December 8, 2009

Watch highlights of World Religious Travel Expo 2009

Enjoy highlights from the recent World Religious Travel Expo 2009 in Reno, Nevada (USA).

To watch the video, click on either of the following:
http://bit.ly/Expo2009Highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRjuKe28X8M

October 27, 2009

PASTORS, MINISTRY LEADERS & THOSE INTERESTED IN FAITH-BASED TRAVEL INVITED TO WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO

PASTORS, MINISTRY LEADERS & THOSE INTERESTED IN FAITH-BASED TRAVEL REGISTER TODAY! FOR THE WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

Have you continued to do the same trips year after year? Are you looking to plan new, exciting trips that will entice new members of your fellowship to travel? If so, we would love to invite you to attend the first-ever travel show for religious leaders and faith-based travelers- the World Religious Travel Expo.

Why Attend this Year?
Explore the diverse world of faith-based travel including pilgrimages, mission trips, Volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, and more
  • Discover how to build a thriving travel program/ministry
  • Meet personally with tourism/travel officials from Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Cyprus,
  • Greece,Turkey, Switzerland, Britain, Scotland, Korea, India, Pakistan & more
  • Discuss opportunities with missionary travel companies such as MTS Travel and volunteer vacation companies such as Lifetree Adventures
  • Plan trips with leading pilgrimage tour companies such as Regina Tours, Unitours, as well as overseas Christian tour companies from Palestine, Turkey, Africa, Greece, Germany, and much more
  • Explore Christian and faith-based attractions such as TBN's The Holy Land Experience, and The Shrine of Christ's Passion
  • Design a fellowship cruise with faith-based cruise companies such as Premier Christian Cruises
  • Discuss opportunities with retreat conference centers such as Lifeway Conference Centers
  • Get ready for Oberammergau with The German National Tourist Office, as well as other local German tourism officials who can help you plan and prepare for your trip to next year's renowned Passion Play
  • Tickets purchased in advance are $20...plus you get an autographed copy of The Christian Travel Planner! Books are limited so please fax back the below registration today to ensure your copy.

    Tickets at the door are $35 (book not included).

    FAX YOUR REGISTRATION TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR BOOK! (859.226.4434)

    Download your registration.

Questions or would you like to register over the phone? Contact WRTA/Expo Staff at 859.226.4203 or visit

October 25, 2009

ASTA’s IDE 2010: Discover How to Build a Thriving Faith-based Travel Program Centered on the World's Top Religious Sites in the Holy Land

Read full story at http://www.asta.org/News/PRDetail.cfm?itemnumber=5937

Niche Session
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.
Moderator: Kevin J. Wright, President - World Religious Travel Association.
Panelists will include leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern Destinations.

Travel agents will discover how to develop a thriving and diverse faith-based travel program centered on the great religious itineraries stretching across these ancient and biblically-rich lands such as Turkey, Armenia, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, and much more. Attendees will return home equipped with the much-needed knowledge and strategies to immediately impact their faith-based travel program, no matter whether they are new to religious tourism or a long-term expert.

Qualified travel agents and journalists who register to attend IDE will also receive free accommodation for the four nights of the conference, April 19-22, in Istanbul. Check www.ASTA.org/expo to register for IDE and see which hotels are available. For more information or to register, go to ASTA.org/events.

ABOUT ASTA
ASTA's (American Society of Travel Agents) mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable, growing and a rewarding place to work, invest and do business.

October 18, 2009

Going on Faith Interview with Kevin J. Wright

To view the Going on Faith Conference interview between GOF Editor Brian Jewell and WRTA President Kevin J. Wright, click here: http://bit.ly/GoingOnFaith2009KevinWright1

Topics covered include:
1) The growth of Religious Tourism
2) The outlook for Religious Tourism
3) The Christian Travel Planner guidebook

October 13, 2009

Tourism Cares announces partnership with the World Religious Travel Association

Canton, Mass. (October 13, 2009) – Tourism Cares, the tourism industry’s premier charitable organization for preservation, conservation, restoration and education, has announced its association partnership with the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), the leading global network for the 300 million traveler faith tourism industry.

“We are excited and privileged to name Tourism Cares as WRTA’s official philanthropy,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA President. “Preserving the travel experience for future generations is imperative for all segments of the tourism industry. For this reason, WRTA looks forward to promoting and supporting Tourism Cares’ many important events, including this fall’s Tourism Rocks at the co-located NTA Convention and World Religious Travel Expo in Reno, Nevada.”

WRTA exists to serve as a networking and educational venue for religious tourism, including both trade and traveler. WRTA’s role is to also promote the faith-based travel experience around the world. The partnership with Tourism Cares provides the travel industry with another significant voice to preserving the travel experience for future generations.

“There are no travelers in the world more conscious of culture and antiquities than those who travel to discover the roots of religion. Part of Tourism Cares’ mission is to make sure these treasures are there when they arrive.”, said Bruce Beckham, Executive Director, Tourism Cares. “I am sure the WRTA members will be avid supporters of our cause.”

As part of the partnership, WRTA will be highlighting direct to its members the many ways they can get involved with the mission of Tourism Cares. This includes everything from promoting Tourism Rocks to the NTA Convention Auction to volunteering time at Tourism Cares projects and much more.

