Faith Tourism Headline News

UK The Telegraph: John Paul II beatification ceremony to draw a million pilgrims to Rome

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:33:00 +0000

Pope Benedict XVI has confirmed a miracle attributed to his predecessor, John Paul II, paving the way for him to be beatified at a ceremony which could draw up to a million pilgrims to Rome.
Article link:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/8260125/John-Paul-II-beatification-ceremony-to-draw-a-million-pilgrims-to-Rome.html

Article on Religious Tourism by Travel Market Report

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:53:00 +0000

November 15, 2010
Faith-Based, Religious Travel Strong and Growing
Website link: http://www.travelmarketreport.com/leisure?articleID=4545&LP=1
By Dori Saltzman, Travel Market Report

Cyprus Tourism News - November 2010

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:49:00 +0000

Plan your Christmas Holidays in Cyprus!

With Christmas just around the corner, we invite you for a unique Cyprus experience through an assortment of spectacular events. Feel the magic of the season by visiting candlelit churches or Christmas markets and experience gastronomic delights at traditional tavernas.

Get carried away by the festive spirit and relax at one of the island’s luxury hotels next to turquoise seas or on the pine clad mountains.

Discover Cyprus's rich culture and traditions by participating in inspiring cultural performances and events.

Discover Top Hotel Deals for this Christmas Holidays or your new year's holiday escapes at http://www.book.visitcyprus.com/

To keep up with all that happens on the island become fan of Cyprus on Facebook or follow visitcyprus on Twitter, or watch our videos on YouTube.

To find out more visit http://www.visitcyprus.com/.

WRTA Debuts Special Offer for World Religious Travel Expo: “Bring Agent/Planner, Both Go For Free”

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:43:00 +0000

LEXINGTON, Ky.– The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) announced its “Bring an Agent/Planner, Both Go for Free” campaign for its upcoming Expo. Travel agents seeking new sources of revenues and clientele, while being mindful of their budgets, can bring a fellow travel agent professional or group planner, such as a religious leader or travel ministry organizer, to the November 13-16 World Religious Travel Expo in Montreal. Both will receive complimentary registration; regular admission for a travel agent or planner is $35.

“We are very excited to roll out this new special offer for Expo buyers and attendees,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “The promotional campaign is in response to hearing from many travel agents and planners that finances are their top concern. If we can somehow help alleviate this challenge for them, they’ll then be able to successfully attend the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo.”

Wright views the program as a win-win arrangement. “If a travel agent brings another travel agent or planner, not only do they both go for free, but it also helps WRTA and our Expo by increasing the overall number of qualified attendees for sellers,” Wright said. “Everybody wins in this scenario.”

To take advantage of the special offer by WRTA and the World Religious Travel Expo, the following criteria must be met:
• A sponsoring travel agent must contact WRTA staff and provide registration information for the travel agent(s) or planner(s) he or she wishes to bring to the Expo.
• The travel agents and planners who are accompanying the sponsoring travel agent will be contacted by WRTA to verify their contact information and affiliation with the sponsoring travel agent.
• Once the sponsoring and contact information of all parties is verified by WRTA staff, the registrations will be processed (and Expo registration fees waived).
• The “Bring an Agent/Planner, Both Go For Free” offer is valid ONLY through the pre-registration period, ending on Friday, November 5, 2010. The offer is not valid after November 5, 2010, or on-site in Montreal.

The World Religious Travel Expo is the world’s pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering, with hundreds of professionals and tourism organizations from more than 30 countries in attendance. November’s Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second consecutive year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members opportunities for education, business expansion and networking, along with access to new markets.

For more information about the special offer, contact the World Religious Travel Association by phone at 888.255.WRTA (9782) or +1.859.219.3529 or by e-mail at headquarters(at)WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit http://www.wrtaexpo.com/. You can also find WRTA and the World Religious Travel Expo on Facebook.

