Steve Hartman, correspondent for The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric ("Assignment America"), will open the co-located World Religious Travel Expo and NTA Convention in Montreal at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 14. Hartman is best known for his series of news reports, "Everybody in the World Has a Story," which have earned him several major journalism awards, including an Emmy, a Columbia Journalism DuPont award, and four Edward R. Murrow awards.
Full Article
http://www.ntaonline.com/articles/index.cfm?action=view&articleID=2147§ionID=32
October 13, 2010
October 4, 2010
Canonization will boost Montreal tourism
Read full story at
http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/life/article/653171--canonization-will-boost-montreal-tourism
MONTREAL - Having a newly minted saint in town isn't just good news for Montreal's faithful — it will also likely bring a few hallelujahs from the city's travel industry.
The canonization of Brother Andre by Pope Benedict on Oct. 17 will not only spur some special events in Montreal but will also have long-lasting effects on the marketing of the city as a religious tourism destination, observers say.
"Once somebody is canonized, that really shoots it through the roof," says Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, which is holding its annual trade show in Montreal in November.
Wright said besides all the media attention Montreal will get because of the canonization, the papal nod to one of its local sons will be an incentive for faith-based tour operators to push Montreal itineraries in their packages.
Read full story at http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/life/article/653171--canonization-will-boost-montreal-tourism
http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/life/article/653171--canonization-will-boost-montreal-tourism
MONTREAL - Having a newly minted saint in town isn't just good news for Montreal's faithful — it will also likely bring a few hallelujahs from the city's travel industry.
The canonization of Brother Andre by Pope Benedict on Oct. 17 will not only spur some special events in Montreal but will also have long-lasting effects on the marketing of the city as a religious tourism destination, observers say.
"Once somebody is canonized, that really shoots it through the roof," says Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, which is holding its annual trade show in Montreal in November.
Wright said besides all the media attention Montreal will get because of the canonization, the papal nod to one of its local sons will be an incentive for faith-based tour operators to push Montreal itineraries in their packages.
Read full story at http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/life/article/653171--canonization-will-boost-montreal-tourism
September 30, 2010
40-plus Industry Experts Headline Industry’s Largest Faith Tourism Business Seminar Program at Expo 2010
For Immediate Release
September 30, 2010
LEXINGTON, Ky.– The World Religious Travel Association business seminars for the November 13–16 World Religious Travel Expo 2010 will serve as the industry’s most comprehensive educational program on faith-based tourism and hospitality. The two-day curriculum will feature 40-plus industry experts, including several published authors. For the third straight year, travel agents and providers can earn up to three continuing educational units through The Travel Institute www.thetravelinstitute.com by attending and participating in the Expo business and educational seminar program.
“As sharing business acumen and education about the religious travel market is a key mission of WRTA and our annual Expo, we are ecstatic about this year’s lineup of speakers and seminars,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “The topics cover virtually every segment of the industry from product development to sales to consumer service to word-of-mouth-marketing and much more. In addition, we’ll host several open forums whereby delegates can ask their own questions and share stories of success with fellow religious travel professionals, colleagues and experts.”
The business and educational seminar topics for the World Religious Travel Expo 2010 include:
• Who is Today’s Religious Traveler Consumer? How Can You Best Serve Them?
• How to Most Effectively Market and Sell to today’s Religious Travel Consumer.
• How Can You Find the Right Tour/Ground Operator for Your Religious Travel Program—and Why is it Key to Your Success?
• Discover the Holy Land and Enrich Your Biblical Lands Portfolio.
• Develop a Winning and Diverse Portfolio to the World’s Most Visited Religious Sites.
• Discover Faith-based Vacations, Attractions, & Events—Right Here in North America.
• Enrich Your Religious Travel Program with New Faith-based Vacations: Cruises, Volunteer Vacations, Local Getaways, Attractions and Much More.
• Open Forum: Q&A with Biblical Lands Representatives.
• Open Forum: Q&A Plus Discover New Ideas for Your Religious Travel Program.
• Open Forum: Q&A with International Ground Operators for Your Religious Travel Program.
In addition, two prominent published authors, Keith Powell and Greg Stielstra, will host the following business and educational seminars at Expo 2010:
• Igniting the Creative Spark for Your Faith Based Business—Keith Powell, The Business Revivalist and Author of The Transforming Power of Achievement
• Discover the Principles of PyroMarketing—Greg Stielstra, Author of Pyromarketing and Faith-based Marketing
The World Religious Travel Expo is the world’s pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering with more than 500 travel professionals and tourism organizations from over 30 countries in attendance. This November’s Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members opportunities for education, business expansion, networking and access to new markets.