About Tourism Cares:
Tourism Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity that benefits society by preserving the travel experience for future generations by awarding grants to natural, cultural and historic sites worldwide; by presenting academic and service-focused scholarships to students of hospitality and tourism; and by organizing volunteer efforts to restore tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. For additional information about Tourism Cares, please visit www.tourismcares.org.

WRTA Expo to Host Industry’s Largest-Ever Educational and Business Seminar Program on Faith Tourism

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct 7, 2009) – After hosting the industry’s first-ever, historic international gathering for the $18 billion religious travel marketplace in fall 2008, the World Religious Travel Association is expanding its vision and reach yet again in 2009. At this fall’s 2nd annual World Religious Travel Expo, WRTA will host the industry’s largest and most comprehensive educational seminar and business program ever assembled. As a result of the remarkable caliber of the event and presentations scheduled, Expo delegates can earn a maximum of 3 CEUs through The Travel Institute.


The all-star line-up of impressive speakers includes the globally-recognized religious travel expert, Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president; North America’s top faith-based marketing authority, Greg Stielstra, Faith-based Marketing and Pyromarketing author; travel industry’s leading retail expert and NACTA president, Scott Koepf; as well as government officials including Jordan Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Her Excellency Mrs. Maha Khatib, and Palestine Minister of Tourism & Antiquities, Her Excellency Dr. Khouloud Daibes.

Numerous travel industry executives and authorities have also been selected to speak including Torre Ossmo, vice president Faithful Holidays/Division of Mayflower Tours; Bob Faucett, vice president Unitours; George Vella, sales manager North America, German National Tourist Board, Jim Buddendorf, president MTS Travel; George Van der Wath, president Groups 2 Africa; Mirko Capodanno, Switzerland Tourism; Fuad Kattan, president ACA Travel & Tourism (Palestine); Michelle Clavijo-Diaz, Lifetree Adventures; Cindi Brodhecker, president Faith Travel Development and Consulting, and many more. With dozens of speakers planned for Expo 2009, the presenters represent a wide variety of backgrounds and destinations including India, Armenia, Cyprus, Africa, Germany, Switzerland, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Canada, Mexico, the United States, and more.


“I’m like a kid in a candy store with this remarkable array of speakers,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “The sheer wealth of knowledge and wisdom among these speakers is exactly what is needed for every Expo delegate to plan and prepare for their best year ever in 2010. It is simply a tremendous honor for WRTA to host such an extraordinary and inspiring group of speakers. This is a testament to the power and prestige of today’s faith tourism marketplace.”
The Expo 2009 General Sessions and Educational Seminars are listed as follows, each expanding upon the convention theme: Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever. For a complete listing of all educational opportunities and speakers, visit www.wrtaexpo.com/WRTA+Expo/Education/.

GENERAL SESSIONS
* Soundbites from the Global Faith Tourism Industry: What’s Happening & What’s to Come in 2010 (Speakers include leading tourism representatives)
* Faith-based Marketing: How to effectively reach, and serve, America's highest spending consumer group (Greg Stielstra, North America’s Top Authority on Faith-based Marketing)
* Five things to do to Make 2010 your Best Year Ever! (Scott Koepf, NACTA President)
* Signature Event: The Holy Land Panel Moderated by Malia Asfour, Director North America, Jordan Tourism plus leading tourism officials from Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece

EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS
* How to build a thriving religious travel program with the right products, experiences, and quality. Moderator: Cindi Brodhecker, President, Faith Travel Development and Consulting
* Discover fascinating new trends, destinations and faith vacation experiences for the 21st century religious traveler: Faith-based cruises, missionary travel, African safaris, India, Armenia, and much more. Moderator: Darrell Burrow, Director of Sales, Premier Christian Cruises
* Make 2010 your best year ever in religious group travel: Learn about Oberammergau, Santiago de Compostela’s Holy Year, Shroud of Turin, Year of the Priest, and Much More Moderator: Bob Faucett, Vice President, Unitours
* How to effectively use Social Media and PR to build your religious clientele: Includes LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, blogging, creating your own social network, writing press releases and much more. Moderator, Kevin J. Wright, WRTA President
* PyroMarketing: Igniting “group travel planner” evangelists and keeping them for life Moderator: Greg Stielstra plus prominent group planners/leaders

"As a speaker and exhibitor for the second year, I am honored to play such an important part again this year," said Torre Ossmo, vice president and general manager for Faithful Holidays. "I want to congratulate and thank WRTA for having such a great line up for the educational conference this year. The presentations, discussion topics and information provided at the educational conference will be crucial to the attendees, especially as we’re all looking for success as we address the market challenges ahead."WRTA is currently taking registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations, travel professionals, and group planners from 30-plus countries.

A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Convention ‘09, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to new market opportunities.

October 10, 2009

NTA and WRTA working together to increase tourism industry

Read full story at http://www.travelagentcentral.com/home-based/conferences/nta-can-open-door-tour-sales-17797

More good news. The NTA – one of the largest and best-managed associations – has co-locating the conference with the World Religious Travel Association's (WRTA) Expo. This gives tour operators the opportunity to enhance their market share and grow their faith-based product line. Like the China inbound market, faith based products are a growing and lucrative market. The NTA hopes that tour operators can enhance their market share and grow their faith-based product line. WRTA expects about 100 exhibitors representing a variety of travel companies and destinations specializing in faith-based travel.

