WRTA Member's Spotlight IssueApril 2008Stories
Switzerland Tourism MTS Travel Objectix 206 Tours AIG Travel Guard Barbados Tourism WRTA would like to extend a very warm welcome to our newest members....Tour OperatorsCollette Vacations
www.collettevacations.com206 Tours
www.206tours.comWitte Travel & Tours
www.wittetravel.com7TUR
www.7tur.com (2nd Year Membership)Corporate Travel Services
www.ctscentral.netEIS European Incoming Services
www.eistoeurope.comRainbow Tour Turkey
www.rainbowtourturkey.comTravel AgenciesRoad to Glory Travel
www.roadtoglorytravel.comUnforgettable Cruises & Travel
http://unforgettablecruisesandtravel.jurni.netDutch Fork Travel
www.dutchforktravel.comWorldwide Travel Services
www.wwsturkey.comNew Ulm Travel Fun
www.travelfuninc.comCruises by Capt. Jack
www.cruisesbyjack.comUniglobe
www.uniglobeblt.comFaith Journeys
www.faithjourneys.usYTB Travel Network, Inc. dba A Peace of Heaven Travel
www.ytb.com/apeaceofheaventravelMarantha Travel
www.maranatha.travelExecutive Resources (Philippines) 632-523-8581-88
SWITZERLAND
2009 Calvin Jubilee Celebration at the International Museum of the Reformation, GenevaFrom Easter to October 2009, the International Museum of the Reformation, either alone or with other institutions, will organise a series of events to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin (1509–2009).
The main event of these celebrations will be a temporary exhibition entitled “A Day in the Life of John Calvin”, which will offer visitors of all ages an opportunity to follow a day in Calvin’s life in three dimensions. The exhibition aims to attract visitors from all over the world thanks to its modern design, featuring virtual representations of the Reformation-era world and Calvin’s main occupations. These 3D simulations of the Reformer in his familiar surroundings and activities will help foster a better understanding of his life and actions, in the manner of a documentary film.
This temporary exhibition will take place from 24 April to 31 October 2009 in the courtyard of the Museum of the Reformation and the meeting room of the Compagnie des Pasteurs, on the ground floor of Maison Mallet.
The eight pavilions of the exhibition (2 m by 2 m each) will follow John Calvin throughout a typical day, from the time he woke, usually around 4 am, until his bedtime, around 9 pm. Scenes will include a service at Saint-Pierre Cathedral, a tumultuous gathering of the Consistory, and a fateful meeting between the reformer and Michael Servetus. In each pavilion, the voices of Calvin, his friends, and adversaries, combined with the sounds of the city, will provide an understanding of both the life of the reformer and daily life in Geneva. Surrounded by historically accurate sets, a three-dimensional, animated figure of Calvin will employ simulation technologies developed by Prof. Nadia Thalmann’s MIRALab laboratory at the University of Geneva to speak directly to visitors.
Click here to read more about the International Museum of the ReformationMTS TRAVEL
Travel Company Appointed for Lambeth Conference 2008Ephrata, PA USA … MTS TRAVEL, Inc., has been named the official travel agency for the Lambeth 2008 conference to be conducted at the University in Canterbury, Kent, England, July 16 through August 4, 2008. The Lambeth Conference is one of the Instruments of Communion of the global Anglican Communion. It is convened every ten years at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and is the only occasion when bishops can meet for worship, study and conversation. Archbishops, bishops, assistant and suffragan bishops within the Communion are invited. Also invited are bishops from other churches 'in communion' with the Anglican Communion, bishops from United Churches, along with a number of ecumenical guests.
MTS TRAVEL’s CEO and President , Jim Buddendorf, announced the award to MTS staff. “We are pleased to be appointed the official travel agency for Lambeth. I am certain that our success in winning this business is in part due to our long history with the Episcopal Church Headquarters in NYC and the Anglican Consultative Council in London. Thanks to all of the MTS-New Jersey based staff who work so hard to service these very important clients.”
