Cover story for Leisure Group Travel Magazine (February 2010 Issue)
Top 10 Emerging Destinations in Faith-based Tourism
View the entire story at http://bit.ly/EmergingDestinationsFaithTourism2010
The president of the World Religious Travel Association identifies 10 places ripe for religious group tours.
1) Armenia
2) Colombia
3) Lebanon
4) Syria
5) India
6) Cyprus
7) Palestine
8) Ethiopia
9) Poland
10) Quebec, Canada
January 29, 2010
Special Invitation to Discover Turkey & Attend IDE 2010
Join me in Turkey this Spring.....
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 am also thrilled to share with you that I will be moderating the following panel discussion at IDE:
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
Our 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.
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!
See you in Turkey - where "East Meets West"...
Sincerely,
Kevin J. Wright
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 am also thrilled to share with you that I will be moderating the following panel discussion at IDE:
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
Our 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.
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!
See you in Turkey - where "East Meets West"...
Sincerely,
Kevin J. Wright
January 21, 2010
Join the World Religious Travel Association at a new low rate!
Join WRTA Now & Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever!
Now is your opportunity to join the premier association for faith-based travel at a new low rate!
The World Religious Travel Association is offering a low $499 rate for all destinations, attractions and suppliers looking to target the 300 million traveler religious market in 2010. Travel agents also have a low rate at $99.
Make 2010 your best year ever by becoming part of one of the fastest growing and most resilient markets in the travel industry -- Religious Travel and Hospitality.
WRTA is the only global association dedicated to the Religious Travel and Hospitality Industry. Our members come from 30-plus countries on 6 continents and include the entire "infrastructure" of the faith tourism marketplace including wholesalers, suppliers, destinations, travel agents, and planners.
Religious travel and hospitality is an industry comprised of 300 million travelers globally and is recognized as one of the fastest growing segments in the travel marketplace. Religious travel and hospitality today features virtually every type of travel and event including pilgrimages, conventions/ meetings, leisure vacations, cruising, adventure/ safaris, attractions, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, and much more. It is one of the most resilient markets.
To join WRTA, contact the staff or click here: http://bit.ly/JoinWRTA2010
January 14, 2010
Register today for ASTA IDE Istanbul, Turkey April 19-22, 2010
ASTA Rates Increase March 1st, Register NOW and Save!
Attending this year's International Destination Expo will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating destination of Turkey. Featuring education that focuses on training you to become an expert and networking with local companies, IDE equips you with the skills to exceed your clients' expectations!
Gain certifications of your expertise in exciting new sessions such as ASTA's newest destination specialist course: Turkey, the Cradle of Civilization: a Walk through 10,000 Years of History.
IDE will also host a panel discussion, Discover How to Build a Thriving Faith-based Travel Program Centered on the World's Top Religious Sites in the Middle East and the Holy Land, featuring leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern destinations. Don't miss this exciting event!
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
Join Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), and leading tourism representatives from the Middle East, for an unforgettable and unprecedented discussion on the world’s top religious and holy sites in this extraordinary part of the world. Furthermore, discover firsthand 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.
Attending this year's International Destination Expo will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating destination of Turkey. Featuring education that focuses on training you to become an expert and networking with local companies, IDE equips you with the skills to exceed your clients' expectations!
Gain certifications of your expertise in exciting new sessions such as ASTA's newest destination specialist course: Turkey, the Cradle of Civilization: a Walk through 10,000 Years of History.
IDE will also host a panel discussion, Discover How to Build a Thriving Faith-based Travel Program Centered on the World's Top Religious Sites in the Middle East and the Holy Land, featuring leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern destinations. Don't miss this exciting event!
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
Join Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), and leading tourism representatives from the Middle East, for an unforgettable and unprecedented discussion on the world’s top religious and holy sites in this extraordinary part of the world. Furthermore, discover firsthand 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.
Not only will you be inspired and fascinated by the discussions, but just as importantly, you’ll return home equipped with the much-needed knowledge and strategies to immediately impact your faith-based travel program ... no matter whether you are new to religious tourism or a long-term expert. Best of all, this remarkable discussion and seminar will be held in Istanbul (Turkey) ... not only the very crossroads and place where “East Meets West,” but also where the history of faith and religion spans the millenniums.
Register NOW to receive 4 nights complimentary hotel stay* in Istanbul -- hurry, space is limited!
*Space is limited. Offer is first-come, first-served while supplies last.
Register NOW to receive 4 nights complimentary hotel stay* in Istanbul -- hurry, space is limited!
*Space is limited. Offer is first-come, first-served while supplies last.
January 11, 2010
Religious Travel Top 10 Travel Trend for 2010 (USA TODAY)
The top ten travel trends for 2010
USA Today
By Laura Bly
Religious Travel as Top 10 Travel Trend for 2010.
