WRTA's (Month of June) Featured Spotlight Members - Meeting the 'Who's Who' in Faith Tourism
- Travel Bound
- McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Ed-Ventures, Inc
- Decatur Travel Agency
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Travel Bound
If you could summarize your organization in one sentence, what would it be?
Selling exclusively to the travel trade, Travel Bound is a leading wholesale FIT and group tour operator, offering more than 90,000 hotel rooms every night in over 110 countries worldwide plus a wide range of sightseeing tours, excursions, transfers and other travel services.
How is your organization involved in religious travel and hospitality?
Offering flexible tours to a wide variety of religious destinations to all religious faiths.
What specific products and/or services does your organization provide for faith-based travelers, groups and organizations?
Besides Hotel and services, Travel Bound can arrange religious services as part of the tour experience.
What is your organization's competitive advantage in the marketplace, and more specifically, within religious travel?
As a brand of GTA by Travelport, Travel Bound maintains a global network of over 25 offices to ensure local coordination and assistance.
Tell us about the "people behind your organization." What makes your personnel among the best in the industry for both the travel trade and consumers to work with?
The Travel Bound team comprises of 21 different nationalities spread across all continents around the global. All staff are highly knowledgeable and well travelled to the destinations on offer to the religious tour operator.
If there is one thing about your organization that you would like for every travel professional and planner to know about (and remember you by), what would it be?
Flexibility - Travel Bound is flexible to the needs of every group. We have a wide database of contracts and can adapt any pre-set tour to suit the needs of any religious group.
Contact Information
Tommy Ryder
Director
Travel Bound
Email: tommy.ryder@gta-travel.com
Tel: 212-376-5413
www.booktravelbound.com
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McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau
If you could summarize your organization in one sentence, what would it be?
The McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau is ready to make your next stay or meeting a positive and memorable experience.
How is your organization involved in religious travel and hospitality?
We assist religious conventions with various complimentary incentives if 500 room nights are booked at McAllen hotels while utilizing the New McAllen Convention Center.
What specific products and/or services does your organization provide for faith-based travelers, groups and organizations?
If they qualify, we would offer an array of awesome incentives.
What is your organization's competitive advantage in the marketplace, and more specifically, within religious travel?
Great weather, wonderful restaurants, and airport is 3 minutes from the New McAllen Convention Center.
If there is one thing about your organization that you would like for every travel professional and planner to know about (and remember you by), what would it be?
We are friendly, hard-working, and ready to assist in the planning of your next event in McAllen, "The Texas Tropics".
Contact Information
Ernesto D. Arredondo
Director of Sales
McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau
Email: ernie@mcallencvb.com
Tel 956-240-8033
www.mcallencvb.com
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Ed-Ventures, Inc.
If you could summarize your organization in one sentence, what would it be?
Ed-Ventures is a family owned and operated company specializing in worldwide tours with a purpose.
How is your organization involved in religious travel and hospitality?
Ed-Ventures has been customizing tours for operators and travel agents for over 30 years. In recent years our focus has shifted to faith-based travel with a special emphasis on the Passion Play, Footsteps of Paul, the Holy Land and Egypt, and the Reformation era. We have also arranged travel and volunteer opportunities for mission groups in Central America and pilgrimages to Italy and other destinations.
What specific products and/or services does your organization provide for faith-based travelers, groups and organizations?
We are operating many tours to the Oberammergau Passion Play, Foot Steps of Paul, Egypt, Rome, the Holy Land, and the lands of the Reformers. In addition, we are cooperating on the promotion of university classes on the Sea of Galilee and have operated several tours to Catholic World Youth Day.
What is your organization's competitive advantage in the marketplace, and more specifically, within religious travel?
Our advantage in the marketplace lies in the relationships we have established throughout the world. Our office staff is diverse in church affiliations and active within their churches. Most of our twelve member staff are bi-lingual and all are sensitive to cross-cultural and inter-religious issues. We have contacts in several countries that have approached us about promotion of faith based travel.
Tell us about the "people behind your organization." What makes your personnel among the best in the industry for both the travel trade and consumers to work with?
Our company is special because of our staff. They are culturally informed due to the fact that 98% of our tours are international. Most of our staff are bilingual and 50% have spent extended time in foreign lands. Our approach to travel arrangements is collaborative. We view the planning process as a dialogue between us, our travel partners, and our suppliers. In so doing, we can make special things happen. A tour becomes a life-changing experience. It is our goal that those who travel with Ed-Ventures learn not only from "ancient stones," but from "living stones."
If there is one thing about your organization that you would like for every travel professional and planner to know about (and remember you by), what would it be?
We would like them to know we are a company of integrity. What you see is what you get! What we promise is what you will receive!
Contact Information
Paul Larsen
Vice President
Ed-Ventures, Inc.
pcl@ed-ventures.com
Tel 800-658-7128
www.ed-ventures.com
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Decatur Travel Agency
If you could summarize your organization in one sentence, what would it be?
Our clients are my priority to plan their dream vacations.
How is your organization involved in religious travel and hospitality?
Getting involved in our community.
Tell us about the "people behind your organization." What makes your personnel among the best in the industry for both the travel trade and consumers to work with?
We speak different language, world travelers and have many years experience in the travel industry.
If there is one thing about your organization that you would like for every travel professional and planner to know about (and remember you by), what would it be?
We are patient and trustworthy.
Contact Information
Luz I. Rosario
Travel Agent Group Planner Specialist
Decatur Travel Agency
Email: prbon1414@aol.com
Tel: 404.308.9501
http://decaturtravelagency.com/
June 21, 2009
New "Discover the World of Faith Tourism" video released on YOU TUBE
WRTA released in June its new video on YOU TUBE: "Discover the World of Faith Tourism". To view the video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcElYcOxVrc
June 3, 2009
World Religious Travel Expo video released
WRTA just released its inspriational World Relgious Travel Expo video on YOU TUBE. It can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c25vbpwqQ1o
April 29, 2009
Registrations Open for World Religious Travel Expo
Registrations are now open for the World Religious Travel Expo 2009.
When is the Expo? Nov 14-16, 2008
Where is the Expo? Reno, Nevada (USA)
What is the official website? www.WRTAexpo.com
How can I register for the Expo? Call 888-255-9782 or 859-219-3529 or email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com
When is the Expo? Nov 14-16, 2008
Where is the Expo? Reno, Nevada (USA)
What is the official website? www.WRTAexpo.com
How can I register for the Expo? Call 888-255-9782 or 859-219-3529 or email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com
April 13, 2009
WRTA Sets Stage for Bright New Future; Debuts New Logo & Website
WRTA Sets Stage for Bright New Future
April 2, 2009: Last week we promised you that WRTA was “ready to make some noise.” This week, we are fulfilling it. We have three major announcements, all of which set the stage for a very bright and exciting future ahead for WRTA and its members. Here they are…..
The Unveiling of WRTA’s New Logo – A Beacon of Light in the Travel Industry
WRTA is proud to unveil our NEW official logo. If you’ve been following the World Religious Travel Association over the past several years, you know that WRTA has evolved from a new organization into one of the major voices of the travel industry. Or more aptly put, WRTA’s voice has become a beacon of light for tourism and hospitality. It is for this reason and more, that the new WRTA official logo incorporates a globe with sunrays of light. This symbol also reflects the luminosity of new opportunities that faith-based travel brings to the trade and traveler alike. As “The Source and Voice of the Religious Travel Industry,” WRTA is proud and honored to accept its role of serving as a beacon of light in the global economy, the travel marketplace, and within your organization.
Debut of new WRTA website address (and email addresses)
WRTA is very pleased to debut our new official company website address: www.WRTAreligioustravel.com. Our new website sums up exactly who we are and what we promote: “WRTA” and “religious travel.” Possibly best yet, our new website address is not only easier to remember, but also shorter!