As well as the 800+ bishops who attend, their spouses are invited by the Archbishop of Canterbury's wife to a parallel, independent gathering: the Spouses Conference. Before the Lambeth Conference 2008 begins, all bishops and spouses will be invited to enjoy a weekend of hospitality in a diocese in England, Scotland or Wales.
MTS TRAVEL, Inc., has negotiated airfare contracts which provide economical prices and flexible terms, enabling the bishops and spouses to travel on worldwide major airlines at a reduced cost. Their travel consultants, expert in missionary and religious travel, also handled arrangements for the Lambeth Conference 1998. Since 1997, MTS has provided travel services for the London-based Anglican Consultative Council, headed by the Rev. Canon Kenneth Kearon.
Travel Company Appointed for the World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly 2008
Ephrata, PA USA … MTS TRAVEL, Inc., has been named the official travel agency for the World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly 2008 to be conducted in Pattaya, Thailand, October 25-30. This by-invitation-only event is convened every six years. The Assembly brings together participants from 128 national and seven regional alliances, 104 associate members, six affiliated specialized ministries and six commissions. Topics include: churches as God’s transforming instruments, addressing poverty in all its aspects, religious liberty and advocacy and evangelicals in the public square. The Assembly attendees will seek to gain a greater understanding of global issues and evangelical responses to them.
MTS TRAVEL’s General Manager of Client Services and Development, Gwen E. Kuebler, commented on the appointment of MTS TRAVEL: “It is a great honor to serve this historic - yet vitally involved - organization in bringing its constituency together to discuss and action significant issues crucial to the spiritual and physical well being of those to whom they minister. We at MTS TRAVEL are proud of our long history of service to the worldwide evangelical community and count it a privilege to assist in this significant endeavor.”
MTS TRAVEL, Inc., has negotiated airfare contracts which provide economical prices and flexible terms, enabling missionary and humanitarian workers to travel on worldwide major airlines at a reduced cost. Their travel consultants, expert in missionary and religious travel, also handled arrangements for the ACE 2007 conference in Pattaya.
The World Evangelical Alliance traces its beginning to 1846 with the establishment in England of the Evangelical Alliance, incorporated in 1912 as the World’s Evangelical Alliance. Through its resources, departments and commissions, it functions as a network while providing the services of an alliance. WEA is the broadest organizational and global manifestation of what it means to be an evangelical. Now based in British Columbia, Canada, Geoff Tunnicliffe serves as International Director.
Across the Centuries – An Inspiring Passion Play!Oberammergau 2010
Ephrata, PA USA … A Play of Life and Death - promised in a moment of mortal threat - so began the history of the Oberammergau Passion Play in 1633. In the middle of the Thirty Years War, after months of suffering and death from the plague, the Oberammergauers pledged to perform the "Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ" every ten years. At Pentecost 1634, they fulfilled their pledge for the first time on a stage erected in the cemetery above fresh graves of the plague victims. In the year 2010, the Community of Oberammergau will for the 41st time be performing the play they have preserved throughout the centuries with singular continuity.
With a long history of Oberammergau tours, MTS TRAVEL has placed its ticket request with the Oberammergau committee. Distribution is scheduled for May 2008, when tickets will be sold to anxious play-goers. Jim Buddendorf, President and CEO of MTS Travel, notes, “Since 1960, we have provided tickets and travel services to this compelling event. Our faithful customers return time after time, bringing friends and tour groups with them to witness the Play yet again, while many new customers view the moving performance for the first time. Most take the opportunity to visit other sights in Bavaria and throughout Europe, thus creating a once-in-a-decade experience.”
