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.
January 20, 2010
January 14, 2010
Register today for ASTA IDE Istanbul, Turkey April 19-22, 2010
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.
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.
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.
January 11, 2010
Religious Travel Top Travel Trend for 2010 (USA TODAY)
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
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
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/
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/
December 20, 2009
Soul Food
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.
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
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.
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
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."
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."
December 8, 2009
View highlights of World Religious Travel Expo 2009
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
To watch the video, click on either of the following:
http://bit.ly/Expo2009Highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRjuKe28X8M
November 4, 2009
NTA and UMA to Co-Locate Trade Shows in 2013
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. ...
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. ...
November 1, 2009
India: Religious Tourism & major hotel chain openings
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.
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.
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