Cyprus Tourism News - November 2010

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”

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/.

Note from Torre Ossmo of Faithful Holidays

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.

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:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N339VkrzNTA

Kanon Cultural Tours invites you to World Religious Travel Expo 2010

THE 2010 WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO

November 13 – 16 in Montreal, Canada

The World Religious Travel Expo is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the industry.
The Expo has become ‘the place to be’ for any organization or travel professional that wishes to buy, sell, and network in the religious marketplace.

Kanon Cultural Tours* will attend the 2010 WRTA Expo in Montreal, Canada and will present the newest product in religious tours in Greece, Turkey and the Mediterranean.

The route of St Paul in Greece.
The route of St Paul in Turkey.
The route of St Paul in Syria & Cyprus.
The Holy Land.
Mt Athos monastic state.
The religious monuments in Greece.
Land of Saints and Martyrs.
The holy island of Tinos.
The holy island of Patmos & the Revelation.
Miraculous icons and other holy objects.

We’ll be happy to see you there and discuss our new itineraries.
Please check the attachment.

Best regards
The Kanon* team

*ΚΑΝΩΝ (English: kanon or canon, pronounced: kanɔ’:n ).
Rule, norm, general principle, model, paradigm, the Holy Scripture.
Canon[s] may refer to:
The body of canonical legislation of the Church.
The Biblical canon.
Canon (hymnography).
Canon of the Mass.
Canon (music).
Aesthetic canon.
Canon law.

KANON CULTURAL TOURS & EXPEDITIONS
P.P. GERMANOU 22
THESSALONIKI 54622
GREECE
PHONE: +30 231 0237066 & +30 231 0274045
FAX: +30 231 0263334
EMAIL: info@kanon.gr
WEBSITE: www.kanon.gr

Announcement: Passport Health and Rethink Africa

What: Save $30 in your admission ticket to Rethink Africa.

Swab Your Cheek, Save a Life.
Attend Rethink Africa, Learn, be Inspired, Network and Possibly Save a Life

Exclusive offer for WRTA members, friends and family for Rethink Africa.

When: Now until 10/12/10.

Who: Passport Health has facilitated a 60% discount for those who are interested in Networking with private/public sector business leaders and helping support There Goes My Hero Foundation. All who are also interested in learning more about business opportunities, tourism destinations and volunteer opportunities in the African Continent and supporting There Goes My Hero Foundation should attend.

Why:
24,690 men and 18,360 women will be diagnosed with Leukemia in 2010.
21,840 men and women will die of leukemia in 2010.
A bone marrow transplant could save their lives

Join Passport Health to support There Goes My Hero Foundation On October 12th, 2010 at McGuire Hall, Loyola University Maryland during Rethink Africa. There will be a station where you could be registered with a simple cheek swab.

Save $30 off your ticket, attend a fantastic networking event and help There Goes my Hero in its mission of providing nourishing meals and support to those fighting leukemia and their families—as well as raising awareness for and increasing the size of the bone marrow registry.

How:
1. Go to http://rethinkafrica.eventbrite.com/?discount=
3. Enter special code “WRTA”
4. Discount Applies to regular price only
5. Print your ticket and get ready for the networking event of the year.

Key Tours Debuts Explore Our Journeys of Faith Brochure

Key Tours Newsletter - October 6, 2010

Explore Our Journeys of Faith Brochure

View our E-Brochure
http://issuu.com/keytours/docs/journeys_of_faith2

Order your Copy Online
http://www.keytours.com/Brochures/beforeOrderBrochure.asp

For customized groups please call : (800) 576-1784 opt. 5
Key Tours International can arrange all your travel needs
in Europe and the Mediterranean:

Hotel Accommodations from Superior Tourist Class to Exclusive Deluxe properties
3, 4, 7 day Greek Islands Cruises
Yacht Cruising in the Mediterranean
Pre and Post Cruise Stays
Shared and Private Transfers
Regular and Private Sightseeing tours
Customized Private Shore Excursions
Unique Themed Tours, Special Dinners, and Event Tickets
Train Tickets, Ferry Tickets, Domestic Flights, Car Rental

Key Tours Destinations:
Italy & Croatia
Greece & Turkey
Egypt, Israel & Jordan
Spain, Portugal & Morocco
France, The Netherlands & Belgium
United Kingdom
Central Europe (Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria) & Germany

Key Tours Int'l difference:
· Tailor-Made Travel
· Flexible Custom Packages
· Private Group Tours
· Financial Security (100% of funds in Escrow)
· Knowledgeable Destination Expert Travel Consultants
· Local Experts in All Destinations
· Excellent Value for the Price

Key Tours Int'l - European Travel Experts
e-mail: info@keytours.com
voice: 800-576-1784
web: http://www.keytours.com/

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

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.

Tourism Cares Donates $20,000 to National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For further information, please contact:
Jessica Ahern, 781-821-5990 x212, jessicaa@tourismcares.org

Tourism Cares Donates $20,000 to National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Canton, MA-September 15, 2010-Tourism Cares, the non-profit organization in the travel industry dedicated to preserving natural, cultural and historical sites throughout the world, brought 250 tourism industry volunteers together to honor 9/11, a day of service in remembrance, by performing much needed painting projects on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Volunteer Day was created to honor the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009, which was enacted to expand the mission of national community service and to recognize September 11 as a national day of remembrance and service. To further pay tribute to the day, Tourism Cares awarded a $20,000 travel industry grant to the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The grant is part of a $161,000 pledge to fund a display case that will be used to house one of the last remaining large scale models of the World Trade Center. The model will serve as a centerpiece at the museum, being built at Ground Zero in New York City.

