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.
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October 24, 2008
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.
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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.
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