Going on Faith publication
Discovering Biblical Armenia
by Kevin J. Wright
Website link: http://www.goingonfaith.com/Article.aspx?id=123
Are you looking for that next destination to wow your members or clients? Are you looking for one that will generate unprecedented interest and enthusiasm among your group planners? And, are you looking for a destination that will make you a hero for discovering and recommending one of the most fascinating hidden gems of the faith-based travel industry? If so, then consider planning a tour to the biblical country of Armenia.
Read full story at Going on Faith http://www.goingonfaith.com/Article.aspx?id=123
March 29, 2010
Modern Pilgrims: Refreshing in Mind, Body, and Soul
The Liguorian
Cover story/Spring 2010 http://bit.ly/LiguorianPilgrimages
Modern Pilgrims: Refreshing in Mind, Body, and Soul
by Kevin J. Wright
Travel is ministry. Yes, you read that right: travel is ministry. And there is no clearer connection between travel and ministry than within the context of pilgrimage. The Catholic Church has understood this relationship for centuries and therefore has promoted the concept of and importance of embarking on pilgrimages since the time of Jesus Christ. But it didn’t begin there; Jews also understood the significance of sacred travel, and the Old Testament is replete with stories of pilgrimage. Today, in the twenty-first century, pilgrimages remain a vital ministry and mission of the Christian faith.
But what exactly is “travel ministry”? Let’s first take a look at the word ministry. Ministry is generally defined as the spreading of the Gospel through evangelization, catechesis, and/or fulfillment of the spiritual and physical needs of others. Ministry is the rendering of one’s services to God and people.
Read full story here: http://bit.ly/LiguorianPilgrimages
Cover story/Spring 2010 http://bit.ly/LiguorianPilgrimages
Modern Pilgrims: Refreshing in Mind, Body, and Soul
by Kevin J. Wright
Travel is ministry. Yes, you read that right: travel is ministry. And there is no clearer connection between travel and ministry than within the context of pilgrimage. The Catholic Church has understood this relationship for centuries and therefore has promoted the concept of and importance of embarking on pilgrimages since the time of Jesus Christ. But it didn’t begin there; Jews also understood the significance of sacred travel, and the Old Testament is replete with stories of pilgrimage. Today, in the twenty-first century, pilgrimages remain a vital ministry and mission of the Christian faith.
But what exactly is “travel ministry”? Let’s first take a look at the word ministry. Ministry is generally defined as the spreading of the Gospel through evangelization, catechesis, and/or fulfillment of the spiritual and physical needs of others. Ministry is the rendering of one’s services to God and people.
Read full story here: http://bit.ly/LiguorianPilgrimages
March 18, 2010
WRTA OPENS REGISTRATIONS TO WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO 2010
3rd Annual World Religious Travel Expo Provides New and Expanded Market Opportunities
WRTA opens exhibitor reservations to the industry’s largest religious tourism and hospitality tradeshow
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 18, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has opened exhibitor reservations for the 3rd Annual World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference. WRTA also unveiled the official theme of Expo 2010: Discover the World of Faith Tourism. The tradeshow will be held for the first time internationally in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from November 13-16, 2010.
“The World Religious Travel Expo is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the industry, so I’m thrilled to open up this opportunity to travel companies, destinations, and suppliers eager to take part in this remarkable event,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As we prepare to highlight the year in faith tourism, we’re expecting record attendance again at this fall’s tradeshow, especially with our second co-location with the annual NTA Convention. The Expo remains ‘the place to be’ for any organization or travel professional that wishes to buy, sell, and network in the religious marketplace.”
Faith-based travel and hospitality has evolved into a major market and pillar of the global travel industry. More than 300 million people each year embark on trips or events with their faith communities including pilgrimages, cruises, leisure vacations, conferences/events, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure travel, safaris, and more. The World Religious Travel Expo attracts tour operators, tourist offices, convention and visitor bureaus, motorcoach companies, hotels, attractions, suppliers, media, travel agents, and other tourism companies/professionals from throughout North America and around the world.