Launch of new and redesigned WRTA website
It is with great joy that we release this week our newly re-designed and enhanced website. Along with being more beautiful and engaging, the new WRTA website also provides much easier navigation. Plus, you have much more to look forward to, as we’re still in rolling out new features (including the new “Quick Search” directories). So stay tuned….there is much more to come in the following weeks and months!
April 2, 2009: Last week we promised you that WRTA was “ready to make some noise.” This week, we are fulfilling it. We have three major announcements, all of which set the stage for a very bright and exciting future ahead for WRTA and its members. Here they are…..
The Unveiling of WRTA’s New Logo – A Beacon of Light in the Travel Industry
WRTA is proud to unveil our NEW official logo. If you’ve been following the World Religious Travel Association over the past several years, you know that WRTA has evolved from a new organization into one of the major voices of the travel industry. Or more aptly put, WRTA’s voice has become a beacon of light for tourism and hospitality. It is for this reason and more, that the new WRTA official logo incorporates a globe with sunrays of light. This symbol also reflects the luminosity of new opportunities that faith-based travel brings to the trade and traveler alike. As “The Source and Voice of the Religious Travel Industry,” WRTA is proud and honored to accept its role of serving as a beacon of light in the global economy, the travel marketplace, and within your organization.
Debut of new WRTA website address (and email addresses)
WRTA is very pleased to debut our new official company website address: www.WRTAreligioustravel.com. Our new website sums up exactly who we are and what we promote: “WRTA” and “religious travel.” Possibly best yet, our new website address is not only easier to remember, but also shorter!
Launch of new and redesigned WRTA website
It is with great joy that we release this week our newly re-designed and enhanced website. Along with being more beautiful and engaging, the new WRTA website also provides much easier navigation. Plus, you have much more to look forward to, as we’re still in rolling out new features (including the new “Quick Search” directories). So stay tuned….there is much more to come in the following weeks and months!
WRTA Announces Management Partnership with NTA and IMG Associations
World Religious Travel Association Announces
Management Partnership with NTA and IMG Associations
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 30, 2009) — The World Religious Travel Association has signed an agreement to be fully managed by the National Tour Association and its management company, IMG Associations. Under the new agreement, NTA and IMG staff will power the back‐of‐thehouse operations of WRTA. IMG Associations currently provides management services for NTA and will be supporting WRTA in its expansion efforts over the next three years.
"As an association that has experienced remarkable growth and visibility in its first two years, we are confident that the travel management expertise along with the knowledgeable staff, proven systems and intimate knowledge of the travel business that NTA and its management partner, IMG Associations, provides will further our development as a world‐class organization and leader in the travel industry," said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president.
In addition to an ongoing strategic partnership with NTA, WRTA’s 2009 World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference will be co‐located Nov. 14‐16 with the NTA Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, education, and networking.
“The NTA Board recognizes the value to the NTA membership of working with WTRA and
believes in the innovative and forward‐thinking management staff that has helped create the success of NTA,” said Lisa Simon, CTP, president of the National Tour Association. “NTA has a long and rich history and faith‐based travel is an important part of the overall industry. Together, members of both organizations can help strengthen their business as well as the travel community overall.”
In 2008, WRTA and NTA entered a unique agreement, in which the associations began working together to educate their members on the value of the faith tourism industry and bring new business opportunities to the members of both organizations. In fact, last year’s historic World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference was managed in part by NTA. Through the agreement, WRTA aligns itself with NTA’s strength and position in the packaged travel industry. NTA, an organization for tour operators, suppliers and destinations, has a highly respected reputation for excellent association management and successful conference execution. NTA will be sharing that expertise with WRTA, to help move the dynamic young association to the next level. Services will include communications, marketing, member services, administrative support, event management and technology services, as well as selling
advertising and corporate partnerships.
In return, NTA members will be gaining access to more diverse tour product with the 600‐plus buyers and sellers (from more than 30 countries) of faith‐based tours and packages expected in Reno. Faith‐based tourism is an $18 billion and 300 million traveler market segment and currently nearly 35 percent of NTA tour operators offer product for the faith‐based traveler.
Management Partnership with NTA and IMG Associations
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 30, 2009) — The World Religious Travel Association has signed an agreement to be fully managed by the National Tour Association and its management company, IMG Associations. Under the new agreement, NTA and IMG staff will power the back‐of‐thehouse operations of WRTA. IMG Associations currently provides management services for NTA and will be supporting WRTA in its expansion efforts over the next three years.
"As an association that has experienced remarkable growth and visibility in its first two years, we are confident that the travel management expertise along with the knowledgeable staff, proven systems and intimate knowledge of the travel business that NTA and its management partner, IMG Associations, provides will further our development as a world‐class organization and leader in the travel industry," said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president.
In addition to an ongoing strategic partnership with NTA, WRTA’s 2009 World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference will be co‐located Nov. 14‐16 with the NTA Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, education, and networking.
“The NTA Board recognizes the value to the NTA membership of working with WTRA and
believes in the innovative and forward‐thinking management staff that has helped create the success of NTA,” said Lisa Simon, CTP, president of the National Tour Association. “NTA has a long and rich history and faith‐based travel is an important part of the overall industry. Together, members of both organizations can help strengthen their business as well as the travel community overall.”
In 2008, WRTA and NTA entered a unique agreement, in which the associations began working together to educate their members on the value of the faith tourism industry and bring new business opportunities to the members of both organizations. In fact, last year’s historic World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference was managed in part by NTA. Through the agreement, WRTA aligns itself with NTA’s strength and position in the packaged travel industry. NTA, an organization for tour operators, suppliers and destinations, has a highly respected reputation for excellent association management and successful conference execution. NTA will be sharing that expertise with WRTA, to help move the dynamic young association to the next level. Services will include communications, marketing, member services, administrative support, event management and technology services, as well as selling
advertising and corporate partnerships.
In return, NTA members will be gaining access to more diverse tour product with the 600‐plus buyers and sellers (from more than 30 countries) of faith‐based tours and packages expected in Reno. Faith‐based tourism is an $18 billion and 300 million traveler market segment and currently nearly 35 percent of NTA tour operators offer product for the faith‐based traveler.
WRTA Ready to Make Some Noise
March 27, 2009: You may have noticed. WRTA has been a little quiet the past couple of months. But not anymore. Why? We’ve been very busy behind-the-scenes preparing for our most remarkable year yet!
Beginning next week and throughout the month of April and beyond – we’ll be making a number of exciting announcements and launching new initiatives. Who will be the beneficiaries of these significant and ongoing endeavors? You of course!
So buckle your seatbelt and get ready for one very exciting ride over the coming weeks with WRTA. What do you have to look forward to? Here is just a brief insider’s glimpse:
WRTA announces its new management service relationship with the National Tour Association and IMG Associations
WRTA debuts its brand new logo
WRTA debuts its Membership Renewal Promotion
WRTA debuts its brand new website
WRTA debuts its four new official newsletters including….
The Religious Travel Buzz: Our flagship publication featuring WRTA and faith tourism industry news.
Spotlight on Members: Features engaging profiles, stories, and highlights of our members.
Expo 2009: Features up-to-date information and announcements regarding the 2nd Annual World Religious Travel Expo.
On The Cutting Edge: Members’ only publication featuring market trends, sales and marketing intelligence, latest products and services, and other cutting edge religious travel and hospitality insight you can get anywhere else.
WRTA debuts its new 2009 WRTA and Expo brochures
WRTA debuts its new social network groups including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more
WRTA debuts the world’s first-ever Religious Travel Buyer’s Guide (60 pages!)
WRTA debuts its inaugural Expo Sponsorship, Exhibitor, and Advertising Guide
WRTA debuts its own set of webinars
WRTA debuts exhibit booth and attendee registrations for World Religious Travel Expo 2009
And WRTA will be debuting much, much more. Stay tuned!.......