The World Religious Travel Association is the leading global network for the $18 billion faith tourism industry. WRTA's primary purpose is to guide, enrich and expand religious travel and hospitality around the globe. WRTA membership includes travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, attractions, accommodations, suppliers, media and other organizations involved in tourism. For more information visit http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/ or http://www.wrtaexpo.com/.

Transform your business with renewed creativity, purpose and focus

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:38:00 +0000

Keith Powell, The Business Revivalist, has a mission to educate, facilitate and motivate people to take action. At the 2010 World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal, Keith will share the wisdom gained from his extensive business and personal experiences in a seminar entitled "Igniting the Creative Spark for Your Faith-Based Business." Go to Keith's YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/CoffeeWithKeith to see some quick video tips, and get a glimpse of what you will see at this year' Expo!

Note from Torre Ossmo of Faithful Holidays regarding Media Attention of Montreal and Faith Tourism

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:06:00 +0000

From the Desk of Torre Ossmo
Vice President & General Manager, Faithful Holidays

Hey, did you see this news story?
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20101017/brother-andre-canonized-101017

This means travel to Montréal is going to be booming soon, especially for religious groups (which is an $18 billion industry!).

I’m heading to the World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal Nov 13-15. It’s just $35 for travel agents, you’ll get one free hotel room night, plus the entertainment is going to be great – 12 Broadway Show acts at just one of the luncheons. Plus there are some great seminars there too.

Best yet.....if you bring a fellow travel agent or religious planner (i.e. religious leader) - BOTH of you receive FREE Expo admission. Can't beat that!

Join me at Expo 2010. You can register here:

http://www.wrtaexpo.com/WRTA+Expo/About+Expo/Registration.htm

Hope to see you in Montréal soon!

Torre
=================
Torre Ossmo
Vice President & General Manager
Faithful Holidays
1225 Warren Avenue
PO Box 490
Downers Grove, Illinois 60515
630.435.8272
torre@faithfulholidays.com
http://www.faithfulholidays.com/

Faithful Holidays is a division of Mayflower Tours, Inc. Based in the Midwest, Mayflower Tours is in its 31st year of service to the traveling public. Over the years Mayflower recognized a need for a more specialized type of travel – one where all the happiness and excitement of a destination is enhanced by emphasizing attractions and events that reinforce our beliefs.

Faithful Holidays (through its parent Mayflower Tours) is well suited to accomplish this. The company is family-owned and operated. Its employees cumulatively represent hundreds of years of experience in hospitality management. Mayflower posts a $1,000,000 Travelers Assistance bond with the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) as sign of good faith that travelers’ monies are secure.

We offer churches, organizations and other affiliated groups the opportunity to travel together to those places that will enhance their beliefs. We also make available to travelers who do not belong to such a group the chance to be with like-minded people.

Clergy and group organizers are encouraged to contact us. Faithful Holidays can enhance the experience of faith-based travel while contributing to the overall well-being and enthusiasm of your spiritual family.

WRTA Expo Newsletter - Nov 20

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:07:00 +0000

WRTA Expo = Two Shows in One Means Big Savings!

Attending the World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal is more economical than ever. New this year, WRTA delegates will have more access to the NTA (National Tour Association) Annual Convention on Nov. 13-15, including education, networking events and most meals.

For just a $35 registration fee for travel agents and religious travel planners, you get:

• Five complimentary meals
• Reception with open bar
• Live performances from more than 12 Broadway shows
• Access to more than 30 education sessions
• Access to over 100 exhibitors, including over 30 different countries
WRTA Exhibitors NTA Exhibitors
• Complimentary overnight FAM trip to Québec’s National Sanctuaries (for first 50 registrants, if you sign up by Oct. 22)

For more information or to register, contact us at members@wrtareligioustravel.com or call 888-255-WRTA U.S./Canada or +1.859-219-3529.

WRTA President Speaks on Canonization of Brother André

WRTA President Kevin J. Wright was interviewed on CTV News Channel last Sunday as part of the media coverage garnered by the canonization of Brother André Bessette. The Québec monk who founded Montréal's St. Joseph's Oratory was named a saint by Pope Benedict in a ceremony at the Vatican last weekend. Read more here.