“We are excited about the upcoming WRTA Expo in Montreal and very much look forward to it,” said Mirko Capodanno, Manager Central USA and Canada. “Switzerland Tourism and our partners will be participating for the third consecutive time and the Expo marks an important and key event for us. Not only will it be a platform to promote faith-based travel in Zurich, Lucerne and the Ticino, but we’ll also be able to highlight train travel in Switzerland and our new partnership with Sunstar Hotels. Plus, it’s always a great opportunity to meet with the religious travel industry which is vital for us and also a lot of fun – an opportunity not to be missed!”
For Expo 2010, WRTA is excited to welcome new sponsors such as the Italian Government Tourist Board, Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, Innsbruck Tourist Board, and Tourisme Montréal. As well as our returning sponsors Switzerland Tourism, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, and VisitRochester.
The World Religious Travel Association will host this fall’s Expo again in conjunction with the NTA Convention. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members unprecedented opportunities for education, business expansion, networking, and new market opportunities. Last year’s WRTA Expo 2009 featured the theme “Make 2010 Year Best Year Ever” and the event’s Gold and Silver Sponsors included Reno-Tahoe, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, Globus family of brands, Switzerland Tourism, Jordan Tourism Board N.A., German National Tourist Office, Leipzig Tourism and Marketing Company, Routes to Luther, VisitBritain, VisitScotland, Canterbury Cathedral, VisitRochester, PhotoVision, Epiphany Media, LifeWay, and TBN Holy Land Experience.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/ or http://www.wrtaexpo.com/.
WRTA opens exhibitor reservations to the industry’s largest religious tourism and hospitality tradeshow
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 18, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has opened exhibitor reservations for the 3rd Annual World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference. WRTA also unveiled the official theme of Expo 2010: Discover the World of Faith Tourism. The tradeshow will be held for the first time internationally in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from November 13-16, 2010.
“The World Religious Travel Expo is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the industry, so I’m thrilled to open up this opportunity to travel companies, destinations, and suppliers eager to take part in this remarkable event,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As we prepare to highlight the year in faith tourism, we’re expecting record attendance again at this fall’s tradeshow, especially with our second co-location with the annual NTA Convention. The Expo remains ‘the place to be’ for any organization or travel professional that wishes to buy, sell, and network in the religious marketplace.”
Faith-based travel and hospitality has evolved into a major market and pillar of the global travel industry. More than 300 million people each year embark on trips or events with their faith communities including pilgrimages, cruises, leisure vacations, conferences/events, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure travel, safaris, and more. The World Religious Travel Expo attracts tour operators, tourist offices, convention and visitor bureaus, motorcoach companies, hotels, attractions, suppliers, media, travel agents, and other tourism companies/professionals from throughout North America and around the world.
“We are excited about the upcoming WRTA Expo in Montreal and very much look forward to it,” said Mirko Capodanno, Manager Central USA and Canada. “Switzerland Tourism and our partners will be participating for the third consecutive time and the Expo marks an important and key event for us. Not only will it be a platform to promote faith-based travel in Zurich, Lucerne and the Ticino, but we’ll also be able to highlight train travel in Switzerland and our new partnership with Sunstar Hotels. Plus, it’s always a great opportunity to meet with the religious travel industry which is vital for us and also a lot of fun – an opportunity not to be missed!”
For Expo 2010, WRTA is excited to welcome new sponsors such as the Italian Government Tourist Board, Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, Innsbruck Tourist Board, and Tourisme Montréal. As well as our returning sponsors Switzerland Tourism, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, and VisitRochester.
The World Religious Travel Association will host this fall’s Expo again in conjunction with the NTA Convention. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members unprecedented opportunities for education, business expansion, networking, and new market opportunities. Last year’s WRTA Expo 2009 featured the theme “Make 2010 Year Best Year Ever” and the event’s Gold and Silver Sponsors included Reno-Tahoe, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, Globus family of brands, Switzerland Tourism, Jordan Tourism Board N.A., German National Tourist Office, Leipzig Tourism and Marketing Company, Routes to Luther, VisitBritain, VisitScotland, Canterbury Cathedral, VisitRochester, PhotoVision, Epiphany Media, LifeWay, and TBN Holy Land Experience.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/ or http://www.wrtaexpo.com/.