Beginning next week and throughout the month of April and beyond – we’ll be making a number of exciting announcements and launching new initiatives. Who will be the beneficiaries of these significant and ongoing endeavors? You of course!
So buckle your seatbelt and get ready for one very exciting ride over the coming weeks with WRTA. What do you have to look forward to? Here is just a brief insider’s glimpse:
WRTA announces its new management service relationship with the National Tour Association and IMG Associations
WRTA debuts its brand new logo
WRTA debuts its Membership Renewal Promotion
WRTA debuts its brand new website
WRTA debuts its four new official newsletters including….
The Religious Travel Buzz: Our flagship publication featuring WRTA and faith tourism industry news.
Spotlight on Members: Features engaging profiles, stories, and highlights of our members.
Expo 2009: Features up-to-date information and announcements regarding the 2nd Annual World Religious Travel Expo.
On The Cutting Edge: Members’ only publication featuring market trends, sales and marketing intelligence, latest products and services, and other cutting edge religious travel and hospitality insight you can get anywhere else.
WRTA debuts its new 2009 WRTA and Expo brochures
WRTA debuts its new social network groups including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more
WRTA debuts the world’s first-ever Religious Travel Buyer’s Guide (60 pages!)
WRTA debuts its inaugural Expo Sponsorship, Exhibitor, and Advertising Guide
WRTA debuts its own set of webinars
WRTA debuts exhibit booth and attendee registrations for World Religious Travel Expo 2009
And WRTA will be debuting much, much more. Stay tuned!.......
November 4, 2008
Faith Tourism takes center stage of global travel industry
Inaugural World Religious Travel Expo Brings Several “Firsts,” including Unprecedented Panel
of Tourism Officials from Palestine, Israel, Jordan & Egypt that Signals Greater Holy Land Tourism Co-Op
LITTLETON, Colorado (Nov. 4, 2008) – The inaugural World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference concluded Saturday after a week of “firsts” – the tourism minister of Palestine made her first foray into a North American trade show, marketing holy sites such as Bethlehem and Nazareth; participants from 30 countries on six continents gathered for the first large-scale gathering to promote and develop the $18 billion worldwide faith tourism industry; and WRTA announced that its second annual expo would be held next November in conjunction with the 2009 National Tour Association (NTA) annual convention.
“Faith tourism is no longer a niche, but a full-blown industry,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), host of the event. “The tremendous response from global tourism leaders and organizations to our first trade show and conference clearly demonstrates that our partners around the world are committed to developing and promoting meaningful products and services that meet the needs of today’s faith-based travelers.”
Destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, attractions, hotel properties, travel suppliers and a host of other providers and planners from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Holy Land were represented at this assembly of global leaders in the religious travel industry. Keynote speakers included the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; the Honorable Akel E. Biltaji, Jordan’s Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism and Special Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II; Maurice Zarmati, President, Costa Cruise Lines; and Steve Born, Vice-President, Globus Family of Brands. Other dignitaries and special guests included Dr. Khouloud Daibes, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Palestine; David Pereira Catarino, Mayor of Ourém (Fatima), Portugal; and Arie Sommer, Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT).
According to Daibes, the Palestinian tourism minister, the WRTA Expo marked her “first step in positioning Palestine as part of the Holy Land.” ACA Travel and Tourism, a private Bethlehem-based faith travel company that operates tours in Jordan, Israel and Palestine, had a booth at the WRTA Expo, a first American trade presence for any private tourism enterprise from Bethlehem.
During a panel Friday moderated by Malia Asfour, director of the Jordan Tourism Board of North America, Palestine’s Daibes and Israel’s Sommer explained that the Holy Land has welcomed travelers for more than two thousand years and hospitality lies at the core of the region’s heritage. Both officials also stated that 2008 is serving as one of the best years ever on record for visitors to the Holy Land. Asfour, who has promoted Jordan to North Americans since 1998, called the panel groundbreaking because it marked the first time that officials from all areas of the Holy Land – Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt – have come together to promote the region to the North American travel industry. Asfour congratulated Wright for doing what no travel official had done before – and commented that the WRTA Expo could mark the beginning of a new era of cooperation and promotion of the Holy Land to travelers from North America.
Other highlights of the WRTA Expo:
• Vanderpool-Wallace, tourism minister of the Bahamas, reminded participants that his country was founded by people seeking religious tolerance and freedom, so it is only natural that faith-based travelers would be attracted to the people and culture of the Bahamas. The Caribbean nation, a popular destination for faith-based cruises and conferences, has the only tourism ministry in the world with a full-time religious travel department in North America, headed by deputy director Linville Johnson.
• Biltaji, often described as the godfather of Jordanian tourism, shared an update on the Abraham Path Initiative, a route of tourism that retraces the journey made by Abraham (Ibrahim) through the heart of the Middle East some four thousand years ago. Biltaji, a board member of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT), told the Expo audience that a walking segment of the Jordanian portion of the path (near the ancient birthplace of the prophet Elijah) is complete. A film on the project can be viewed at http://www.abrahampath.org/video_friend.php. The network of trails is scheduled to open slowly over the next several years. Biltaji explained that such an undertaking needs the support of the entire global faith tourism industry. He emphasized the benefits of the path -- sustainable tourism, inter-cultural and inter-religious understanding. (Three and a half billion people — over half the human family — trace their history or faith back to Abraham, considered the father of monotheism. The Abraham Path honors this shared cultural heritage by linking together into a single itinerary of outstanding interest and beauty of the ancient sites associated with Abraham and his family.)
• The Mexico Tourism Board, which estimates that religious travel will account for twenty percent of its 2008 foreign arrivals, presented a lively display of Mexican culture, history and religious products, including the Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe, its most visited Catholic sanctuary, which drew more than 14 million visitors in 2006.
Expo participants had access to workshops and presentations on the entire spectrum of faith-based tourism, which today is more than just pilgrimages – it attracts travelers on cruises, volunteer vacations, adventure trips (even African safaris), leisure vacations, conferences and events, such as the World Youth Day, one of the largest gatherings of any kind. The exhibitors and products at the WRTA Expo showed the diversity of the faith tourism industry. Alongside overtly religious travel suppliers such as the tourism ministries of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, were those with a less obvious connection, such as:
• EcoAndes Travel, Ecuador (Adventure tours in South America)
• Nissi Holidays, Uganda; Cordial Tours and Travel Services, Tanzania (Africa safari operators)
• Mexico, Romania, Korea, Jamaica, Bermuda and Bahamas tourism ministries
• Condor Verde Travel (Mexico and Venezuela)
More than 500 participants attended the historic event, held Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando. Expo delegates said they were impressed with the professionalism of the event, the quality of exhibitors and attendees, and the business opportunities the event fostered:
• “It was truly a first class event- from your pick of convention centers, to the amazing food, to the wonderful panel discussions and break-out sessions and everything else that went into the 3-day Expo. The expo proved to be very enlightening for me, learning so much about faith based travel, and the travel industry in and of itself. I met a great group of people who shared some valuable information with me. It was also a success from a business point of view since I believe I generated a lot of excitement about my hiking tours to Israel.” – Judy Mizrachi, President, Women Walkers
• “I just returned from the World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference in Orlando, organized by Mr. Kevin J. Wright and his wonderful team. As an exhibitor I was most impressed with the exceptional services provided to everyone attending, the attention to detail, how true the show was to its faith-based focus etc. This list could go on forever. I highly recommend the World Religious Travel Association; I am surely looking forward to continuing our cooperation.” – Sandra Weinacht, CEO, Incantato Tours & Concert Management
• “Thank you so much for putting together a great conference for everyone in the faith-based travel industry! I had a great time, made many contacts and learned a lot in the seminars! I truly appreciate all the work that you put into the event. I especially appreciate the matchmaking list. It will allow me to follow up with new contacts and friends much more easily now that the conference is over.” - Tracie R. Heidt, Executive Director, Stellaris Christian Study Abroad
• “The Expo and conference was a wonderful way to introduce everyone to the power of the Faith Tourism market.” – Bill Lawrence, Director, Supplier Strategies, CCRA International, Inc.