September 29, 2009

Travel agents video (Expo)

Travel Agents: Are you thinking about attending the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo?

Click here to wath our video designed for just you: http://bit.ly/WRTABuyerSlideshow

September 24, 2009

World Religious Travel Expo Provides Opportunity to Increase Revenues Twelve-fold and Profits Four-fold

World Religious Travel Expo Provides an Opportunity
to Increase Revenues Twelve-fold and Profits Four-fold

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 24, 2009) – Numbers don’t lie. A landmark study finds that for every dollar invested in travel for face-to-face meetings, companies can expect an average twelve-fold increase ($12.50) in revenues and four-fold increase ($3.80) in new profits. The World Religious Travel Expo 2009 is no exception as the tradeshow presents travel providers an opportunity to dramatically increase their revenues and profits in the $18 billion faith-based travel and hospitality industry.
The study commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association and completed by global research firm Oxford Economics, shows measurable negative impacts of cutting business travel and trade show attendance from the budget:
» The average business in the U.S. would forfeit 17% of its profits in the first year by eliminating business travel
» It would take three years to recover those lost profits

“These statistics clearly demonstrate the immense value of attending tradeshows, but even more, confirm once and for all the return on investment provided to conference attendees,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “This is all the more important in the burgeoning religious travel industry, where doing business face-to-face is simply expected in this marketplace. The World Religious Travel Expo features the premier venue for buying, selling and discovering new suppliers/product ideas in faith tourism.”

The WRTA Expo is positioned to provide delegates an even higher ROI, especially when taking into account the exceptional rates to attend the Expo, as well as the very affordable overnight hotel rates. Travel agents pay just $35 (for WRTA Members) and $85 (for non-WRTA Members) to attend the World Religious Travel Expo, which includes meal functions, tradeshow floor access, educational seminars, and entertainment events. Hotel rates at the official Expo host hotel (Atlantis Resort and Spa) in Reno, Nevada, begin at just $59 per night.

WRTA is currently taking registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to once again draw hundreds of tourism organizations, travel professionals, agents, and group planners from 30-plus countries.
A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Convention ‘09, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking and access to new market opportunities.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact WRTA at: 888-255-WRTA (9872) or +1-859-219-3529

September 23, 2009

New Expo 2009 video released for interested Exhibitors

We just released our newest 1-minute video for Expo 2009 Exhibitors (either confirmed or interested).

Just click here to view and enjoy: http://bit.ly/2009ExpoExhibitors

September 21, 2009

Just announced: New NTA Convention Panel featuring Greg Stielstra

Faith-based Marketing Revenue Secrets: Featuring Two Industry Experts
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10:15–11:30 a.m.
Featured Speakers:
Kevin J. Wright, president, World Religious Travel Association
Greg Stielstra, author, Faith-based Marketing and Pyromarketing

An Industry First! Join Kevin J. Wright, president of NTA strategic partner the World Religious Travel Association, and Greg Stielstra, North America’s top faith-based marketing authority, as together they lead a fascinating and remarkable discussion on how to effectively work with the $18 billion faith-based market. From pilgrimages, missions and conventions to adventure trips, leisure vacations and cruises, “religious travel and hospitality” is much broader than most people think. With two industry-leading experts at the helm, Kevin and Greg will change the way you do business forever with this new clientele and revenue opportunity.

For more info about the NTA Convention and above panel, visit http://www.ntaonline.com/Convention09/

September 1, 2009

Greg Stielstra, North America's Top Faith-based Marketing Expert to Headline World Religious Travel Expo

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug 31, 2009) – One of North America’s top authorities on faith-based marketing and word-of mouth marketing will address the travel industry, for the first time ever, at the World Religious Travel Expo 2009. The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) just named Greg Stielstra, the marketing director behind The Purpose Driven Life, the fastest-selling hardcover book in American history and a faith-based marketing phenomenon, as the
headline speaker at this fall’s celebrated event. Stielstra is also best known as the author of Faith-based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers (HarperCollins, 2005) and PyroMarketing: The Four Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep Them For Life (Wiley, 2009).

“We hit the jackpot in landing Greg Stielstra as the Sunday luncheon keynoter,” said WRTA President Kevin J. Wright. “The most frequently asked question by every travel provider and supplier in relation to the religious market is ‘How do we effectively reach pastors and the faith-based consumer?’ Greg will share the fascinating marketing principles behind the mega-success of The Passion of the Christ movie and The Purpose Driven Life book, and how these same
principles can and should be applied by each organization in the travel industry.”

Stielstra is an innovative thinker, speaker, consultant and author. An expert in word-of-mouth, faith-based, and social network marketing, he speaks regularly at Word of Mouth Marketing Association conference and numerous other events including AdTech New York and the prestigious Forbes CMO Summit. His work has 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.

“People of faith are the largest, most loyal, and highest spending market segment in the United States with 140 million weekly church-goers who spend $5.1 trillion annually,” said Stielstra. “To be successful, you must first understand the religious consumer power niche—and how to effectively reach them. I will help the travel industry understand who makes up the faith community, what they want, and what it takes to appeal to them. We’ll also discuss common mistakes marketers make in dealing with the faith-based market; how to serve rather than sell to them; and what works and doesn’t work when dealing with pastors and other religious leaders. Above all, I’ll provide practical guidance for creating faith-based marketing plans that work.”