For more information about attending the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888.255.WRTA (9782) or +1.859.219.3529 or by e-mail at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit http://www.wrtaexpo.com/
September 30, 2010
LEXINGTON, Ky.– The World Religious Travel Association business seminars for the November 13–16 World Religious Travel Expo 2010 will serve as the industry’s most comprehensive educational program on faith-based tourism and hospitality. The two-day curriculum will feature 40-plus industry experts, including several published authors. For the third straight year, travel agents and providers can earn up to three continuing educational units through The Travel Institute www.thetravelinstitute.com by attending and participating in the Expo business and educational seminar program.
“As sharing business acumen and education about the religious travel market is a key mission of WRTA and our annual Expo, we are ecstatic about this year’s lineup of speakers and seminars,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “The topics cover virtually every segment of the industry from product development to sales to consumer service to word-of-mouth-marketing and much more. In addition, we’ll host several open forums whereby delegates can ask their own questions and share stories of success with fellow religious travel professionals, colleagues and experts.”
The business and educational seminar topics for the World Religious Travel Expo 2010 include:
• Who is Today’s Religious Traveler Consumer? How Can You Best Serve Them?
• How to Most Effectively Market and Sell to today’s Religious Travel Consumer.
• How Can You Find the Right Tour/Ground Operator for Your Religious Travel Program—and Why is it Key to Your Success?
• Discover the Holy Land and Enrich Your Biblical Lands Portfolio.
• Develop a Winning and Diverse Portfolio to the World’s Most Visited Religious Sites.
• Discover Faith-based Vacations, Attractions, & Events—Right Here in North America.
• Enrich Your Religious Travel Program with New Faith-based Vacations: Cruises, Volunteer Vacations, Local Getaways, Attractions and Much More.
• Open Forum: Q&A with Biblical Lands Representatives.
• Open Forum: Q&A Plus Discover New Ideas for Your Religious Travel Program.
• Open Forum: Q&A with International Ground Operators for Your Religious Travel Program.
In addition, two prominent published authors, Keith Powell and Greg Stielstra, will host the following business and educational seminars at Expo 2010:
• Igniting the Creative Spark for Your Faith Based Business—Keith Powell, The Business Revivalist and Author of The Transforming Power of Achievement
• Discover the Principles of PyroMarketing—Greg Stielstra, Author of Pyromarketing and Faith-based Marketing
The World Religious Travel Expo is the world’s pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering with more than 500 travel professionals and tourism organizations from over 30 countries in attendance. This November’s Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members opportunities for education, business expansion, networking and access to new markets.
For more information about attending the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888.255.WRTA (9782) or +1.859.219.3529 or by e-mail at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit http://www.wrtaexpo.com/
September 27, 2010
New Webinar! Discover Switzerland for Your Faith-based Groups & Clients
Did you know Switzerland is recognized as one of the great European destinations for religious groups and travelers? Monasteries, saints, reformers, cathedrals and the like comprise the remarkable events, peoples, history, and places of Switzerland. In this fascinating and engaging webnar, discover what Switzerland can off your faith-based community or clients. Learn key tips, hints and other invaluable information for designing a winning and memorable itinerary—plus much more! Your Webinar host is Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president, and your Webinar guest expert is Mirko (Mike) Capodanno of Switzerland Tourism.
Visit the homepage of WRTA (www.WRTAreligioustravel.com) to view the newly released Switzerland Webinar.
Visit the homepage of WRTA (www.WRTAreligioustravel.com) to view the newly released Switzerland Webinar.
September 10, 2010
First 25 Travel Agents to Register for World Religious Travel Expo Receive Free Fam Tour of Quebec’s Shrines
LEXINGTON, Ky.– The first 25 travel agents to register for World Religious Travel Expo 2010 will qualify for a complimentary VIP Fam tour of Quebec’s famed shrines and religious sites. Escorted by WRTA President and The Christian Travel Planner author Kevin J. Wright, the Fam tour is valued at $500 and includes motorcoach transportation, local tourist guides, one-night lodging, meals and educational materials about the Canadian sanctuaries.
