient way.

* The best of Jerusalem in one, two, or three days
* Thematic tours for every interest, schedule, and taste
* Walking tours of the city's best-loved neighborhoods
* Hundreds of evocative color photos
* Bulleted maps that show you how to get from place to place
* Hotels, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife for all budgets
* A tear-resistant foldout map—enclosed in a handy plasticwallet you can also use for tickets and souvenirs

Product Details
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Frommers; Pap/Map edition (November 9, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0470676361
ISBN-13: 978-0470676363

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Buzzy Gordon is the author of Frommer's Jerusalem Day by Day Guide (published by Wiley & Co). Over the course of his 30-year career spanning more than 75 countries, the award-winning journalist has been a reporter, copy editor, columnist, bureau chief and travel writer on five continents.

In 2007, he became a regular contributor to the travel section of USA Today, a national newspaper with a circulation of more than 2.3 million.

After being one of the team of writers that compiles USA Today's 10 Great Places column, Gordon was invited to write for Globorati.com, a leading website for luxury travel news, and for Travel Agent Magazine and Luxury Travel Advisor. He is a roving correspondent for LuxuryWeb.com and JohnnyJet.com, as well as a contributor to Away.com (of the Orbitz network). His articles have also appeared in National Geographic Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, Hispanic Magazine, Americas Magazine, Executive Traveler, About.com and Jewish publications worldwide.

Before becoming a full-time travel writer, Gordon was published in such prestigious media outlets as The Washington Post and The World & I Magazine and was quoted in The New York Times and Newsweek.

While he accepts a wide variety of assignments, Gordon specializes in international luxury travel, particularly to Europe, Asia, Australia/Oceania and Latin America. Additional areas of focus include ethnicity and culture, rail travel, gastronomy and health and wellness spas. He writes extensively on Jewish communities around the world and is an advocate for sustainable tourism.
Contact Buzzy Gordon: buzzygo@gmail.com

Article on Religious Tourism by Travel Market Report

2010-11-18T13:56:00.000-08:00

November 15, 2010
Faith-Based, Religious Travel Strong and Growing
Website link: http://www.travelmarketreport.com/leisure?articleID=4545&LP=1
By Dori Saltzman, Travel Market Report

WRTA Debuts Special Offer for World Religious Travel Expo: “Bring Agent/Planner, Both Go For Free”

2010-10-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

LEXINGTON, Ky.– The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) announced its “Bring an Agent/Planner, Both Go for Free” campaign for its upcoming Expo. Travel agents seeking new sources of revenues and clientele, while being mindful of their budgets, can bring a fellow travel agent professional or group planner, such as a religious leader or travel ministry organizer, to the November 13-16 World Religious Travel Expo in Montreal. Both will receive complimentary registration; regular admission for a travel agent or planner is $35.

“We are very excited to roll out this new special offer for Expo buyers and attendees,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “The promotional campaign is in response to hearing from many travel agents and planners that finances are their top concern. If we can somehow help alleviate this challenge for them, they’ll then be able to successfully attend the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo.”

Wright views the program as a win-win arrangement. “If a travel agent brings another travel agent or planner, not only do they both go for free, but it also helps WRTA and our Expo by increasing the overall number of qualified attendees for sellers,” Wright said. “Everybody wins in this scenario.”

To take advantage of the special offer by WRTA and the World Religious Travel Expo, the following criteria must be met:
• A sponsoring travel agent must contact WRTA staff and provide registration information for the travel agent(s) or planner(s) he or she wishes to bring to the Expo.
• The travel agents and planners who are accompanying the sponsoring travel agent will be contacted by WRTA to verify their contact information and affiliation with the sponsoring travel agent.
• Once the sponsoring and contact information of all parties is verified by WRTA staff, the registrations will be processed (and Expo registration fees waived).
• The “Bring an Agent/Planner, Both Go For Free” offer is valid ONLY through the pre-registration period, ending on Friday, November 5, 2010. The offer is not valid after November 5, 2010, or on-site in Montreal.

The World Religious Travel Expo is the world’s pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering, with hundreds of professionals and tourism organizations from more than 30 countries in attendance. November’s Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second consecutive year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members opportunities for education, business expansion and networking, along with access to new markets.

For more information about the special offer, contact the World Religious Travel Association by phone at 888.255.WRTA (9782) or +1.859.219.3529 or by e-mail at headquarters(at)WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit http://www.wrtaexpo.com/. You can also find WRTA and the World Religious Travel Expo on Facebook.

The World Religious Travel Association is the leading global network for the $18 billion faith tourism industry. WRTA's primary purpose is to guide, enrich and expand religious travel and hospitality around the globe. WRTA membership includes travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, attractions, accommodations, suppliers, media and other organizations involved in tourism. For more information visit http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/ or http://www.wrtaexpo.com/.

PyroMarketing - A New Way to Think About Marketing

2010-10-19T16:02:00.001-07:00

"The era of mass marketing is ending. The promotion of a single product or service to everyone through undifferentiated media reached its peak in the 1960's and its success convinced most marketers it was the only way." (from www.pyromarketing.com). Join Greg Stielstra at the World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal to discover his revolutionary PyroMarketing principles and apply them to your business! Learn more about PyroMarketing by watching this quick video from Creo Productions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N339VkrzNTA

CTV News Channel Regarding Brother Andre's Canonization as Canadian Saint

2010-10-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here's the link to the article featuring my interview on CTV News Channel (Canada):

Read full story here: http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101017/brother-andre-canonized-101017/20101017/?hub=OttawaHome

Selections of article:
His elevation to sainthood will carry some worldly benefits for St. Andre's hometown, according to Kevin Wright, the president of the U.S.-based world religious travel association.

"When an individual is declared a saint, their shrines attract significant numbers of visitors," Wright told CTV News Channel. "And we're going to see that in Montreal."

He said that while the oratory that St. Andre founded is not as big a draw as sites like the French shrine at Lourdes, it already attracts an estimated one million pilgrims a year.

And Wright said that St. Andre's sanctification will only boost those numbers.

"Over the next couple of years we could see that double and get up to three, four or even five million people. And that's incredible."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement that the newly canonized St. Andre was "a great Canadian."

"Brother Andre's canonization is an important inspiration to us all, and the Oratory will continue to serve as a central landmark of spiritual strength and faith for Quebecers and all Canadians."

WRTA President to Appear on CTV News Channel Sunday

2010-10-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

As part of the media attention garnered by Brother André’s canonization by Pope Benedict this weekend, WRTA President Kevin J. Wright will be interviewed on CTV News Channel Sunday about how this great event and the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo will boost faith-based tourism in Montréal.
CTV News Channel: http://www.ctv.ca/newschannel/

Canonization will boost Montreal tourism

2010-10-04T15:32:00.001-07:00

Read full story at
http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/life/article/653171--canonization-will-boost-montreal-tourism

MONTREAL - Having a newly minted saint in town isn't just good news for Montreal's faithful — it will also likely bring a few hallelujahs from the city's travel industry.

The canonization of Brother Andre by Pope Benedict on Oct. 17 will not only spur some special events in Montreal but will also have long-lasting effects on the marketing of the city as a religious tourism destination, observers say.

"Once somebody is canonized, that really shoots it through the roof," says Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, which is holding its annual trade show in Montreal in November.

Wright said besides all the media attention Montreal will get because of the canonization, the papal nod to one of its local sons will be an incentive for faith-based tour operators to push Montreal itineraries in their packages.

Read full story at http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/life/article/653171--canonization-will-boost-montreal-tourism

40-plus Industry Experts Headline Industry’s Largest Faith Tourism Business Seminar Program at Expo 2010

2010-09-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
September 30, 2010

LEXINGTON, Ky.– The World Religious Travel Association business seminars for the November 13–16 World Religious Travel Expo 2010 will serve as the industry’s most comprehensive educational program on faith-based tourism and hospitality. The two-day curriculum will feature 40-plus industry experts, including several published authors. For the third straight year, travel agents and providers can earn up to three continuing educational units through The Travel Institute www.thetravelinstitute.com by attending and participating in the Expo business and educational seminar program.

“As sharing business acumen and education about the religious travel market is a key mission of WRTA and our annual Expo, we are ecstatic about this year’s lineup of speakers and seminars,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “The topics cover virtually every segment of the industry from product development to sales to consumer service to word-of-mouth-marketing and much more. In addition, we’ll host several open forums whereby delegates can ask their own questions and share stories of success with fellow religious travel professionals, colleagues and experts.”

The business and educational seminar topics for the World Religious Travel Expo 2010 include:

• Who is Today’s Religious Traveler Consumer? How Can You Best Serve Them?
• How to Most Effectively Market and Sell to today’s Religious Travel Consumer.
• How Can You Find the Right Tour/Ground Operator for Your Religious Travel Program—and Why is it Key to Your Success?
• Discover the Holy Land and Enrich Your Biblical Lands Portfolio.
• Develop a Winning and Diverse Portfolio to the World’s Most Visited Religious Sites.
• Discover Faith-based Vacations, Attractions, & Events—Right Here in North America.
• Enrich Your Religious Travel Program with New Faith-based Vacations: Cruises, Volunteer Vacations, Local Getaways, Attractions and Much More.
• Open Forum: Q&A with Biblical Lands Representatives.
• Open Forum: Q&A Plus Discover New Ideas for Your Religious Travel Program.
• Open Forum: Q&A with International Ground Operators for Your Religious Travel Program.

In addition, two prominent published authors, Keith Powell and Greg Stielstra, will host the following business and educational seminars at Expo 2010:

• Igniting the Creative Spark for Your Faith Based Business—Keith Powell, The Business Revivalist and Author of The Transforming Power of Achievement
• Discover the Principles of PyroMarketing—Greg Stielstra, Author of Pyromarketing and Faith-based Marketing

The World Religious Travel Expo is the world’s pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering with more than 500 travel professionals and tourism organizations from over 30 countries in attendance. This November’s Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members opportunities for education, business expansion, networking and access to new markets.

For more information about attending the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888.255.WRTA (9782) or +1.859.219.3529 or by e-mail at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit http://www.wrtaexpo.com/

Catering for Religious Tourism (The National)

2010-09-16T09:24:00.001-07:00

By Rebecca Bundhun
Read full article at http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?l=2&articleId=54087

In the past, pilgrimages lacked the trappings of luxurious trips, with travellers organising their own arrangements. But that is rapidly changing.  “Only now is the global travel industry beginning to recognise the tremendous impact and opportunity of assisting and servicing the millions of people who travel to the Middle East for religious purposes,” says Kevin Wright, the president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA).

About 300 million religious tourists travel annually. Apart from Muslim pilgrimages, millions of visitors travel regularly to religious sites in France, Italy and India.   “This has resulted in more major tour operators, hotels and other suppliers entering the marketplace than ever before,” says Mr Wright.  To capitalise on the demand for religious trips to Saudi Arabia, there are now scores of tour operators all over the world that specialise in selling packages for the Haj and Umrah.

Read the rest of the article at:
http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?l=2&articleId=54087

Israel names new North American Tourism Commissioner

2010-09-10T05:05:00.000-07:00

Article link: http://www.travelpress.com/PHP/news.php?sid=11726

Haim Gutin has been appointed Israel Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, taking over from Arie Sommer who returns to Jerusalem at the completion of his second term in the post. Prior to his posting to New York, Gutin was the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s senior deputy director-general for Human Resources and Logistics, based in Jerusalem. During his tenure in Jerusalem at the headquarters of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, Gutin served in a variety of posts including director of the marketing administration’s European department; supervisor of the domestic tourism promotion and marketing department and supervisor for the Jerusalem District’s Tourism Product Department.

Expo 2010: Your Registration Goes Further

2010-08-28T07:22:00.001-07:00

This November, the World Religious Travel Expo will co-locate with the NTA Convention.

This means your WRTA Expo registration dollars go further, providing access to the largest gathering of religious travel providers and suppliers in the world, as well as the tour operators, suppliers and destinations at NTA’s Convention—all on one tradeshow floor!

With a combined 2,000-plus travel professionals in attendance, this incredible opportunity of two shows in one destination is a “one-stop shop” for all your planning and religious travel program needs.

Highlights of Expo 2010 include:
• Back by popular demand, North America’s top faith marketing expert Greg Stielstra will keynote at Expo 2010 in Montreal. Stielstra is co-author of Faith-based Marketing and the mastermind behind the strategy of “PyroMarketing.”
• Meet and network with tour operators, suppliers, and destinations from across 30 countries.

