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, ...
April 16, 2010
Branson Missouri shrine to open today
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.
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.
April 12, 2010
Next Week's IDE Religious Panel in Istanbul, Turkey
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.
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.
March 29, 2010
Headline Stories: Religious Tourism March 29, 2010
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 ...
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)
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
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
March 26, 2010
Top Religious Tourism News (Week of March 26, 2010)
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. ...
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. ...
March 18, 2010
WRTA OPENS REGISTRATIONS TO WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO 2010
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/.
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/.
March 17, 2010
Religious tourism among top travel choices in 2009
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.
March 11, 2010
Report from Jordan Travel Mart
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.
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.
March 9, 2010
WRTA PROCLAIMS 2010 THE YEAR OF TRAVEL MINISTRY
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.
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.
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