CBS Newsmaker to Speak at Expo

Steve Hartman, an Emmy-award-winning correspondent for The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric ("Assignment America"), will open the co-located World Religious Travel Expo and NTA Convention in Montréal at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 14. Full Article.

Top 5 Bragging Rights to Attend Expo 2010 in Montréal
by WRTA President Kevin J. Wright
1. Participate in the largest gathering in faith tourism.
2. Spectacularly enrich your religious travel program and products.
3. Garner wild new success and expanded clientele in 2011.
4. Become an enviable “Who’s Who” in faith tourism and hospitality.
5. Discover Montréal firsthand, an up-and-coming destination in religious tourism.
Bonus!
6. You’ll be seen as the local market expert in faith tourism!

PyroMarketing - A New Way to Think About Marketing

"The era of mass marketing is ending. The promotion of a single product or service to everyone through undifferentiated media reached its peak in the 1960's and its success convinced most marketers it was the only way." (from www.pyromarketing.com). Join Greg Stielstra at the World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal to discover his revolutionary PyroMarketing principles and apply them to your business! Learn more about PyroMarketing by watching this quick video from Creo Productions.

World Religious Travel Expo
Nov. 13 -16, 2010
Palais des congrès de Montréal
(Montréal Convention Center)
Montréal, Québec

For info or to register visit http://www.wrtaexpo.com/

SPECIAL EXPO OFFER: BRING AN AGENT OR PLANNER; BOTH GO FOR FREE!!!

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 04:42:00 +0000

HURRY!!!

Pre-register for the World Religious Travel Expo by October 27 and bring a fellow travel agent or travel planner - AND you both get a FREE registration!

To register or for more info, visit www.WRTAexpo.com or call 859-219-3529.

PyroMarketing - A New Way to Think About Marketing

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 22:59:00 +0000

"The era of mass marketing is ending. The promotion of a single product or service to everyone through undifferentiated media reached its peak in the 1960's and its success convinced most marketers it was the only way." (from www.pyromarketing.com). Join Greg Stielstra at the World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal to discover his revolutionary PyroMarketing principles and apply them to your business! Learn more about PyroMarketing by watching this quick video from Creo Productions:
Website http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N339VkrzNTA

WRTA President to Appear on CTV News Channel Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 21:38:00 +0000

As part of the media attention garnered by Brother André’s canonization by Pope Benedict this weekend, WRTA President Kevin J. Wright will be interviewed on CTV News Channel Sunday about how this great event and the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo will boost faith-based tourism in Montréal.
CTV News Channel: http://www.ctv.ca/newschannel/

CBS Newsmaker to Open Co-Located WRTA/NTA Event

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:11:00 +0000

Steve Hartman, correspondent for The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric ("Assignment America"), will open the co-located World Religious Travel Expo and NTA Convention in Montreal at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 14. Hartman is best known for his series of news reports, "Everybody in the World Has a Story," which have earned him several major journalism awards, including an Emmy, a Columbia Journalism DuPont award, and four Edward R. Murrow awards.

Full Article
http://www.ntaonline.com/articles/index.cfm?action=view&articleID=2147§ionID=32

Broadway is Coming to Montréal!

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:39:00 +0000

Where can you get lunch and 12 live Broadway performances free?
Only at the World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference in Montréal. Broadway.com/Groups is hosting the luncheon for delegates on Monday, Nov. 15, and the luncheon is just part of the incredible experience. Registration is just $35. Visit http://www.wrtaexpo.com/ to register today and reserve your spot!

Canonization will boost Montreal tourism

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 22:31:00 +0000

Read full story at
http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/life/article/653171--canonization-will-boost-montreal-tourism

MONTREAL - Having a newly minted saint in town isn't just good news for Montreal's faithful — it will also likely bring a few hallelujahs from the city's travel industry.

The canonization of Brother Andre by Pope Benedict on Oct. 17 will not only spur some special events in Montreal but will also have long-lasting effects on the marketing of the city as a religious tourism destination, observers say.