• Attend the industry’s most comprehensive educational program in religious tourism and hospitality.
How Can You Receive a FREE Expo Fam Trip to Quebec’s Shrines?
The first 25 buyers to register for Expo 2010 will enjoy a complimentary VIP Fam tour of Montréal valued at $500.

How to Register for Expo Today?
Register online
Register by Phone: 888.255.9782, Ext 101 (U.S. and Canada) or +1.859.219.3529
Register by e-mail: headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com

World Religious Travel Expo 2010 to Feature Greg Stielstra

2010-08-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

World Religious Travel Expo 2010 to Feature Greg Stielstra
Article link http://www.vacationagentmagazine.com/Editorial.aspx?n=75516

North America’s top faith marketing expert Greg Stielstra will keynote for the second year at the World Religious Travel Expo 2010. Stielstra is the co-author of “Faith-Based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers” and the mind behind the strategy of “PyroMarketing” to help businesses reach and retain markets. Stielstra also served as the marketing director behind “The Purpose Driven Life,” a faith-based marketing phenomenon and the fastest selling hardcover book in American history. Stielstra worked in marketing for Christian publishers for 17 years where he planned the promotions for dozens of bestselling books. An expert in word-of-mouth, faith-based and social network marketing, Stielstra is the author of two books – “PyroMarketing: the Four-Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep Them for Life” and “Faith-Based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers.”

“People have long known that word-of-mouth is the most powerful form of advertising,” said Stielstra. “What they may not realize, however, is that faith communities spread word-of-mouth more effectively than any other group. What’s more, people of faith represent the largest demographic segment in the world. When you combine the size and connectivity of the faith community with new social media technologies, you can create incredibly powerful opportunities to promote religious travel that are also affordable. I look forward to sharing this good news with religious travel professionals and seeing them use it to further advance religious travel worldwide.”

The World Religious Travel Expo has developed into the pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering with more than 500 travel professionals and tourism organizations from 30-plus countries in attendance. This November’s World Religious Travel Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members unprecedented opportunities for education, business expansion, networking, and new market opportunities. For more information, call 888-255-WRTA (9782), email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com or visit www.WRTAexpo.com.

Source: TravelPulse.com - Aug 20, 2010 / © 2010 Performance Media Group

Town business association sees national shrine as tourist draw

2010-08-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

Originally published August 24, 2010
Read full story at
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/business/display.htm?StoryID=108939

By Ike Wilson
News-Post Staff

Emmitsburg -- Allen Knott has worked in Emmitsburg for five years and served as the treasurer for the town's business association over the same period.
However, Knott had not visited one of the town's tourism icons -- the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton -- until Thursday, when the Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association toured the facility.

He was impressed.

"I was in awe of the display and St. Elizabeth Seton's life from her time in Europe to when she came back to the United States," Knott said.

The 60-acre facility is more than a captivating memorial to a saint.

With 380 employees, the shrine boosts Emmitsburg 's economic development in several ways, the visitors said following the tour.

Religious tourism is an increasingly growing industry and the shrine offers an opportunity for pilgrims to walk in a saint's footsteps without having to travel to Europe or the Holy Land, said John Fieseler, the county's executive director for tourism.

To read the full story click on the link at the top.

Bulgaria, Relics, and Religious Tourism (Wall Street Journal article)

2010-08-17T14:01:00.001-07:00

Read full story at http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748704216804575423673016971944.html

By JOE PARKINSON
SOZOPOL, Bulgaria—Archaeologists and clerics here say they have unearthed bones belonging to John the Baptist, an itinerant preacher revered by many Christians as the last of the Old Testament prophets.

Bulgaria's government is looking to the discovery for salvation—of a financial sort.

The remains, including a skull fragment and a tooth, were uncovered last month during the excavation of a fourth-century monastery on St. Ivan Island, off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. They were in a sealed reliquary buried next to a tiny urn inscribed with St. John's name and his birth date.

Officials of this recession-scarred country think the purported relics will give a big boost to tourism, drawing believers from neighboring Orthodox Christian countries to this nearby resort town,

Tens of millions of dollars have already been earmarked to prepare for an anticipated surge in visitors. Construction crews are enlarging the port and building a big new parking lot. Tour guides are being rewritten and new signs are going up to direct people to the relics.

Read rest of the story at the Wall Street Journal.....

Bulgaria Hopes Recent Archaeology Discovery Will Help Save Economy

2010-08-17T13:54:00.001-07:00

Read story: http://www.balkantravellers.com/en/read/article/2200
BalkanTravellers.com

16 August 2010 Bulgaria is looking to the recent discovery of what are claimed to be the relics of Saint John the Baptist for salvation of the country’s economy, The Wall Street Journal recently reported.

As BalkanTravellers.com wrote, an archaeology team – led by Professor Kazimir Popkonstantinov, discovered a few weeks ago relics, consisting of parts of bones from the arm and leg, as well as a tooth and a facial bone, on the island of Saint Ivan near the Black Sea town of Sozopol.

In claims that quickly gave rise to controversy within archaeological circles as well as society at large, the relics were said to have belonged to Saint John the Baptist.

“Officials of this recession-scarred country think the purported relics will give a big boost to tourism,” the publication noted, “drawing believers from neighboring Orthodox Christian countries” to the town of Sozopol, where the relics are now displayed in a church.

“Tens of millions of dollars have already been earmarked to prepare for an anticipated surge in visitors,” according to the publication, and the town’s port is already being enlarged, tour guides rewritten and new signs are going up to direct people to the relics.

Although the relics’ authenticity has not yet been confirmed and has given rise to controversy among both international and local religious, scientific, civil and governmental institutions, news of the find is already attracting visitors to Sozopol.

The Church of Saint George, where the supposed relics are now displayed has seen its daily attendance rise from about 100 to more than 3,000.

To help pull Bulgaria – the EU’s poorest member state, out of its worst recession since the collapse of communism here 20 years ago, the government is looking to promote tourism.

“I'm not religious but these relics are in the premier league,” Bulgarian Prime Minister Simeon Dyankov told the publication. The relics’ “revenue potential for Bulgaria is clear,” he says, adding that he wants to double government spending on the development of religious tourism so “we can make this history profitable.”

Meanwhile, according to the publication, business in Sozopol continues to languish. “The government are telling us the town will become the next Jerusalem,” hotel owner Stanimir Stoyanov told The Wall Street Journal. “We just hope that they're right.”

Read more about Bulgaria on BalkanTravellers.com
Use BalkanTravellers.com's tips to organize your trip to Bulgaria

Religious tourism could get boost from canonization of Brother André

2010-08-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

Full article: http://www.cjad.com/news/565/1188077

With the canonization of Brother Andre set for October, there are renewed calls to develop the potential of Quebec's religious tourism.

A study is underway by a former director of Quebec's Tourism Bureau to mine the potential of religious tourism in the province, and to publicize sites such as St Joseph Oratory in Montreal and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre in Quebec City. Tourism analysts say the possible growth is considerable: 20% a year over the next 15 years.

Quebec may be a long way away from being a destination like the Vatican but Dr. Clarence Epstein, Concordia University's director of special projects and cultural affairs in the Office of the President, says the government can start taking steps now.

"It's going to take more than just the religious or the individual to bring tourists here. It's going to take a combination of factors that make Quebec such an interesting place to visit," Epstein tells CJAD News.

And that includes preserving and developing abandoned places of worship.

"We have to make those buildings alive again because the congregations that are leaving them now are certainly not going to give us much hope for how we handle our heritage going forward."
The religious tourism market is estimated at $18-billion dollars worldwide, $10-billion of that in North American.

"The churches of Quebec are what the castles are to Europe," Epstein says.

"And if (tourism officials and the government) play on that, and use that as part of its heritage strategy for marketing Quebec as a destination for whether it's religious or heritage tourism, then there's a larger opportunity of succeeding and convincing people to come and visit us."

2010-2011 Religious Travel Buyer's Guide Just Published

2010-08-09T09:31:00.002-07:00

The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has just published its 2010-2011 RELIGIOUS TRAVEL BUYER'S GUIDE. The publication is the industry’s preeminent guide to the religious travel and hospitality marketplace (a $49 value).

How will the Buyer’s Guide help you?
Discover new ideas and opportunities for enriching your faith tourism and hospitality travel program, while also finding suppliers, products, and services in faith tourism.

What types of faith-based travel services can you learn about in the Buyer's Guide?
Pilgrimages, conferences, events, cruising, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure, safaris, attractions, shrines and holy sites, leisure vacations, insurance, transportation, lodging, restaurants, retailers, destinations, and much more!

What type of travel providers can you find in the Buyer’s Guide?
Tour operators, travel agents, travel wholesalers, destinations and supplier members of WRTA—all of whom are involved in religious travel and hospitality. Our publication is easy to use, giving you quick e-links to web sites and emails, making it convenient for you to contact these distinguished travel providers.

How can you obtain your FREE (digital) copy of the Buyer's Guide?
Just click here http://bit.ly/WRTABuyersGuide2010-2011

How can your organization be featured in future editions of the Buyer's Guide?
Call 888-255-9782/859-219-3529 or email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com.

Whether you are a religious leader who would like to learn more about developing a travel ministry program and how faith based travel can deepen spiritual growth, a travel agent looking for inspiring new travel product to offer your religious market segment or a supplier or destination who caters to the religious travel traveler, WRTA is your connection to growth and development in the religious travel industry.

I invite you to take full advantage of the resource you’ve been given through the Buyers Guide and I encourage you to consider membership in WRTA and/or attending the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo 2010, being held November 13-16 in Montreal, Quebec.

To learn how you can become more involved in WRTA or register for the Expo, please contact us via phone 888-255-9782/859-219-3529 or email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com.

Best wishes to you in 2010 and 2011.
Kevin J. Wright
WRTA President

Expo Buzz Newsletter Aug 5, 2010

2010-08-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

WRTA's Expo Buzz

Greg Stielstra is Back to Ignite Your Marketing Fire
The highly-rated speaker from Expo 2009 and author of PyroMarketing, Greg Stielstra, has just signed on for Expo 2010! He will be the keynote speaker during the Sunday luncheon.

Greg is excited and honored to be coming back to speak at Expo and see everyone again. Be sure to watch for our formal press release to the industry regarding this special announcement. In the meantime, want to learn more about Greg Stielstra and his topics of Faith-based Marketing and PyroMarketing – including his books? Visit Greg’s website: http://www.pyromarketing.com/

Buyers: Explore Mauricie & Québec City
on WRTA's Dime
The first registered 25 buyers to contact us will receive the $500 post-Fam tour of the Montréal area at no cost! The tour departs Montréal Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 8 a.m. with an overnight in Québec City. The tour concludes at Montréal’s Trudeau Int’l Airport Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. To register or read more about the post-Fam, visit the Expo Web site: http://www.wrtaexpo.com/

Just Announced!
Travel Ministry Conference Coming to Montréal
Based on the tremendous response of attendees at our new Travel Ministry Conferences, WRTA is elated to announce the new addition of our Travel Ministry Conferences to our Expo in Montréal. Travel Ministry Conferences are smaller, more intimate gatherings designed specifically for pastors, religious/ministry leaders, and other group planners. More details to come soon. Stay tuned!

For $ 5,000, you can become an official co-sponsor of the Montréal Travel Ministry Conference, along side Palestine. This sponsorship includes 5 minutes of promotional time and the opportunity to distribute marking materials at the event. This sponsorship also qualifies you for Silver Level Expo benefits: two Expo registrations, premium 10x10 exhibit space, recognition as an official WRTA sponsor, sponsor signage, sponsor listing on Expo Web site, sponsor icon with listing in Expo Program (part of the NTA Convention Catalog – giving you additional exposure to the 1800 NTA delegates), participation in e-mail blast to WRTA members and Expo delegates and sponsor ribbon with badge.

Due to limited availability, this offer won’t be on the market for long. Call +1.859.226.4402 or email sales@WRTAstaff.com today to reserve your spot!

WRTA Expo
Nov. 13 -16, 2010
Palais des congrès de Montréal
Montréal, Québec, Canada

Faith Tourism Product Seminar to be Featured at THETRADESHOW

2010-07-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release

THETRADESHOW Spotlights Travel Product Seminars

Alexandria, Va., July 22, 2010 – THETRADESHOW (Orlando, Sept. 12-14) partners are pleased to announce the event’s newest presentation pavilion sponsors and product seminars. These sessions will provide an opportunity for travel agents to further their knowledge about the latest offerings from some of the most popular travel suppliers, as well as showcase the islands of Puerto Rico and St. Lucia.