Tourism Cares is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that benefits society by preserving the travel experience for future generations by giving grants to cultural, historic, and natural sites worldwide: by awarding academic, professional development, and service-learning scholarships to students of travel, tourism, and hospitality; and by
organizing volunteer restoration events at tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation.

For additional information on Tourism Cares, please visit http://www.tourismcares.org/.

Rethink Africa Press Release

Rethink Africa
Business Leaders, Public Sector Officials, African Embassies to Attend One-of-a-Kind Event

BALTIMORE—09/13/2010–Passport Health (www.passporthealthusa.com), the nation’s largest private provider of travel medical services and immunizations, in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Africa Travel Association (www.africatravelassociation.org) (ATA), and Loyola University Maryland’s Sellinger School of Business and Management (www.loyola.edu/Graduate/Sellinger) officially announced John McDonough, Secretary of State of MD as the keynote speaker for Rethink Africa (http://www.rethinkafrica.net/).

"We are honored that Secretary McDonough will be presenting the keynote address," announced Jorge Castillo, Corporate Director of Business Development and Marketing at Passport Health. "We know that Africa is a beautiful destination and continues to attract leisure, volunteer and business travelers alike. Nevertheless, much of what people see or hear about Africa is negative. We want to showcase the good things Africa has to offer and the business opportunities which exist there."

According to Mr. Castillo, Rethink Africa has 3 main goals:
1. Shift the paradigm and reshape the perception of Africa
2. Expose business leaders to economic development opportunities in the continent
3. Connect public and private sectors with business leaders and potential international travelers

Eddie Bergman, Executive Director for the ATA, stated that "Africa is often mistakenly perceived as a country—not a continent—and one plagued with disease, wars and famine. Our goal is to change this inaccurate perception of Africa. ATA International Headquarters encourages the Mid-Atlantic Chapter to engage the Baltimore and surrounding communities in the Rethink Africa event to promote Destination Africa."

Rethink Africa will take place at Loyola University Maryland (McGuire Hall) on October 12, 2010.

"Lifelong learning and a global perspective are core elements of a Loyola education," said Karyl B. Leggio, Ph.D., dean of the Sellinger School of Business and Management ―We understand the importance of serving as a resource to our students and to the greater community for opportunities that will open doors and transform perspectives," she continued. "This pivotal event will allow guests to learn more about international partnerships and enriching cultural and travel opportunities in Africa."

Rethink Africa will feature a special message from President Bill Clinton and Governor Martin O’Malley. Michael Unger, a senior associate at the Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard and associate professor of management and international business at Sellinger will also address the audience. Attendees will have an opportunity to network, enjoy African-themed hors d’oeuvres and be entertained by a grand musical production with African singers and dancers and a live band, conducted by Rethink Africa’s music director, Jimothy Rogers.

"All proceeds are going to two charitable organizations: The Carson Scholars Fund and the There Goes My Hero Foundation," added Mr. Castillo. "We are gearing up for a fantastic event and invite all to join us to rediscover the magic, reconnect with business opportunities and retrace our roots."

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Sponsors and exhibitors include Costco Travel, Travisa, Raptim Travel, the MD Governor’s Commission on African Affairs and Sanofi Pasteur, among others. Visit http://www.rethinkafrica.net/ for more information.

***
Jorge Eduardo Castillo
410.727.0556
jorge.castillo@passporthealthusa.com

Tourism Cares for America Volunteer Day a Huge Success

Contact Stef Komorowski: 508-698-6810, Stef@classic-communications.com

Canton, MA-September 10, 2010-Tourism Cares, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving natural, cultural and historical sites throughout the world, hosted a painting project at the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, DC on Friday, September 10.

Volunteers associated with the travel, tourism and hospitality industries demonstrated their commitment to giving back by assisting with much needed painting projects at 12 locations, including the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and Lafayette Park. Their efforts upgraded the overall appearance of the benches and walkways. It also helped the National Park Service that oversees the area by providing this work at no cost, while also encouraging more participation in volunteerism and public service.

"The event was a huge success," said Bruce Beckham, Executive Director, Tourism Cares. "The weather cooperated and everyone had a great time. The 250 volunteers that participated in this project saved the financially-strapped National Park Service over $26,000." In addition, Tourism Cares presented a check for $20,000 to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Volunteers followed the lead of President Barack Obama who signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 to expand the mission of national community service and to recognize September 11as a national day of remembrance and service. Tourism Cares encourages people to visit the nation's capital and to perform much needed services.

Tourism Cares is a non-profit public charity whose mission is to preserve the travel experience for future generations. It accomplishes this by mobilizing the travel and tourism industry and travelers to give back to society through grants to natural, cultural and historical sites throughout the world; through academic and service-learning scholarships for students of hospitality and tourism majors; and through the organization of volunteer efforts to clean up and restore tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. For more information about Tourism Cares, please visit www.tourismcares.org.

Tourism Cares for America Volunteer Day

Tourism Cares for America Volunteer Day

300 volunteers to help beautify the National Mall and Memorial Parks on September 10
MEDIA
ALERT

WHAT:
Tourism Cares (www.tourismcares.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving natural, cultural and historic sites around the world, will host 300 volunteers in a painting project at the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, DC.

Volunteers associated with the travel, tourism and hospitality industries will demonstrate their commitment to giving back by assisting with much needed painting projects at 12 locations at the National Mall and Memorial Parks. This important work that upgrades the overall appearance of the benches and walkways and the enjoyment and comfort of visitors also helps the budget conscious National Park Service that oversees the area.