With one in four Americans expressing interest in taking a faith-based trip, and religious tourism expected to double by 2012, many travel providers and destinations have recently significantly expanded their faith-based marketing efforts including Trafalgar Tours, Globus family of brands, Collette Vacations, Faithful Holidays (division of Mayflower Tours), CIE Tours, Homeric Tours, TravelBound, Ed-Ventures Worldwide Tours, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, the Jordan Tourist Board, Switzerland Tourism, as well as many Convention and Visitor Bureaus and other suppliers including Passport Health. WRTA is currently taking registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most
important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations, travel professionals, and group planners from 30-plus countries.

A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Convention ‘09, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking and access to 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 email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com and http://www.wrtaexpo.com/ respectively.

August 26, 2009

Africa Travel Association (ATA) & WRTA Renew Partnership

NEW YORK, New York, August 24, 2009 – The Africa Travel Association (ATA) and the World
Religious Travel Association (WRTA) announced today the continuation of their partnership
agreement, aiming to support both organizations’ endeavors in the promotion of religious travel
trade.

“The Africa Travel Association (ATA) is excited to work with the World Religious Travel
Association (WRTA) to promote faith-based tourism to Africa,” said ATA Executive Director,
Edward Bergman. “Religious tourism is certainly a growing niche market for travelers to the
African continent and the partnership with WRTA will help us educate our membership on faithbased tourism opportunities.”

According to WRTA, religious travel and hospitality opportunities can be found across Africa in
four main ways: visiting a religious destination; attending a religious gathering; traveling for
missionary or humanitarian purposes; or leisure traveling with fellowship intent.

“Faith-based tourism attracts 300 million travelers worldwide, who spend $18 billion annually,”
said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA President. “We look forward to once again working with ATA,
especially as Africa has long served as a top destination for people of faith. In fact, among the
wide variety of travel experiences the continent offers, faith-based African safaris are quickly
becoming one of the most popular new trends in religious travel today.”

Under the new partnership agreement, ATA and its members will participate in the WRTA World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference to be held from November 14-16, 2009 in Reno, Nevada. WRTA will participate in ATA events in the United States and Africa, including ATA’s 35th Annual Congress to be held in The Gambia in May 2010.
About the Africa Travel Association (ATA).

The Africa Travel Association (ATA) was established as an international travel industry trade
association in 1975. ATA’s mission is to promote travel, tourism and transport to and within
Africa, and to strengthen intra-Africa partnerships. As the world’s premier travel industry trade association, ATA provides services to a broad range of members including: tourism, diaspora,
culture, and sports ministers, tourism boards, airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators,
travel trade media, public relations firms, consulting companies, non-profit organizations,
businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other organizations engaged in tourism
promotion. For more information, visit www.africatravelassociaton.org or call +1.212.447.1357.

WRTA's debuts our new logos for this fall's Expo theme

WRTA is proud to debut our logo for this fall's World Religious Travel Expo.....







August 23, 2009

WRTA to host Faith-based Travel & Cruising Webcast with CCRA

Want to register for CCRA's Webcast with WRTA? Visit http://bit.ly/WebcastCCRAFaithTravel to register. For more information about the Webcast, see below.....

Title: Learn How to Succeed in Faith-Based Travel and Cruising
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am PDT; 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT

CCRA International and the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) invite you to discover one of tourism’s hottest new markets: Faith-based travel and cruising.

Did you know one in four Americans is interested in joining a faith-based trip? And did you know 2008 served as a record year for religious tourism in Israel, Jordan, Lourdes (France), and the like? Best yet…. 2010 is expected to be another banner year in religious tourism especially with world renowned events taking place such as Oberammergau’s Passion Play, Santiago de Compostela’s Holy Year, and the unveiling of the Shroud of Turin in Italy. With world-class tour operators and cruise companies recently entering the marketplace and debuting faith-based trips and vacations, there’s never been a better time for travel agents to get involved!

Join Kevin J. Wright, President of the World Religious Travel Association and award-winning religious travel author, as he shares the 5 key steps to experiencing extraordinary success in today’s hot new market: faith-based travel and cruising. Sign up now!

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

August 18, 2009

2nd Year of Partnering with the Africa Travel Association (ATA)

WRTA is proud to announce the 2nd year of our partnership with the Africa Travel Association (ATA).

For more information about ATA, visit http://africatravelassociation.org/ata/premier/travel_industry_event.html

August 17, 2009

New WRTA Webinar Released: Revenue Secrets from Faith Tourism Experts

WRTA's newest Webinar has just been released: Revenue Secrets from Faith Tourism Experts - How to Flourish in a Thriving New Market.

The Webinar also features highlights from the World Religious Travel Expo.

To view the Webinar, visit the homepage of http://www.WRTAexpo.com/

August 14, 2009

NACTA President, Scott Koepf, Keynote Speaker at World Religious Travel Expo

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 14, 2009) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has named NACTA President, Scott Koepf, as keynote speaker for the final day of the World Religious Travel Expo 2009.

“We are ecstatic about Scott Koepf serving as a keynote speaker at the World Religious Travel Expo,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As a motivational speaker and sales trainer with two decades-plus experience in the travel industry, Scott is the ideal candidate for sharing with delegates how to make 2010 their best year ever.”