“Product seminars and sessions carried out in the presentation pavilions provide travel agents a wonderful opportunity to keep up on the latest from some of the industry’s top suppliers, destinations and trends,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, a partner of THETRADESHOW. “Those who take advantage will have a definite edge when it comes to planning the ideal trip for their clients.”

Presentation Pavilions
• How to Be Successful in Today’s Religious Marketplace as a Travel Provider. Brought to you by the World Religious Travel Association. Presented By Kevin J. Wright. In 20 minutes, travel agents who attend this session will receive the all-important “10 keys to success” in the religious marketplace from the industry’s top faith-based travel educator and four-time published author: Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. This seminar will provide agents: an opportunity to learn about the new era of today’s faith-based customer; concrete ideas on how to enter or expand their religious travel business; and an enriched vision, mission and strategy for accomplishing their agency goals.

THETRADESHOW (Travel Retailing and Destination Expo) is a 3-day, in-depth networking and educational event. Global and inclusive, THETRADESHOW unites under one roof travel suppliers and buyers from all over the world, representing every segment of the travel and tourism industry. It is the trade show event for travel decision makers. For more information on THETRADESHOW, please call visit THETRADESHOW.org.

Contact: Kristina Rundquist/Laura Gajewski 703.739.8710
###

Register today for next week's NASHVILLE Travel Ministry Conference

2010-06-30T12:32:00.001-07:00

WRTA's Travel Ministry Conference--Nashville

Pastor and Religious Leaders, please join the World Religious Travel Association on July 8 at the Scarritt Bennett Center for the Nashville's Travel Ministry Conference. Led by WRTA President and Christian Travel Planner author Kevin J. Wright, participate in an interactive workshop and education session on building a travel ministry program.

You’ll learn how faith-based travel deepens spiritual growth and development while offering opportunities for fellowship and fun.

Sign up in advance to receive a complimentary copy of Kevin’s book, The Christian Travel Planner, to help you get started.

Thursday, July 8, 2010
Downtown Nashville COMPLIMENTARY PARKING • GARDEN ADMISSION INCLUDED

Religious Leaders = $0
(If you sign up before July 6 !) (includes a WRTA Membership for 2010)

<< More information here. >>

Additional Speakers
Pastor Roger McCurry (Activities & S.A. Pastor, Severns Valley Baptist Church in Kentucky)
Torre Ossmo (Vice President and General Manager, Faithful Holidays)

Sponsors & Partners
Palestine Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
Leisure Group Travel

Exhibitors
Anchor Trailways & Tours
Faithful Holidays
Grueninger Tours
Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau
Trailways Transportation Systems

“It was truly a pleasure attending the very well executed WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Chicago. The presentations were concise and the format creative. The Conference opened up a new world of travel groups for me.”
- Faith Mulvihill, Skydeck Chicago

We hope you’ll join us to explore the many faith-based opportunities that exist for your congregation, including pilgrimages, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, retreats, adventure trips, religious attractions, and much more.

Visit us at http://www.travelministryconference.com/. Or, give us a call at 888.255.9782 or send us an email at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com if you have questions or want to know more about WRTA.

June 17th Travel Ministry Conference in Chicago/Attendees Receive FREE copy of The Christian Travel Planner

2010-06-08T15:03:00.001-07:00

Attention: Pastors, Ministry Leaders, and Faith-based Travelers!

Join fellow pastors, religious leaders, travel agents and other faith community members at WRTA’s Travel Ministry Conference where you can discover how to build an effective travel ministry program.

When? Thursday, June 17, 2010
Where? Downtown Chicago (Parking and Museum Admission Included!)

SPEAKERS
Chicago's Rev. Ruth Newell (Chaplain, C-Beyond the Walls Outreach Ministry)
Torre Ossmo (Vice President and General Manager, Faithful Holidays)
Kevin J. Wright (WRTA President and author of The Christian Travel Planner)
Cindi Brodhecker (President, Faith Travel Development & Consulting)Frank Scerri (Owner & Managing Director, Mission Travel Group of Australia)

Why Sign Up in Advance? Pre-registrants receive FREE copy of The Christian Travel Planner.

Best Yet! Cost for religious leaders or their representatives is FREE if you sign up before June 15! Just use promo code: Planner-M10

Day-of Admission = $20 (includes a WRTA Membership for 2010)

<< More information here. >>

Explore the many faith-based opportunities that exist for your business including pilgrimages, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, retreats, adventure trips, religious attractions, and much more. Plus, meet with tourism and travel providers specializing in faith-based travel, including The Christian Travel Planner author, Kevin J. Wright. Sign up in advance to receive a complimentary copy.

Visit us at http://www.travelministryconference.com/ to register. Or, give us a call at 888.255.9782 or send us an email at members@WRTAreligioustravel.com if you have questions or want to know more about WRTA.

World Religious Travel Association
2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite A325 Lexington, KY 40504
888.255.9782 ext. 101 or +1.859.219.3529
headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com
http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/

Pope in Cyprus for the first time

2010-06-04T08:41:00.001-07:00

From Cyprus Tourism Organization
http://www.visitcyprus.com/

Pope in Cyprus for the first time

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Cyprus today on a three-day "pilgrimage" trip.

The pontiff, who said he was following in the footsteps of the apostles
Paul and Barnabas, said the island was blessed by a "resilient Christian
heritage" and saluted the head of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Archbishop
Chrysostomos II, as his "brother".

The Pope was greeted in the southwestern resort of Paphos by Chrysostomos
and by President Demetris Christofias, who said: "Cyprus is in need of your
words of peace, given the difficult situation the island is facing."
Turkish troops have been stationed in the breakaway north of the island since a
1974 invasion in reaction to a Greek Cypriot coup seeking to unite the
island with Greece.

"Allow me to say that Cyprus is in need of your prayers and your
contribution in order to quickly regain its unity and freedom," the president added.

The 83-year-old pontiff made an oblique reference to the division, which
continues after decades of fruitless UN-sponsored talks. "May the love of
your families and the desire to live in harmony with your neighbours" under
God's protection "inspire you patiently to resolve the remaining concerns
that you share with the international community for the future of your
island," he said.

Benedict is the first pope to visit Cyprus, and this is his first trip to
an Orthodox country. His first stop after leaving the Paphos airport was
the nearby ancient church of Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's
Pillar, where he was to take part in an "ecumenical celebration" with
Chrysostomos, who has called on people to welcome him.

He also has an official mission to hand over to Catholic prelates who have
come to Cyprus from the Middle East a working document for a synod on
regional issues to be held in October.

The pope will spend Saturday and Sunday in the capital Nicosia, where he
will celebrate two masses.

For more information please contact our office.

Tasoula Manaridis, Director
Cyprus Tourism Organization
Tel: (212) 683-5280
http://www.visitcyprus.com/

WRTA proclaims 2010 The Year of Travel Ministry

2010-05-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

The World Religious Travel Association to host Travel Ministry Conferences in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia and San Diego.

LEXINGTON, KY. – The World Religious Travel Association has designated 2010 The Year of Travel Ministry. Serving as a year-long campaign promoting the benefits of travel direct to faith-based communities and individuals, the purpose and goal of the new theme is three-fold: (1) Encourage people to integrate travel with their faith. (2) Assist faith communities in developing travel programs. (3) Promote and increase awareness of the many faith-based vacation opportunities available.

To kickoff the celebrations, WRTA has announced the hosting of five Travel Ministry Conferences across the United States throughout the summer in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia and San Diego. Each half-day event is designed for religious leaders as well as group travel planners and individual travelers to learn and discover how to build (or enrich) a travel program at their respective faith community. This year’s theme and focus follows on the heels of WRTA’s 2009 declaration as The Year of Faith Tourism.

“Of the many wonderful initiatives we’ve put into place here at WRTA, we are especially excited about our travel ministry conferences,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “For several years both the travel trade and faith-based communities have been asking us to host such events. With our new announcement, we’ll be making a lot of people joyful in 2010 and we expect these new conferences to be both very successful, as well as the start of a new era for WRTA’s regional activities.”

The Travel Ministry Conferences also provide an excellent venue for travel providers and tourism organizations to meet and interact with attendees, religious leaders and travelers. Members of the travel trade can attend, exhibit at, or sponsor any or all of the conferences.

For more information about the Travel Ministry Conferences visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com. For faith-based communities, organizations and individuals interested in attending and participating in the Travel Ministry Conferences, contact WRTA staff at 859.219.3529 or 888.255.WRTA, ext. 101.

For travel trade companies and professionals interested in attending, exhibiting at, or sponsoring the Travel Ministry Conference events, contact Kami Risk.

Current Religious Tourism News Headlines

2010-05-16T12:11:00.001-07:00

Week of May 16, 2010 - Religious Tourism News Headlines

Religious: Religious Tours Off the Beaten Path .TR“Religious tourism” is a growing trend with the World Religious Travel Association reporting that the faith tourism industry amounts to $18 billion with 300 ...www.tourism-review.com/travel-tourism-magazine-religious-r...

Iraq a unique opportunity for Turkey, senior strategist saysHurriyet Daily NewsFour- and five-star hotels are being built among others for faith tourism purposes, and prominent hotel chains in Turkey are well positioned to expand there ...

Travel Briefs (May 12)ArabReligious tourism is the cornerstone for Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. Research statistics state Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism sector generated about $7 billion in annual revenues in 2009, and visitor traffic is expected to grow by 6.5 percent annually from over 12 million in 2009 to over 15 million in 2013.

Aegean offers high potential for Orthodox faith tourismHurriyet Daily News“We may introduce a wider audience to faith tourism locations in İzmir and the Aegean region through a work titled Aegean Orthodox Faith Tourism,” said ...

Noah's Ark claims may revive tourism

2010-05-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 4, 2010
KAYSERİ - Anatolia News Agency

Turkish Mountaineering Federation Chairman Alaattin Karaca said the claims that pieces of Noah’s Ark were found on Mount Ararat were expected to greatly contribute to faith tourism in the region. Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Karaca said the claims, made by Hong Kong and Turkish evangelical explorers in the eastern province of Ağrı, evoked excitement in mountaineering circles.

“As the federation, we have put in a great effort to open Mount Ararat to tourism. It was banned for tourists until sometime ago because of terror events and we succeeded to reopen it to tourism.”

Read the full story at
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=noahs-ark-claims-may-revive-tourism--2010-05-04

Religious Tourism Headline News April 2010

2010-04-16T04:33:00.001-07:00

Up to 500000 expected to greet Pope at Fátima shrine in May
The Portugal News - ‎1 hour ago‎
Up to half a million people are expected to welcome Pope Benedict XVI at Our Lady of Fátima's shrine next month during the highpoint of the Pontiff's ...

1.5 Million to Visit Turin Shroud
Catholic.net - ‎16 hours ago‎
The exhibition of the Holy Shroud of Turin, which began Saturday, will have 1.5 million visitors before it closes on May 23. ...

Abboud sees Lebanon tourism increasing by up to 20 percent
Daily Star - Lebanon - ‎Mar 22, 2010‎
As for the third category, he said that it includes the work on enhancing medical, cultural, and religious tourism which he considers to be very productive. ...

Oberammergau: an all-consuming Passion
Deutsche Welle - ‎Apr 4, 2010‎
Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Oberammergau looks much like any other picturesque Bavarian village. But every 10 years it is transformed into the stage ...

Millions of Hindus head for the Ganges to celebrate Kumbh Mela
Times Online - Rhys Blakely - ‎Apr 13, 2010‎
The world's next largest religious gathering is the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which attracts up to 3 million Muslims each year. ...

'Called to serve' – HCPT 2010 Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Independent Catholic News - Ellen Teague - ‎Apr 14, 2010‎
This year's annual Easter pilgrimage to Lourdes of HCPT – The Pilgrimage Trust attracted groups from many UK and Irish Dioceses and from as far afield as ...

Christian pilgrims mark Easter in Jerusalem
AFP - ‎Apr 4, 2010‎
JERUSALEM — Thousands of Christian pilgrims streamed into Jerusalem's cavernous Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Easter Sunday at the traditional

Shrine plans special mass
Lansdale Reporter - ‎Apr 12, 2010‎
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa will hold a Polish language Mass with a special intention for Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife, ...