"Once somebody is canonized, that really shoots it through the roof," says Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, which is holding its annual trade show in Montreal in November.

Wright said besides all the media attention Montreal will get because of the canonization, the papal nod to one of its local sons will be an incentive for faith-based tour operators to push Montreal itineraries in their packages.

Read full story at http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/life/article/653171--canonization-will-boost-montreal-tourism

40-plus Industry Experts Headline Industry’s Largest Faith Tourism Business Seminar Program at Expo 2010

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 21:41:00 +0000

For Immediate Release
September 30, 2010

LEXINGTON, Ky.– The World Religious Travel Association business seminars for the November 13–16 World Religious Travel Expo 2010 will serve as the industry’s most comprehensive educational program on faith-based tourism and hospitality. The two-day curriculum will feature 40-plus industry experts, including several published authors. For the third straight year, travel agents and providers can earn up to three continuing educational units through The Travel Institute www.thetravelinstitute.com by attending and participating in the Expo business and educational seminar program.

“As sharing business acumen and education about the religious travel market is a key mission of WRTA and our annual Expo, we are ecstatic about this year’s lineup of speakers and seminars,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “The topics cover virtually every segment of the industry from product development to sales to consumer service to word-of-mouth-marketing and much more. In addition, we’ll host several open forums whereby delegates can ask their own questions and share stories of success with fellow religious travel professionals, colleagues and experts.”

The business and educational seminar topics for the World Religious Travel Expo 2010 include:

• Who is Today’s Religious Traveler Consumer? How Can You Best Serve Them?
• How to Most Effectively Market and Sell to today’s Religious Travel Consumer.
• How Can You Find the Right Tour/Ground Operator for Your Religious Travel Program—and Why is it Key to Your Success?
• Discover the Holy Land and Enrich Your Biblical Lands Portfolio.
• Develop a Winning and Diverse Portfolio to the World’s Most Visited Religious Sites.
• Discover Faith-based Vacations, Attractions, & Events—Right Here in North America.
• Enrich Your Religious Travel Program with New Faith-based Vacations: Cruises, Volunteer Vacations, Local Getaways, Attractions and Much More.
• Open Forum: Q&A with Biblical Lands Representatives.
• Open Forum: Q&A Plus Discover New Ideas for Your Religious Travel Program.
• Open Forum: Q&A with International Ground Operators for Your Religious Travel Program.

In addition, two prominent published authors, Keith Powell and Greg Stielstra, will host the following business and educational seminars at Expo 2010:

• Igniting the Creative Spark for Your Faith Based Business—Keith Powell, The Business Revivalist and Author of The Transforming Power of Achievement
• Discover the Principles of PyroMarketing—Greg Stielstra, Author of Pyromarketing and Faith-based Marketing

The World Religious Travel Expo is the world’s pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering with more than 500 travel professionals and tourism organizations from over 30 countries in attendance. This November’s Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members opportunities for education, business expansion, networking and access to new markets.

For more information about attending the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888.255.WRTA (9782) or +1.859.219.3529 or by e-mail at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit http://www.wrtaexpo.com/

New Webinar! Discover Switzerland for Your Faith-based Groups & Clients

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:18:00 +0000

Did you know Switzerland is recognized as one of the great European destinations for religious groups and travelers? Monasteries, saints, reformers, cathedrals and the like comprise the remarkable events, peoples, history, and places of Switzerland. In this fascinating and engaging webnar, discover what Switzerland can off your faith-based community or clients. Learn key tips, hints and other invaluable information for designing a winning and memorable itinerary—plus much more! Your Webinar host is Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president, and your Webinar guest expert is Mirko (Mike) Capodanno of Switzerland Tourism.

Visit the homepage of WRTA (www.WRTAreligioustravel.com) to view the newly released Switzerland Webinar.