The Fam trip departs Montréal on the morning of November 16, the day following the Expo Final Night Dinner, and concludes at Montréal’s Trudeau International Airport Wed., Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. The province of Québec is home to four of Canada’s five National Sanctuaries:
· Oratoire Saint-Joseph (Montréal)
· Notre-Dame-du-Cap Sanctuary (Mauricie)
· Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica (Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré)
· Ermitage Saint-Antoine (Lac-Bouchette)
In addition, tour participants will enjoy an excursion to the spectacular Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean area and its breathtaking fjord. Agents who partake in the FAM trip will not only discover the celebrated shrines of Québec, but will also learn how to develop an itinerary around them and sell the travel package to clients.
For more information about attending the World Religious Travel Expo and qualifying for the post-Fam tour, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888.255.WRTA (9782) or +1.859.219.3529 or by e-mail at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit www.WRTAexpo.com .
The World Religious Travel Expo is the world’s pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering with more than 500 travel professionals and tourism organizations from over 30 countries in attendance. This November’s Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members opportunities for education, business expansion, networking and access to new markets.
The Fam trip departs Montréal on the morning of November 16, the day following the Expo Final Night Dinner, and concludes at Montréal’s Trudeau International Airport Wed., Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. The province of Québec is home to four of Canada’s five National Sanctuaries:
· Oratoire Saint-Joseph (Montréal)
· Notre-Dame-du-Cap Sanctuary (Mauricie)
· Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica (Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré)
· Ermitage Saint-Antoine (Lac-Bouchette)
In addition, tour participants will enjoy an excursion to the spectacular Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean area and its breathtaking fjord. Agents who partake in the FAM trip will not only discover the celebrated shrines of Québec, but will also learn how to develop an itinerary around them and sell the travel package to clients.
For more information about attending the World Religious Travel Expo and qualifying for the post-Fam tour, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888.255.WRTA (9782) or +1.859.219.3529 or by e-mail at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit www.WRTAexpo.com .
The World Religious Travel Expo is the world’s pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering with more than 500 travel professionals and tourism organizations from over 30 countries in attendance. This November’s Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members opportunities for education, business expansion, networking and access to new markets.
August 28, 2010
Top Faith Marketing Expert Greg Stielstra to Keynote World Religious Travel Expo 2010
Back by popular demand, North America's top faith marketing expert Greg Stielstra will keynote for the second year at the World Religious Travel Expo 2010. The recipient of numerous praises and accolades among Expo delegates, Stielstra is the co-author of Faith-based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers (Wiley, 2009) and the mind behind the strategy of "PyroMarketing" to help businesses reach and retain markets. Stielstra also served as the marketing director behind the highly acclaimed The Purpose Driven Life, a faith-based marketing phenomenon and the fastest selling hardcover book in American history.
"We are so excited about bringing Greg Stielstra back as our Expo Keynote speaker," said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. "Greg wowed all of our attendees and exhibitors last year with his remarkable insight and practical wisdom in how to effectively reach the faith-based consumer and traveler. It was clear from the onset, Greg was a crowd favorite."
Greg Stielstra worked in marketing for the world's leading Christian publishers for 17 years where he planned the promotions for dozens of bestselling books. An expert in word-of-mouth, faith-based and social network marketing as well as an innovative thinker, speaker and consultant, Stielstra is today author of two books: PyroMarketing: the Four-Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep Them for Life (HarperCollins, 2005) and Faith-Based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers (Wiley, 2009). His writings and work have been covered by The Economist, Advertising Age, Point Magazine, Business Week, Forbes, Wireless Age, Knowledge at Wharton, the Wharton Leadership Journal, and the book 9 Minds on Marketing. Stielstra currently teaches marketing at Vanderbilt University and operates PyroMarketing, a social media marketing agency in Franklin, TN.
"People have long known that word-of-mouth is the most powerful form of advertising," said Stielstra. "What they may not realize, however, is that faith communities spread word-of-mouth more effectively than any other group. What's more, people of faith represent the largest demographic segment in the world. When you combine the size and connectivity of the faith community with new social media technologies you can create incredibly powerful opportunities to promote religious travel that are also affordable. I look forward to sharing this good news with religious travel professionals and seeing them use it to further advance religious travel worldwide."
The World Religious Travel Expo has developed into the world's pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering with more than 500 travel professionals and tourism organizations from 30-plus countries in attendance. This November's World Religious Travel Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second year providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. 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.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or +1-859-219-3529 or by e-mail at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit www.WRTAexpo.com .