Branson Missouri shrine to open today

2010-04-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20100411/NEWS02/4110351/1007/NEWS01/Branson-shrine-to-open-today

The Grand Opening of the Shrine of the Holy Spirit will take place at noon today adjacent to the Mansion Theatre in Branson.

The Shrine of the Holy Spirit is a building that is available for prayer, weddings, reunions and other events. It includes a courtyard with planters, seating areas and a fountain.
The shrine was five years in the making and features 400 tons of bluestone that required 18 round trips between New York and Branson during construction.

The Mansion Theatre is located at 189 Expressway Lane. There will be a worship service at 11 a.m. at the shrine, preceding the opening ceremony. The service and the ceremony are free and open to the public.

Next Week's IDE Religious Panel in Istanbul, Turkey

2010-04-12T13:05:00.001-07:00

Mark Your Calendar for the IDE Religious Panel

Join a panelists of leading tourism representatives discuss the world’s top religious and holy sites. Come to hear and meet Her Excellency, Dr. Khouloud Diabes, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Palestine at the religious tourism panel, “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” hosted by Kevin Wright of WRTA.

Join the panel on Tuesday, April 20, in room Dolmabache A at the following times:

Session 1: 8:30am – 10:30am
Session 2: 10:45am – 12:45pm

Media are invited to a media session with Dr. Diabes at 2:30pm on Tuesday, April 20 in room Dolmabache B.

Learn more about The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Palestine by and visiting our Booth #F08 in the tradeshow floor. Read the full biography of Her Excellency, Dr. Khouloud Diabes.

For full program details visit www.asta.org/ide.

Headline Stories: Religious Tourism March 29, 2010

2010-03-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

Israel to smash tourism record, asserts minister
Ha'aretz
Based on data from the past three months, Israel will pull in a record number of 3.5 million tourists in 2010, according to Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov.

Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem mark Palm Sunday with prayers and ...Hundreds of Christians from around the world marched from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem to mark Palm Sunday, retracing the steps of Jesus 2000 years ago.

Christian pilgrims mark Palm Sunday in JerusalemThe Associated PressThe pilgrims waved national and church flags and followed a white donkey, which according to Christian tradition was the way Jesus entered the holy city. ...

Pilgrims in England to walk 120 miles, bear life-sized crossCatholic News AgencyDuring the upcoming Holy Week, pilgrims from multiple areas in England will walk 120 miles around the country carrying a life-sized wooden cross. ...

Millions join India's Hindu pilgrimage to the GangesCNN InternationalBy Alex Zolbert, CNN Haridwar, India (CNN) -- The Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage that is often referred to as the largest religious gathering on the ...

On 25th World Youth Day, Pope Benedict renews call for youth evangelizationCatholic News AgencyThe Holy Father welcomed the 25th World Youth Day in his remarks before the Angelus in a St. Peter's Square full of flags and banners from all over the ...

Teens celebrate Palm Sunday, World Youth Day and their faith
PennLive.com
About 800 youth from throughout the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg celebrated Palm Sunday and World Youth Day by marching from the state Capitol steps to ...

Discovering Biblical Armenia (Going on Faith)

2010-03-29T11:15:00.001-07:00

Going on Faith publication
Discovering Biblical Armenia
by Kevin J. Wright
Website link: http://www.goingonfaith.com/Article.aspx?id=123

Are you looking for that next destination to wow your members or clients? Are you looking for one that will generate unprecedented interest and enthusiasm among your group planners? And, are you looking for a destination that will make you a hero for discovering and recommending one of the most fascinating hidden gems of the faith-based travel industry? If so, then consider planning a tour to the biblical country of Armenia.

Read full story at Going on Faith http://www.goingonfaith.com/Article.aspx?id=123

Top Religious Tourism News (Week of March 26, 2010)

2010-03-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

Iraqi youth use technology to join celebrations in St. Peter's Square
Catholic News Agency
Fr. Rayan P. Atto's parish in Mar Qardagh ad Erbil, Iraq will be "present" for the Pope's celebration for World Youth Day 2010 (WYD) from the Holy See on ...

Pilgrims to Shroud of Turin will see a 'mirror of the Gospel ...Speaking about how the exposition will be the first in the new millenium and the first since its restoration in 2002, Cardinal Poletto said it must be remembered that the event should not be seen as "religious tourism," but instead, ...CNA Daily News - http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/
The famous Shroud, which is believed to be the burial shroud of Jesus, will be on display in the Cathedral of Turin from April 10 - May 20 of this year. The Holy Father is one of over 1.3 million people, including 8,000 Americans, who will be in Turin to see the Shroud in the nearly two months of exposition. On May 2, among other events with the youth and local clergy, he will visit the Cathedral of Turin, where he will give what Cardinal Poletto called "a much awaited reflection" on the passion of Christ.

Turkish tourism minister permitted services in Surb Khach churchInformation-Analytic Agency NEWS.amTurkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay signed the application ... the decision will contribute to the development of religious tourism in Van. ...

Turkey permits religious rite at Armenian church
http://www.worldbulletin.net/
Governor of Van Munir Karaloglu said that the decision to permit a rite at Akdamar Church will boost faith tourism in the region and provide important ...

The Passion Play, Bavarian-style, is magnet for touristsFree Malaysia TodayOberammergau is also famous for its wooden religious carvings and for the ... But every 10 years, Oberammergau becomes a magnet for tourists because of its ...

The Irish Times - Friday, March 19, 2010Irish TimesThe village of Oberammergau in Bavaria has put on a play every decade since 1634. They made a vow then, when the Black Death was sweeping the land, ...

Abboud sees Lebanon tourism increasing by up to 20 percentDaily Star - LebanonAs for the third category, he said that it includes the work on enhancing medical, cultural, and religious tourism which he considers to be very productive. ...

WRTA OPENS REGISTRATIONS TO WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO 2010

2010-03-18T11:54:00.001-07:00

3rd Annual World Religious Travel Expo Provides New and Expanded Market Opportunities

WRTA opens exhibitor reservations to the industry’s largest religious tourism and hospitality tradeshow

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 18, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has opened exhibitor reservations for the 3rd Annual World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference. WRTA also unveiled the official theme of Expo 2010: Discover the World of Faith Tourism. The tradeshow will be held for the first time internationally in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from November 13-16, 2010.

“The World Religious Travel Expo is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the industry, so I’m thrilled to open up this opportunity to travel companies, destinations, and suppliers eager to take part in this remarkable event,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As we prepare to highlight the year in faith tourism, we’re expecting record attendance again at this fall’s tradeshow, especially with our second co-location with the annual NTA Convention. The Expo remains ‘the place to be’ for any organization or travel professional that wishes to buy, sell, and network in the religious marketplace.”

Faith-based travel and hospitality has evolved into a major market and pillar of the global travel industry. More than 300 million people each year embark on trips or events with their faith communities including pilgrimages, cruises, leisure vacations, conferences/events, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure travel, safaris, and more. The World Religious Travel Expo attracts tour operators, tourist offices, convention and visitor bureaus, motorcoach companies, hotels, attractions, suppliers, media, travel agents, and other tourism companies/professionals from throughout North America and around the world.

“We are excited about the upcoming WRTA Expo in Montreal and very much look forward to it,” said Mirko Capodanno, Manager Central USA and Canada. “Switzerland Tourism and our partners will be participating for the third consecutive time and the Expo marks an important and key event for us. Not only will it be a platform to promote faith-based travel in Zurich, Lucerne and the Ticino, but we’ll also be able to highlight train travel in Switzerland and our new partnership with Sunstar Hotels. Plus, it’s always a great opportunity to meet with the religious travel industry which is vital for us and also a lot of fun – an opportunity not to be missed!”

For Expo 2010, WRTA is excited to welcome new sponsors such as the Italian Government Tourist Board, Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, Innsbruck Tourist Board, and Tourisme Montréal. As well as our returning sponsors Switzerland Tourism, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, and VisitRochester.

The World Religious Travel Association will host this fall’s Expo again in conjunction with the NTA Convention. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members unprecedented opportunities for education, business expansion, networking, and new market opportunities. Last year’s WRTA Expo 2009 featured the theme “Make 2010 Year Best Year Ever” and the event’s Gold and Silver Sponsors included Reno-Tahoe, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, Globus family of brands, Switzerland Tourism, Jordan Tourism Board N.A., German National Tourist Office, Leipzig Tourism and Marketing Company, Routes to Luther, VisitBritain, VisitScotland, Canterbury Cathedral, VisitRochester, PhotoVision, Epiphany Media, LifeWay, and TBN Holy Land Experience.

For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/ or http://www.wrtaexpo.com/.

Religious tourism among top travel choices in 2009

2010-03-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

Article link: http://www.spot.lk/article12805-facing-realities-global-economic-setback.html

The same report describes faith tourism-Sabbaticals, Pilgrimage, Airline staff travellers and other religious tourism subcategories are among the top travel choices in 2009 and this would be the case for 2010 too. Also popular are personal spiritual vacations where the travellers meditate and “self-help.

Report from Jordan Travel Mart

2010-03-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

Travel Agent Central
Read full story at http://www.travelagentcentral.com/jordan/report-jordan-travel-mart

For a few balmy, sun-filled days in late February, the third annual Jordan Travel Mart (JTM) convened on the shores of the Dead Sea. Bringing together government officials, Jordanian suppliers, and travel professionals and journalists from North and South America, the event showcased Jordan’s touristic riches. Moreover, the trade show was an optimistic affirmation of the country’s promotional strategy. While the global economic crisis humbled the travel industry in 2009, Jordan showed remarkable resilience, with a 1.6 percent increase in overnight visitors. “We can’t help but be cautiously optimistic about 2010,” declared Nayef Al-Fayez, managing director of the Jordan Tourism Board, at the opening breakfast.

Since we first attended the JTM in 2008, we’ve witnessed the successful strategy of the Jordan Tourism Board North America (JTBNA) in marketing the country as a stand-alone destination in niche markets: religious/faith, history/culture, eco/nature, leisure/wellness, adventure, and voluntourism. Emphasizing Jordan’s year-round moderate climate and the diversity of its product, the JTBNA strives to increase the length of stay of American visitors. A major part of the economy (13 percent of GDP), tourism is the second foreign-currency earner after migrant work remittances, and the U.S. travel market is second only to the Arab region.

WRTA PROCLAIMS 2010 THE YEAR OF TRAVEL MINISTRY

2010-03-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

WRTA PROCLAIMS 2010 THE YEAR OF TRAVEL MINISTRY

The World Religious Travel Association to host Travel Ministry Conferences in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 4, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has designated 2010 The Year of Travel Ministry. Serving as a year-long campaign promoting the benefits of travel direct to faith-based communities and individuals, the purpose and goal of the new theme is three-fold: (1) Encourage people to integrate travel with their faith. (2) Assist faith communities in developing travel programs. (3) Promote and increase awareness of the many faith-based vacation opportunities available.

To kickoff the celebrations, WRTA has announced the hosting of five Travel Ministry Conferences across the United States throughout the summer in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego. Each half-day event is designed for religious leaders as well as group travel planners and individual travelers to learn and discover how to build (or enrich) a travel program at their respective faith community. This year’s theme and focus follows on the heels of WRTA’s 2009 declaration as The Year of Faith Tourism.

“Of the many wonderful initiatives we’ve put into place here at WRTA, we are especially excited about our Travel Ministry Conferences,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “For several years both the travel trade and faith-based communities have been asking us to host such events. With our new announcement, we’ll be making a lot of people joyful in 2010 and we expect these new conferences to be both very successful, as well as the start of a new era for WRTA’s regional activities.”

The Travel Ministry Conferences also provide an excellent venue for travel providers and tourism organizations to meet and interact with attendees, religious leaders, and travelers. Members of the travel trade can attend, exhibit at, or sponsor any or all of the Travel Ministry Conferences.

For more information about the Travel Ministry Conferences visit https://nymail.imgworld.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=bfe31953613b4b8b82c68ac1db947630&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wrtareligioustravel.com%2f. For faith-based communities, organizations and individuals interested in attending and participating in the Travel Ministry Conferences, contact WRTA staff.

Current Religious Tourism Headline News

2010-03-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

Cyprus and Palestinian Authority sign Memorandum of Cooperation in ...Financial MirrorA Memorandum of Cooperation in the sector of tourism between Cyprus and the ... are unique tourist destinations, especially concerning religious tourism. ...