Catering for Religious Tourism (The National UAE)

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:21:00 +0000

By Rebecca Bundhun
Read full article at http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?l=2&articleId=54087

In the past, pilgrimages lacked the trappings of luxurious trips, with travellers organising their own arrangements. But that is rapidly changing.  “Only now is the global travel industry beginning to recognise the tremendous impact and opportunity of assisting and servicing the millions of people who travel to the Middle East for religious purposes,” says Kevin Wright, the president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA).

About 300 million religious tourists travel annually. Apart from Muslim pilgrimages, millions of visitors travel regularly to religious sites in France, Italy and India.   “This has resulted in more major tour operators, hotels and other suppliers entering the marketplace than ever before,” says Mr Wright.  To capitalise on the demand for religious trips to Saudi Arabia, there are now scores of tour operators all over the world that specialise in selling packages for the Haj and Umrah.

Read the rest of the article at:
http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?l=2&articleId=54087

First 25 Travel Agents to Register for World Religious Travel Expo Receive Free Fam Tour of Quebec’s Shrines

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:10:00 +0000

LEXINGTON, Ky.– The first 25 travel agents to register for World Religious Travel Expo 2010 will qualify for a complimentary VIP Fam tour of Quebec’s famed shrines and religious sites. Escorted by WRTA President and The Christian Travel Planner author Kevin J. Wright, the Fam tour is valued at $500 and includes motorcoach transportation, local tourist guides, one-night lodging, meals and educational materials about the Canadian sanctuaries.

The Fam trip departs Montréal on the morning of November 16, the day following the Expo Final Night Dinner, and concludes at Montréal’s Trudeau International Airport Wed., Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. The province of Québec is home to four of Canada’s five National Sanctuaries:

· Oratoire Saint-Joseph (Montréal)
· Notre-Dame-du-Cap Sanctuary (Mauricie)
· Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica (Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré)
· Ermitage Saint-Antoine (Lac-Bouchette)

In addition, tour participants will enjoy an excursion to the spectacular Saguenay/Lac-Saint-Jean area and its breathtaking fjord. Agents who partake in the FAM trip will not only discover the celebrated shrines of Québec, but will also learn how to develop an itinerary around them and sell the travel package to clients.

For more information about attending the World Religious Travel Expo and qualifying for the post-Fam tour, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888.255.WRTA (9782) or +1.859.219.3529 or by e-mail at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit www.WRTAexpo.com .

The World Religious Travel Expo is the world’s pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering with more than 500 travel professionals and tourism organizations from over 30 countries in attendance. This November’s Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members opportunities for education, business expansion, networking and access to new markets.

Israel names new North American Tourism Commissioner

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:06:00 +0000

Article link: http://www.travelpress.com/PHP/news.php?sid=11726

Haim Gutin has been appointed Israel Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, taking over from Arie Sommer who returns to Jerusalem at the completion of his second term in the post. Prior to his posting to New York, Gutin was the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s senior deputy director-general for Human Resources and Logistics, based in Jerusalem. During his tenure in Jerusalem at the headquarters of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, Gutin served in a variety of posts including director of the marketing administration’s European department; supervisor of the domestic tourism promotion and marketing department and supervisor for the Jerusalem District’s Tourism Product Department.

Turkish show on Akhtamar

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:18:00 +0000

Full story at http://news.am/eng/print/28727.html
August 25, 2010 10:22
By Artur Hakobyan

The world economic crisis affected the world tourist industry, without, however, affecting faith tourism. In this context, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertuğrul Günay seeks to promote faith tourism, particularly on Akhtamar Island, Lake Van, reported Vatan.

According to the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), faith tourism is most rapidly developing throughout the world. Every fourth tourist prefers faith tourism.

In January-June, 2010, 4.5% of the tourists that visited Turkey preferred faith tourism. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism plans to increase the number of faith tourists up to 3m. Minister Ertuğrul Günay has always attached importance to faith tourism development, pointing out that faith tourists normally spend much more than those preferring seaside holiday.

Read full story at link above.