Tourism Cares will present a check for $20,000 to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at 2:30 outside of the Lincoln Memorial.

WHEN:
Friday, September 10, 2010
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

WHY:
This day of volunteering demonstrates the intent of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 which designates September 11 as a national day of service and remembrance and assists the National Park Service in maintaining a high volume tourist attraction.

WHO:
Bruce Beckham, Executive Director, Tourism Cares
Julie Heizer, Office of Travel & Tourism Industries, US Dept of Commerce
Lisa Simon, President, NTA

WHERE:
Constitution Gardens
Corner of 17 Street and Constitution Avenue, Washington DC

MEDIA CONTACT:
Stef Komorowski, Classic Communications
508-698-6810 x13
stef@classic-communications.com

ON-SITE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Saults
732-580-0918
jmsaults@aol.com

Passport Health and ReThink Africa

For more information about the event visit http://www.passporthealthusa.com/events/rethinkafrica/

Event Date/Time
Tuesday, October 12th
6:00-9:00PM
McGuire Hall
Loyola University

Rethink Africa
Objectives:
• Shift the paradigm and reshape how we think of Africa
• Expose business leaders to economic development opportunities in the continent
• Connect public and private sector with business leaders and potential international travelers
• Support charitable foundations (There Goes My Hero http://www.theregoesmyhero.org, Ben Carson Scholar Fund http://carsonscholars.org)

Ticket price: $50.

Program:
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Cocktails and Networking (Sponsor TBD)
6:30 p.m. – 6:35 p.m. “Welcome to Rethink Africa” by Jorge Castillo and Eddie Bergman
6:35 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Address by Michael Unger, Ph.D
6:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Keynote Speaker Address:
The Honorable John P. McDonough, Secretary of State of Maryland
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, music, networking
7:30 p.m. – 7:50 p.m. Live Performance: Jimothy Rogers, Morgan State Singers, African Dancers
7:55 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Special Address from President Bill Clinton
7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, music, networking
8:00 p.m. – 8:10 p.m. Raffle Announcements (Platinum Sponsor speaks for 1-2 minutes)
8:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, live music, networking

Sponsors:
TRAVISA
Loyola University: Sellinger School of Business
Solimar International
Raptim Travel
Social Integration & Community Development Association (SICDA)
Baltimore Development Corporation
MD Department of Business and Economic Development
Maryland Sister State Program
COSTCO TRAVEL

Food & Wine Sponsors:
Catherine Bereson—Cooking With Catherine
Filippo Lapides- Wine Wave

WRTA Member Australia-based Mission Travel Group: 13 winners to change the world with $100,000

http://www.missiontravel.com.au/giving-back

13 winners to change the world with $100,000
-Meet the Mission Travel Group Giving Back $100,000 Winners-

Thirteen Christian individuals and ministries from around Australia have received a share of $100,000 from Australia’s premier Christian travel agency.

The grants will help fund a hospital in the Congo, raise awareness of boat people escaping to Australia, train a Ugandan doctor, help feed 150 homeless people each night in Brisbane, teach children in Africa, train 100 IT missionaries, care for children of prison inmates in Victoria and produce a healing, intercessory music album.

Mission Travel Group co-founder, Lisa Scerri, said the team was overwhelmed by almost 3,000 applications across four categories in the missiontravel.com.au Giving Back campaign, with applications accepted in May/ June 2010.

“This $100,000 Giving Back opportunity has without a doubt been the most rewarding experience of the four years since Frank and I started Mission Travel Group.

“As a judging panel, we prayerfully considered every application,” said Lisa. “There were lots of tears shed as we read stories of people trusting God in the midst of all that life has thrown at them.

“We are so thrilled to make dreams a reality for these very worthy winners and cannot wait to hear stories of how the $100,000 is changing the world.”


$10,000 Cash Grants:
•Jessie Taylor: Film production of asylum seeker documentary ‘Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea’- Jessie is a lawyer who fights tirelessly for the rights of asylum seekers. The Giving Back Grant will help fund her latest documentary, which has hidden camera footage and interviews with asylum seekers coming by boat from Indonesia to Australia. Jessie attends St Hilary’s Church in Kew, Melbourne.
· "There is growing concern about the number of asylum seekers coming by boat from Indonesia to Australia,” explains Jessie. “Are these people actually refugees? How do we know if their claims are genuine? What pushes them to leave their own countries? Have Australia’s recent policy changes opened the floodgates? Through hidden camera footage and interviews with asylum seekers, ‘Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea’ examines what it takes to turn a person into a boat person."

•Emily Isham: Support for Congo’s Panzi Hospital - Emily was a missionary kid who grew up in Congo and knows the culture, people and language. She is a doctor at Royal Hobart Hospital and is doing her Masters in International Public Health and Sexual Forensics. The $10,000 Giving Back Grant will help Emily collaborate with staff at Panzi Hospital (recently featured on Four Corners) to fundraise for equipment and training. Emily attends St Clement’s Anglican Church in Kingston, Tasmania.
· Emily says, “Having personally seen devastation from poor health, I’m extremely passionate about enabling the poorest of God’s people to have equal access to basic human rights and healthcare...This grant will be one of those steps, and will be put to invaluable use in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

•Nightlight Outreach Inc: Purchase and fit-out vehicle to help feed Brisbane’s homeless- Nightlight feeds and clothes up to 150 people who are homeless and disadvantaged in Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast each night. Michaela Porter and her husband currently operate out of the back of a 2001 Ford Laser Hatchback. The Giving Back grant will go towards the purchase and fit out of a Toyota Hiace van.
· Michaela shares, “In just the short time of us being out on the streets, we have seen many changes in people’s lives when they accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Receiving a grant of $10,000 will really help us establish our place firmly and recognizably in the community and expand God’s kingdom from there through the purchase of a van.”