Tourists From Several Catholic Countries Are Flocking To IsraelPhiladelphia BulletinThe Israel Tourism Ministry invested over 3 million dollars shekel in ... in Brazil and Portugal in order to strengthen Christian tourism to Israel. ...

Israel, Ukraine Ink Free Trade, Aviation AgreementsArutz ShevaIn addition, Christian tourism from Ukraine to the Holy Land would probably also rise. At present, a visa for an Israeli to visit the Ukraine costs a hefty ...

Lebanon news - NOW Lebanon -Hariri's aide briefs Sfeir on PM's ...Sayegh also said that Hariri called for enhancing religious Christian tourism in Lebanon as a means to promote dialogue between the Lebanese. “The PM [was informed of] the Pope's appreciation for Sfeir's national role,” he added. ...NOW Lebanon - http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsCatArticles.aspx?ID=38533

Faith-Based Vacations Mean Opportunity for AgentsTravel AgentGlobus' updated Religious Travel Study estimates that, so far, 4.5 million people have traveled internationally on a religious or faith-based vacation. ...

Lifetree Adventures Announces Ecuador Mission TripI-Newswire.com (press release)Lifetree Adventures offers Christian travel options to Alaska, New Orleans, Navajo Nation, Dominican Republic, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, Peru, Israel, ...

Pilgrimage overview 2010... big events that will attract pilgrims from around the world,” said Kevin Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, a Lexington, Ky. ...

Pilgrimage opportunities abound in 2010

2010-03-09T08:17:00.001-08:00

By Tim PuetCatholic Times
March 7, 2010

Read full story at http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/TheCatholicTimes/pilgrimageoverview2010.aspx

The year 2010 should be one of the best ever for Catholic travelers, first-timers and veterans alike, who are looking for opportunities to take part in activities which are related to the Faith and don’t occur very often.

“This is a year for many big events that will attract pilgrims from around the world,” said Kevin Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, a Lexington, Ky.-based organization (http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/) which assists the $18 billion faith tourism industry by providing networking, educational, job market, and vacation opportunities for the travel trade and consumers.

“The Oberammergau Passion Play will be returning for its once-a-decade performances, the Shroud of Turin will be unveiled in Italy, it’s a Holy Year at Santiago de Compostela in Spain, one of the oldest pilgrimage sites, and the continuing Year of the Priest celebration is bringing large numbers of pilgrims to Ars,” the small town in France that was the home of St. John Vianney, declared as the universal patron of priests by Pope Benedict XVI.

Read full story at http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/TheCatholicTimes/pilgrimageoverview2010.aspx

Current headline News Stories in Religious Tourism

2010-02-14T22:52:00.000-08:00

Ya'lla Tours president says faith-based travel can be lucrative ...Ronen Paldi, president of the Portland, Ore.-based Ya'lla Tours, said travel sellers can profit fro.

Religious tourism stayed strong in 2009: India
eTravelBlackboard - Asia EditionIn 2009 the religious travel sector proved resilient throughout, not appearing to be damaged much by the global financial crisis, remarked the India Tourism ...

Article link: http://www.littleabout.com/news/68523,tourism-travel-fair-begins-delhi.html
The Chinese envoy said his country was trying set more linkages between the two nations in promoting religious tourism. “We want more Indian tourists to visit the Buddhist tourism trails in China and vice-versa because Buddhism is a common cultural legacy. China has declared 2010 as the cultural exchange year with India,” he said.

Religious tourism shows resilience in global recessionJaiBiharNALANDA — The Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja has said that it is an accepted fact that religious tourism has proven resilience to the pressures of ...

Saudi Arabia economy's unrivalled strengthGlobal Arab Network - English NewsBoth religious tourism and domestic tourism have great potential for development. There are some major developments taking place in the transport sector, ...

Did the Recession Impact Your Agency’s Worth?

2010-02-14T22:49:00.000-08:00

Article link: http://www.travelagentcentral.com/home-based/financial/did-recession-impact-your-agencys-worth-19768

Travel companies that specialize in corporate, government, educational or religious travel are doing well and are still able to receive up to 5 times the EBITDA (accounting standard) due to supply and demand.

Ya'lla Tours president says faith-based travel can be lucrative

2010-02-06T13:36:00.000-08:00

Ya'lla Tours president says faith-based travel can be lucrative

The faith based travel market can be very lucrative for travel sellers in new, repeat and referral business, according to Ronen Paldi, president of Ya’lla Tours, a faith based tour specialist in Portland, OR.

Citing 2004 census statistics, Paldi told Travel Market Report that two-thirds of the U.S. population describes itself as involved in their religious organizations, which generate $87 billion in annual contributions.

Travel, pointed out Paldi, is the single largest expenditure for U.S. religious organizations, after salaries, education and construction.

“The potential in this market is unlimited and it really is virgin territory for agents,” Paldi said. “It is a great opportunity for travel sellers.”

“The repeat factor is the highest in the industry. And if a travel agent books one church group of 30, this can result in individuals also take cruises and land vacations,” he said.

Current News Stories in Religious Tourism

2010-02-03T06:32:00.000-08:00

2011 Youth Day Web Site Available in EnglishZenit News AgencyThe Web page for the 2011 World Youth Day, which will be hosted by the Archdiocese of Madrid, is now available. The English-language site was launched on ...

Development through tourismManila BulletinThere is also the possibility of religious tourism for Asian Catholics. Major shrines like Antipolo, Penafrancia, Sto. Niño de Cebu, Sto. ...

Saudi Arabia shows robust growthGulfNews"This does not include the fast-growing religious tourism sector," said Dr. Nasser Aqeel Al Tayyar. In a press briefing this week, Dr Al Tayyar, ...

Katherine DuncanLas Vegas SunShe sees these traits as opportunities to take advantage of a growing religious tourism market. Duncan created the Ward 5 Chamber in 2007 and currently ...

A New Workshop for International Operators at Bit 2010Focus on Travel NewsBack for its second edition, the Bit Itinera conference focuses on Religious Tourism: this year, 80 select operators on the demand side are preparing to ...

UAE firm to build $100m Iraq hotelTrade Arabia... and in particular within the religious tourism sector," Ehab al-Bakri, the head of placement and business development at Noor was reported as saying. ...

Leisure Group Travel: Tour Highlights of Palestine

2010-02-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

Written by Sandy Dhuyvetter
Published by Leisure Group Travel

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS OF PALESTINE
Religious tour groups find sacred shrines, archaeological treasures, great shopping and friendly people in Palestine. Fresh from a 12-day trip to the Holy Land, the writer gives her impressions of cities like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nablus and Jericho. She tells what group planners can expect in regard to security, tour guides, hotels and other practical matters.
Get an overview of what awaits tour groups in Palestine

http://www.leisuregrouptravel.com/archives/Jan2010/Tourist%20Highlights%20of%20Palestine.pdf

Leisure Group Travel: Top 10 Emerging Destinations in Faith-based Tourism

2010-01-31T13:15:00.000-08:00

Cover story for Leisure Group Travel Magazine (February 2010 Issue)
Top 10 Emerging Destinations in Faith-based Tourism
View the entire story at http://bit.ly/EmergingDestinationsFaithTourism2010

The president of the World Religious Travel Association identifies 10 places ripe for religious group tours.
1) Armenia
2) Colombia
3) Lebanon
4) Syria
5) India
6) Cyprus
7) Palestine
8) Ethiopia
9) Poland
10) Quebec, Canada

Religious tourism among Bogotá´s churches

2010-01-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

Link: http://colombiareports.com/travel-in-colombia/94-bogota/6959-bogota-and-its-churches-religious.html

Under a new campaign by Colombia’s tourism ministry, the country promotes Bogota as a religious destination. Following a path leading to some of the more than 200 churches and parishes in the capital is the perfect example of “religious tourism,” according to the Internet website www.colombia.travel/es.

“In addition to the solemn pilgrimage and celebrations, there are fascinating stories and legends on which the temples were erected, some superb architecture and stunning ornaments inside,” the official tourism site says.

Stunning photographs accompany some of the more famous examples to be visited in Bogota:

Monserrate Sanctuary
Completed around 1657, the church sits on the crest of a mountain.
Construction was authorized by the Spaniard Don Juan de Borja, a
devotee of the patron “Black Virgen of Monserrat,” whose replica,
called the Moeneta, is guarded in the church.

Santuario de Guadalupe
On the highest hill of the city stands the 15-meter sculpture of the
Immaculate Conception, a work by the master Gustavo Arcila Uribe. The
small chapel survived several earthquakes in the 18th and 19th
centuries, and is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Besides being
a pilgrimage destination, the site lends a spectacular view of Bogota.

Santuario de la Peña
A unique site for this eastern chapel, whose origin is based on an
image of “La Sangrada Familia,” or The Sacred Family, carved in the
mountain rock centuries ago. The chapel honors the Virgin of Guadalupe
by the parish priest.

Our Lady of Mount Caramel Church
Characterized by its outer bands of red and white Gothic architectural
style, this church is one of the most emblematic of the historical
center of Bogota. Its construction began in 1927 and on April 30, 1993
was declared a national monument.

Church of the Holy Infant Jesus of July 20
Thanks to the devotion of thousands of faithful around the image of
the Divine Child. Salesian Father Juan del Rizzo on July 20, 1936,
convened the community to raise money to build the church, later
completed in 1942.

Church St. Alphonsus Liguori
A crowd of parishioners frequent the church of the La Soledad
neighborhood, who come to venerate the “Lord of Miracles.” The church,
also known as the custody of the image, preserves in its interior art
samples from the 17th Century.

Special Invitationt to Discover Turkey & Attend IDE 2010

2010-01-29T11:01:00.001-08:00

Join me in Turkey this Spring.....

I am very excited to announce that WRTA is a proud sponsor of the 5th annual International Destination Expo (IDE). This April 19-22, in Istanbul, Turkey, the IDE will provide four action-packed days of educational sessions, networking with local suppliers from the Holy Land/Middle East, and captivating local sightseeing. IDE is unique in that it is the only destination-focused show that provides certifications of expertise to its attendees - this is a great way to expand your professional profile and attract new clients. Best yet, qualified travel agents will receive a 4 night hotel stay* with their registration.

I am also thrilled to share with you that I will be moderating the following panel discussion at IDE:

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

Our discussion will feature leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern destinations. Other faith-based seminars at IDE include Turkey, Europe's Unknown Pilgrimage Destination. In addition, you can explore Turkey's many religious sites firsthand on pre- and post- conference tours that are specially priced for IDE delegates.

I invite you to join me in Istanbul this April as we together discover what makes Turkey one of the world's leading religious destinations while also deepening our knowledge of this remarkable country!

See you in Turkey - where "East Meets West"...

Sincerely,
Kevin J. Wright

Year of Pilgrimages Begins

2010-01-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

by Tim Drake Thursday, January 07, 2010
Article link: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/year_of_pilgrimages_begins/

2010 is going to be a banner year for religious pilgrimages.

Ten million pilgrims are expected to travel to Compostela, Spain, to venerate the relics of St. James the Greater. 2010 is a holy year in Compostela, Spain, because the feast Day of St. James the Greater falls on a Sunday.

Another pilgrimage site set to receive a great number of visitors is the Italian town of Turin.

The Italian Archdiocese of Turin will be putting the Shroud of Turin on rare public display between April 10 and May 23, 2010. This is the shroud’s first public display since it underwent major cleaning and restoration in 2002. That work included the removing of 30 fabric patches and a fabric backing that was sewn onto the shroud in 1534 after a fire.

Pope Benedict XVI will make a pastoral visit to the shroud on May 2, 2010. The Italian newspaper Libero is reporting that some 600,000 people have already reserved tickets to see the Shroud during its 44 day display.

Of course, the Year for Priests continues in 2010. Multiple priest and seminarian pilgrimage groups have been making their way to Ars, France, home to St. John Marie Vianney, the patron saint of priests. In addition, an international gathering of priests will be on hand in Rome for the conclusion of the Year for Priests on June 9-11, 2010.

Finally, pilgrims will also be making their way to Oberammergau, Germany, for the performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play, which takes place every 10 years.

The history of the play dates back to 1633. After months of suffering from a plague, the people of Oberammergau vowed to perform the play every 10 years if they were spared. Miraculously, from that point on, they survived, and the villagers have performed the play ever since. This year, the play opens May 15, 2010, and ends on Oct. 3, 2010.

Join the World Religious Travel Association at a new low rate!

2010-01-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

Join WRTA Now & Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever!