Travel Ministry Conference Comes to Montreal & World Religious Travel Expo

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:52:00 +0000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 3, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has announced it will bring its popular Travel Ministry Conference concept to this fall’s World Religious Travel Expo in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). As part of its declaration of 2010 as the “Year of Travel Ministry,” WRTA recently debuted these half-day gatherings to educate local pastors, ministry leaders and group planners on how to build a successful travel program at their respective faith communities.

Thanks to the popularity of the Travel Ministry Conferences, WRTA will now integrate the event into the World Religious Travel Expo, and it’s scheduled for Monday, Nov. 15.

“Several years ago I wrote in one of my guidebooks how every faith community should have a travel program. I discussed the many wonderful fruits and benefits that travel brings about among members - especially the experience of fellowship,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “It’s for reasons such as these, I am elated with WRTA’s recent successful launch of our Travel Ministry Conferences. These events bring us one step closer to realizing the goal of every faith community having a travel program. And now thanks to the Expo, we’re bringing this gathering to Montreal and the surrounding region.”

WRTA’s Travel Ministry Conferences offer educational seminars, networking opportunities, shared meals, and a group activity workshop. In Montreal, the Travel Ministry Conference will be integrated into the final day of the World Religious Travel Expo. This will give Travel Ministry Conference attendees access to the WRTA Expo tradeshow floor featuring destinations, travel suppliers and tour operators from around the world.

In the meantime, the kudos continue to stream in from attendees of WRTA’s recent Travel Ministry Conferences:

"Thanks again for the opportunity to be a part of the WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Nashville. The event was a wonderful experience and I enjoyed the fellowship! As a pastor who's planned and led church groups to 50 states and 14 countries for 30-plus years, I am very excited and passionate about all aspects of Travel Ministry. Keep up the good work! It's definitely making a difference."
- Roger McCurry, Pastor Activities & Senior Adults

"WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Chicago was a valuable tool providing insight for both the planner and suppliers on the challenges and benefits of creating a travel program. The opportunity to work directly with the planners as they learn how to develop a tour was invaluable. I made wonderful contacts that I know will turn into bookings."
- Jean Flynn
Group Sales Manager Fireside Dinner Theatre

“It was truly a pleasure attending the very well executed WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Chicago. The presentations were concise and the format creative. The Conference opened up a new world of travel groups for me.”
- Faith Mulvihill
Director of Sales and Events Skydeck Chicago

This fall’s World Religious Travel Expo will be held in conjunction again with the NTA Convention, making for a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. 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.

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 at WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit the WRTA and Expo websites respectively.

2010-2011 Religious Travel Buyer's Guide Just Published

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:30:00 +0000

The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has just published its 2010-2011 RELIGIOUS TRAVEL BUYER'S GUIDE. The publication is the industry’s preeminent guide to the religious travel and hospitality marketplace (a $49 value).

How will the Buyer’s Guide help you?
Discover new ideas and opportunities for enriching your faith tourism and hospitality travel program, while also finding suppliers, products, and services in faith tourism.

What types of faith-based travel services can you learn about in the Buyer's Guide?
Pilgrimages, conferences, events, cruising, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure, safaris, attractions, shrines and holy sites, leisure vacations, insurance, transportation, lodging, restaurants, retailers, destinations, and much more!

What type of travel providers can you find in the Buyer’s Guide?
Tour operators, travel agents, travel wholesalers, destinations and supplier members of WRTA—all of whom are involved in religious travel and hospitality. Our publication is easy to use, giving you quick e-links to web sites and emails, making it convenient for you to contact these distinguished travel providers.

How can you obtain your FREE (digital) copy of the Buyer's Guide?
Just click here http://bit.ly/WRTABuyersGuide2010-2011

How can your organization be featured in future editions of the Buyer's Guide?
Call 888-255-9782/859-219-3529 or email headquarters at WRTAreligioustravel.com.

Whether you are a religious leader who would like to learn more about developing a travel ministry program and how faith based travel can deepen spiritual growth, a travel agent looking for inspiring new travel product to offer your religious market segment or a supplier or destination who caters to the religious travel traveler, WRTA is your connection to growth and development in the religious travel industry.