Koepf is recognized as one of the leading authorities and representatives of travel agents in the industry. With more than 25 years in retail travel, Scott became president of the National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) in 2008. Prior to his current position, Scott was with Sabre Holdings as general manager of the Jurni Consortium, TMA and the host Travel agency, Nexion. He opened a cruise travel agency in 1985 and in 1989 became president of Cruise Holidays International. Scott was responsible for taking the franchise company from 12 franchises to over 120. In 1991 he returned to owning an agency, which quickly became one of the top cruise selling agencies in the country.

“I am thrilled to be a keynote speaker for the WRTA Expo in Reno,” said Scott Koepf, NACTA president. “First, as a graduate of the University of Nevada in Reno, the destination will serve as a memorable homecoming. Secondly, the conference theme Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever is perfect and I will dig into how you can make that happen—even in these remarkable times. I might even slip in a few never-before-told college stories to spice things up!”

With a special partnership between WRTA and NACTA, all NACTA travel agent members are eligible for a special $35 rate to attend the World Religious Travel Expo.

The Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations and travel professionals from 30-plus countries.

A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association’s Convention, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to new market opportunities.

For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, including registering for the special NACTA member travel agency rate, contact the World Religious Travel Association

July 10, 2009

Religious Travel Buzz Newsletter (July 10)

Lead Story: WRTA Launches e-Library with 2,500+ Faith Tourism News Stories
How would you like immediate access to more than 2,500 top news stories and articles on faith tourism from 1998 through 2008 - and all categorized for your convenience? It's now possible. WRTA has just assembled and debuted the most comprehensive, categorized database of religious travel news stories on the Internet. More than 70 categories have been assigned and classified. All WRTA Members have access to this invaluable resource.

Top News Stories from WRTA, Members, and the Religious Travel Industry
3 Major Religious Travel Events in 2010
1. Breaking News! Pope Benedict just announced: Shroud of Turin will be displayed in 2010 2. Oberammergau hosts Passion Play
3. Holy Year in Santiago de Compostela - 10 million visitors expected

News Stories featuring WRTA Members
(Member: Jordan Tourism) Following Faith
(Member: Israel Tourism) Israel declares Holy Land refocus
(Member: Passport Health) Taking the bite out of travel - Wall St. Journal
(Member: Globus) Globus Predicts Growth In Faith-Based Vacations for 2010

New Stories featuring interviews with WRTA
Religious tourism is bright spot in downturn (AME Info/Middle East News)
Pilgrims boost luxury tourism (The National/United Arab Emirates)
Following Faith (Jo Publication/Jordan)
Millions opt for religious tourism (The Portugal News Online)
NTA Convention brings Faith-based Market to Delegates (Press Release)

More News Stories in Faith Tourism
USA
Colorado: Thank God for Conventions (Coloradoan)
Florida: Holy Land Trips in Florida?
Missouri: Faithful flock to Springfield (News Leader)
North Carolina: Winston-Salem targets religious groups for tourism dollars (Fox 8 News)
The RCMA Survey: The Religious Meetings Market

INTERNATIONAL
France: Pilgrimage to Chartres (PBS)
India: Kashmir Pilgrimage gets under way
Iraq has huge potential for religious tourism
Nepal and Religious Tourism (Travel and Leisure Magazine)
Poland: Study religious tourism in Krakow
Spiritual retreats cater to the mind, body, and soul
Summer missions: A Pastor's Checklist
Turkey: Destinations to discover in Turkey

New! Special Tours, Vacations, and Events
Welcome to the newest section of Religious Travel Buzz! With each future issue of "the Buzz," WRTA will feature select tours, vacations, and events for publication. This new section will enable travel agents, planners, and other buyers to discover special deals and itineraries that exist in faith tourism. If you wish to submit a trip/event for possible publication, here are the three criteria:
• Your company must be a current WRTA Member.
• Your company must be registered as a Tour Operator, Destination, or Supplier member (Note: Travel agent and planners do not qualify)
• Your tour, vacation, or event must feature one or both of the following attributes: - Feature some form of discount or other related incentive (i.e. special commissions). - Feature a very unique itinerary, vacation, or event.

Here are this week's chosen sample trips and events:
Mission Travel Group Hosting group trips to the 3 major religious travel events in 2010
MTS Travel A Pilgrimage to England with The Order of Julian of Norwich
Royal Caribbean: Holy Land Cruise with special deals

Are You a Religious Travel Expert? Take the Faith Tourism Quiz
Want to find out if you're "cutting edge" in today's religious travel industry?
Take the short 5 question quiz below and test your expertise level.

1. Who developed the world's first escorted group travel company?
(Hint: He was a Methodist minister from England).

2. What are the two largest religious groups in the U.S. market?

3. Name three reasons and/or "motives" behind religious travel purchases.

4. (True or False question) The Seven Churches of Revelation are located in Israel.

5. (True or False question) People of faith embark on a wide variety of leisure group vacations such as cruises and safaris.

How can you find the answers to the above questions?
Review your Religious Travel Market Educational Course (only Members have access). If you haven't studied and mastered the nearly 40-page educational course on faith tourism, now is the time. All success in religious travel begins with understanding today's marketplace.

Are You Maximizing Your Member Benefits?
Fill Out Your Own Report Card
Time for report cards. How do you think you and/or your company is doing in maximizing your WRTA Membership benefits? Would you give your company an "A" for a top grade or an "F" for failing.....or something in-between? Find out by filling out your own Membership Report Card.