Next year’s Expo will be held in Reno, Nevada in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Tour Association (NTA). Currently, 35 percent of NTA operators offer religious tour products, and NTA and WRTA seek to expand the overall growth of faith tourism by bringing both memberships opportunities for education and professional development.
The WRTA Expo is the brainchild of Wright, an award-winning author of several religious travel guidebooks who founded WRTA in January, 2007. His latest book, “The Christian Travel Planner,” (released 2008 by Thomas Nelson) is the most comprehensive guidebook ever published on faith-based travel. An updated version of his popular “Europe’s Monastery & Convent Guesthouses” was released Nov. 1 by Liguori Publications.
The WRTA Expo was the official kick-off of “The Year of Faith Tourism.” Serving as a special time set aside for the promotion of and participation in travel by people of faith, the purpose and goals of the yearlong celebrations and activities are: (1) Highlight the New Era of Faith Tourism. (2) Increase the awareness of the personal and communal benefits of Faith Tourism. (3) Contribute to the overall growth and health of the global economy, travel industry, and individual travel providers.
of Tourism Officials from Palestine, Israel, Jordan & Egypt that Signals Greater Holy Land Tourism Co-Op
LITTLETON, Colorado (Nov. 4, 2008) – The inaugural World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference concluded Saturday after a week of “firsts” – the tourism minister of Palestine made her first foray into a North American trade show, marketing holy sites such as Bethlehem and Nazareth; participants from 30 countries on six continents gathered for the first large-scale gathering to promote and develop the $18 billion worldwide faith tourism industry; and WRTA announced that its second annual expo would be held next November in conjunction with the 2009 National Tour Association (NTA) annual convention.
“Faith tourism is no longer a niche, but a full-blown industry,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), host of the event. “The tremendous response from global tourism leaders and organizations to our first trade show and conference clearly demonstrates that our partners around the world are committed to developing and promoting meaningful products and services that meet the needs of today’s faith-based travelers.”
Destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, attractions, hotel properties, travel suppliers and a host of other providers and planners from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Holy Land were represented at this assembly of global leaders in the religious travel industry. Keynote speakers included the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; the Honorable Akel E. Biltaji, Jordan’s Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism and Special Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II; Maurice Zarmati, President, Costa Cruise Lines; and Steve Born, Vice-President, Globus Family of Brands. Other dignitaries and special guests included Dr. Khouloud Daibes, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Palestine; David Pereira Catarino, Mayor of Ourém (Fatima), Portugal; and Arie Sommer, Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT).
According to Daibes, the Palestinian tourism minister, the WRTA Expo marked her “first step in positioning Palestine as part of the Holy Land.” ACA Travel and Tourism, a private Bethlehem-based faith travel company that operates tours in Jordan, Israel and Palestine, had a booth at the WRTA Expo, a first American trade presence for any private tourism enterprise from Bethlehem.
During a panel Friday moderated by Malia Asfour, director of the Jordan Tourism Board of North America, Palestine’s Daibes and Israel’s Sommer explained that the Holy Land has welcomed travelers for more than two thousand years and hospitality lies at the core of the region’s heritage. Both officials also stated that 2008 is serving as one of the best years ever on record for visitors to the Holy Land. Asfour, who has promoted Jordan to North Americans since 1998, called the panel groundbreaking because it marked the first time that officials from all areas of the Holy Land – Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt – have come together to promote the region to the North American travel industry. Asfour congratulated Wright for doing what no travel official had done before – and commented that the WRTA Expo could mark the beginning of a new era of cooperation and promotion of the Holy Land to travelers from North America.
Other highlights of the WRTA Expo:
• Vanderpool-Wallace, tourism minister of the Bahamas, reminded participants that his country was founded by people seeking religious tolerance and freedom, so it is only natural that faith-based travelers would be attracted to the people and culture of the Bahamas. The Caribbean nation, a popular destination for faith-based cruises and conferences, has the only tourism ministry in the world with a full-time religious travel department in North America, headed by deputy director Linville Johnson.
• Biltaji, often described as the godfather of Jordanian tourism, shared an update on the Abraham Path Initiative, a route of tourism that retraces the journey made by Abraham (Ibrahim) through the heart of the Middle East some four thousand years ago. Biltaji, a board member of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT), told the Expo audience that a walking segment of the Jordanian portion of the path (near the ancient birthplace of the prophet Elijah) is complete. A film on the project can be viewed at http://www.abrahampath.org/video_friend.php. The network of trails is scheduled to open slowly over the next several years. Biltaji explained that such an undertaking needs the support of the entire global faith tourism industry. He emphasized the benefits of the path -- sustainable tourism, inter-cultural and inter-religious understanding. (Three and a half billion people — over half the human family — trace their history or faith back to Abraham, considered the father of monotheism. The Abraham Path honors this shared cultural heritage by linking together into a single itinerary of outstanding interest and beauty of the ancient sites associated with Abraham and his family.)
• The Mexico Tourism Board, which estimates that religious travel will account for twenty percent of its 2008 foreign arrivals, presented a lively display of Mexican culture, history and religious products, including the Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe, its most visited Catholic sanctuary, which drew more than 14 million visitors in 2006.
Expo participants had access to workshops and presentations on the entire spectrum of faith-based tourism, which today is more than just pilgrimages – it attracts travelers on cruises, volunteer vacations, adventure trips (even African safaris), leisure vacations, conferences and events, such as the World Youth Day, one of the largest gatherings of any kind. The exhibitors and products at the WRTA Expo showed the diversity of the faith tourism industry. Alongside overtly religious travel suppliers such as the tourism ministries of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, were those with a less obvious connection, such as:
• EcoAndes Travel, Ecuador (Adventure tours in South America)
• Nissi Holidays, Uganda; Cordial Tours and Travel Services, Tanzania (Africa safari operators)
• Mexico, Romania, Korea, Jamaica, Bermuda and Bahamas tourism ministries
• Condor Verde Travel (Mexico and Venezuela)
More than 500 participants attended the historic event, held Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando. Expo delegates said they were impressed with the professionalism of the event, the quality of exhibitors and attendees, and the business opportunities the event fostered:
• “It was truly a first class event- from your pick of convention centers, to the amazing food, to the wonderful panel discussions and break-out sessions and everything else that went into the 3-day Expo. The expo proved to be very enlightening for me, learning so much about faith based travel, and the travel industry in and of itself. I met a great group of people who shared some valuable information with me. It was also a success from a business point of view since I believe I generated a lot of excitement about my hiking tours to Israel.” – Judy Mizrachi, President, Women Walkers
• “I just returned from the World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference in Orlando, organized by Mr. Kevin J. Wright and his wonderful team. As an exhibitor I was most impressed with the exceptional services provided to everyone attending, the attention to detail, how true the show was to its faith-based focus etc. This list could go on forever. I highly recommend the World Religious Travel Association; I am surely looking forward to continuing our cooperation.” – Sandra Weinacht, CEO, Incantato Tours & Concert Management
• “Thank you so much for putting together a great conference for everyone in the faith-based travel industry! I had a great time, made many contacts and learned a lot in the seminars! I truly appreciate all the work that you put into the event. I especially appreciate the matchmaking list. It will allow me to follow up with new contacts and friends much more easily now that the conference is over.” - Tracie R. Heidt, Executive Director, Stellaris Christian Study Abroad
• “The Expo and conference was a wonderful way to introduce everyone to the power of the Faith Tourism market.” – Bill Lawrence, Director, Supplier Strategies, CCRA International, Inc.