"We are so excited about bringing Greg Stielstra back as our Expo Keynote speaker," said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. "Greg wowed all of our attendees and exhibitors last year with his remarkable insight and practical wisdom in how to effectively reach the faith-based consumer and traveler. It was clear from the onset, Greg was a crowd favorite."
Greg Stielstra worked in marketing for the world's leading Christian publishers for 17 years where he planned the promotions for dozens of bestselling books. An expert in word-of-mouth, faith-based and social network marketing as well as an innovative thinker, speaker and consultant, Stielstra is today author of two books: PyroMarketing: the Four-Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep Them for Life (HarperCollins, 2005) and Faith-Based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers (Wiley, 2009). His writings and work have been covered by The Economist, Advertising Age, Point Magazine, Business Week, Forbes, Wireless Age, Knowledge at Wharton, the Wharton Leadership Journal, and the book 9 Minds on Marketing. Stielstra currently teaches marketing at Vanderbilt University and operates PyroMarketing, a social media marketing agency in Franklin, TN.
"People have long known that word-of-mouth is the most powerful form of advertising," said Stielstra. "What they may not realize, however, is that faith communities spread word-of-mouth more effectively than any other group. What's more, people of faith represent the largest demographic segment in the world. When you combine the size and connectivity of the faith community with new social media technologies you can create incredibly powerful opportunities to promote religious travel that are also affordable. I look forward to sharing this good news with religious travel professionals and seeing them use it to further advance religious travel worldwide."
The World Religious Travel Expo has developed into the world's pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering with more than 500 travel professionals and tourism organizations from 30-plus countries in attendance. This November's World Religious Travel Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second year providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. 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.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or +1-859-219-3529 or by e-mail at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit www.WRTAexpo.com .
August 9, 2010
2010-2011 Religious Travel Buyer's Guide Just Published
The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has just published its 2010-2011 RELIGIOUS TRAVEL BUYER'S GUIDE. The publication is the industry’s preeminent guide to the religious travel and hospitality marketplace (a $49 value).
How will the Buyer’s Guide help you?
Discover new ideas and opportunities for enriching your faith tourism and hospitality travel program, while also finding suppliers, products, and services in faith tourism.
What types of faith-based travel services can you learn about in the Buyer's Guide?
Pilgrimages, conferences, events, cruising, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure, safaris, attractions, shrines and holy sites, leisure vacations, insurance, transportation, lodging, restaurants, retailers, destinations, and much more!
What type of travel providers can you find in the Buyer’s Guide?
Tour operators, travel agents, travel wholesalers, destinations and supplier members of WRTA—all of whom are involved in religious travel and hospitality. Our publication is easy to use, giving you quick e-links to web sites and emails, making it convenient for you to contact these distinguished travel providers.
How can you obtain your FREE (digital) copy of the Buyer's Guide?
Just click here http://bit.ly/WRTABuyersGuide2010-2011
How can your organization be featured in future editions of the Buyer's Guide?
Call 888-255-9782/859-219-3529 or email headquarters at WRTAreligioustravel.com.
Whether you are a religious leader who would like to learn more about developing a travel ministry program and how faith based travel can deepen spiritual growth, a travel agent looking for inspiring new travel product to offer your religious market segment or a supplier or destination who caters to the religious travel traveler, WRTA is your connection to growth and development in the religious travel industry.
I invite you to take full advantage of the resource you’ve been given through the Buyers Guide and I encourage you to consider membership in WRTA and/or attending the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo 2010, being held November 13-16 in Montreal, Quebec.
To learn how you can become more involved in WRTA or register for the Expo, please contact us via phone 888-255-9782/859-219-3529 or email headquarters at WRTAreligioustravel.com.
Best wishes to you in 2010 and 2011.
Kevin J. Wright
WRTA President
How will the Buyer’s Guide help you?
Discover new ideas and opportunities for enriching your faith tourism and hospitality travel program, while also finding suppliers, products, and services in faith tourism.
What types of faith-based travel services can you learn about in the Buyer's Guide?
Pilgrimages, conferences, events, cruising, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure, safaris, attractions, shrines and holy sites, leisure vacations, insurance, transportation, lodging, restaurants, retailers, destinations, and much more!
What type of travel providers can you find in the Buyer’s Guide?
