February 6, 2010

Feb 4 WRTA Religious Travel Buzz Newsletter

Sponsored By: CIE Tours International
Want to sponsor the next Religious Travel Buzz? Contact WRTA and ask how.

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Ireland is a win/win product for faith-based travel – a winning experience for the client and a winning sale for the tour organizer. Long known as the “Isle of Saints & Scholars,” Ireland was the epicenter of Christian learning when the rest of Europe was in the Dark Ages. This tradition has been carried forth into the 21st century, opening many doors for faith-based travel to Ireland. As the home of Saints Patrick, Bridget, Kevin, Columba, and hundreds of others, Ireland also provides many faith-based attractions – from The Book of Kells, an elaborately scripted 9th century version of the Four Gospels and truly one of the great religious treasures of the world to Knock Shrine, a leading Marian pilgrimage site, as historic abbeys, cathedrals, churches, round towers and high crosses. CIE Tours is geared to facilitating faith-based travel and building itineraries that blend religious links with enjoyable 21st century activities and luxuries. No request is too difficult – CIE has all the right connections. For more information, email Jim Kelly at j.kelly@cietours.com.

Premium Memberships Now Available
Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever by becoming a Premium WRTA Member. With this exclusive level of membership, your organization will enjoy yearlong benefits which will not only keep you top of mind in the association but also at the forefront of the religious travel industry and marketplace. We have structured the benefits to include all areas of marketing within WRTA, including online and e-Newsletter promotions, Expo exhibit space and exhibitor recognition, press releases, recognition in the annual Buyers Guide and the annual membership brochure plus much more.

Buyers Guide
The 2010/2011 Buyers Guide will be published in June 2010. With a print distribution to 10,000 and an electronic distribution to 46,000+ you can’t afford to miss this promotional opportunity. Plus, if you book by Feb. 15 you’ll receive 2009 rate protection. Read here to learn more about advertising in the Buyers Guide, call +1.859.226.4402 or email Kami Risk.

Expo Buzz
Check out the updated Expo website featuring a recap of last fall’s Expo, along with upcoming highlights for Expo 2010 in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). For information about Expo 2010, review the links below.
Registration Information
Sponsorship Information
Schedule

Top 10 Emerging Destinations in Faith-based Tourism from Leisure Group Travel
The president of the World Religious Travel Association identifies places ripe for religious tourism, from hidden gems to future hot spots. ...read story

Armenia – The World’s First Christian Country from Church Executive Travel
Unknown to most, Armenia is considered to be the first Christian country by historians. It is one of the few countries in the world that was evangelized by two of Jesus’ apostles. ...read story

News Stories
The Top 10 Travel Trends for 2010 from USA TODAY
As the Great Recession kept more travelers tethered and a thwarted Christmas Day terror attack ramped up security concerns, 2009 was an annus horribilus for the travel industry. What's on the horizon for 2010? ...read story

A Year for Christian Tourism from the New York Times
It’s shaping up to be an auspicious year for Christian tourism, thanks to two infrequent religious events in Europe. ...read story

Pilgrimage to Palestine: Tour Highlights from Leisure Group Travel
If you have not been to Palestine, please park your preceptions at the door and let me share with your our experience that involved 12 days of travel to visit, meet and film the people of Palestine. ...ready story

Videos to Watch
2009 Expo Night in Review: Watch WRTA's Expo recap!
Armenia: Explore Biblical Armenia – The Land of Noah

Spotlight on Members
If you are a WRTA Member, you are eligible to submit your online profile for possible publication an upcoming issue of The Religious Buzz. Fill out your profile questionnaire now and see your company featured here! Note: Only WRTA Members are eligible to have their profiles published. Join now!