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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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.

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.

September 17, 2008

More than 50 Travel Industry Leaders on World Religious Travel Expo Line-Up

WRTA announces speakers and seminars for faith tourism’s first major international gathering

LITTLETON, Colorado (Sept 17, 2008) – More than 50 top travel executives and tourism officials from around the globe will address participants at the World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, in Orlando.

“We are honored to present such a wide-ranging group of authorities at this fall’s Expo, which we believe will be a pivotal event in this ‘new era’ of faith tourism,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. “The Expo delegates will acquire key marketing intelligence and cutting edge sales strategies, as well as innovative product development ideas in the areas of pilgrimage, cruising, missions, leisure travel, adventure trips, faith-based safaris, volunteer vacations, and much more.”

Keynote speakers include:
• Maurice Zarmati, President, Costa Cruise Lines
• Steve Born, Vice President, Globus Family of Brands
• His Excellency Senator Akel E. Biltaji, Ambassador-at-Large and Chairman of the Tourism Committee, Upper House of Parliament, Jordan
• The Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

The Educational Seminars and panelists at this first major international gathering of the $18 billion worldwide religious travel industry include:

Boardroom Insider: Current and future trends for faith tourism
Adam Leavitt, Vice President, Trafalgar Tours
Cherie Weinstein, Carnival Cruise Lines, Vice President – Groups Sales and Administration
Linville Johnson, Director of Religious Market, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Malia Asfour, Director, Jordan Tourism Board of North America
Jim Buddendorf, President, MTS Travel
Mike Cappodanno, Director, Switzerland Tourism
Tasoula Manaridis, Director North America, Cyprus Tourism
Honnie Korngold, President, Christian Travel Finder

Pilgrimages: What does today's faith traveler want?
Nick Mancino, Vice President, Group IST (Journeys Unlimited and Regina Tours)
Bob Faucett, Vice President, Unitours
Milanka M. Lachman, President, 206 Tours
Fuad Kattan, President, ACA Travel & Tourism (Bethlehem)
George Keenan, President, Rainbow Tour Turkey

Faith Cruising: Discover the number one vacation trend in today's religious market
Cherie Weinstein, Vice President – Groups Sales and Administration, Carnival Cruise Lines
Andy Christo, Vice President, Monarch Classic Cruises
Stacy Shaw, Director - Charter Sales, Royal Caribbean
Paul Holevas, President, Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises

How to build your faith travel program through mission trips & volunteer vacations
Jim Buddendorf, President, MTS Travel
Timothy Childs, Vice President, Raptim Travel
Bo McComas, President, World Mission Tours
Fran Lessans, President & CEO, Passport Health

How to promote the holy Land as a travel provider & group planner
Malia Asfour, Director, Jordan Tourism Board of North America
Arie Sommer, Commissioner North & South America, Israel Ministry of Tourism
Tasoula Manaridis, Director, Cyprus Tourism
ElSayed M. Khalifa, Consul-Director USA and Latin America, Egyptian Tourist Authority
George Tambakis, Director USA and Canada, Greek National Tourism Organization

Why we're expanding our religious market focus...and why you should too
Jim Kelly, Vice President, CIE Tours
John Klados, Vice President, Homeric Tours
Steven Ferry, National Group Sales Manager, Trafalgar Tours
Bryan Earley, National Group Sales Manager, Globus

Promoting new travel experiences for churches & religious groups
Jacob Kimbro, Manager New Business Development, Disney on Broadway
Judy Mizrachi, President, Women Walkers Travel
Dorothy Nasozi, Manager Director, Nissi Holidays (Uganda)
David Kizito, Managing Director, Cordial Tours and Travel (Tanzania)

Industry perspectives: How we are meeting the demands, growth & impact of faith tourism
Bob Hoelscher, President, National Tour Association (NTA)
Patti Free, Vice President, CCRA International

Marketing effectively and profitably to the faith tourism marketplace
James E. Wright, Vice President Marketing, World Religious Travel Association
Torre Ossmo, Vice President, Faithful Holidays (Mayflower Tours)
Metin Kazan, President, 7TUR
Ron Hermanson, Franchise Owner, SeaMaster Cruises
Colleen Roberts, National Account Manager, American Church Lists