Next year’s Expo will be held in Reno, Nevada in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Tour Association (NTA). Currently, 35 percent of NTA operators offer religious tour products, and NTA and WRTA seek to expand the overall growth of faith tourism by bringing both memberships opportunities for education and professional development.
The WRTA Expo is the brainchild of Wright, an award-winning author of several religious travel guidebooks who founded WRTA in January, 2007. His latest book, “The Christian Travel Planner,” (released 2008 by Thomas Nelson) is the most comprehensive guidebook ever published on faith-based travel. An updated version of his popular “Europe’s Monastery & Convent Guesthouses” was released Nov. 1 by Liguori Publications.
The WRTA Expo was the official kick-off of “The Year of Faith Tourism.” Serving as a special time set aside for the promotion of and participation in travel by people of faith, the purpose and goals of the yearlong celebrations and activities are: (1) Highlight the New Era of Faith Tourism. (2) Increase the awareness of the personal and communal benefits of Faith Tourism. (3) Contribute to the overall growth and health of the global economy, travel industry, and individual travel providers.
October 24, 2008
Global Travel Industry Shines Spotlight on Faith Tourism
GLOBAL TRAVEL INDUSTRY SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON FAITH TOURISM
DURING DIM ECONOMIC TIMES
World Religious Travel Expo Draws Participants from 30 Countries, 6 continents to Orlando
LITTLETON, Colorado (October 27, 2008) – Faith-based travel has made believers out of tourism leaders from around the world – as travel officials, providers and planners from 30 countries on six continents will gather in Orlando, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, for the inaugural World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference. Although religious travel is one of the oldest forms of tourism, dating back to ancient times, the expo will be the first global marketplace gathering ever to take place.
The expo comes in the same month that the comic documentary “Religulous” fills screens with Bill Maher traveling the globe to challenge the validity of various faiths. Proof that despite its detractors, religion is not only relevant to people – it is vital. In fact, religious travel is so hot right now that the travel industry looks to capitalize on it while other parts of the travel sector have gone cold during the current economic downturn.
Destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, attractions, hotel properties, travel suppliers and a host of other providers and planners from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Holy Land will be represented at this assembly of global leaders in the $18 billion faith tourism industry. Keynote speakers include the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; the Honorable Akel E. Biltaji, Jordan’s Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism and Special Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II; Maurice Zarmati, President, Costa Cruise Lines; and Steve Born, Vice-President, Globus Family of Brands. Other dignitaries and special guests include Dr. Khouloud Daibes, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Palestine; David Pereira Catarino, Mayor of Ourém (Fatima), Portugal; and Arie Sommer, Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, Israel Ministry of Tourism.
“Faith tourism has evolved to the point where a gathering of this magnitude is necessary for the industry to respond to the needs of today’s faith-based consumers,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), host of the event. “Our global partners recognize that – just as in music, books and film – contemporary religious consumers represent tremendous market potential for travel organizations willing to provide meaningful products and services that meet their specific needs. With its wide variety of travel experiences and attractions that draw thousands of faith-based groups each year, Central Florida is the ideal destination to launch this inaugural Expo.”
Faith-based tourism today is more than just pilgrimages – it attracts travelers on cruises, volunteer vacations, adventure trips (even African safaris), leisure vacations, conferences and events, such as the World Youth Day, one of the largest gatherings of any kind. The exhibitors and products at the WRTA Expo show the diversity of the faith tourism industry. Alongside obvious religious travel suppliers such as the tourism ministries of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, are those with a less overt connection, such as:
• EcoAndes Travel, Ecuador (Adventure tours in South America)
• Nissi Holidays, Uganda; Cordial Tours and Travel Services, Tanzania (Africa safari operators)
• Romanian Tourist Office
• Korea Tourism Organization
• Jamaica, Bermuda and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
• Condor Verde Travel (Mexico and Venezuela)
The gathering will bring the world of faith tourism to the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center, in the heart of the Orlando/Kissimmee tourism hub.
"The Kissimmee area and the Osceola County tourism community feel blessed to host WRTA's first-ever gathering of faith-based tourism professionals,” said Tom Lang, director of the Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our hope is that every conference and tradeshow participant will feel welcome in our community, and that they will find time to avail themselves of our area's natural and man-made sanctuaries."
Participants will have the option to visit Orlando’s own Holy Land Experience, WordSpring Discovery Center and the master studio of The JESUS Film Project during a special excursion led by Wright, the award-winning author of several religious travel guidebooks. His latest, “The Christian Travel Planner,” (released 2008 by Thomas Nelson) is the most comprehensive guidebook ever published on faith-based travel. And an updated version of his popular “Europe’s Monastery & Convent Guesthouses” is due out in November by Liguori Publications.
The WRTA Expo is the official kick-off of “The Year of Faith Tourism.” Serving as a special time set aside for the promotion of and participation in travel by people of faith, the purpose and goals of the yearlong celebrations and activities are: (1) Highlight the New Era of Faith Tourism. (2) Increase the awareness of the personal and communal benefits of Faith Tourism. (3) Contribute to the overall growth and health of the global economy, travel industry, and individual travel providers.
An estimated 500 participants are expected at the historic event.
For more information, including the schedule and complete list of exhibitors and speakers, visit www.religioustravelexpo.com.
###
DURING DIM ECONOMIC TIMES
World Religious Travel Expo Draws Participants from 30 Countries, 6 continents to Orlando
LITTLETON, Colorado (October 27, 2008) – Faith-based travel has made believers out of tourism leaders from around the world – as travel officials, providers and planners from 30 countries on six continents will gather in Orlando, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, for the inaugural World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference. Although religious travel is one of the oldest forms of tourism, dating back to ancient times, the expo will be the first global marketplace gathering ever to take place.
The expo comes in the same month that the comic documentary “Religulous” fills screens with Bill Maher traveling the globe to challenge the validity of various faiths. Proof that despite its detractors, religion is not only relevant to people – it is vital. In fact, religious travel is so hot right now that the travel industry looks to capitalize on it while other parts of the travel sector have gone cold during the current economic downturn.
Destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, attractions, hotel properties, travel suppliers and a host of other providers and planners from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Holy Land will be represented at this assembly of global leaders in the $18 billion faith tourism industry. Keynote speakers include the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; the Honorable Akel E. Biltaji, Jordan’s Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism and Special Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II; Maurice Zarmati, President, Costa Cruise Lines; and Steve Born, Vice-President, Globus Family of Brands. Other dignitaries and special guests include Dr. Khouloud Daibes, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Palestine; David Pereira Catarino, Mayor of Ourém (Fatima), Portugal; and Arie Sommer, Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, Israel Ministry of Tourism.
“Faith tourism has evolved to the point where a gathering of this magnitude is necessary for the industry to respond to the needs of today’s faith-based consumers,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), host of the event. “Our global partners recognize that – just as in music, books and film – contemporary religious consumers represent tremendous market potential for travel organizations willing to provide meaningful products and services that meet their specific needs. With its wide variety of travel experiences and attractions that draw thousands of faith-based groups each year, Central Florida is the ideal destination to launch this inaugural Expo.”
Faith-based tourism today is more than just pilgrimages – it attracts travelers on cruises, volunteer vacations, adventure trips (even African safaris), leisure vacations, conferences and events, such as the World Youth Day, one of the largest gatherings of any kind. The exhibitors and products at the WRTA Expo show the diversity of the faith tourism industry. Alongside obvious religious travel suppliers such as the tourism ministries of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, are those with a less overt connection, such as:
• EcoAndes Travel, Ecuador (Adventure tours in South America)
• Nissi Holidays, Uganda; Cordial Tours and Travel Services, Tanzania (Africa safari operators)
• Romanian Tourist Office
• Korea Tourism Organization
• Jamaica, Bermuda and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
• Condor Verde Travel (Mexico and Venezuela)
The gathering will bring the world of faith tourism to the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center, in the heart of the Orlando/Kissimmee tourism hub.