•IT Without Borders: Administration assistant to recruit and deploy IT missionaries
- The $10,000 grant will employ an administrative officer for IT Without Borders to recruit, train, motivate and coordinate up to 100 IT volunteers to provide much-needed remote IT support for missionaries. The office will also develop an international membership base and engage corporate sponsors to remain sustainable long-term. Another Christian organisation has agreed to match this $10,000 grant to develop a sophisticated IT framework to link the IT need (missionaries in the field) with the IT supply (people with IT skills from all over the world).
· Andrew Harrisson, Director IT Without Borders says, “There is an unquenchable thirst amongst missions and missionaries for IT and ICT support. Recently, a missionary strategist who supports 30 mission agencies stated that the greatest barrier to the growth and sustainability of these ministries is a complete lack of IT competency and capacity. This grant will help IT Without Borders link the supply to the demand!”

$5,000 Cash Grants:
•Maranatha Health: Training for Ugandan Doctor to care for rural community- In Kamwenge Uganda, 1 in 4 children do not reach their 5th birthday and there is currently no practising doctor for the 300,000 residents. Committed to making positive lasting change in Uganda, Maranatha Health will use the $5000 Grant to cover the university fees of a local Christian Ugandan man in his third year of medicine in Kampala. After completing his degree, he will spend at least five years in Kamwenge, serving the community’s medical needs.
· Kim Findlay, Director of Community Development at Maranatha Health says, “Maranatha Health always chooses to work in a collaborative, participatory way with the local community, particularly with churches. Choosing to sponsor Davis, who is a local man with a good reputation for his strong faith and commitment, would set a good precedent for Maranatha Health in the Kamwenge community, and will hopefully mean our work will have a more lasting impact and a strong connection with faith communities.”

•Prison Network Ministries: Caring for children of prison inmates- Children of inmates in two of Victoria’s female prisons will be the big winners of the Giving Back Grant. The $5,000 will be used in the Kids Matta program, which includes camps, ‘Fun with Mum’ sessions and attending special activities like footy matches and movies for up to 50 children each year.
· “We’re passionate about the women we work with in the prison and the kids,” says Debra Redford, CEO Prison Network Ministry. “It is great to know others have read the application and share that passion about what we do. In providing funds to send disadvantaged children and teenagers to Christian camps, it is often the only opportunity they have to see another way of life and to be genuinely loved.”



•Tony Clark: Recording an intercessory music album
- Tony has an amazing Saul-like testimony, finding God’s healing as a 19 year old. As a talented songwriter, musician and singer, he produced his first EP in 2007. The $5000 Grant will help Tony record his first album: a deep intercessory CD that will break down barriers and bring great healing. Tony is currently writing the songs for the album and hopes to hit the recording studios in early 2011. He lives in Mudgeeraba, Queensland and attends Forerunners International Church.
· Tony shares, “God has shown me that I am to release a CD that breaks people – in the right way! – and cause grown men to weep...A deep intercession CD that will bring great healing...You never really know how many people will be affected or make decisions towards God because of an intimate moment listening to one of your songs – the ripple effect can see lives impacted for years to come.”

•Mr X (name protected): Engineer equipping remote villages in the Middle East with power generators- The $5000 Giving Back grant will supply diesel generators, lighting and power points in two remote villages. A retired engineer from Victoria has already spent a considerable length of time in this closed country and plans to continue reaching out to the locals with God’s love.
· “My interest in mission has grown since I became a Christian at the age of 42. When I was offered early retirement, I saw it as an opportunity to give back some of those blessings...The heart of our mission is outreach to Muslims, to attempt to share with them the love of God.”

Volunteer Africa:
•Rachel Lau: Teaching children in Nairobi, Kenya- Rachel, 23, worships at the Chinese Lutheran Church in Epping, Sydney where she is involved in children’s ministry, music and youth leadership. Her parents started the church 15 years ago to engage Chinese migrant families, having moved to Australia from Hong Kong. Rachel has served on Beach Mission and volunteered at an Aboriginal project in Dubbo. With this $5,000 Volunteer Africa grant, Rachel will use her skills as a primary school and music teacher to teach for one month in Nairobi, Kenya.
· “Teaching is a great opportunity to share God’s love and inspire children to learn, and I have a strong desire to serve with my teaching and musical gifts in any areas of need in Africa,” says Rachel.

•Craig Sheppard: Caring for orphans in Nairobi, Kenya- Craig, a survivor of childhood cancer, has always had a passion for Africa but never had the opportunity to go. With the Giving Back Grant, Craig will spend a month in Nairobi caring for orphaned children. Craig has competed as a sprint and long jump athlete overseas, has a great heart for mission and is involved with his wife, Jane, in SLAM ministry, caring for prison inmates. Craig is a Deacon at Beaconsfield Baptist Church in Melbourne.
· “My Dad gave me an empty box several years ago and he told me this box was empty because in it I was to place my dreams,” explains Craig. “Instantly it became my ‘Africa Box!’ Dad passed away two years ago, and I shared at his funeral how we talked for hours, right up to his final days, and I also shared the vision of my 'Africa Box'. To go to Africa on a short or long term mission trip, is a deep heartfelt passion the Lord has placed there.”