I invite you to take full advantage of the resource you’ve been given through the Buyers Guide and I encourage you to consider membership in WRTA and/or attending the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo 2010, being held November 13-16 in Montreal, Quebec.

To learn how you can become more involved in WRTA or register for the Expo, please contact us via phone 888-255-9782/859-219-3529 or email headquarters at WRTAreligioustravel.com.

Best wishes to you in 2010 and 2011.
Kevin J. Wright
WRTA President

Expo Buzz Newsletter Aug 5, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:49:00 +0000

WRTA's Expo Buzz

Greg Stielstra is Back to Ignite Your Marketing Fire
The highly-rated speaker from Expo 2009 and author of PyroMarketing, Greg Stielstra, has just signed on for Expo 2010! He will be the keynote speaker during the Sunday luncheon.

Greg is excited and honored to be coming back to speak at Expo and see everyone again. Be sure to watch for our formal press release to the industry regarding this special announcement. In the meantime, want to learn more about Greg Stielstra and his topics of Faith-based Marketing and PyroMarketing – including his books? Visit Greg’s website: http://www.pyromarketing.com/

Buyers: Explore Mauricie & Québec City
on WRTA's Dime
The first registered 25 buyers to contact us will receive the $500 post-Fam tour of the Montréal area at no cost! The tour departs Montréal Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 8 a.m. with an overnight in Québec City. The tour concludes at Montréal’s Trudeau Int’l Airport Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. To register or read more about the post-Fam, visit the Expo Web site: http://www.wrtaexpo.com/

Just Announced!
Travel Ministry Conference Coming to Montréal
Based on the tremendous response of attendees at our new Travel Ministry Conferences, WRTA is elated to announce the new addition of our Travel Ministry Conferences to our Expo in Montréal. Travel Ministry Conferences are smaller, more intimate gatherings designed specifically for pastors, religious/ministry leaders, and other group planners. More details to come soon. Stay tuned!

For $ 5,000, you can become an official co-sponsor of the Montréal Travel Ministry Conference, along side Palestine. This sponsorship includes 5 minutes of promotional time and the opportunity to distribute marking materials at the event. This sponsorship also qualifies you for Silver Level Expo benefits: two Expo registrations, premium 10x10 exhibit space, recognition as an official WRTA sponsor, sponsor signage, sponsor listing on Expo Web site, sponsor icon with listing in Expo Program (part of the NTA Convention Catalog – giving you additional exposure to the 1800 NTA delegates), participation in e-mail blast to WRTA members and Expo delegates and sponsor ribbon with badge.

Due to limited availability, this offer won’t be on the market for long. Call +1.859.226.4402 or email sales@WRTAstaff.com today to reserve your spot!

WRTA Expo
Nov. 13 -16, 2010
Palais des congrès de Montréal
Montréal, Québec, Canada

Faith Tourism Product Seminar to be Featured at THETRADESHOW

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 03:15:00 +0000

For Immediate Release

THETRADESHOW Spotlights Travel Product Seminars

Alexandria, Va., July 22, 2010 – THETRADESHOW (Orlando, Sept. 12-14) partners are pleased to announce the event’s newest presentation pavilion sponsors and product seminars. These sessions will provide an opportunity for travel agents to further their knowledge about the latest offerings from some of the most popular travel suppliers, as well as showcase the islands of Puerto Rico and St. Lucia.

“Product seminars and sessions carried out in the presentation pavilions provide travel agents a wonderful opportunity to keep up on the latest from some of the industry’s top suppliers, destinations and trends,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, a partner of THETRADESHOW. “Those who take advantage will have a definite edge when it comes to planning the ideal trip for their clients.”

Presentation Pavilions
• How to Be Successful in Today’s Religious Marketplace as a Travel Provider. Brought to you by the World Religious Travel Association. Presented By Kevin J. Wright. In 20 minutes, travel agents who attend this session will receive the all-important “10 keys to success” in the religious marketplace from the industry’s top faith-based travel educator and four-time published author: Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. This seminar will provide agents: an opportunity to learn about the new era of today’s faith-based customer; concrete ideas on how to enter or expand their religious travel business; and an enriched vision, mission and strategy for accomplishing their agency goals.