"The Kissimmee area and the Osceola County tourism community feel blessed to host WRTA's first-ever gathering of faith-based tourism professionals,” said Tom Lang, director of the Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our hope is that every conference and tradeshow participant will feel welcome in our community, and that they will find time to avail themselves of our area's natural and man-made sanctuaries."
Participants will have the option to visit Orlando’s own Holy Land Experience, WordSpring Discovery Center and the master studio of The JESUS Film Project during a special excursion led by Wright, the award-winning author of several religious travel guidebooks. His latest, “The Christian Travel Planner,” (released 2008 by Thomas Nelson) is the most comprehensive guidebook ever published on faith-based travel. And an updated version of his popular “Europe’s Monastery & Convent Guesthouses” is due out in November by Liguori Publications.
The WRTA Expo is the official kick-off of “The Year of Faith Tourism.” Serving as a special time set aside for the promotion of and participation in travel by people of faith, the purpose and goals of the yearlong celebrations and activities are: (1) Highlight the New Era of Faith Tourism. (2) Increase the awareness of the personal and communal benefits of Faith Tourism. (3) Contribute to the overall growth and health of the global economy, travel industry, and individual travel providers.
An estimated 500 participants are expected at the historic event.
For more information, including the schedule and complete list of exhibitors and speakers, visit www.religioustravelexpo.com.
###
Special Offers at World Religious Travel Expo
WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO DEBUTS LUCRATIVE
SPECIAL OFFERS PROGRAM FOR AGENTS
LITTLETON, Colorado (Oct. 20, 2008) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced details of the special incentives and offers program, worth thousands of dollars, that will be available to buyers attending the inaugural World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, in Orlando.
Highlights include:
• Bonus commissions and cash rebates up to $1,000
• Familiarization (FAM) trips and cruises ranging from the Caribbean to Europe to the Holy Land
• Prize drawings for airline tickets, escorted group tours, travel product baskets, and more
• Free gifts including handmade creations and artifacts from Africa and destinations around the world
• Complimentary admission tickets to local Orlando faith attractions
• Discounts and savings on faith travel guidebooks, magazines, and other related publications
“We are excited to debut this lucrative and exclusive voucher program at our Expo tradeshow. The special offers increased booth traffic for the exhibitors while travel agents and buyers are incentivized to meet them personally and learn about their products and services,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “It truly makes for a Win-Win situation for all Expo delegates.”
Participants at the Expo also have the option to go on a free excursion to Orlando’s top faith-based attractions – the Holy Land Experience, WordSpring Discovery Center and the master studio of The JESUS Film Project. The post-conference tour will be led by Wright, the award-winning author of several religious travel guidebooks. His latest, “The Christian Travel Planner,” (released 2008 by Thomas Nelson) is the most comprehensive guidebook ever published on faith-based travel. Tour members will be able to see the Orlando sights firsthand and learn how to incorporate them into their faith tourism portfolio.
The World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference serves as the most important gathering of leaders in today’s faith tourism industry. About 500 participants are expected at the unprecedented event. The Expo will be held Oct. 29-Nov.1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
To learn more about WRTA EXPO 2008 and pricing discounts for agents and consortiums, or to register online, visit www.ReligiousTravelExpo.com or call 1-800-657-1288 (or 360-778-3047). For more information about becoming a WRTA Member and joining the leading network for the religious travel industry, visit www.ReligiousTravelAssociation.com.
###
SPECIAL OFFERS PROGRAM FOR AGENTS
LITTLETON, Colorado (Oct. 20, 2008) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced details of the special incentives and offers program, worth thousands of dollars, that will be available to buyers attending the inaugural World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, in Orlando.
Highlights include:
• Bonus commissions and cash rebates up to $1,000
• Familiarization (FAM) trips and cruises ranging from the Caribbean to Europe to the Holy Land
• Prize drawings for airline tickets, escorted group tours, travel product baskets, and more
• Free gifts including handmade creations and artifacts from Africa and destinations around the world
• Complimentary admission tickets to local Orlando faith attractions
• Discounts and savings on faith travel guidebooks, magazines, and other related publications
“We are excited to debut this lucrative and exclusive voucher program at our Expo tradeshow. The special offers increased booth traffic for the exhibitors while travel agents and buyers are incentivized to meet them personally and learn about their products and services,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “It truly makes for a Win-Win situation for all Expo delegates.”
Participants at the Expo also have the option to go on a free excursion to Orlando’s top faith-based attractions – the Holy Land Experience, WordSpring Discovery Center and the master studio of The JESUS Film Project. The post-conference tour will be led by Wright, the award-winning author of several religious travel guidebooks. His latest, “The Christian Travel Planner,” (released 2008 by Thomas Nelson) is the most comprehensive guidebook ever published on faith-based travel. Tour members will be able to see the Orlando sights firsthand and learn how to incorporate them into their faith tourism portfolio.
The World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference serves as the most important gathering of leaders in today’s faith tourism industry. About 500 participants are expected at the unprecedented event. The Expo will be held Oct. 29-Nov.1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
To learn more about WRTA EXPO 2008 and pricing discounts for agents and consortiums, or to register online, visit www.ReligiousTravelExpo.com or call 1-800-657-1288 (or 360-778-3047). For more information about becoming a WRTA Member and joining the leading network for the religious travel industry, visit www.ReligiousTravelAssociation.com.
###
October 17, 2008
World Religious Travel Expo Spotlights Agent Education Opportunities
Agents Can Earn CEUs at World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference
LITTLETON, Colorado (Oct. 7, 2008) – The World Religious Travel Association has partnered with The Travel Institute to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to Certified Travel Industry Executives, Certified Travel Counselors (CTCs) and Certified Travel Associates (CTAs) attending this year’s inaugural WRTA Expo and Educational Conference, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, in Orlando.
“Our goal is for each agent to acquire cutting-edge knowledge and information on how they can personally develop their particular niche within the dynamic faith-based travel industry,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “With more than 50 travel leaders and experts serving as speakers and panelists, the Expo seminars will offer the most comprehensive educational program ever assembled on religious tourism. Agents can attend sessions on marketing, sales, advertising, public relations and product development among others – all featuring an emphasis on the faith-based client.”
Through leading industry speakers, dynamic presentations, panel discussions, interactive break-out sessions, educational seminars and peer Networking Forums, travel agents attending the expo can earn CEU's and expand their knowledge of the opportunities in various niches within the faith tourism industry. Travel agents can listen to and discuss with travel experts market trends, marketing intelligence and the latest products/services, plus discover actionable ways to exceed customer expectations in these market segments: Pilgrimages, Mission Trips, Cruises, Leisure Travel, Conferences, Events, Retreats, Attractions, Destinations, Adventure, Family, Student/Youth, and Volunteer Vacations.
The World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference serves as the most important gathering of the “Who’s Who” in today’s faith tourism marketplace. More than 400 participants, including exhibitors and other top authorities, are expected at the historic event. The Expo will be held Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
LITTLETON, Colorado (Oct. 7, 2008) – The World Religious Travel Association has partnered with The Travel Institute to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to Certified Travel Industry Executives, Certified Travel Counselors (CTCs) and Certified Travel Associates (CTAs) attending this year’s inaugural WRTA Expo and Educational Conference, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, in Orlando.
“Our goal is for each agent to acquire cutting-edge knowledge and information on how they can personally develop their particular niche within the dynamic faith-based travel industry,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “With more than 50 travel leaders and experts serving as speakers and panelists, the Expo seminars will offer the most comprehensive educational program ever assembled on religious tourism. Agents can attend sessions on marketing, sales, advertising, public relations and product development among others – all featuring an emphasis on the faith-based client.”