Compassion Sponsor Child Visit:
•Maric family: Visiting 9-year-old Compassion sponsor child in Indonesia- The Maric family of five will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience visiting their Compassion sponsor child in Indonesia, valued at $10,000. Sue, her husband Branko and children Maddison, Alysha and Liam have sponsored nine-year-old Dinda for five years. This will be the Maric’s first visit to a developing country where they hope to expose their own children to another culture and gain kingdom perspective on what is really important. The family attend Roxburgh Park Community Church in Melbourne.
· “We send letters to Dinda [our sponsor child]; the post is a little slow with the interpreters,” says Sue Maric. “We have been talking about going there as my two daughters are learning Indonesian at school, however we couldn’t afford it for at least a couple of years... I’m sure it will open our eyes to many things as we have never really been overseas, apart from New Zealand.”

Holy Land Experience:
•Tim Foster: Ridley Melbourne lecturer bringing teaching to life with tour of Greece and Turkey- An all-expenses-paid 16-day pilgrimage tour through Greece and Turkey, valued at $10,000, will bring this Bible College lecturer’s teaching to life, benefiting hundreds of students. Tim is Director of Theological Education and Formation (Vice-Principal) at Ridley Melbourne. As a lecturer in 1 & 2 Corinthians (written to the residents of Corinth in Greece) and 1& 2 Timothy (written to the residents of Ephesus in Turkey), this pilgrimage will allow Tim a greater understanding of the geography, history and culture of the areas that Paul ministered in.
· “I love helping students wrestle with the text and with difficult issues and “get it” – what a buzz!” says Tim. “The tour will be an enormous benefit to my teaching the Epistles. It will give me the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture which will bring my teaching materials to life.”

Bible College Scholarship:
•Mike Horgan: Training for missions work with a Masters of Divinity at Trinity College, WA- The $10,000 Giving Back grant will help Mike complete a Masters of Divinity as he equips himself for long-term mission, helping to train, equip and encourage the underground church in a closed Central Asian country. Mike and his wife attend Scarborough Church of Christ in Perth where Mike is an elder, runs Bible studies, preaches, and co-ordinates and trains Bible study leaders.
· Mike says, “The church in this country has seen enormous growth in recent times. The growth of the church has outstripped its capacity to train leaders. The team we will be joining is working with the underground church to train, equip and encourage lay pastors who lead small house churches...The team is also engaged in evangelism which we also intend to be involved with. Student ministry and ministry to women in danger are two particular areas that hold great interest for us.”

2010-2011 Religious Travel Buyer's Guide Just Published

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

Personal travel stories from Lifetree Adventures

Blessings in Israel
by Lois Hunt

Our Lifetree Adventure trip to Israel was a real blessing. We landed in Tel Aviv, spent one night there, then it was on to Tiberias where we spent two nights. While there we saw and did many things but the one experience that was so meaningful to me was to be baptized in the Jordan River. After leaving Tiberias we went to Jerusalem where we stayed for the rest of the trip. Jerusalem is a beautiful city with gardens on rooftops, on balconies, in window boxes and everywhere you go. All the buildings are made of Jerusalem stone and all slanted rooftops are the same red brick color. It is beautiful to see.

Our last four days in Israel we did service work in Jerusalem. We painted two rooms at the largest preschool. They were so pleased with our work! We then went to the food bank and met people from all over the world. What a wonderful experience ministering to the Jewish people by meeting a very basic need - food. While we were there, our group also had the opportunity to make cheer baskets for children to be given to them for their birthday and while sick or in the hospital.

We loved it all and want to encourage you to go to Israel with Lifetree Adventures - it will change something in you!

My favorite parts were basically everything...
by Victoria Williams

This Lifetree Adventure experience was educational, fun, and spiritually fulfilling. I am inspired to learn more about Israel and the Jewish roots I never knew I had as a Christian. I cannot walk where Jesus walked and not be changed, and not want to be changed.

My favorite parts of the tour were basically everything with many highlights such as: being baptized in the Jordan River, seeing and touching the places where Jesus once was, the camel ride, the Dead Sea, and the service work. I was baptized as an infant but rejected the idea that I needed to be baptized again as an adult for many years, because I believed in one baptism. Being baptized in the Jordan River makes that a settled issue for me once and for all, it really showed me that there is something to being baptized as an adult. The baptism and touching and seeing the places of my Savior were all spiritually fulfilling. The camel ride, the Dead Sea, and the adventure aspects were simply fun and very relaxing. It was such a pleasure serving the people of Israel through Lifetree Adventures.