Now is your opportunity to join the premier association for faith-based travel at a new low rate!

The World Religious Travel Association is offering a low $499 rate for all destinations, attractions and suppliers looking to target the 300 million traveler religious market in 2010. Travel agents also have a low rate at $99.

Make 2010 your best year ever by becoming part of one of the fastest growing and most resilient markets in the travel industry -- Religious Travel and Hospitality.

WRTA is the only global association dedicated to the Religious Travel and Hospitality Industry. Our members come from 30-plus countries on 6 continents and include the entire "infrastructure" of the faith tourism marketplace including wholesalers, suppliers, destinations, travel agents, and planners.

Religious travel and hospitality is an industry comprised of 300 million travelers globally and is recognized as one of the fastest growing segments in the travel marketplace. Religious travel and hospitality today features virtually every type of travel and event including pilgrimages, conventions/ meetings, leisure vacations, cruising, adventure/ safaris, attractions, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, and much more. It is one of the most resilient markets.

To join WRTA, contact the staff or click here: http://bit.ly/JoinWRTA2010

WRTA Statement on Haiti

2010-01-20T16:13:00.001-08:00

Statement Link: http://bit.ly/WRTAHaiti

Jan 20, 2010
WRTA Statement on Haiti

The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) expresses its solidarity with and condolences to the people of Haiti, especially in the wake of the country’s recent earthquake, devastation, and loss of life. WRTA, which serves as the voice of religious travel, is keenly aware that Haiti’s recovery and reconstruction process will be ongoing in the coming days, months, and years. For this reason, WRTA calls on faith-based organizations, communities, and individuals, as well as the religious travel industry at large, to generously respond to these efforts especially through the financial support of and/or participation in missionary travel, humanitarian relief, and voluntourism (volunteer vacations) to Haiti.

Register today for ASTA IDE Istanbul, Turkey April 19-22, 2010

2010-01-14T16:19:00.001-08:00

ASTA Rates Increase March 1st, Register NOW and Save!

Attending this year's International Destination Expo will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating destination of Turkey. Featuring education that focuses on training you to become an expert and networking with local companies, IDE equips you with the skills to exceed your clients' expectations!

Gain certifications of your expertise in exciting new sessions such as ASTA's newest destination specialist course: Turkey, the Cradle of Civilization: a Walk through 10,000 Years of History.

IDE will also host a panel discussion, Discover How to Build a Thriving Faith-based Travel Program Centered on the World's Top Religious Sites in the Middle East and the Holy Land, featuring leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern destinations. Don't miss this exciting event!

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

Join Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), and leading tourism representatives from the Middle East, for an unforgettable and unprecedented discussion on the world’s top religious and holy sites in this extraordinary part of the world. Furthermore, discover firsthand 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.

Not only will you be inspired and fascinated by the discussions, but just as importantly, you’ll return home equipped with the much-needed knowledge and strategies to immediately impact your faith-based travel program ... no matter whether you are new to religious tourism or a long-term expert. Best of all, this remarkable discussion and seminar will be held in Istanbul (Turkey) ... not only the very crossroads and place where “East Meets West,” but also where the history of faith and religion spans the millenniums.

Register NOW to receive 4 nights complimentary hotel stay* in Istanbul -- hurry, space is limited!

*Space is limited. Offer is first-come, first-served while supplies last.

Religious Travel Top Travel Trend for 2010 (USA TODAY)

2010-01-11T15:36:00.000-08:00

The top ten travel trends for 2010
USA Today
By Laura Bly

Religious Travel ranks as Top 10 Travel Trend for 2010.

Read full story at http://bit.ly/USATODAYReligiousTravelTopTrend2010

A Year for Christian Tourism - New York Times

2010-01-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

A Year for Christian Tourism
by David Farley
The New York Times

Article opening: It’s shaping up to be an auspicious year for Christian tourism, thanks to two infrequent religious events in Europe.

Click here to read the full story: http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/05/a-year-for-christian-tourism/

Soul Food

2009-12-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

Read full story at http://traveller.easyjet.com/features/2009/12/soul-food

With both Christmas and Hanukkah in December, houses of worship provide plenty of food for thought (and consumption)
Featured December 09

There are some secret, sacred places that stir the foodie's soul, laying on foraged herbs, freshly picked fruit, forest game, home brews and heavenly wines for hungry travellers along the paths of righteousness. Best of all, meals served by religious establishments come wrapped in the mystical trappings of their spiritual settings. Whether it's an iconic basilica, a mountaintop monastery, a Biblically inspired recipe or a crypt by candlelight, each location is steeped in its own history and lore.

Why Religious Tourism is a Thriving Industry in Syria

2009-12-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

Read full story at http://www.sana.sy/eng/33/2009/12/15/261152.htm

Damascus, (SANA) - Christians and Muslims have always engaged in and enjoyed every aspect of Syrian life due to the presence of special religious landmarks.

Religious tourism prospered in Syria and particularly in Damascus and outskirts thanks to the religious and holy sites presenting Islam and Christianity. It is mainly divided into Christian and Islamic tourism.

Representation office of NGO “National tourism office of Armenia in Russia and CIS countries” will be opened in Armenia

2009-12-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

Read full story at http://www.arka.am/eng/tourism/2009/12/16/18074.html

Maria Atayan, Director of National Tourism Office (NTO) said that the main goal of the organization is to promote tourism in Armenia.

“Armenia is a very beautiful country having many advantages prom the point of view of tourism, among which is alpine nature, Christian heritage and cultural sites. Due to history, general interests and language Armenia can become attractive for Russian tourists”, said Atayan

“We are ready to work not only for involvement of Russian tourists to Armenia, but also involve potential investors for the development of necessary infrastructures”, said Atayan. NTO will suggest not only traditional types of tourism in Armenia, but also develop religious tourism, medical tourism and rafting."

View highlights of World Religious Travel Expo 2009

2009-12-08T09:00:00.001-08:00

Enjoy highlights from the recent World Religious Travel Expo 2009 in Reno, Nevada (USA).

To watch the video, click on either of the following:
http://bit.ly/Expo2009Highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRjuKe28X8M

NTA and UMA to Co-Locate Trade Shows in 2013

2009-11-04T19:15:00.001-08:00

NTA and UMA to Co-Locate Trade Shows in 2013
Leisure Group Travel - Willowbrook,IL,USAThe World Religious Travel Association, which is co-locating its 2009 World Religious Travel Expo for the first time with NTA's Convention in Reno, Nov. ...

India: Religious Tourism & major hotel chain openings

2009-11-01T13:16:00.000-08:00

Taj, Radisson to open hotels in Amritsar
Business Standard - Mumbai,Maharashtra,India
Speaking to Business Standard, X-Cell Hotel Consultancy President Narbir Singh said, “Being one of India’s most popular religious tourist destinations, Amritsar has vast untapped potential in the area of hospitality. On an average there is demand of 200-250 good quality rooms, especially in the five-star category, from foreigners and NRIs. So, in order to serve that segment, major chains are planning to set up their properties. With infrastructure coming up, we expect NRIs would like to stay there for 2-3 days in order to enjoy their visit to the holy city for the Golden Temple, retreat at Wagah border, Durgiana temple etc. He added in absence of good quality rooms, people used to come in the morning and preferred going back the same day. “I am confident that these ventures by Radisson, Holiday Inn, Taj Properties will boost religious tourism as well as business prospects in the city and attract a lot of foreign and Indian travelers,” he said.

International Chains Open Up First Hotel in Saudi Arabia

2009-10-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

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, ...

Modern Pilgrimage to Spiritual Wales: A Popular Destination for Religious Tourism

2009-10-31T18:09:00.001-07:00

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 ...

PASTORS, MINISTRY LEADERS & THOSE INTERESTED IN FAITH-BASED TRAVEL INVITED TO WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO

2009-10-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

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

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

Pilgrims Prosper: Faith-Based Travel Proves Recession-Resistant

2009-10-26T16:03:00.001-07:00

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.”

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

2009-10-25T17:29:00.001-07:00

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.

India online travel industry - religious tourism booming

2009-10-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

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.

Secretary Clinton speaks about Iraq religious tourism

2009-10-25T17:19:00.001-07:00

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 ...

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority: Focusing on religious tourism

2009-10-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Antakya, Turkey: Faith Tourism brings more income than any other to the city

2009-10-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Going on Faith Interview with WRTA President: Outlook of Religious Tourism

2009-10-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

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

Lebanon and Religious Tourism

2009-10-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Middle East hotels looking to capitalize on growth in religious tourism

2009-10-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

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.

Leisure Group Travel: 2010 Outlook & Questions to Travel Industry Professionals

2009-10-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

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)

Bulgaria and Religious Tourism

2009-10-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Tourism Cares announces partnership with the World Religious Travel Association

2009-10-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

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.

WRTA Expo to Host Industry’s Largest-Ever Educational and Business Seminar Program on Faith Tourism

2009-10-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

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.

Lebanon & Religious Tourism

2009-09-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Read full story at http://www.ennaharonline.com/en/culture/2019.html

Malta & Religious Tourism

2009-09-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Searching for our niche
Malta Independent Online - MaltaNiche tourism, is a concept growing popular in the Western circuit for the last 15 years. It can range from religious tourism, cultural and heritage tourism ...

Saudi Arabia experiencing surge in religious tourism

2009-09-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Read full story at http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009091650049

Select section of article:
The Kingdom’s hotel sector is witnessing a remarkable growth due to significant surge in religious tourism, which according to recent reports has achieved an astonishing 30 percent growth in the first quarter of 2009 alone.Saudi Arabia is expected to generate a total of SR13 billion during the current Umrah season, a key figure that will help strengthen the Kingdom’s status as one of the top tourist destinations and a leading hotel market in the Middle East.

Elaf Group has particularly prepared for the new Umrah season that started in February 2009, noting a considerable growth trend of around 3.5 million pilgrims are expected to visit the Kingdom in the current Umrah season.Religious tourism in the Kingdom generates around $7 billion annually, according to recent reports, while the government has allocated a total of $38 billion in tourism infrastructure and transport systems, including a high-speed railway system that will link Jeddah, Makkah and Madina – three key travel destinations in the Kingdom.

The tourism sector generates billions of dollars in revenue and provides jobs for more than 342,000 people in areas related to hotels, resorts, furnished apartments, cafes, travel agencies, transportation and entertainment. Earlier reports also said that religious tourism accounts for some two-thirds of all earnings in the international tourism sector and one-third of domestic tourism revenue. It also helps to make Saudi Arabia the top destination in the Middle East in terms of international tourist arrivals.

Lebanon to capitalize on religious tourism

2009-09-27T13:43:00.001-07:00

Read the full article at http://www.eturbonews.com/11702/lebanon-capitalize-religious-tourism

Here is a section of the full article:
Our Lady of Beshwat, a Christian shrine in eastern Lebanon, has become a popular tourist attraction in the multi-confessional Mediterranean country which plans to boost religious tourism after a bumper tourist season in 2009.

Nada Sardouk, director general of Lebanon's tourism ministry, stresses the "human and economic importance of boosting religious tourism". "We have an incredible wealth of religions," Sardouk said, referring to the 18 official confessions in Lebanon.

Monasteries, churches and mausoleums abound in Lebanon, which remains a Christian stronghold in the largely Muslim Arab world, although Muslims form the majority of the population of some four million.

The tourism ministry plans to release a film about Lebanon's many religious sites and a book on 20 roads leading to both Christian and Muslim holy sites. The book, named "The Paths of Faith", is to be released at the end of September.

Just announced: NTA Convention Seminar Panel on Faith-based Travel with Greg Stielstra

2009-09-21T13:36:00.001-07:00

Just confirmed and announced. I will be joining Greg Stielstra, North America's #1 faith-based marketing expert, on a seminar panel at the upcoming NTA Convention. Here is the info/description provided by the National Tour Association title:

Faith-based Marketing Revenue Secrets: Featuring Two Industry Experts
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10:15–11:30 a.m.
Featured Speakers:
Kevin J. Wright, president, World Religious Travel Association
Greg Stielstra, author, Faith-based Marketing and Pyromarketing

An Industry First! Join Kevin J. Wright, president of NTA strategic partner the World Religious Travel Association, and Greg Stielstra, North America’s top faith-based marketing authority, as together they lead a fascinating and remarkable discussion on how to effectively work with the $18 billion faith-based market. From pilgrimages, missions and conventions to adventure trips, leisure vacations and cruises, “religious travel and hospitality” is much broader than most people think. With two industry-leading experts at the helm, Kevin and Greg will change the way you do business forever with this new clientele and revenue opportunity.