Tour operators, travel agents, travel wholesalers, destinations and supplier members of WRTA—all of whom are involved in religious travel and hospitality. Our publication is easy to use, giving you quick e-links to web sites and emails, making it convenient for you to contact these distinguished travel providers.
How can you obtain your FREE (digital) copy of the Buyer's Guide?
Just click here http://bit.ly/WRTABuyersGuide2010-2011
How can your organization be featured in future editions of the Buyer's Guide?
Call 888-255-9782/859-219-3529 or email headquarters at WRTAreligioustravel.com.
Whether you are a religious leader who would like to learn more about developing a travel ministry program and how faith based travel can deepen spiritual growth, a travel agent looking for inspiring new travel product to offer your religious market segment or a supplier or destination who caters to the religious travel traveler, WRTA is your connection to growth and development in the religious travel industry.
I invite you to take full advantage of the resource you’ve been given through the Buyers Guide and I encourage you to consider membership in WRTA and/or attending the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo 2010, being held November 13-16 in Montreal, Quebec.
To learn how you can become more involved in WRTA or register for the Expo, please contact us via phone 888-255-9782/859-219-3529 or email headquarters at WRTAreligioustravel.com.
Best wishes to you in 2010 and 2011.
Kevin J. Wright
WRTA President
June 30, 2010
Sign up for next week's July 8 NASHVILLE Travel Ministry Conference
WRTA's Travel Ministry Conference--Nashville
Pastor and Religious Leaders, please join the World Religious Travel Association on July 8 at the Scarritt Bennett Center for the Nashville's Travel Ministry Conference. Led by WRTA President and Christian Travel Planner author Kevin J. Wright, participate in an interactive workshop and education session on building a travel ministry program.
You’ll learn how faith-based travel deepens spiritual growth and development while offering opportunities for fellowship and fun.
Sign up in advance to receive a complimentary copy of Kevin’s book, The Christian Travel Planner, to help you get started.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Downtown Nashville COMPLIMENTARY PARKING • GARDEN ADMISSION INCLUDED
Religious Leaders = $0
(If you sign up before July 6 !) (includes a WRTA Membership for 2010)
<< More information here. >>
Additional Speakers
Pastor Roger McCurry (Activities & S.A. Pastor, Severns Valley Baptist Church in Kentucky)
Torre Ossmo (Vice President and General Manager, Faithful Holidays)
Sponsors & Partners
Palestine Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
Leisure Group Travel
Exhibitors
Anchor Trailways & Tours
Faithful Holidays
Grueninger Tours
Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau
Trailways Transportation Systems
“It was truly a pleasure attending the very well executed WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Chicago. The presentations were concise and the format creative. The Conference opened up a new world of travel groups for me.”
- Faith Mulvihill, Skydeck Chicago
We hope you’ll join us to explore the many faith-based opportunities that exist for your congregation, including pilgrimages, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, retreats, adventure trips, religious attractions, and much more.
Visit us at http://www.travelministryconference.com/. Or, give us a call at 888.255.9782 or send us an email at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com if you have questions or want to know more about WRTA.
Pastor and Religious Leaders, please join the World Religious Travel Association on July 8 at the Scarritt Bennett Center for the Nashville's Travel Ministry Conference. Led by WRTA President and Christian Travel Planner author Kevin J. Wright, participate in an interactive workshop and education session on building a travel ministry program.
You’ll learn how faith-based travel deepens spiritual growth and development while offering opportunities for fellowship and fun.
Sign up in advance to receive a complimentary copy of Kevin’s book, The Christian Travel Planner, to help you get started.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Downtown Nashville COMPLIMENTARY PARKING • GARDEN ADMISSION INCLUDED
Religious Leaders = $0
(If you sign up before July 6 !) (includes a WRTA Membership for 2010)
<< More information here. >>
Additional Speakers
Pastor Roger McCurry (Activities & S.A. Pastor, Severns Valley Baptist Church in Kentucky)
Torre Ossmo (Vice President and General Manager, Faithful Holidays)
Sponsors & Partners
Palestine Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
Leisure Group Travel
Exhibitors
Anchor Trailways & Tours
Faithful Holidays
Grueninger Tours
Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau
Trailways Transportation Systems
“It was truly a pleasure attending the very well executed WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Chicago. The presentations were concise and the format creative. The Conference opened up a new world of travel groups for me.”