THETRADESHOW Spotlights Travel Product Seminars

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
• Experience Starwood's Travel Professional Program. Are You A StarwoodPro? Brought to you by Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Presented by Chris Austin. Travel agents—join Chris Austin, vice president of global retail, leisure and luxury sales for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and find out how you can become a Starwoodpro. Austin will take attendees on a virtual tour of the company’s travel professional Web site, www.starwoodpro.com. New for 2010 Starwood is adding destination modules to its ProLearning platform. Austin will share some of the highlights of all the available modules, explain how travel agents can earn access to Starwood’s lowest travel professional rates, and highlight all the resources Starwood has created for its travel professional partners through starwoodpro.com. And, those who attend this session will have the chance to win an exciting Starwood Resorts giveaway and experience one of the nine Starwood brands and 1,000 properties in 100 countries around the world.
• Get Resourceful! Brought to you by Hilton Worldwide. Presented by Peter Maltby. Those who attend this presentation will walk away with many useful ideas and tips on where to get the inside scoop on Hilton Worldwide and its many brands. Dive into online training, product information, news and tips, special rates and how staying loyal pays off. One lucky attendee will get to experience a two-night stay in any Hampton Inn in the United States simply by participating in this seminar.
• Auto Europe - The International Car Rental Service Leader. Brought to you by Auto Europe. Presented by Joe Maniscalco, regional director of sales, Auto Europe. Travel agents who attend this session will learn the benefits of booking their clients with Auto Europe and Destination Europe. The benefits start with access to the industry's largest car rental fleet with more than 4,000 locations worldwide, a reservations and customer service department open 24-7-365, international toll-free customer service and prices guaranteed in US dollars. Attendees will receive the latest information on Auto Europe programs including; transfer & chauffeur drive services, Peugeot buyback leases for long term rentals, GPS, cell phones and much more. With Destination Europe, one call does it all. Partnering with more than 30 airlines and 30,000 hotels worldwide Destination Europe will deliver all of your clients needs.
• 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.
• SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Animal Ambassador Presentations. Brought to you by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a unique collection of 10 parks throughout the country where connections are made, wonder is celebrated and fun comes in all shapes and sizes. SeaWorld cares for the largest animal collection in the world, and since 1965, has rescued more than 17,000 stranded, sick or injured animals including endangered and threatened species. Travel agents who attend will meet SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment’s animal ambassadors and learn more about its conservation work and zoological expertise that extend to every corner of the globe. Attendees will even have the opportunity to win free tickets to one of SeaWorld’s parks.

Product Seminars
• See Puerto Rico…si! Brought to you by Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Presented by Yolanda Figueroa, Gabriel Emanuelli & Ciso Moreno. Join the Puerto Rico Tourism Company for an overview of the largest home port of the Caribbean. Puerto Rico offers great earnings potential where clients may take in 16th-century Spanish forts, exotic rainforests and the beauty of the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Puerto Rico is a culinary capital of the Caribbean, where options range from classical European to exciting Caribbean-Asian fusions and unique "criollo" cuisine. Add Puerto Rican rum, great beaches and your clients will have the best vacation ever. Learn about hotel updates and offers, cruise lines and passenger statistics, attractions and tours, shopping, Puerto Rico Travel expert program updates and much more. Sales support material and numerous other resources will be available for travel agents.
• Saint Lucia, Live the Legend. Brought to you by Recommend Magazine. Presented by Lorine Charles–St Jules. A detailed presentation of the destination based on the new Saint Lucia Specialist Program created by Recommend magazine. Attendees will receive an overview of the island and the niche travel markets it serves, along with an array of attractions, sites and culinary options, and new fresh tools to help sell Saint Lucia.

A variety of registration packages, ranging from $35 to the Best Value Package at $109 are available. For more information on these packages or to register, visit THETRADESHOW.org. The Best Value Package includes registration to THETRADESHOW and THETRAVELBLOGGERSSHOW, as well as the VIP Perks Package and the eLearning Center access. Agents unable to attend THETRADESHOW, but who would like to experience THETRADESHOW educational program through the eLearning Center without the live networking opportunities or Best Value Package, can purchase a virtual-only registration for $99. Register now as price go up Aug. 1.

THETRADESHOW is created and supported by the travel industry’s leading organizations, including: ASTA, ACTA, AirTran, ATA, CLIA, ETOA, IGLTA, IIPT, Las Vegas CVB, NACTA, NBTA, NTA, Orlando CVB, Tourism Cares, Travel Professionals of Color, WRTA, The Travel Institute, U.S. Travel Association and USTOA. Official media partners are: Agent@Home, eTurboNews, JaxFax, Mail Pound, Recommend, TravelAge West, Travel Channel, Travel Press, TravelPulse, TRO, Travel Weekly, USA Today and Vacation Agent.

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
###

Workin', Servin' and Lovin'

From the Lifetree Adventures Newsletter.....

Our Lifetree Adventures trip to Egypt was a wonderful, life-changing adventure. After a day or two in Cairo to see the pyramids, we flew to Luxor where we met a delightful group of young men ranging in ages from 5-17 who lived in an orphanage. We were there to work. On the surface our job was to paint and construct school desks for each boy. We soon realized our main job was building relationships as we became friends and shared the love of Jesus. These boys could hardly believe that a group of people from the USA would come to their home to paint, build and play! As I understand it, we were the first group to ever go to Egypt to do a social service project. That made the whole experience even more special.

Following our time in Luxor we had a 3-day cruise on the Nile River to Aswan. That was a nice way to relax following the exuberance and excitement of our week at the orphanage.

In addition to the orphanage experience, our view of Egypt was changed profoundly. The entire country is a spectacular visual view of ancient history. We will never forget those boys and the great hospitality of Egypt nor the good care we received from Lifetree Adventures.

Tourism Cares for America Volunteer Day

Tourism Cares is making a difference – again! In commemoration of President Obama’s signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, naming September 11 as a day of service and remembrance, on Friday, September 10th, 2010, Tourism Cares will hold its

Tourism Cares for America Volunteer Day, on the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, DC.

Tourism Cares is inviting its travel and tourism industry volunteers to bring their families and friends to help brighten up our nation’s capital. The National Park Service needs help, and who better to come to its aid once again than the friends and supporters of Tourism Cares?

The project involves a few hours of volunteering to help do needed painting projects around the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and Lafayette Park. These often-visited historic sites are important to every American, and the beautification of their surroundings is important work. I hope you can join in and help. Click here to learn more about volunteering for this project.

