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.
December 20, 2009
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.
October 31, 2009
International Chains Open Up First Hotel in Saudi Arabia
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, ...
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
Take a Modern Pilgrimage to Spiritual Wales: A popular destination ...
TravelVideo.tv (press release) -
USA“Religious tourism” is a growing trend with the World Religious Travel Association reporting that the faith tourism industry amounts to $18 billion with 300 ...
TravelVideo.tv (press release) -
USA“Religious tourism” is a growing trend with the World Religious Travel Association reporting that the faith tourism industry amounts to $18 billion with 300 ...
October 27, 2009
PASTORS, MINISTRY LEADERS & THOSE INTERESTED IN FAITH-BASED TRAVEL INVITED TO WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO
PASTORS, MINISTRY LEADERS & THOSE INTERESTED IN FAITH-BASED TRAVEL REGISTER TODAY! FOR THE WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
Have you continued to do the same trips year after year? Are you looking to plan new, exciting trips that will entice new members of your fellowship to travel? If so, we would love to invite you to attend the first-ever travel show for religious leaders and faith-based travelers- the World Religious Travel Expo.
Why Attend this Year?
Explore the diverse world of faith-based travel including pilgrimages, mission trips, Volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, and more
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
Have you continued to do the same trips year after year? Are you looking to plan new, exciting trips that will entice new members of your fellowship to travel? If so, we would love to invite you to attend the first-ever travel show for religious leaders and faith-based travelers- the World Religious Travel Expo.
Why Attend this Year?
Explore the diverse world of faith-based travel including pilgrimages, mission trips, Volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, and more
- Discover how to build a thriving travel program/ministry
- Meet personally with tourism/travel officials from Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Cyprus,
- Greece,Turkey, Switzerland, Britain, Scotland, Korea, India, Pakistan & more
- Discuss opportunities with missionary travel companies such as MTS Travel and volunteer vacation companies such as Lifetree Adventures
- Plan trips with leading pilgrimage tour companies such as Regina Tours, Unitours, as well as overseas Christian tour companies from Palestine, Turkey, Africa, Greece, Germany, and much more
- Explore Christian and faith-based attractions such as TBN's The Holy Land Experience, and The Shrine of Christ's Passion
- Design a fellowship cruise with faith-based cruise companies such as Premier Christian Cruises
- Discuss opportunities with retreat conference centers such as Lifeway Conference Centers
- Get ready for Oberammergau with The German National Tourist Office, as well as other local German tourism officials who can help you plan and prepare for your trip to next year's renowned Passion Play
- Tickets purchased in advance are $20...plus you get an autographed copy of The Christian Travel Planner! Books are limited so please fax back the below registration today to ensure your copy.
Tickets at the door are $35 (book not included).
FAX YOUR REGISTRATION TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR BOOK! (859.226.4434)
Download your registration.
Questions or would you like to register over the phone? Contact WRTA/Expo Staff at 859.226.4203 or visit
October 26, 2009
Pilgrims Prosper: Faith-Based Travel Proves Recession-Resistant
Read full story at http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/pilgrims_prosper
BY Tim Drake
Register Senior Writer
October 18-24, 2009 Issue
In a recent Gallup Poll, 42% of respondents said that they had delayed a vacation over the past 60 days in order to help make ends meet. Yet, despite the economic downturn, experts expect 2010 and 2011 to be banner years for religious travel.
Kevin Wright, president and founder of the World Religious Travel Association, said that the next two years look to be “fascinating” for Catholic and religious travel. “Tour operators expect 500,000 visitors for the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which only happens every decade,” he said. In addition, noted Wright, Spain has declared 2010 a holy year because the feast of St. James, July 25, falls on a Sunday, which means that many will be traveling to Santiago de Compostela, whose cathedral has a relic of St. James the Apostle.
According to Wright, religious tourism is, in fact, one of the oldest forms of tourism. “The first tour operator was Thomas Cook, a Baptist minister from England,” said Wright. “He took the first group to the Holy Land in 1861.” Cook’s business has grown into what is now one of the world’s largest travel agencies. Those who conduct tours say they’ve seen many changes since 1861.
Nick Mancino, president of New York-based Regina Tours, which leads between 150 to 200 tours per year, has also seen many changes over the past two decades. “Up until about 10 years ago, the Holy Land was one of the last places Catholics thought about going,” said Mancino. “But since the popes [Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI] have gone there, it has become a more popular destination.”
Other changes Mancino has seen include an increase in younger pilgrims and a desire for a more comfortable experience.
“In the old days, travelers went for two or three weeks. Because of cost and time, most travelers were retired,” said Mancino. “Now, younger people are traveling, and most travelers are going for only eight to 10 days at a time.”
“Thirty-five years ago, people didn’t care how they flew or where they stayed,” said Mancino. “Now, they’re more prone to ask how they’ll get there and whether the hotel is a one-star or four-star hotel.”
BY Tim Drake
Register Senior Writer
October 18-24, 2009 Issue
In a recent Gallup Poll, 42% of respondents said that they had delayed a vacation over the past 60 days in order to help make ends meet. Yet, despite the economic downturn, experts expect 2010 and 2011 to be banner years for religious travel.
Kevin Wright, president and founder of the World Religious Travel Association, said that the next two years look to be “fascinating” for Catholic and religious travel. “Tour operators expect 500,000 visitors for the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which only happens every decade,” he said. In addition, noted Wright, Spain has declared 2010 a holy year because the feast of St. James, July 25, falls on a Sunday, which means that many will be traveling to Santiago de Compostela, whose cathedral has a relic of St. James the Apostle.
According to Wright, religious tourism is, in fact, one of the oldest forms of tourism. “The first tour operator was Thomas Cook, a Baptist minister from England,” said Wright. “He took the first group to the Holy Land in 1861.” Cook’s business has grown into what is now one of the world’s largest travel agencies. Those who conduct tours say they’ve seen many changes since 1861.
Nick Mancino, president of New York-based Regina Tours, which leads between 150 to 200 tours per year, has also seen many changes over the past two decades. “Up until about 10 years ago, the Holy Land was one of the last places Catholics thought about going,” said Mancino. “But since the popes [Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI] have gone there, it has become a more popular destination.”
Other changes Mancino has seen include an increase in younger pilgrims and a desire for a more comfortable experience.
“In the old days, travelers went for two or three weeks. Because of cost and time, most travelers were retired,” said Mancino. “Now, younger people are traveling, and most travelers are going for only eight to 10 days at a time.”
“Thirty-five years ago, people didn’t care how they flew or where they stayed,” said Mancino. “Now, they’re more prone to ask how they’ll get there and whether the hotel is a one-star or four-star hotel.”
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