March 9, 2010
WRTA PROCLAIMS 2010 THE YEAR OF TRAVEL MINISTRY
WRTA PROCLAIMS 2010 THE YEAR OF TRAVEL MINISTRY
The World Religious Travel Association to host Travel Ministry Conferences in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 4, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has designated 2010 The Year of Travel Ministry. Serving as a year-long campaign promoting the benefits of travel direct to faith-based communities and individuals, the purpose and goal of the new theme is three-fold: (1) Encourage people to integrate travel with their faith. (2) Assist faith communities in developing travel programs. (3) Promote and increase awareness of the many faith-based vacation opportunities available.
To kickoff the celebrations, WRTA has announced the hosting of five Travel Ministry Conferences across the United States throughout the summer in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego. Each half-day event is designed for religious leaders as well as group travel planners and individual travelers to learn and discover how to build (or enrich) a travel program at their respective faith community. This year’s theme and focus follows on the heels of WRTA’s 2009 declaration as The Year of Faith Tourism.
“Of the many wonderful initiatives we’ve put into place here at WRTA, we are especially excited about our Travel Ministry Conferences,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “For several years both the travel trade and faith-based communities have been asking us to host such events. With our new announcement, we’ll be making a lot of people joyful in 2010 and we expect these new conferences to be both very successful, as well as the start of a new era for WRTA’s regional activities.”
The Travel Ministry Conferences also provide an excellent venue for travel providers and tourism organizations to meet and interact with attendees, religious leaders, and travelers. Members of the travel trade can attend, exhibit at, or sponsor any or all of the Travel Ministry Conferences.
For more information about the Travel Ministry Conferences visit https://nymail.imgworld.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=bfe31953613b4b8b82c68ac1db947630&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wrtareligioustravel.com%2f. For faith-based communities, organizations and individuals interested in attending and participating in the Travel Ministry Conferences, contact WRTA staff.
The World Religious Travel Association to host Travel Ministry Conferences in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 4, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has designated 2010 The Year of Travel Ministry. Serving as a year-long campaign promoting the benefits of travel direct to faith-based communities and individuals, the purpose and goal of the new theme is three-fold: (1) Encourage people to integrate travel with their faith. (2) Assist faith communities in developing travel programs. (3) Promote and increase awareness of the many faith-based vacation opportunities available.
To kickoff the celebrations, WRTA has announced the hosting of five Travel Ministry Conferences across the United States throughout the summer in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego. Each half-day event is designed for religious leaders as well as group travel planners and individual travelers to learn and discover how to build (or enrich) a travel program at their respective faith community. This year’s theme and focus follows on the heels of WRTA’s 2009 declaration as The Year of Faith Tourism.
“Of the many wonderful initiatives we’ve put into place here at WRTA, we are especially excited about our Travel Ministry Conferences,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “For several years both the travel trade and faith-based communities have been asking us to host such events. With our new announcement, we’ll be making a lot of people joyful in 2010 and we expect these new conferences to be both very successful, as well as the start of a new era for WRTA’s regional activities.”
The Travel Ministry Conferences also provide an excellent venue for travel providers and tourism organizations to meet and interact with attendees, religious leaders, and travelers. Members of the travel trade can attend, exhibit at, or sponsor any or all of the Travel Ministry Conferences.
For more information about the Travel Ministry Conferences visit https://nymail.imgworld.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=bfe31953613b4b8b82c68ac1db947630&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wrtareligioustravel.com%2f. For faith-based communities, organizations and individuals interested in attending and participating in the Travel Ministry Conferences, contact WRTA staff.
Pilgrimage opportunities abound in 2010
Pilgrimage opportunities abound in 2010
By Tim PuetCatholic Times
March 7, 2010
Read full story at http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/TheCatholicTimes/pilgrimageoverview2010.aspx
The year 2010 should be one of the best ever for Catholic travelers, first-timers and veterans alike, who are looking for opportunities to take part in activities which are related to the Faith and don’t occur very often.
“This is a year for many big events that will attract pilgrims from around the world,” said Kevin Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, a Lexington, Ky.-based organization (http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/) which assists the $18 billion faith tourism industry by providing networking, educational, job market, and vacation opportunities for the travel trade and consumers.