Lebanon Premier-designate to make promotion of religious tourism a cabinet priority

2009-09-06T21:10:00.000-07:00

Article link: http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/9ABF77024C46309DC225761F001F2DD1?OpenDocument

Premier-designate Saad Hariri held on to equal shares of power and stressed that Christian-Muslim coexistence was Lebanon's true message."We want Lebanon to remain a place for inter-religious union and dialogue and we want Christians and Muslims in this country to maintain equal shares regardless of numbers of demographics," Hariri said during an Iftar in Qoreitem on Wednesday.

Hariri said he was working on forming a national unity government that would include all political parties "so as to counter Israeli threats and tackle economic and social challenges."

The PM-designate told religious figures during the Iftar that promoting the tourism sector would be one of his cabinet's top priorities.

"I also wish to promote religious tourism, especially pilgrimage to Christian vestiges such as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Harissa and the southern town of Qana," he said.

Syria promoting itself as popular destination for religious tourism

2009-09-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

Read full story at http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20090902053709

In recent years, Syria has been making inroads in promoting itself as a popular destination for cultural and religious tourism and attracting visitors from across the globe. Furthermore, new investment opportunities and tourism initiatives backed by the government have earned the interest of international players to the market.

Greg Stielstra, North America's Top Faith-based Marketing Expert to Headline World Religious Travel Expo

2009-09-01T10:02:00.001-07:00

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug 31, 2009) – One of North America’s top authorities on faith-based marketing and word-of mouth marketing will address the travel industry, for the first time ever, at the World Religious Travel Expo 2009. The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) just named Greg Stielstra, the marketing director behind The Purpose Driven Life, the fastest-selling hardcover book in American history and a faith-based marketing phenomenon, as the
headline speaker at this fall’s celebrated event. Stielstra is also best known as the author of Faith-based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers (HarperCollins, 2005) and PyroMarketing: The Four Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep Them For Life (Wiley, 2009).

“We hit the jackpot in landing Greg Stielstra as the Sunday luncheon keynoter,” said WRTA President Kevin J. Wright. “The most frequently asked question by every travel provider and supplier in relation to the religious market is ‘How do we effectively reach pastors and the faith-based consumer?’ Greg will share the fascinating marketing principles behind the mega-success of The Passion of the Christ movie and The Purpose Driven Life book, and how these same
principles can and should be applied by each organization in the travel industry.”

Stielstra is an innovative thinker, speaker, consultant and author. An expert in word-of-mouth, faith-based, and social network marketing, he speaks regularly at Word of Mouth Marketing Association conference and numerous other events including AdTech New York and the prestigious Forbes CMO Summit. His work has been covered by The Economist, Advertising Age, Point Magazine, Business Week, Forbes, Wireless Age, Knowledge at Wharton, the
Wharton Leadership Journal, and the book 9 Minds on Marketing.

“People of faith are the largest, most loyal, and highest spending market segment in the United States with 140 million weekly church-goers who spend $5.1 trillion annually,” said Stielstra. “To be successful, you must first understand the religious consumer power niche—and how to effectively reach them. I will help the travel industry understand who makes up the faith community, what they want, and what it takes to appeal to them. We’ll also discuss common mistakes marketers make in dealing with the faith-based market; how to serve rather than sell to them; and what works and doesn’t work when dealing with pastors and other religious leaders. Above all, I’ll provide practical guidance for creating faith-based marketing plans that work.”

With one in four Americans expressing interest in taking a faith-based trip, and religious tourism expected to double by 2012, many travel providers and destinations have recently significantly expanded their faith-based marketing efforts including Trafalgar Tours, Globus family of brands, Collette Vacations, Faithful Holidays (division of Mayflower Tours), CIE Tours, Homeric Tours, TravelBound, Ed-Ventures Worldwide Tours, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, the Jordan Tourist Board, Switzerland Tourism, as well as many Convention and Visitor Bureaus and other suppliers including Passport Health. 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.

For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or +1-859-219-3529 or by email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com and http://www.wrtaexpo.com/ respectively.

Pope names Orlando tourist ministry a basilica

2009-08-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

Read full story from Associated Press at http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h75RW6HFyxBrK12CzAWvncopejXAD9A6PPF00

ORLANDO, Fla. — A 2,000-seat Catholic shrine in Orlando is getting ready to celebrate its new status as one of just 63 basilicas in the U.S.

Eureka Springs and Religious Tourism

2009-08-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

Read full story at:
http://insite.religioustraveldirectory.com/destinations-of-faith/eureka-springs/

Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a wonderful religious destination. The town offers many religious sites and activities. Located in the gorgeous Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is both a beautiful and spritual vacation. Visitors can see The Great Passion Play in an outdoor setting. There is also the Bible Museum, Sacred Arts Center and the Christ of the Ozarks statue. They offer s tours as well, such as the New Holy Land Tour and Tabernacle Teaching Tour.

Religious tourism lifts private jet charters

2009-08-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

Read full story at http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles/2009/8/Pages/23082009/08242009_9914f8718d054fc7972f3e171bcb4333.aspx

International Air Charter (IAC), a private jet charter broker, expects a 50 per cent increase in demand for charters to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan over the previous year, the company said yesterday.IAC added that the forecast is in line with the growth of religious tourism in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to generate up to $7 billion (Dh25.71bn) in annual revenues."

He said IAC has allocated substantial resources and has put priority on religious tourism

PASTORS REPRESENTING 10 NATIONS EXPERIENCE FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP IN BAHAMAS

2009-08-17T11:14:00.001-07:00

RELIGIOUS MARKET GLOBAL OUTREACH – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation’s Religious Market, recently took advantage of an opportunity to pitch the country’s outstanding conference and meetings facilities to a group of Pastors visiting Nassau from the United States, Cuba and even places as far flung as China, Africa, Italy and Great Britain.

The group of spiritual leaders were in attendance at a "Kingdom Leadership Conference" being held at the Diplomat Center, Carmichael Road, under the direction of renowned Bahamian spiritual leader, Pastor Miles Munroe, President and Senior Pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, Nassau, Bahamas. The group of pastors representing 10 nations, were a part of a delegation of about 185 persons in attendance at the Conference.

During their visit to The Bahamas, the church leaders were given a tour of some of the Island's finest hotels and resorts, and then feted to a reception at their host hotel, The Wyndham Nassau Resort, Cable Beach. Pictured above, front center, Mr. Linville Johnson, MOT Director of Religious Market, and Dr. Myles Munroe are flanked by the Pastors.The Religious market is an $18 Billion Global Market, and the Bahamas, boasting the largest assortment of vacation spots of any tropical destination in the world, is poised to take advantage of a larger share of this growing market. No longer simply a fun vacation, the Bahamas can also offer its visitors faith and fellowship."The Bahamas...where God lives."

Linville Johnson, is available to answer questions on group needs for religious conferences, conventions, retreats etc., at ljohnson@bahamas.com. For more information on the Islands of The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com, or you can reach us at 1-800 Bahamas.

Jamaica Tourist Board Wooing Church Groups from the UK

2009-08-15T21:42:00.001-07:00

JTB Wooing Church Groups in the UK
Read full story at http://www.jis.gov.jm/indus_tourism/html/20090815T100000-0500_20792_JIS_JTB_WOOING_CHURCH_GROUPS_IN_THE_UK.asp

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is wooing church groups in the United Kingdom (UK) as it seeks to bring more visitors into the island.

More than 30 Diaspora and mainstream church leaders from various denominations were invited to a special brunch at the Jamaican High Commission in London on Tuesday (Aug. 11), where they were urged to consider Jamaica as a venue for faith-based group travel.
The group, which comprised decision makers for overseas conferences, retreats or other events organised by churches, were invited by the JTB to be part of a destination familiarisation visit to Jamaica.

The JTB made the point that Jamaica can offer a diverse range of events and activities and is already the venue for faith-related activities such as the annual 'Fun in the Son' gospel festival, which is now a regular calendar event

Cardinal Foley encourages pilgrimages

2009-08-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

Read the full article at: http://www.h2onews.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19692&Itemid=14

Cardinal Foley recommends the great experience of visiting the Holy Land -- a trip, he said, thta “is unforgettable.”

“I would really recommend for everybody a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. People make pilgrimages to Lourdes, to Fatima, to Santiago de Compostela, and all of these were important and good. But I think the trip to Holy land is unforgettable. You see the Sea of Galilee where Jesus walked around the sea and on the sea; you see the Mount of the Beatitudes; you see Bethlehem where He was born; you see Nazareth were He grew up; and you see Jerusalem, of course, where He talked, and suffered and died and rose.”

Colombia Salt Cathedral to add spa

2009-07-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Read full story at http://colombiareports.com/travel-in-colombia/133-cundinamarca/4875-salt-cathedral-to-have-underground-spa.html

The Zipaquira Salt Cathedral in the Cundinamarca department will soon be worth more than its weight in salt. The 200 meters underground church, 49 kilometers north of Bogota, will add a salt spa to its other attractions, El Colombiano reported Tuesday.

Not content with the 800,000 visitors that the church -- built inside a salt mine -- receives every year, the mayor of Zipaquira, Jorge Enrique Gonzalez decided to expand the church's facilities.

Tourism in Arab countries steady with 2-6% growth rate despite international slowdown

2009-07-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Source/Read the full story at: http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20090721072553

As soon as the international economy started to recover from the global financial crisis, another crisis appeared in the form of "Swine Flu", affecting international tourism. The World Tourism Organisation recently (WTO) revealed its estimates of the declining tourism rates, which ranged from 0% to 2-3% lower, while the number of tourists during the last two months has declined by 7.7% compared to the same period in 2008, a value higher than the 2% decline predicted by the WTO for 2009.

But there is a ray of hope for Arab countries, as statistics show that Arab countries are better prepared to overcome the tourism crisis than any other area in the world. The Middle East has had the highest touristic growth rate in the world (an increase of 11% in 2008 compared to 2% in the rest of the world), and the WTO expects tourism in Arab countries to increase by 2-6% this year.

H.E. Saeed Ahmed Mohammed bin Butti, Chairman of Al Dhiafa Holding and Jinan Hotels and Resorts, believes there is a need to enhance tourism in Arab countries, and to enhance tourism services, as tourism is one of the important industries contributing to the Arab World's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). "The tourism industry heavily relies on attracting tourists. This concept, in turn, depends on diversifying tourism services, which are no longer exclusive to visiting museums and historical places, but also include religious tourism, medical tourism, tourism for relaxation purposes, sports tourism, education and art tourism, and touring for festivals and conferences," he explains.

The RCMA Survey Presents: The Religious Meetings Market

2009-07-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

Full story/stats at: http://meetingsnet.com/religiousconferencemanager/mag/0601-religious-meetings-market-survey/?smte=wl

The RCMA Survey Presents: The Religious Meetings MarketJun 1, 2009 12:00 PM, RCM Staff Report

The annual RCMA Member Survey provides a snapshot of the religious meetings conducted by RCMA's meeting planners. The 2008 picture shows that RCMA members are a force in the meetings industry, as they build on strong relationships with the people, facilities, and communities that provide services for religious events.

The 2008 survey reveals:

Attendance at meetings conducted by RCMA members stood at 11.3 million.

Downtown sites are the top choice for religious meeting planners and organizations, hosting 17.5 percent of all religious meetings.

Suburban hotels grew in popularity as sites for religious meetings.

The duration of meetings continues to remain stable.

The percentage of meeting planners who said that they use venues throughout the U.S. stands at more than 22 percent.

The NumbersIn 2008, 11,387,533 people attended meetings that were conducted by RCMA members. Conventions and conferences accounted for 9.2 million of the total attendees, followed by 530,416 attendees at committee meetings and seminars. Retreats, with 346,404 attendees, and board meetings (118,890) followed.

Of the 13,981 meetings held in 2008, committee and seminars made up a significant portion; RCMA organizations held 4,697 such meetings in 2008. Conventions and conferences ranked second in the number of meetings in 2008, with 3,460, followed by other types of meetings (2,234), and board meetings (2,165).

Downtown RulesDowntown hotels continue to be the top choice for religious meeting planners: 17.5 percent of the meetings in 2008 were held at downtown hotels. Downtown hotels have led for the past 14 years.