Expo 2009 Update: More than 50 Booths Sold! Are You Registered Yet?
Despite challenging times in the travel industry, the World Religious Travel Expo is on target for welcoming more delegates than last year's historic inaugural 2008 Expo. In the past 3 months alone, more than 50 exhibit booths have been sold. Multiple Expo sponsorships have also been sold including among others the German National Tourist Office, Leipzig Tourism and Marketing Company, Routes to Luther, Reno-Tahoe CVA, Theatre Direct International, and Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center.

If your organization has not yet registered to attend or exhibit at this celebrated event, call WRTA today and secure your spot. Best locations on the tradeshow floor are quickly disappearing along with top sponsorship opportunities.

Just for Fun - Faith Tourism Links Galore
2009 Religious Travel Buyer's Guide
Brochure: Sponsorship and Exhibitor Guide to Expo 2009
Guidebooks: The Christian Travel Planner
Guidebooks: Catholic Shrines of Western Europe
Guidebooks: Europe's Monastery & Convent Guesthouses
Guidebooks: Marian Shrines of the United StatesVideos from WRTA Members
Video: Discover the World of Faith Tourism
Video: Experience the World Religious Travel Expo
Website: World Religious Travel Expo

June 28, 2009

Religious Travel set for "banner year" of special celebrations

Religious Tourism is expected to have banner year in 2010. Many celebrations and events are taking place at shrines and pilgrimage places around the world. The following are amonng the top 3 religious events and celebrations in 2010:

(GERMANY) The every-decade Passion Play takes place in 2010 in Oberammergau, Germany.

(SPAIN) Santiago de Compostela to celebrate its Holy Year in 2010. An estimated 10 million pilgrims and visitors are expected.

(ITALY)The Shroud of Turin, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Christ, is scheduled for the first time in 10 years to be displayed for the public in 2010.

If you are a travel provider for people of faith, be sure to integrate these itineraries into your portfolio. If you're a traveler, you might consider traveling to the Passion Play, Sanitago de Compostela, or to Italy to see the Shroud of Turin.

June 25, 2009

WRTA Announces Expo Theme: "Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever"

WRTA Announces Theme of Fall Expo
“Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever”

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 25, 2009) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced “Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever” as its official theme for this fall’s World Religious Travel Expo. The newly chosen motto will serve as the guiding principle and overall purpose of the three-day event.

“Our theme serves as an invitation to tap into the flourishing religious travel and hospitality industry,” said WRTA president, Kevin J. Wright. “We all know this is a very trying time for many companies. However, as faith tourism provides new market and revenue possibilities, the World Religious Travel Expo provides organizations with a renewed opportunity to experience their best year yet.”

Faith-based travel and hospitality has become an important new market segment for many tour operators, travel agents, destinations and suppliers in the industry. In the past year alone, the religious market has taken on even greater significance, due to its recession-proof and groups-dominated attributes. An estimated 75% of faith-based travelers prefer to travel in group settings while 80% would like to repeat their religious travel experience. Challenging times only serve to bring people of faith together in greater numbers for travel or convention purposes; providing a much needed “stimulus” to the industry.

WRTA recently opened registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations and travel professionals from 30-plus countries.

A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Annual Convention, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to 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 email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com and www.WRTAexpo.com respectively.

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June 23, 2009

New printing of Catholic Shrines of Western Europe just released


An updated version and printing of Liguori's Catholic Shrines of Western Europe - A Pilgrim's Travel Guide, was just released. It features a beautiful new book cover with a photo of the Basilica of Assisi (Italy), as well as provides fully updated contact info, websites, and email addresses for the shrines. In addition, a new section on how to build a travel ministry is included. The new version can be purchaed direct from Liguori publications. For more info or to buy your copy today, call Liguori at (800) 325-9521 or click here http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?sku=801020

June 21, 2009

Spotlight on Members: Travelbound, McAllen CVB, Ed-Ventures, Decatur Travel Agency

WRTA's (Month of June) Featured Spotlight Members - Meeting the 'Who's Who' in Faith Tourism
- Travel Bound
- McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Ed-Ventures, Inc
- Decatur Travel Agency

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Travel Bound

If you could summarize your organization in one sentence, what would it be?
Selling exclusively to the travel trade, Travel Bound is a leading wholesale FIT and group tour operator, offering more than 90,000 hotel rooms every night in over 110 countries worldwide plus a wide range of sightseeing tours, excursions, transfers and other travel services.

How is your organization involved in religious travel and hospitality?
Offering flexible tours to a wide variety of religious destinations to all religious faiths.

What specific products and/or services does your organization provide for faith-based travelers, groups and organizations?
Besides Hotel and services, Travel Bound can arrange religious services as part of the tour experience.

What is your organization's competitive advantage in the marketplace, and more specifically, within religious travel?
As a brand of GTA by Travelport, Travel Bound maintains a global network of over 25 offices to ensure local coordination and assistance.

Tell us about the "people behind your organization." What makes your personnel among the best in the industry for both the travel trade and consumers to work with?
The Travel Bound team comprises of 21 different nationalities spread across all continents around the global. All staff are highly knowledgeable and well travelled to the destinations on offer to the religious tour operator.