If you have any questions about this special project, please contact Jessica Ahern at jessicaa@tourismcares.org or call 781-821-5990, Ext. 212.

News from Cyprus Tourism

Cyprus Summer 2010
Have you planned your summer holidays yet? If not, don't miss your chance to experience the ultimate summer relaxation and enjoy the beauties of Cyprus!

Being in Cyprus during the summer offers you the potential to indulge in a myriad of activities. Try the waterpark for thrills, or bungee jumping for an extreme sensation. Discover the magic of the underwater world by snorkelling or diving in warm crystal clear seas. And for the less adventurous windsurfing, sailing, coastal cruising and deep-water fishing are only a few of the available choices.

Benefit from last minute deals and book your accommodation at 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.

And don't miss your chance to win one week holiday package (for two) to Cyprus during 2011 just by participating in the online photo competition!

If you are looking for inspiration, take a look below at an assortment of attractive events taking place around Cyprus this summer. To find out more visit www.visitcyprus.com.

Register today for next week's NASHVILLE Travel Ministry Conference

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.

Tourism industry volunteers give back to commemorate the National Day of Service and Remembrance

Tourism Cares is pleased to announce the opening of the 2010 Tourism Cares for America Volunteer Day event registration on the Tourism Cares website, www.tourismcares.org/volunteer-day.

· The Tourism Cares for America Volunteer Day will be held Friday, September 10, 2010 at the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, DC. The event will bring travel industry professionals, along with their friends and families, together to volunteer their time to help maintain a site of great importance to the tourism industry and the country.

· Following the lead of President Obama, who signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in April of 2009 to expand the mission of national community service and recognize September 11 as a national day of service and remembrance, Tourism Cares is encouraging tourism industry professionals and their friends and family to visit Washington, DC to perform a needed service at our nation’s capital.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Contact: Jessica Ahern Lisa Schmiemann

Publicity & Communications Event Director

781-821-5990 x212 781-821-5990 x214

jessicaa@tourismcares.org lisas@tourismcares.org



Tourism industry volunteers give back to commemorate the

National Day of Service and Remembrance

Tourism Cares announces a restoration event on the National Mall in Washington



Canton, MA (June 23, 2010)– Tourism Cares, the non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the travel experience for future generations, will host a volunteer clean-up project on September 10, 2010 at the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, DC. The Tourism Cares for America Volunteer Day will bring travel industry professionals together to volunteer their time to help maintain a site of great importance to the tourism industry and the country.

Registration is available on the Tourism Cares website, www.tourismcares.org/volunteer-day

“The National Mall is the Capitol Building’s front yard and it needs our help. The Mall gets so many visitors that the wear and tear is hard to keep up with by a stretched National Park Service staff,” said Bruce Beckham, Executive Director, Tourism Cares. “The services we will perform will save the NPS the time and money to dedicate to other equally important projects that volunteers may not be able to do.”

Following the lead of President Obama, who signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in April of 2009 to expand the mission of national community service and recognize September 11 as a national day of service and remembrance, Tourism Cares is encouraging tourism industry professionals and their friends and family to visit Washington, DC to perform a needed service at our nation’s capital.

Volunteers will assist with much needed painting projects at the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and Lafayette Park between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM that day. These often visited historic sites are important to every American and the beautification of their surroundings is important work.

“The National Mall and Memorial Parks mission is to manage, preserve, and maintain the monuments, memorials, and historic sites in the heart of Washington, D.C., and to provide opportunities for all Americans and park visitors to understand and be inspired by their significance”, said Toni Braxton, Public Affairs Specialist, National Park Service. “Clearly, the impact of the [Tourism Cares] volunteers will be felt for years to come. The services of the volunteers will help preserve and protect America's natural and cultural heritage for the enjoyment of this and future generations.”

Although last year's Volunteer Day was canceled due to inclement weather, Tourism Cares and their volunteers were still able to make a difference. Tourism Cares and Entertainment Cruises donated 300 boxed lunches to Martha's Table, a soup kitchen in Washington, DC.

Tourism Cares is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity with a mission to preserve the travel experience for future generations. It accomplishes this by mobilizing the travel and tourism industry and travelers to give back to society through grants to natural, cultural and historic sites worldwide; through academic and service-learning scholarships for students of hospitality and tourism; and through the organization of volunteer efforts to clean up and restore tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. For additional information about Tourism Cares, please visit www.tourismcares.org

###

Tourism Cares: 300 Travel Industry Volunteers on Angel Island

Tourism Cares, the non-profit organization in the travel industry dedicated to preserving the travel experience for future generations, brought 300 travel industry volunteers together on Friday, June 4, to make a difference on Angel Island for the 2010 Tourism Cares for America San Francisco Bay volunteer event.

· Tourism Cares for America volunteers represent all facets of the travel industry; tour operators, hoteliers, destination marketing organizations, airlines, cruise lines and attractions, who recognize the importance of protecting and preserving travel destinations for the benefit of future generations of travelers.

· At Angel Island, volunteers were involved in a number of projects that would have taken park staff months to complete. Limited financial resources have curtailed the maintenance of Angel Island’s many natural and historic sites. Angel Island is listed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America’s ten most-threatened historic sites.

· The Tourism Cares for America event has been held in 7 different locations across the United States, the Angel Island project being the first held on the West Coast.

For more information, I have pasted the full release below. If you have any further questions, or would like additional pictures, please do not hesitate to reach me at jessicaa@tourismcares.org or 781-821-5990 x212.