As the second-most-popular option, conference centers continue to be a popular choice for RCMA planners and organizations. In 2008, 16.8 percent of all meetings were held in conference centers.

The third-most-popular meeting facilities, suburban hotels, rose in the percentage of business they received from RCMA planners. Suburban hotels garnered 13.1 percent of the business in 2008, up from 12.8 percent in 2007.

Next, convention/civic centers commanded 11.3 percent of the business.

Camps and retreats continue to be appealing, claiming 11.1 percent of the RCMA business.

In the sixth spot, resort hotels attracted 10.9 percent of the business in 2008.

Airport hotels remained in seventh place, hosting 10.8 percent of the meetings in 2008.

Colleges and universities continue to represent an important alternative for religious meeting planners, with 7.1 percent of the 2008 business. Cruise ships garnered just 1.5 percent of the religious meetings business.

Room BlocksIt was not unusual in 2008 for a religious meeting planner to need 100 to 200 rooms for his or her largest meeting. That category made up 18 percent of the survey, while meetings requiring 10 to 50 rooms came in at 15 percent.

Meetings requiring 50 to 100 rooms were 13 percent of RCMA business. Meetings with 300 to 500 rooms were at 12 percent. Meetings requiring 500 to 1,000 rooms and 200 to 300 rooms also represented 12 percent.

Only 5 percent of meetings needed more than 3,000 sleeping rooms, but those meetings are a significant share of religious-meetings business.

Meeting SizesIf you are a meeting planner whose largest seating capacity in 2008 was 500 to 1,000, then you are not alone in RCMA. Eighteen percent of respondents said that was their largest meeting of the year.

Seventeen percent of respondents said that 1,000 to 2,500 was their largest seating capacity. Meetings in the 100-300 size also represented 17 percent, followed by 300-500 (16 percent).

At the very high end, 2 percent of those surveyed said that their largest meetings in 2008 required seating for more than 25,000 people.

The survey indicates that when it comes to exhibits and trade shows, a significant majority of religious meetings use them. Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed needed exhibit space in 2008, which is a slight increase from 67 percent in 2007.

The member survey for 2008 showed little change in the size of exhibit space needed, with 27 percent of planners needing 3,000 to 4,000 square feet. On the high end, 2 percent of RCMA members said that their largest meeting required 40,000 to 50,000 square feet of exhibit space, and 7 percent needed more than 50,000 square feet.

Help WantedThe popularity of catering services continues to be high among RCMA planners. Just a few years ago, only a quarter of the RCMA members surveyed reported using catering and banquet services. In 2008, however, 80 percent used those services.

Audiovisuals, too, are an integral part of religious meetings. RCMA members used AV supplier services at 81 percent of their meetings.

Efficient ground transportation and tours are important to religious meeting planners as well, according to the survey. In 2008, 54 percent of those surveyed said that they used ground transportation and tour services.

Special air rates and ticketing were used by 49 percent of the RCMA members surveyed, while exhibit and decorating services were used by 46 percent of RCMA members surveyed. Forty-three percent of those surveyed made use of car rentals.

Time Well SpentAgain in 2008, the RCMA survey shows that people are willing to dedicate a significant amount of time to attending religious meetings.

The average length of conventions and conferences was 4.1 days in 2008, a statistic that has held steady for more than 10 years. The survey also seems to indicate that retreats are very important. The length of retreats remains high: 3.4 days in 2008. The length of the average board meeting was 2.3 days in 2008, and the average committee meeting and seminar lasted 2.2 days.

From Sea to Shining SeaThe Midwest continues to be popular for religious meetings, with 19.4 percent of planners reporting that they hold meetings there. The Southeast remains strong in the percentage of planners who chose it, at 15.4 percent in 2008. The Northeast states were used by 13.2 percent of the planners, followed by the Western states at 10.4 percent and South Central at 10.1 percent. The percentage of planners who hold meetings “throughout the USA” was 22.2 percent.

Of those surveyed, 9.3 percent said they hold meetings outside the United States.

Meeting Attendance
Fig. 1 Type of Meeting Total Attendance 2008
Convention/Conference 9,204,732
Board 118,890
Committee/Seminar 530,416
Retreat 346,404
Other 1,187,091
Total 11,387,533

Types of Meeting Facilities Used
Fig. 6 Facility
Downtown Hotel 17.5%
Conference Center 16.8%
Suburban Hotel 13.1%
Convention/Civic Center 11.3%
Camps/Resorts 11.1%
Resort Hotel 10.9%
Airport Hotel 10.8%
College/University 7.1%
Cruise Ship 1.5%

Shroud of Turin to Boost Religious Travel

2009-06-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

Read story at http://www.silverlight-travel.com/turin/index.php/2009/06/shroud-of-turin-to-boost-religious-travel/

After 10 years of being locked away, the Shroud of Turin is slated for display in 2010. It is normally rolled up and locked away in a silver box, and kept under close guard in the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, with a replica on display. But Pope Benedict has announced that the real thing will be put on display for the faithful to see next year, and as a result, religious travel promises to be booming.

The Shroud is a linen cloth (measuring approximately 14 1/2 x 4 feet) that is believed to have been the burial cloth of Jesus. Many Christians believe that the cloth has an image of a crucified man, with a beard and long hair, with arms folded across his chest. The cloth appears to have blood, seemingly from wounds in the wrists, feet and side.

Turkey Introducing ’strategic depth’ to tourism including "faith tourism"

2009-06-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

Read the full story at http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/opinion/11937017.asp?scr=1

And then yesterday we reported that Bursa is planning to diversify its economy with a tourism campaign that will embrace faith tourism during the month of Ramadan, encouraging visitors to historic mosques and tombs. Planners of this campaign also see potential in sports and nature tourism.

Winston-Salem Targets Religious Groups for Tourism Dollars

2009-06-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

By Brent Campbell FOX8 News
June 26, 2009

Read full story at http://www.myfox8.com/news/wghp-winston-salem-religious-tourism-090626,0,3045949.story

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - With nearly 2,000 people in town for five nights, the western North Carolina conference of the AME Zion church is, in many ways, a Godsend to Winston-Salem's struggling tourism industry.

Hotel room sales are down 8 percent in the downtown Twin City Quarter, which includes Embassy Suites and Marriott. So in an effort to reverse that trend, the city's tourism arm has shifted focus from attracting individual and business travelers to youth sporting events, collegiate sports and religious organizations, among others.

"We've had a tough time of it since the fourth quarter last year," said Ron Stephens, of the Twin City Quarter. "Things tanked and tanked quickly, and then the first six months of this year have lagged greatly behind last year."

In a recent study by the Travel Industry Association, one-fourth of travelers said they would be more likely to spend money on a religious trip before an individual vacation.

"In these difficult economic times, it is good to know people of faith do not allow circumstances to determine their actions, particularly as it relates to things of God," said Dr. Seth Lartey, an official in the AME Zion denomination.

And it's that kind of commitment Winston-Salem is banking on.

"I think any sort of faith-based organization is important to everyone, particularly when things are not good," said Stephens.

Once the AME Zion conference concludes, the city will prepare for nearly 8,000 Jehovah's Witnesses, who will arrive over the next four weeks for the group's annual conference.
Copyright © 2009, WGHP-TV

Turkey becomes growingly popular stop for Muslim pilgrims

2009-06-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

Read the full article at http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=179255&bolum=101

28 June 2009, Sunday
TODAY'S ZAMAN
ROBERTA DAVENPORT İSTANBUL

Here's secitons of the article...

In addition to the waters of the Bosporus and the intrigue of street markets, the nightlife, historic buildings and landmarks at every turn, İstanbul is home to an Islamic history and Muslim-friendly accommodations that are making it an increasingly popular stopover for travelers on their way back from pilgrimages to Mecca.

On a sunny weekday afternoon in the Sultanahmet district, a group of British men form a line outside the Blue Mosque. They are not at the mosque entrance alongside the groups of tourists from Japan, Spain and the US, who await the end of the afternoon prayer so that they can enter and take pictures, but are instead standing around the fountain in the mosque's courtyard, waiting for their turn to make ablutions so that they can join the prayer. The men are among a growing demographic of tourists visiting İstanbul, Muslims from Europe, the United States, Indonesia and beyond who elect to finish off their religious pilgrimages to Mecca in Saudi Arabia with a trip to İstanbul, the last center of the caliphate and the point from which the Muslim world was administrated for centuries.

Muslim tourism needs attention, development

While Turkish tourism and border authorities keep figures on the number of tourists traveling to Turkey from Muslim countries, there are no figures on how many are coming to the country for religiously related purposes. And while tour operators say there has been a noticeable increase in interest in religious tourism packages for Muslims, more effort is needed to help the tourism niche grow. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism and tourism marketing agencies have taken an increased interest in developing Christian and Jewish faith-based tourist packages in recent years, yet growing numbers of Muslim tourists coming to Turkey from Europe and beyond have gained comparatively little attention from tour operators.

Read the rest of the article at http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=179255&bolum=101

World Religious Travel Expo Debuts Theme: Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever

2009-06-27T13:39:00.001-07:00

Lexington, Ky. (PRWEB) June 27, 2009 -- The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced "Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever" as its official theme for this fall's World Religious Travel Expo. The newly chosen motto will serve as the guiding principle and overall purpose of the three-day event.

"Our theme serves as an invitation to tap into the flourishing religious travel and hospitality industry," said WRTA president, Kevin J. Wright. "We all know this is a very trying time for many companies. However, as faith tourism provides new market and revenue possibilities, the World Religious Travel Expo provides organizations with a renewed opportunity to experience their best year yet."

Faith-based travel and hospitality has become an important new market segment for many tour operators, travel agents, destinations and suppliers in the industry. In the past year alone, the religious market has taken on even greater significance, due to its recession-proof and groups-dominated attributes. An estimated 75% of faith-based travelers prefer to travel in group settings while 80% would like to repeat their religious travel experience. Challenging times only serve to bring people of faith together in greater numbers for travel or convention purposes; providing a much needed "stimulus" to the industry.

WRTA recently opened 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 and travel professionals from 30-plus countries.

A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Annual Convention, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to new market opportunities.

For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or +1-859-219-3529 or by email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com and www.WRTAexpo.com respectively.

World Religious Travel Association (WRTA):
WRTA is the leading global network for the $18 billion faith tourism industry. WRTA's primary purpose is to guide, enrich, and expand religious travel and hospitality around the globe via the trade, consumer, and media. Its membership is comprised of accommodations, attractions, tour operators, travel agents, tourism offices, transportation services, media and other key players in the tourism industry.

# # #

2010 to be "banner year" for pilgrimage celebrations

2009-06-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

(GERMANY) The every-decade Passion Play takes place in 2010 in Oberammergau, Germany.

(SPAIN) Santiago de Compostela to celebrate its Holy Year in 2010. An estimated 10 million pilgrims and visitors are expected.

(ITALY)The Shroud of Turin, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Christ, is scheduled for the first time in 10 years to be displayed for the public in 2010.

If you are a travel provider for people of faith, be sure to integrate these itineraries into your portfolio. If you're a traveler, you might consider traveling to the Passion Play, Sanitago de Compostela, or to Italy to see the Shroud of Turin.

Thank God for religious conventions

2009-06-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

Full story at: http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20090609/COLUMNISTS50/906090315/1046/BUSINESS/Thank+God+for+religious+conventions+in+city

Thank God for religious conventions. In an average year, the tourism forecast for Fort Collins would be rather bleak under these economic conditions.

We foresaw some of these changes and focused efforts and resources on securing convention business for this summer, primarily in the religious market. Being an odd-numbered year, we will see the return of Campus Crusade for Christ International, which will hold its summer training conference in Fort Collins, having met here for more than 40 years.

Even this longstanding event was in question recently, and a coordinated effort by Colorado State University, city, community and CVB interests worked to keep Campus Crusade coming back. This long-standing event is one of the major drivers of restaurant and retail spending, with participants staying here for two months and peaking at 7,000 attendees.

This summer also will mark the return of the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses to Fort Collins and the Budweiser Events Center. We will host three weekends this year, and four in 2010, business that has been away from the city for a couple of years. Although the meeting is held at the Budweiser Event Center, organizers are loyal to their host, sending their hotel bookings to Fort Collins first.

It won't be a record year for tourism in this economic climate. But we feel the group business coming this summer will help close the gap.

Thank God for religious conventions.

Jim Clark is executive director of the Fort Collins Convention & Visitors Bureau.