Through leading industry speakers, dynamic presentations, panel discussions, interactive break-out sessions, educational seminars and peer Networking Forums, travel agents attending the expo can earn CEU's and expand their knowledge of the opportunities in various niches within the faith tourism industry. Travel agents can listen to and discuss with travel experts market trends, marketing intelligence and the latest products/services, plus discover actionable ways to exceed customer expectations in these market segments: Pilgrimages, Mission Trips, Cruises, Leisure Travel, Conferences, Events, Retreats, Attractions, Destinations, Adventure, Family, Student/Youth, and Volunteer Vacations.
The World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference serves as the most important gathering of the “Who’s Who” in today’s faith tourism marketplace. More than 400 participants, including exhibitors and other top authorities, are expected at the historic event. The Expo will be held Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
October 3, 2008
WRTA Expo: Jordan's Ambassador-At-Large for Tourism and Bahamas' Minister of Tourism and Aviation to Give Keynotes
World Religious Travel Expo Speakers Bring Depth, Perspective on New Era of Faith Tourism
LITTLETON, Colorado (Oct. 2, 2008) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced two additional keynote speakers for this fall’s historic World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference 2008 in Orlando, Florida: the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; and the Honorable Akel E. Biltaji, Jordan’s Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism and Special Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II.
The keynote speakers of the WRTA Expo reflect the diversity of today’s faith tourism industry. The Bahamas has developed itself into a top destination for this vast and lucrative market, serving as an ideal getaway for faith-based events, meetings, cruises, missionary travel, leisure vacations, and much more. And after years of building and refining the Jordan tourism product, Jordan has emerged as a multi-dimensional, affordable Holy Land destination that matches the expressed needs of faith-based travelers. From volun-tourism to adventure, educational to cultural travel, cruising to spa retreats and so much more, 21st century Christian travelers want what Jordan has to offer – so much so that Jordan has experienced record growth in tourism since 2000.
“We are honored to confirm these distinguished officials as keynote speakers,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. “Both represent destinations that offer what today’s religious travelers are looking for in the ‘new era’ of faith tourism.”
Vanderpool-Wallace oversees one of the world’s most proactive tourist offices involved in faith tourism. The Bahamas has the distinction of being one of the few countries in the world with a fully-dedicated religious travel department, led by director Linville J. Johnson.
Biltaji serves as Chairman of the Tourism and Heritage Committee in the upper house of Jordan’s parliament. He also represents his country as an Ambassador-at-Large in a number of national, regional and international forums, especially those related to tourism and travel. He is a special advisor on tourism promotion, foreign direct investment and country branding, and is a former minister of tourism and antiquities, having been appointed by His Majesty the late King Hussein in March, 1997. Senator Biltaji is known to be one of Jordan’s strongest public speakers, especially on issues related to the country's image and protection of its heritage.
LITTLETON, Colorado (Oct. 2, 2008) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced two additional keynote speakers for this fall’s historic World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference 2008 in Orlando, Florida: the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; and the Honorable Akel E. Biltaji, Jordan’s Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism and Special Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II.
The keynote speakers of the WRTA Expo reflect the diversity of today’s faith tourism industry. The Bahamas has developed itself into a top destination for this vast and lucrative market, serving as an ideal getaway for faith-based events, meetings, cruises, missionary travel, leisure vacations, and much more. And after years of building and refining the Jordan tourism product, Jordan has emerged as a multi-dimensional, affordable Holy Land destination that matches the expressed needs of faith-based travelers. From volun-tourism to adventure, educational to cultural travel, cruising to spa retreats and so much more, 21st century Christian travelers want what Jordan has to offer – so much so that Jordan has experienced record growth in tourism since 2000.
“We are honored to confirm these distinguished officials as keynote speakers,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. “Both represent destinations that offer what today’s religious travelers are looking for in the ‘new era’ of faith tourism.”
Vanderpool-Wallace oversees one of the world’s most proactive tourist offices involved in faith tourism. The Bahamas has the distinction of being one of the few countries in the world with a fully-dedicated religious travel department, led by director Linville J. Johnson.
Biltaji serves as Chairman of the Tourism and Heritage Committee in the upper house of Jordan’s parliament. He also represents his country as an Ambassador-at-Large in a number of national, regional and international forums, especially those related to tourism and travel. He is a special advisor on tourism promotion, foreign direct investment and country branding, and is a former minister of tourism and antiquities, having been appointed by His Majesty the late King Hussein in March, 1997. Senator Biltaji is known to be one of Jordan’s strongest public speakers, especially on issues related to the country's image and protection of its heritage.
September 25, 2008
Nebraska Travel Conference Welcomes Expert on Faith Tourism
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nebraska Travel Conference welcomes Kevin Wright
Expert on faith tourism will speak on the trend’s potential impact
LINCOLN, NEB. (Sept. 25, 2008)—One in four Americans rank church and religious travel as important to them, according to the World Religious Travel Association. Kevin Wright, president of the WRTA, will let the Nebraska tourism industry know how they can get their piece of this growing market at this year’s Nebraska Travel Conference in Kearney.
In his presentation, “Nebraska and the New Era of Faith Tourism,” he’ll educate attendees on the faith tourism market, which includes pilgrimages, leisure vacations, short getaways, retreats, adventure travel, conferences, volunteer vacations, river cruising and attraction visits, just to name a few. Wright believes Nebraska is ripe to tap into this $18 billion industry and will teach attendees how to capitalize on it in his fast paced workshop.
The Nebraska Travel Conference will take place at the Kearney Ramada Inn and Conference Center, 301 S. 2nd Ave., October 21-23.
The conference includes educational workshops, general sessions and networking opportunities, as well as travel industry exhibitor booths displaying essential new products. Attendees can also participate in the Nebraska Travel Association’s Silent Auction, a fundraiser that will benefit tourism activities throughout Nebraska.
For more information on sponsorships, the conference or Nebraska Travel and Tourism, or to register online, visit www.VisitNebraska.org.
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Paula Bohaty at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3744, or email: pbohaty@visitnebraska.org
Sarah Baker at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3797, or email:sbaker@visitnebraska.org
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Nebraska Travel Conference welcomes Kevin Wright
Expert on faith tourism will speak on the trend’s potential impact
LINCOLN, NEB. (Sept. 25, 2008)—One in four Americans rank church and religious travel as important to them, according to the World Religious Travel Association. Kevin Wright, president of the WRTA, will let the Nebraska tourism industry know how they can get their piece of this growing market at this year’s Nebraska Travel Conference in Kearney.
In his presentation, “Nebraska and the New Era of Faith Tourism,” he’ll educate attendees on the faith tourism market, which includes pilgrimages, leisure vacations, short getaways, retreats, adventure travel, conferences, volunteer vacations, river cruising and attraction visits, just to name a few. Wright believes Nebraska is ripe to tap into this $18 billion industry and will teach attendees how to capitalize on it in his fast paced workshop.
The Nebraska Travel Conference will take place at the Kearney Ramada Inn and Conference Center, 301 S. 2nd Ave., October 21-23.
The conference includes educational workshops, general sessions and networking opportunities, as well as travel industry exhibitor booths displaying essential new products. Attendees can also participate in the Nebraska Travel Association’s Silent Auction, a fundraiser that will benefit tourism activities throughout Nebraska.
For more information on sponsorships, the conference or Nebraska Travel and Tourism, or to register online, visit www.VisitNebraska.org.
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Paula Bohaty at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3744, or email: pbohaty@visitnebraska.org
Sarah Baker at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3797, or email:sbaker@visitnebraska.org
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World Religious Travel Expo Sold Out; Organizers Add 25 More Booths to Meet Expo Demands
LITTLETON, Colorado (Sept. 25, 2008) – The inaugural World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference has sold out all exhibit space, so organizers have added 25 more booths to an expanded exhibit hall. Last-minute exhibitors will be allowed to purchase booth space through the Oct. 1 deadline.