Read full story at http://bit.ly/USATODAYReligiousTravelTopTrend2010
USA Today
By Laura Bly
Religious Travel as Top 10 Travel Trend for 2010.
Read full story at http://bit.ly/USATODAYReligiousTravelTopTrend2010
December 20, 2009
KGO AM 810 Newstalk Radio: My Religious Tourism Interview
KGO AM 810 Newstalk Radio, San Francisco.
Companies with stakes in faith-based travel are banking on Christian events taking place throughout Europe in 2010.
"2010 is a year that looks to be a very good year in religious tourism," said Kevin Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association and chairman of the World Religious Travel Expo, which took place in Reno, Nev., this month.
According to the World Religious Travel Association, "Overall, the market has remained relatively steady compared to the rest of the leisure travel industry. Just like every nook and cranny of the tourism industry, everybody took a little bit of a hit. But in that context, religious tourism is holding steady."
December 8, 2009
Video Highlights from 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
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
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 26, 2009
Pilgrims Prosper: Faith-Based Travel Proves Recession-Resistant
Read full story at http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/pilgrims_prosper
BY Tim Drake
Register Senior Writer
October 18-24, 2009 Issue
In a recent Gallup Poll, 42% of respondents said that they had delayed a vacation over the past 60 days in order to help make ends meet. Yet, despite the economic downturn, experts expect 2010 and 2011 to be banner years for religious travel.
Kevin Wright, president and founder of the World Religious Travel Association, said that the next two years look to be “fascinating” for Catholic and religious travel. “Tour operators expect 500,000 visitors for the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which only happens every decade,” he said. In addition, noted Wright, Spain has declared 2010 a holy year because the feast of St. James, July 25, falls on a Sunday, which means that many will be traveling to Santiago de Compostela, whose cathedral has a relic of St. James the Apostle.
According to Wright, religious tourism is, in fact, one of the oldest forms of tourism. “The first tour operator was Thomas Cook, a Baptist minister from England,” said Wright. “He took the first group to the Holy Land in 1861.” Cook’s business has grown into what is now one of the world’s largest travel agencies. Those who conduct tours say they’ve seen many changes since 1861.
Nick Mancino, president of New York-based Regina Tours, which leads between 150 to 200 tours per year, has also seen many changes over the past two decades. “Up until about 10 years ago, the Holy Land was one of the last places Catholics thought about going,” said Mancino. “But since the popes [Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI] have gone there, it has become a more popular destination.”
Other changes Mancino has seen include an increase in younger pilgrims and a desire for a more comfortable experience.
“In the old days, travelers went for two or three weeks. Because of cost and time, most travelers were retired,” said Mancino. “Now, younger people are traveling, and most travelers are going for only eight to 10 days at a time.”
“Thirty-five years ago, people didn’t care how they flew or where they stayed,” said Mancino. “Now, they’re more prone to ask how they’ll get there and whether the hotel is a one-star or four-star hotel.”
BY Tim Drake
Register Senior Writer
October 18-24, 2009 Issue
In a recent Gallup Poll, 42% of respondents said that they had delayed a vacation over the past 60 days in order to help make ends meet. Yet, despite the economic downturn, experts expect 2010 and 2011 to be banner years for religious travel.
Kevin Wright, president and founder of the World Religious Travel Association, said that the next two years look to be “fascinating” for Catholic and religious travel. “Tour operators expect 500,000 visitors for the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which only happens every decade,” he said. In addition, noted Wright, Spain has declared 2010 a holy year because the feast of St. James, July 25, falls on a Sunday, which means that many will be traveling to Santiago de Compostela, whose cathedral has a relic of St. James the Apostle.
According to Wright, religious tourism is, in fact, one of the oldest forms of tourism. “The first tour operator was Thomas Cook, a Baptist minister from England,” said Wright. “He took the first group to the Holy Land in 1861.” Cook’s business has grown into what is now one of the world’s largest travel agencies. Those who conduct tours say they’ve seen many changes since 1861.
Nick Mancino, president of New York-based Regina Tours, which leads between 150 to 200 tours per year, has also seen many changes over the past two decades. “Up until about 10 years ago, the Holy Land was one of the last places Catholics thought about going,” said Mancino. “But since the popes [Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI] have gone there, it has become a more popular destination.”
Other changes Mancino has seen include an increase in younger pilgrims and a desire for a more comfortable experience.
“In the old days, travelers went for two or three weeks. Because of cost and time, most travelers were retired,” said Mancino. “Now, younger people are traveling, and most travelers are going for only eight to 10 days at a time.”
“Thirty-five years ago, people didn’t care how they flew or where they stayed,” said Mancino. “Now, they’re more prone to ask how they’ll get there and whether the hotel is a one-star or four-star hotel.”
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.
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.
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