PR & Advertising: Effectively engage the media to reach faith-based audiences
Christine Moore, President, Epiphany Media
Jeff Gayduk, President, Premier Tourism Marketing
Brian Jewell, Editor, Going on Faith
Raj Dayal, Managing Editor, Church Executive/Christian Travel & Cruise Guide

Product Development: How to develop a winning faith-based travel portfolio
Kevin J. Wright: World Religious Travel Association, President
Cindy Brodhecker: Faith Travel Development & Consulting, President

The WRTA Expo will feature two venues: The International Tradeshow and The Educational Conference. The combined event provides a one-stop opportunity for networking with more than 500 travel wholesalers, suppliers, destinations, agents and church travel planners to develop partnerships, develop 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. The complete schedule is available at www.religioustravelexpo.com/Schedule.html.

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About the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA)
The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) 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 its 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 www.ReligiousTravelExpo.com

More than 50 Travel Industry Leaders on World Religious Travel Expo Line-Up

WRTA announces speakers and seminars for faith tourism’s first major international gathering

LITTLETON, Colorado (Sept 17, 2008) – More than 50 top travel executives and tourism officials from around the globe will address participants at the World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, in Orlando.

“We are honored to present such a wide-ranging group of authorities at this fall’s Expo, which we believe will be a pivotal event in this ‘new era’ of faith tourism,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. “The Expo delegates will acquire key marketing intelligence and cutting edge sales strategies, as well as innovative product development ideas in the areas of pilgrimage, cruising, missions, leisure travel, adventure trips, faith-based safaris, volunteer vacations, and much more.”

Keynote speakers include:
• Maurice Zarmati, President, Costa Cruise Lines
• Steve Born, Vice President, Globus Family of Brands
• His Excellency Senator Akel E. Biltaji, Ambassador-at-Large and Chairman of the Tourism Committee, Upper House of Parliament, Jordan
• The Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

The Educational Seminars and panelists at this first major international gathering of the $18 billion worldwide religious travel industry include:

Boardroom Insider: Current and future trends for faith tourism
Adam Leavitt, Vice President, Trafalgar Tours
Cherie Weinstein, Carnival Cruise Lines, Vice President – Groups Sales and Administration
Linville Johnson, Director of Religious Market, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Malia Asfour, Director, Jordan Tourism Board of North America
Jim Buddendorf, President, MTS Travel
Mike Cappodanno, Director, Switzerland Tourism
Tasoula Manaridis, Director North America, Cyprus Tourism
Honnie Korngold, President, Christian Travel Finder

Pilgrimages: What does today's faith traveler want?
Nick Mancino, Vice President, Group IST (Journeys Unlimited and Regina Tours)
Bob Faucett, Vice President, Unitours
Milanka M. Lachman, President, 206 Tours
Fuad Kattan, President, ACA Travel & Tourism (Bethlehem)
George Keenan, President, Rainbow Tour Turkey

Faith Cruising: Discover the number one vacation trend in today's religious market
Cherie Weinstein, Vice President – Groups Sales and Administration, Carnival Cruise Lines
Andy Christo, Vice President, Monarch Classic Cruises
Stacy Shaw, Director - Charter Sales, Royal Caribbean
Paul Holevas, President, Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises

How to build your faith travel program through mission trips & volunteer vacations
Jim Buddendorf, President, MTS Travel
Timothy Childs, Vice President, Raptim Travel
Bo McComas, President, World Mission Tours
Fran Lessans, President & CEO, Passport Health

How to promote the holy Land as a travel provider & group planner
Malia Asfour, Director, Jordan Tourism Board of North America
Arie Sommer, Commissioner North & South America, Israel Ministry of Tourism
Tasoula Manaridis, Director, Cyprus Tourism
ElSayed M. Khalifa, Consul-Director USA and Latin America, Egyptian Tourist Authority
George Tambakis, Director USA and Canada, Greek National Tourism Organization

Why we're expanding our religious market focus...and why you should too
Jim Kelly, Vice President, CIE Tours
John Klados, Vice President, Homeric Tours
Steven Ferry, National Group Sales Manager, Trafalgar Tours
Bryan Earley, National Group Sales Manager, Globus

Promoting new travel experiences for churches & religious groups
Jacob Kimbro, Manager New Business Development, Disney on Broadway
Judy Mizrachi, President, Women Walkers Travel
Dorothy Nasozi, Manager Director, Nissi Holidays (Uganda)
David Kizito, Managing Director, Cordial Tours and Travel (Tanzania)