Already, exhibitors from 30 countries on six continents will gather in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, for this first large-scale gathering of the $18 billion worldwide religious travel industry. It was announced earlier this week that, as part of a new collaboration between the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) and the National Tour Association (NTA), the WRTA Expo will be "powered by NTA."
“We are thrilled to be in this sold-out position in our first year of hosting the World Religious Travel Expo,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “The phenomenal response from the industry is a strong indicator of the diversity and depth of religious travel and tourism.”
The WRTA Expo will feature two venues: The International Tradeshow and The Educational Conference. The combined event provides a one-stop opportunity for travel suppliers, destinations and wholesalers to come face-to-face with more than 400 agents and church travel planners to develop partnerships, introduce new products and services, generate qualified leads and build long-term relationships.
The Expo will be held Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando. For more information, including a complete list of exhibitors, visit www.religioustravelexpo.com.
Already, exhibitors from 30 countries on six continents will gather in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, for this first large-scale gathering of the $18 billion worldwide religious travel industry. It was announced earlier this week that, as part of a new collaboration between the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) and the National Tour Association (NTA), the WRTA Expo will be "powered by NTA."
“We are thrilled to be in this sold-out position in our first year of hosting the World Religious Travel Expo,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “The phenomenal response from the industry is a strong indicator of the diversity and depth of religious travel and tourism.”
The WRTA Expo will feature two venues: The International Tradeshow and The Educational Conference. The combined event provides a one-stop opportunity for travel suppliers, destinations and wholesalers to come face-to-face with more than 400 agents and church travel planners to develop partnerships, introduce new products and services, generate qualified leads and build long-term relationships.
The Expo will be held Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando. For more information, including a complete list of exhibitors, visit www.religioustravelexpo.com.
September 24, 2008
WRTA & NTA Form Alignment
Littleton, Co. / Lexington, Ky. (Sep. 24, 2008) — The National Tour Association and the World Religious Travel Association have announced a cooperative agreement. As part of this new collaboration, the World Religious Travel Expo will be "powered by NTA." Additionally, the two organizations will work together to educate their members on the value of the faith-based market and bring new business opportunities to members of both organizations.
In its work with WRTA on the Expo, the organization's inaugural conference, NTA will help manage the event, including the operations and logistics.
"As we prepare for this fall's World Religious Travel Expo, we're thrilled and honored to announce our new partnership with NTA," said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. "This Expo, the first global tradeshow and educational conference for the 300 million traveler faith tourism marketplace, marks a historic new chapter in the travel industry.
"Serving as a high profile gathering of the 'movers and shakers' and new entrants in faith tourism, the Expo is attracting hundreds of travel wholesalers, tourist boards, suppliers, travel agents and group planners from more than 30 countries on six continents," Wright said. "We're excited to have found the 'perfect partner and convention manager' in NTA."
Through this agreement, WRTA aligns itself with NTA's strength and position in the industry. NTA has a highly-respected reputation for managing top quality conferences. The association will be bringing that experience and brand power to WRTA's Expo this year.
"We are thrilled that WRTA sought NTA's expertise in bringing their delegates a well-organized and successfully run show," said NTA Chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, CTP. "Additionally, both organizations believe there is value in working with progressive associations with mutually beneficial goals of increasing business for members. This alignment does just that."
As part of the new relationship, NTA and WRTA hope to expand the overall growth of the travel industry through faith tourism, bringing both memberships opportunities for education and professional development. Faith-based tourism is an $18 billion market and currently 35 percent of NTA tour operators offer religious tour product.
The World Religious Travel Expo is the gathering of the worldwide faith tourism industry including exhibitors from more than 30 countries and travel agents, group planners, tour operators and destinations. The Expo will be held Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
The World Religious Travel Association is the leading network for shaping, enriching, and expanding the $18 billion global faith tourism industry. WRTA exists to bring the travel trade and religious consumer together for the primary purpose of promoting and providing quality faith travel experiences around the globe. As the source and voice for the religious travel industry, WRTA provides members opportunities to network, learn, contribute, and lead. WRTA embraces all segments of faith tourism: Pilgrimages, Leisure, Cruises, Events/Conventions, Missions, Retreats, Attractions, Family, Student/Youth, Adventure and Volunteer Vacations. To learn more about WRTA or to become a member, visit www.ReligiousTravelAssociation.com or contact WRTA at 1.800.657.1288 or 360.778.3047. To attend or exhibit at the World Religious Travel Expo, register online at http://www.religioustravelexpo.com/.
The National Tour Association is the preferred association in the tourism industry for packaged travel professionals. NTA's diverse membership and progressive nature make it an industry leader as the place to do business. NTA consistently seeks innovations for the services and business tools it provides to members, and the leadership keeps its fingers on the pulse of the ever-changing world. In turn, NTA members are some of the most creative in the dynamic travel industry. NTA membership represents 34 countries, and tour and travel packagers of all types, including a group, independent, student, and more. To learn more, please visit www.NTAonline.com.
In its work with WRTA on the Expo, the organization's inaugural conference, NTA will help manage the event, including the operations and logistics.
"As we prepare for this fall's World Religious Travel Expo, we're thrilled and honored to announce our new partnership with NTA," said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. "This Expo, the first global tradeshow and educational conference for the 300 million traveler faith tourism marketplace, marks a historic new chapter in the travel industry.
"Serving as a high profile gathering of the 'movers and shakers' and new entrants in faith tourism, the Expo is attracting hundreds of travel wholesalers, tourist boards, suppliers, travel agents and group planners from more than 30 countries on six continents," Wright said. "We're excited to have found the 'perfect partner and convention manager' in NTA."
Through this agreement, WRTA aligns itself with NTA's strength and position in the industry. NTA has a highly-respected reputation for managing top quality conferences. The association will be bringing that experience and brand power to WRTA's Expo this year.
"We are thrilled that WRTA sought NTA's expertise in bringing their delegates a well-organized and successfully run show," said NTA Chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, CTP. "Additionally, both organizations believe there is value in working with progressive associations with mutually beneficial goals of increasing business for members. This alignment does just that."
As part of the new relationship, NTA and WRTA hope to expand the overall growth of the travel industry through faith tourism, bringing both memberships opportunities for education and professional development. Faith-based tourism is an $18 billion market and currently 35 percent of NTA tour operators offer religious tour product.
The World Religious Travel Expo is the gathering of the worldwide faith tourism industry including exhibitors from more than 30 countries and travel agents, group planners, tour operators and destinations. The Expo will be held Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
The World Religious Travel Association is the leading network for shaping, enriching, and expanding the $18 billion global faith tourism industry. WRTA exists to bring the travel trade and religious consumer together for the primary purpose of promoting and providing quality faith travel experiences around the globe. As the source and voice for the religious travel industry, WRTA provides members opportunities to network, learn, contribute, and lead. WRTA embraces all segments of faith tourism: Pilgrimages, Leisure, Cruises, Events/Conventions, Missions, Retreats, Attractions, Family, Student/Youth, Adventure and Volunteer Vacations. To learn more about WRTA or to become a member, visit www.ReligiousTravelAssociation.com or contact WRTA at 1.800.657.1288 or 360.778.3047. To attend or exhibit at the World Religious Travel Expo, register online at http://www.religioustravelexpo.com/.
The National Tour Association is the preferred association in the tourism industry for packaged travel professionals. NTA's diverse membership and progressive nature make it an industry leader as the place to do business. NTA consistently seeks innovations for the services and business tools it provides to members, and the leadership keeps its fingers on the pulse of the ever-changing world. In turn, NTA members are some of the most creative in the dynamic travel industry. NTA membership represents 34 countries, and tour and travel packagers of all types, including a group, independent, student, and more. To learn more, please visit www.NTAonline.com.
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