The Passion Play Program
The play depicts the story of Christ's Passion, beginning with the entry into Jerusalem and ending with the resurrection and transfiguration. More than 2000 residents of Oberammergau take part in the six-hour enactment. Last performed in 2000, the play is comprised of spoken dramatic text, musical and choral accompaniment, and tableaux vivants. The tableaux vivants are scenes depicted for the audience by motionless actors accompanied by verbal description. Each performance starts at 2:30 pm and ends approximately 10:30 pm, with a three-hour dinner break/intermission from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The play is performed in German, but printed English translations are available. It is a moving and spectacular experience despite the language difference. The Premier Performance is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2010, with the final performance on Sunday, October 3.
Nestled in the picturesque Bavarian village of Oberammergau, the environs boast a long tradition of woodcarving. Stroll the streets of Oberammergau, visit many woodcarver shops, and take home handmade pieces ranging from religious subjects to toys. Don't miss the Oberammergau museum, housing hundreds of beautiful examples of this ancient art. Oberammergau is also famous for its vivid frescoes of traditional Bavarian themes, with fairy tales or religious scenes found on many homes and buildings. This painting technique further transforms Oberammergau into a trip to remember.
Contact: Gwen KueblerGeneral Manager, Client Services & Development
MTS TRAVEL650 Bloomfield AvenueBloomfield, NJ 07003973-259-3807
Objectix, Inc together with our partner Lufthansa, was created to provide you the most efficient and cost effective way to book air transportation for your next group. Together we can provide you with group fare quotes and schedules to over 192 cities in 78 countries worldwide. Along with one of the most respected air carriers in the world, Objectix is committed to making you and your group our number one priority. We have the expertise and resources for those groups and group planners that specialize in missionary, humanitarian, church and not for profit travel. We are anxious and committed to serve those who so graciously give so much of their time to make our world a better place. Our goal is simply to be a small part of what you do and to partner with you to fulfill your group travel needs. The next time you require group airline tickets, remember one airline and one group travel provider can bring you endless possibilities. Objectix is committed to earning your business. Most importantly we hope to earn your trust and respect, and to be the first to welcome your next group onboard a Lufthansa flight in the near future. For more information, please visit:
www.objectix.com. Or call (866) 862-1741
206 Tours specializes in arranging pilgrimages and spiritual journeys. Destinations we specialize in are: The Holy Land, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Eastern Europe and Medjugorje. Since 1985 we have serviced over 350,000 clients from across the World. We also offer special programs such as the Oberammergau Passion Play. 206 Tours includes a Spiritual Leader (Catholic Priest and Mass daily), as well as all facets of tourism; such as air and excellent accommodations, meals, transfers, sightseeing and professional tour guides. 206 Tours operates scheduled departures and customized (ad-hoc) groups. In addition to our website we produce a color brochure which lists scheduled departures. Our general philosophy is a focus on spirituality and emphasizing personalized service.To learn more visit
www.206tours.com.
AIG Travel Guard is one of the industry`s leading providers of travel insurance plans - covering more than 6 million travelers worldwide each year. Our travel insurance plans offer coverage for vacation and trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical and health expenses, lost baggage and more. Plus, every AIG Travel Guard insurance plan includes our 24-hour "911" travel emergency service for emergency medical assistance, last-minute or emergency travel and flight changes, lost luggage tracking, pre-trip travel advice and more. Explore our options online to choose the coverage that best meets your travel needs.To learn more visit
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Barbados: An exotic world with a uniquely compelling heritage and a wealth of extraordinary natural wonders from coast to coast. The easternmost island in the Caribbean, it harbors no fast food conglomerates, no private resort beaches, no cookie-cutter retail chains. Because it is an island that does things a little differently. An island that hasn not been homogenized, super-sized and commercialized away from even being Caribbean anymore. Where green monkeys and flying fish mingle with laughter and innocence and sugar cane and breathtaking natural beauty. An island for people who have a burning desire to take a vacation - and never, ever give it back. To learn more about
Barbados for your religious conferences, retreats, or church group leisure trips, visit
www.visitbarbados.org.
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