Industry perspectives: How we are meeting the demands, growth & impact of faith tourism
Bob Hoelscher, President, National Tour Association (NTA)
Patti Free, Vice President, CCRA International

Marketing effectively and profitably to the faith tourism marketplace
James E. Wright, Vice President Marketing, World Religious Travel Association
Torre Ossmo, Vice President, Faithful Holidays (Mayflower Tours)
Metin Kazan, President, 7TUR
Ron Hermanson, Franchise Owner, SeaMaster Cruises
Colleen Roberts, National Account Manager, American Church Lists

PR & Advertising: Effectively engage the media to reach faith-based audiences
Christine Moore, President, Epiphany Media
Jeff Gayduk, President, Premier Tourism Marketing
Brian Jewell, Editor, Going on Faith
Raj Dayal, Managing Editor, Church Executive/Christian Travel & Cruise Guide

Product Development: How to develop a winning faith-based travel portfolio
Kevin J. Wright: World Religious Travel Association, President
Cindy Brodhecker: Faith Travel Development & Consulting, President

The WRTA Expo will feature two venues: The International Tradeshow and The Educational Conference. The combined event provides a one-stop opportunity for networking with more than 500 travel wholesalers, suppliers, destinations, agents and church travel planners to develop partnerships, develop 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. The complete schedule is available at www.religioustravelexpo.com/Schedule.html.

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About the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA)
The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) 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 its 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 www.ReligiousTravelExpo.com

September 13, 2008

WRTA Supports NTA's Call for Executive Office of Travel and Tourism

Call for Executive Office of Travel and Tourism Policy Gains Strong Momentum
NTA Gains Support of Three More Associations


LEXINGTON, Ky. — Three more travel and tourism associations have joined with the National Tour Association in its call for the creation of an executive office of travel and tourism policy. Uniting with NTA and the United States Tour Operators Association, the American Bus Association, the United Motorcoach Association and the World Religious Travel Association all have signed on their support.

“The momentum is growing as NTA and its allies call attention to the importance of an executive office of travel and tourism policy,” said NTA Chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, CTP. “This office will provide the United States with more coherent, dynamic, and world-leading travel and tourism policies generating excellent growth in this sector of the national economy.”
Victor Para, president and CEO of UMA noted that, “The entire industry needs to get behind this effort. Regardless of who the next U.S. president is, the tourism economy is vitally important to the interest of the entire country. The tourism economy deserves executive level attention and it is only appropriate to have someone in the White House designated accordingly.”
Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association said his organization also is proud to support NTA’s call for an executive office of tourism. “The tremendous economic and goodwill benefits that tourism brings to the United States are vital to our country’s interests. With the presidential campaigns in full swing, now is the time to make our unified voice heard by the candidates — and America at large.”

The American Bus Association also gives its support to the mission, and ABA President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso said the organization is proud to be an active member of the coalition advocating the creation of an executive office of travel and Tourism policy. “On issues ranging from economic development to green tourism to security policy, motorcoaches are a critical component of America's mobility, and we will work vigorously with our coalition partners to help establish this new entity."

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

Historic World Religious Travel Expo Debuts Next Month

HISTORIC WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO TO
WELCOME PARTICIPANTS FROM 30 COUNTRIES ON SIX CONTINENTS


Travel providers, tourist boards, and planners from 30-plus countries will gather next month in Orlando, Florida to participate in the first-ever global faith tourism tradeshow and convention. The World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2008 is expected to welcome 500 delegates, 100 exhibitors, and 50 tourism industry leader speakers.

Destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, attractions, hotel properties, 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 Who’s Who in the bustling $18 billion faith tourism industry. Travel agents and group planners will have an opportunity to network first-hand with the leading companies in religious travel, while also earning CEU’s by attending the many Expo educational seminars.

Exclusive to this event only, each Expo delegate will receive a Booklet of Special Offers worth thousands of dollars in FAM trips, bonus commissions, gifts, and prizes – all of which are provided by the exhibitors. The cost for a travel agent or group planner to attend is as low as $49. The World Religious Travel Expo will feature two venues: The International Tradeshow and The Educational Conference.

The event will be held Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando (Florida), with a complimentary optional faith-based attractions excursion on Saturday, Nov. 1. For more information about the Expo or to register online, visit www.religioustravelexpo.com. Or call 1-800-657-1288 (ext. 101).