If there is one thing about your organization that you would like for every travel professional and planner to know about (and remember you by), what would it be?
Flexibility - Travel Bound is flexible to the needs of every group. We have a wide database of contracts and can adapt any pre-set tour to suit the needs of any religious group.

Contact Information
Tommy Ryder
Director
Travel Bound
Email: tommy.ryder@gta-travel.com
Tel: 212-376-5413
www.booktravelbound.com



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McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau

If you could summarize your organization in one sentence, what would it be?
The McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau is ready to make your next stay or meeting a positive and memorable experience.

How is your organization involved in religious travel and hospitality?
We assist religious conventions with various complimentary incentives if 500 room nights are booked at McAllen hotels while utilizing the New McAllen Convention Center.

What specific products and/or services does your organization provide for faith-based travelers, groups and organizations?
If they qualify, we would offer an array of awesome incentives.

What is your organization's competitive advantage in the marketplace, and more specifically, within religious travel?
Great weather, wonderful restaurants, and airport is 3 minutes from the New McAllen Convention Center.

If there is one thing about your organization that you would like for every travel professional and planner to know about (and remember you by), what would it be?
We are friendly, hard-working, and ready to assist in the planning of your next event in McAllen, "The Texas Tropics".

Contact Information
Ernesto D. Arredondo
Director of Sales
McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau
Email: ernie@mcallencvb.com
Tel 956-240-8033
www.mcallencvb.com


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Ed-Ventures, Inc.

If you could summarize your organization in one sentence, what would it be?
Ed-Ventures is a family owned and operated company specializing in worldwide tours with a purpose.

How is your organization involved in religious travel and hospitality?
Ed-Ventures has been customizing tours for operators and travel agents for over 30 years. In recent years our focus has shifted to faith-based travel with a special emphasis on the Passion Play, Footsteps of Paul, the Holy Land and Egypt, and the Reformation era. We have also arranged travel and volunteer opportunities for mission groups in Central America and pilgrimages to Italy and other destinations.

What specific products and/or services does your organization provide for faith-based travelers, groups and organizations?
We are operating many tours to the Oberammergau Passion Play, Foot Steps of Paul, Egypt, Rome, the Holy Land, and the lands of the Reformers. In addition, we are cooperating on the promotion of university classes on the Sea of Galilee and have operated several tours to Catholic World Youth Day.

What is your organization's competitive advantage in the marketplace, and more specifically, within religious travel?
Our advantage in the marketplace lies in the relationships we have established throughout the world. Our office staff is diverse in church affiliations and active within their churches. Most of our twelve member staff are bi-lingual and all are sensitive to cross-cultural and inter-religious issues. We have contacts in several countries that have approached us about promotion of faith based travel.

Tell us about the "people behind your organization." What makes your personnel among the best in the industry for both the travel trade and consumers to work with?
Our company is special because of our staff. They are culturally informed due to the fact that 98% of our tours are international. Most of our staff are bilingual and 50% have spent extended time in foreign lands. Our approach to travel arrangements is collaborative. We view the planning process as a dialogue between us, our travel partners, and our suppliers. In so doing, we can make special things happen. A tour becomes a life-changing experience. It is our goal that those who travel with Ed-Ventures learn not only from "ancient stones," but from "living stones."

If there is one thing about your organization that you would like for every travel professional and planner to know about (and remember you by), what would it be?
We would like them to know we are a company of integrity. What you see is what you get! What we promise is what you will receive!

Contact Information
Paul Larsen
Vice President
Ed-Ventures, Inc.
pcl@ed-ventures.com
Tel 800-658-7128
www.ed-ventures.com


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Decatur Travel Agency

If you could summarize your organization in one sentence, what would it be?
Our clients are my priority to plan their dream vacations.

How is your organization involved in religious travel and hospitality?
Getting involved in our community.

Tell us about the "people behind your organization." What makes your personnel among the best in the industry for both the travel trade and consumers to work with?
We speak different language, world travelers and have many years experience in the travel industry.

If there is one thing about your organization that you would like for every travel professional and planner to know about (and remember you by), what would it be?
We are patient and trustworthy.

Contact Information
Luz I. Rosario
Travel Agent Group Planner Specialist
Decatur Travel Agency
Email: prbon1414@aol.com
Tel: 404.308.9501
http://decaturtravelagency.com/

New "Discover the World of Faith Tourism" video released on YOU TUBE

WRTA released in June its new video on YOU TUBE: "Discover the World of Faith Tourism". To view the video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcElYcOxVrc

June 3, 2009

World Religious Travel Expo video released

WRTA just released its inspriational World Relgious Travel Expo video on YOU TUBE. It can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c25vbpwqQ1o

April 29, 2009

Registrations Open for World Religious Travel Expo

Registrations are now open for the World Religious Travel Expo 2009.

When is the Expo? Nov 14-16, 2008

Where is the Expo? Reno, Nevada (USA)

What is the official website? www.WRTAexpo.com

How can I register for the Expo? Call 888-255-9782 or 859-219-3529 or email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com

April 13, 2009

WRTA Sets Stage for Bright New Future; Debuts New Logo & Website

WRTA Sets Stage for Bright New Future

April 2, 2009: Last week we promised you that WRTA was “ready to make some noise.” This week, we are fulfilling it. We have three major announcements, all of which set the stage for a very bright and exciting future ahead for WRTA and its members. Here they are…..