THETRADESHOW (Travel Retailing and Destination Expo) is a 3-day, in-depth networking and educational event. Global and inclusive, THETRADESHOW unites under one roof travel suppliers and buyers from all over the world, representing every segment of the travel and tourism industry. It is the trade show event for travel decision makers. For more information on THETRADESHOW, please call visit THETRADESHOW.org.

Contact: Kristina Rundquist/Laura Gajewski 703.739.8710
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Register today for next week's NASHVILLE Travel Ministry Conference

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:33:00 +0000

WRTA's Travel Ministry Conference--Nashville

Pastor and Religious Leaders, please join the World Religious Travel Association on July 8 at the Scarritt Bennett Center for the Nashville's Travel Ministry Conference. Led by WRTA President and Christian Travel Planner author Kevin J. Wright, participate in an interactive workshop and education session on building a travel ministry program.

You’ll learn how faith-based travel deepens spiritual growth and development while offering opportunities for fellowship and fun.

Sign up in advance to receive a complimentary copy of Kevin’s book, The Christian Travel Planner, to help you get started.

Thursday, July 8, 2010
Downtown Nashville COMPLIMENTARY PARKING • GARDEN ADMISSION INCLUDED

Religious Leaders = $0
(If you sign up before July 6 !) (includes a WRTA Membership for 2010)

<< More information here. >>

Additional Speakers
Pastor Roger McCurry (Activities & S.A. Pastor, Severns Valley Baptist Church in Kentucky)
Torre Ossmo (Vice President and General Manager, Faithful Holidays)

Sponsors & Partners
Palestine Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
Leisure Group Travel

Exhibitors
Anchor Trailways & Tours
Faithful Holidays
Grueninger Tours
Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau
Trailways Transportation Systems

“It was truly a pleasure attending the very well executed WRTA Travel Ministry Conference in Chicago. The presentations were concise and the format creative. The Conference opened up a new world of travel groups for me.”
- Faith Mulvihill, Skydeck Chicago

We hope you’ll join us to explore the many faith-based opportunities that exist for your congregation, including pilgrimages, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, retreats, adventure trips, religious attractions, and much more.

Visit us at http://www.travelministryconference.com/. Or, give us a call at 888.255.9782 or send us an email at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com if you have questions or want to know more about WRTA.

Interview at Chicago Travel Ministry Conference

noreply@blogger.com (kevinjwright) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:38:00 +0000

World Religious Travel Association Chicago Conference
By Leisure Group Travel http://insite.religioustraveldirectory.com/faith-based-attraction/religious-travel-conference/
June 21, 2010 by Nadia Beidas
Filed under Faith-Based Attraction

Article link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcy8_3oY1kY&feature=player_embedded

The World Religious Travel Association Ministry Conference in Chicago is the first of five travel ministry conferences. Religious leaders, faith-based travel planners and other members of the religious travel community met at the Field Museum and discussed ways to build an effective travel ministry program.

Kevin Wright, founder and president of WRTA, outlined travel ministries and the reasons religious travel groups choose to put together a travel program, such as deepening their faith in God, fulfilling a religious tradition and learning more about their heritage and faith. Wright discussed the steps of starting a travel program, including getting the religious leader’s approval, naming the travel program, finding volunteers to assist in the process and promoting the program.

Torre Ossmo, vice president and general manager of Faithful Holidays, mentioned a seven-step plan to enter or promote a religious group’s part in religious tourism. These steps include researching the market, meeting the needs of the religious traveler and promoting the brand. Rev. Ruth Newell, founder and pastor of Beyond the Walls Outreach Ministry, emphasized the importance of meeting the needs of different generations for religious trips.

During the workshop of how to build an effective travel ministry program, conference participants broke into smaller groups and each group planned a sample religious trip. The next conference will be held in Nashville.