- Faith Mulvihill, Skydeck Chicago
We hope you’ll join us to explore the many faith-based opportunities that exist for your congregation, including pilgrimages, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, retreats, adventure trips, religious attractions, and much more.
Visit us at http://www.travelministryconference.com/. Or, give us a call at 888.255.9782 or send us an email at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com if you have questions or want to know more about WRTA.
June 28, 2010
InSite on Religious Travel Interview - Chicago Travel Ministry Conference
World Religious Travel Association Chicago Conference
By Leisure Group Travel http://insite.religioustraveldirectory.com/faith-based-attraction/religious-travel-conference/
June 21, 2010 by Nadia Beidas
Filed under Faith-Based Attraction
Article link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcy8_3oY1kY&feature=player_embedded
The World Religious Travel Association Ministry Conference in Chicago is the first of five travel ministry conferences. Religious leaders, faith-based travel planners and other members of the religious travel community met at the Field Museum and discussed ways to build an effective travel ministry program.
Kevin Wright, founder and president of WRTA, outlined travel ministries and the reasons religious travel groups choose to put together a travel program, such as deepening their faith in God, fulfilling a religious tradition and learning more about their heritage and faith. Wright discussed the steps of starting a travel program, including getting the religious leader’s approval, naming the travel program, finding volunteers to assist in the process and promoting the program.
Torre Ossmo, vice president and general manager of Faithful Holidays, mentioned a seven-step plan to enter or promote a religious group’s part in religious tourism. These steps include researching the market, meeting the needs of the religious traveler and promoting the brand. Rev. Ruth Newell, founder and pastor of Beyond the Walls Outreach Ministry, emphasized the importance of meeting the needs of different generations for religious trips.
During the workshop of how to build an effective travel ministry program, conference participants broke into smaller groups and each group planned a sample religious trip. The next conference will be held in Nashville.
By Leisure Group Travel http://insite.religioustraveldirectory.com/faith-based-attraction/religious-travel-conference/
June 21, 2010 by Nadia Beidas
Filed under Faith-Based Attraction
Article link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcy8_3oY1kY&feature=player_embedded
The World Religious Travel Association Ministry Conference in Chicago is the first of five travel ministry conferences. Religious leaders, faith-based travel planners and other members of the religious travel community met at the Field Museum and discussed ways to build an effective travel ministry program.
Kevin Wright, founder and president of WRTA, outlined travel ministries and the reasons religious travel groups choose to put together a travel program, such as deepening their faith in God, fulfilling a religious tradition and learning more about their heritage and faith. Wright discussed the steps of starting a travel program, including getting the religious leader’s approval, naming the travel program, finding volunteers to assist in the process and promoting the program.
Torre Ossmo, vice president and general manager of Faithful Holidays, mentioned a seven-step plan to enter or promote a religious group’s part in religious tourism. These steps include researching the market, meeting the needs of the religious traveler and promoting the brand. Rev. Ruth Newell, founder and pastor of Beyond the Walls Outreach Ministry, emphasized the importance of meeting the needs of different generations for religious trips.
During the workshop of how to build an effective travel ministry program, conference participants broke into smaller groups and each group planned a sample religious trip. The next conference will be held in Nashville.
June 14, 2010
Still time to register for the Chicago Travel Ministry Conference
Time is running out to register for this Thursday's (June 17) Travel Ministry Conference in Chicago. Here's the info about it and to register/sign-up:
http://bit.ly/TravelMinistryConferenceChicago
http://www.travelministryconference.com/
http://bit.ly/TravelMinistryConferenceChicago
http://www.travelministryconference.com/
June 8, 2010
Attend June 17 Chicao Travel Ministry Conference and receive FREE copy of The Christian Travel Planner
Attention: Pastors, Ministry Leaders, and Faith-based Travelers!
Join fellow pastors, religious leaders, travel agents and other faith community members at WRTA’s Travel Ministry Conference where you can discover how to build an effective travel ministry program.
When? Thursday, June 17, 2010
Where? Downtown Chicago (Parking and Museum Admission Included!)
SPEAKERS
Chicago's Rev. Ruth Newell (Chaplain, C-Beyond the Walls Outreach Ministry)
Torre Ossmo (Vice President and General Manager, Faithful Holidays)
Kevin J. Wright (WRTA President and author of The Christian Travel Planner)
Cindi Brodhecker (President, Faith Travel Development & Consulting)Frank Scerri (Owner & Managing Director, Mission Travel Group of Australia)
Why Sign Up in Advance? Pre-registrants receive FREE copy of The Christian Travel Planner.