The Unveiling of WRTA’s New Logo – A Beacon of Light in the Travel Industry

WRTA is proud to unveil our NEW official logo. If you’ve been following the World Religious Travel Association over the past several years, you know that WRTA has evolved from a new organization into one of the major voices of the travel industry. Or more aptly put, WRTA’s voice has become a beacon of light for tourism and hospitality. It is for this reason and more, that the new WRTA official logo incorporates a globe with sunrays of light. This symbol also reflects the luminosity of new opportunities that faith-based travel brings to the trade and traveler alike. As “The Source and Voice of the Religious Travel Industry,” WRTA is proud and honored to accept its role of serving as a beacon of light in the global economy, the travel marketplace, and within your organization.

Debut of new WRTA website address (and email addresses)
WRTA is very pleased to debut our new official company website address: www.WRTAreligioustravel.com. Our new website sums up exactly who we are and what we promote: “WRTA” and “religious travel.” Possibly best yet, our new website address is not only easier to remember, but also shorter!


Launch of new and redesigned WRTA website
It is with great joy that we release this week our newly re-designed and enhanced website. Along with being more beautiful and engaging, the new WRTA website also provides much easier navigation. Plus, you have much more to look forward to, as we’re still in rolling out new features (including the new “Quick Search” directories). So stay tuned….there is much more to come in the following weeks and months!

WRTA Announces Management Partnership with NTA and IMG Associations

World Religious Travel Association Announces
Management Partnership with NTA and IMG Associations

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 30, 2009) — The World Religious Travel Association has signed an agreement to be fully managed by the National Tour Association and its management company, IMG Associations. Under the new agreement, NTA and IMG staff will power the back‐of‐thehouse operations of WRTA. IMG Associations currently provides management services for NTA and will be supporting WRTA in its expansion efforts over the next three years.

"As an association that has experienced remarkable growth and visibility in its first two years, we are confident that the travel management expertise along with the knowledgeable staff, proven systems and intimate knowledge of the travel business that NTA and its management partner, IMG Associations, provides will further our development as a world‐class organization and leader in the travel industry," said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president.

In addition to an ongoing strategic partnership with NTA, WRTA’s 2009 World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference will be co‐located Nov. 14‐16 with the NTA Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, education, and networking.

“The NTA Board recognizes the value to the NTA membership of working with WTRA and
believes in the innovative and forward‐thinking management staff that has helped create the success of NTA,” said Lisa Simon, CTP, president of the National Tour Association. “NTA has a long and rich history and faith‐based travel is an important part of the overall industry. Together, members of both organizations can help strengthen their business as well as the travel community overall.”

In 2008, WRTA and NTA entered a unique agreement, in which the associations began working together to educate their members on the value of the faith tourism industry and bring new business opportunities to the members of both organizations. In fact, last year’s historic World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference was managed in part by NTA. Through the agreement, WRTA aligns itself with NTA’s strength and position in the packaged travel industry. NTA, an organization for tour operators, suppliers and destinations, has a highly respected reputation for excellent association management and successful conference execution. NTA will be sharing that expertise with WRTA, to help move the dynamic young association to the next level. Services will include communications, marketing, member services, administrative support, event management and technology services, as well as selling
advertising and corporate partnerships.

In return, NTA members will be gaining access to more diverse tour product with the 600‐plus buyers and sellers (from more than 30 countries) of faith‐based tours and packages expected in Reno. Faith‐based tourism is an $18 billion and 300 million traveler market segment and currently nearly 35 percent of NTA tour operators offer product for the faith‐based traveler.

WRTA Ready to Make Some Noise

March 27, 2009: You may have noticed. WRTA has been a little quiet the past couple of months. But not anymore. Why? We’ve been very busy behind-the-scenes preparing for our most remarkable year yet!

Beginning next week and throughout the month of April and beyond – we’ll be making a number of exciting announcements and launching new initiatives. Who will be the beneficiaries of these significant and ongoing endeavors? You of course!
So buckle your seatbelt and get ready for one very exciting ride over the coming weeks with WRTA. What do you have to look forward to? Here is just a brief insider’s glimpse:

WRTA announces its new management service relationship with the National Tour Association and IMG Associations
WRTA debuts its brand new logo
WRTA debuts its Membership Renewal Promotion
WRTA debuts its brand new website
WRTA debuts its four new official newsletters including….
The Religious Travel Buzz: Our flagship publication featuring WRTA and faith tourism industry news.
Spotlight on Members: Features engaging profiles, stories, and highlights of our members.
Expo 2009: Features up-to-date information and announcements regarding the 2nd Annual World Religious Travel Expo.
On The Cutting Edge: Members’ only publication featuring market trends, sales and marketing intelligence, latest products and services, and other cutting edge religious travel and hospitality insight you can get anywhere else.
WRTA debuts its new 2009 WRTA and Expo brochures
WRTA debuts its new social network groups including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more
WRTA debuts the world’s first-ever Religious Travel Buyer’s Guide (60 pages!)
WRTA debuts its inaugural Expo Sponsorship, Exhibitor, and Advertising Guide
WRTA debuts its own set of webinars
WRTA debuts exhibit booth and attendee registrations for World Religious Travel Expo 2009
And WRTA will be debuting much, much more. Stay tuned!.......