“The Oberammergau Passion Play will be returning for its once-a-decade performances, the Shroud of Turin will be unveiled in Italy, it’s a Holy Year at Santiago de Compostela in Spain, one of the oldest pilgrimage sites, and the continuing Year of the Priest celebration is bringing large numbers of pilgrims to Ars,” the small town in France that was the home of St. John Vianney, declared as the universal patron of priests by Pope Benedict XVI.
Read full story at http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/TheCatholicTimes/pilgrimageoverview2010.aspx
By Tim PuetCatholic Times
March 7, 2010
Read full story at http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/TheCatholicTimes/pilgrimageoverview2010.aspx
The year 2010 should be one of the best ever for Catholic travelers, first-timers and veterans alike, who are looking for opportunities to take part in activities which are related to the Faith and don’t occur very often.
“This is a year for many big events that will attract pilgrims from around the world,” said Kevin Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, a Lexington, Ky.-based organization (http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/) which assists the $18 billion faith tourism industry by providing networking, educational, job market, and vacation opportunities for the travel trade and consumers.
“The Oberammergau Passion Play will be returning for its once-a-decade performances, the Shroud of Turin will be unveiled in Italy, it’s a Holy Year at Santiago de Compostela in Spain, one of the oldest pilgrimage sites, and the continuing Year of the Priest celebration is bringing large numbers of pilgrims to Ars,” the small town in France that was the home of St. John Vianney, declared as the universal patron of priests by Pope Benedict XVI.
Read full story at http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/TheCatholicTimes/pilgrimageoverview2010.aspx
March 1, 2010
Special Invitation to Discover Turkey & Attend IDE 2010
Special Invitation to Discover Turkey & Attend IDE 2010
Sign up today--Rates increase March 1
I am very excited to announce that WRTA is a proud sponsor of the 5th annual International Destination Expo (IDE). This April 19-22, in Istanbul, Turkey, the IDE will provide four action-packed days of educational sessions, networking with local suppliers from the Holy Land/Middle East, and captivating local sightseeing. IDE is unique in that it is the only destination-focused show that provides certifications of expertise to its attendees - this is a great way to expand your professional profile and attract new clients. Best yet, qualified travel agents will receive a 4 night hotel stay* with their registration.
I invite you to join me in Istanbul this April as we together discover what makes Turkey one of the world's leading religious destinations while also deepening our knowledge of this remarkable country!
As a reminder, rates increase March 1st so register today at
http://www.asta.org/Events/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1609
*Limited quantity available. Offer is first come, first served.
Attend our seminar at ASTA IDE 2010:
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
The panel's discussion will feature leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern destinations. Other faith-based seminars at IDE include Turkey, Europe's Unknown Pilgrimage Destination. In addition, you can explore Turkey's many religious sites firsthand on pre- and post- conference tours that are specially priced for IDE delegates.
See you in Turkey - where "East Meets West"...
Sincerely,
Kevin J. Wright
WRTA President
Sign up today--Rates increase March 1
I am very excited to announce that WRTA is a proud sponsor of the 5th annual International Destination Expo (IDE). This April 19-22, in Istanbul, Turkey, the IDE will provide four action-packed days of educational sessions, networking with local suppliers from the Holy Land/Middle East, and captivating local sightseeing. IDE is unique in that it is the only destination-focused show that provides certifications of expertise to its attendees - this is a great way to expand your professional profile and attract new clients. Best yet, qualified travel agents will receive a 4 night hotel stay* with their registration.
I invite you to join me in Istanbul this April as we together discover what makes Turkey one of the world's leading religious destinations while also deepening our knowledge of this remarkable country!
As a reminder, rates increase March 1st so register today at
http://www.asta.org/Events/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1609
*Limited quantity available. Offer is first come, first served.
Attend our seminar at ASTA IDE 2010:
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
The panel's discussion will feature leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern destinations. Other faith-based seminars at IDE include Turkey, Europe's Unknown Pilgrimage Destination. In addition, you can explore Turkey's many religious sites firsthand on pre- and post- conference tours that are specially priced for IDE delegates.
See you in Turkey - where "East Meets West"...
Sincerely,
Kevin J. Wright
WRTA President
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