Best Yet! Cost for religious leaders or their representatives is FREE if you sign up before June 15! Just use promo code: Planner-M10
Day-of Admission = $20 (includes a WRTA Membership for 2010)
<< More information here. >>
Explore the many faith-based opportunities that exist for your business including pilgrimages, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, retreats, adventure trips, religious attractions, and much more. Plus, meet with tourism and travel providers specializing in faith-based travel, including The Christian Travel Planner author, Kevin J. Wright. Sign up in advance to receive a complimentary copy.
Visit us at http://www.travelministryconference.com/ to register. Or, give us a call at 888.255.9782 or send us an email at members@WRTAreligioustravel.com if you have questions or want to know more about WRTA.
World Religious Travel Association
2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite A325 Lexington, KY 40504
888.255.9782 ext. 101 or +1.859.219.3529
headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com
http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/
Join fellow pastors, religious leaders, travel agents and other faith community members at WRTA’s Travel Ministry Conference where you can discover how to build an effective travel ministry program.
When? Thursday, June 17, 2010
Where? Downtown Chicago (Parking and Museum Admission Included!)
SPEAKERS
Chicago's Rev. Ruth Newell (Chaplain, C-Beyond the Walls Outreach Ministry)
Torre Ossmo (Vice President and General Manager, Faithful Holidays)
Kevin J. Wright (WRTA President and author of The Christian Travel Planner)
Cindi Brodhecker (President, Faith Travel Development & Consulting)Frank Scerri (Owner & Managing Director, Mission Travel Group of Australia)
Why Sign Up in Advance? Pre-registrants receive FREE copy of The Christian Travel Planner.
Best Yet! Cost for religious leaders or their representatives is FREE if you sign up before June 15! Just use promo code: Planner-M10Day-of Admission = $20 (includes a WRTA Membership for 2010)
<< More information here. >>
Explore the many faith-based opportunities that exist for your business including pilgrimages, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, retreats, adventure trips, religious attractions, and much more. Plus, meet with tourism and travel providers specializing in faith-based travel, including The Christian Travel Planner author, Kevin J. Wright. Sign up in advance to receive a complimentary copy.
Visit us at http://www.travelministryconference.com/ to register. Or, give us a call at 888.255.9782 or send us an email at members@WRTAreligioustravel.com if you have questions or want to know more about WRTA.
World Religious Travel Association
2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite A325 Lexington, KY 40504
888.255.9782 ext. 101 or +1.859.219.3529
headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com
http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/
May 27, 2010
Expo Host City: Montreal Named #1 North American Host City
WRTA's 2010 Expo will be held in the top host city in North America for international associative events, according to the 2009 ICCA International Congress and Convention Association's official rankings.
Final 2009 North American Rankings:
(Number of international associative events)
Montréal (57)
Vancouver (46)
Toronto (36)
Boston (35)
Mexico City (33)
Washington (31)
NYC (28)
This ranking speaks to the city's dynamism and its power to draw major international associations, despite the increasingly wider options offered in recent years.
Read the official news release from Montréal. Congratulations, Montréal!
Final 2009 North American Rankings:
(Number of international associative events)
Montréal (57)
Vancouver (46)
Toronto (36)
Boston (35)
Mexico City (33)
Washington (31)
NYC (28)
This ranking speaks to the city's dynamism and its power to draw major international associations, despite the increasingly wider options offered in recent years.
Read the official news release from Montréal. Congratulations, Montréal!
May 16, 2010
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. – 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 conferences.
For more information about the Travel Ministry Conferences visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com. For faith-based communities, organizations and individuals interested in attending and participating in the Travel Ministry Conferences, contact WRTA staff at 859.219.3529 or 888.255.WRTA, ext. 101.
For travel trade companies and professionals interested in attending, exhibiting at, or sponsoring the Travel Ministry Conference events, contact Kami Risk.
LEXINGTON, KY. – 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 conferences.
For more information about the Travel Ministry Conferences visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com. For faith-based communities, organizations and individuals interested in attending and participating in the Travel Ministry Conferences, contact WRTA staff at 859.219.3529 or 888.255.WRTA, ext. 101.
For travel trade companies and professionals interested in attending, exhibiting at, or sponsoring the Travel Ministry Conference events, contact Kami Risk.
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 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/.
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