Attend June 17 Chicago Travel Ministry Conference and Receive Free Copy of The Christian Travel Planner

Attention: Pastors, Ministry Leaders, and Faith-based Travelers!

Join fellow pastors, religious leaders, travel agents and other faith community members at WRTA’s Travel Ministry Conference where you can discover how to build an effective travel ministry program.

When? Thursday, June 17, 2010
Where? Downtown Chicago (Parking and Museum Admission Included!)

SPEAKERS
Chicago's Rev. Ruth Newell (Chaplain, C-Beyond the Walls Outreach Ministry)
Torre Ossmo (Vice President and General Manager, Faithful Holidays)
Kevin J. Wright (WRTA President and author of The Christian Travel Planner)
Cindi Brodhecker (President, Faith Travel Development & Consulting)Frank Scerri (Owner & Managing Director, Mission Travel Group of Australia)

Why Sign Up in Advance? Pre-registrants receive FREE copy of The Christian Travel Planner.

Best Yet! Cost for religious leaders or their representatives is FREE if you sign up before June 15! Just use promo code: Planner-M10

Day-of Admission = $20 (includes a WRTA Membership for 2010)

<< More information here. >>

Explore the many faith-based opportunities that exist for your business including pilgrimages, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, fellowship cruises, retreats, adventure trips, religious attractions, and much more. Plus, meet with tourism and travel providers specializing in faith-based travel, including The Christian Travel Planner author, Kevin J. Wright. Sign up in advance to receive a complimentary copy.


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



World Religious Travel Association
2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite A325 Lexington, KY 40504
888.255.9782 ext. 101 or +1.859.219.3529
headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com
http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/

Pope in Cyprus for the first time

From Cyprus Tourism Organization
www.visitcyprus.com

Pope in Cyprus for the first time

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Cyprus today on a three-day "pilgrimage" trip.

The pontiff, who said he was following in the footsteps of the apostles
Paul and Barnabas, said the island was blessed by a "resilient Christian
heritage" and saluted the head of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Archbishop
Chrysostomos II, as his "brother".

The Pope was greeted in the southwestern resort of Paphos by Chrysostomos
and by President Demetris Christofias, who said: "Cyprus is in need of your
words of peace, given the difficult situation the island is facing."
Turkish troops have been stationed in the breakaway north of the island since a
1974 invasion in reaction to a Greek Cypriot coup seeking to unite the
island with Greece.

"Allow me to say that Cyprus is in need of your prayers and your
contribution in order to quickly regain its unity and freedom," the president added.

The 83-year-old pontiff made an oblique reference to the division, which
continues after decades of fruitless UN-sponsored talks. "May the love of
your families and the desire to live in harmony with your neighbours" under
God's protection "inspire you patiently to resolve the remaining concerns
that you share with the international community for the future of your
island," he said.

Benedict is the first pope to visit Cyprus, and this is his first trip to
an Orthodox country. His first stop after leaving the Paphos airport was
the nearby ancient church of Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's
Pillar, where he was to take part in an "ecumenical celebration" with
Chrysostomos, who has called on people to welcome him.

He also has an official mission to hand over to Catholic prelates who have
come to Cyprus from the Middle East a working document for a synod on
regional issues to be held in October.

The pope will spend Saturday and Sunday in the capital Nicosia, where he
will celebrate two masses.

For more information please contact our office.

Tasoula Manaridis, Director
Cyprus Tourism Organization
Tel: (212) 683-5280
www.visitcyprus.com

Explosion of New Itineraries for 2011 in Eastern Mediterranean that include the Holy Land

April - May, 2010

Dear Kevin,

Greetings to you and welcome to a combined April - May, 2010 edition of Nautical Journeys.

Looking back on the first quarter of 2010, the cruise industry is going strong, thanks in large part to the prevailing view that cruising provides the highest all-inclusive value for a travel investment. When you combine that with the excitement of new ships on the market, and an increasing number of worldwide ports to explore, the opportunities for cruise travel seem endless. After first-time cruisers see how much there is to love about the cruise lifestyle, many are eager to get back on a ship and venture somewhere even further and more exotic, especially when joined by family and friends from within their own faith community. And there has been an explosion of new itineraries for 2011 in the Eastern Mediterranean that include the Holy Land, building on the claim by the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) that the $18 billion faith tourism industry is alive and well. Many of these itineraries are especially well-suited to churches, synagogues and faith-based organizations.

Our destination spotlight this month is on Istanbul, Turkey which also appears on one of our four itineraries to be offered to faith-based groups for next year. Note the four itineraries to the right of this message. These offers of space can be customized for your group or booked as the all-inclusive packages they are by contacting me at 925-465-6038 or 888-882-5701. I would be delighted to get started with a 2011 project for your church or synagogue now.

In the meantime, please accept my prayerful support and best wishes for your ministry as you lead your faith community through this next Season of Pentecost. And, note the free offer from Princess Cruises at the bottom of this newsletter under 'Cruise News and Cruise Specials'. Stay in touch!

With all good wishes and best regards,

Ron Hermanson
Franchise Owner

Ron Hermanson, ACC, CPCE
925-465-6038 or 888-882-5701
http://rhermanson.cruiseholidays.com

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. – 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 conferences.

For more information about the Travel Ministry Conferences visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com. For faith-based communities, organizations and individuals interested in attending and participating in the Travel Ministry Conferences, contact WRTA staff at 859.219.3529 or 888.255.WRTA, ext. 101.

For travel trade companies and professionals interested in attending, exhibiting at, or sponsoring the Travel Ministry Conference events, contact Kami Risk.

Tourism Cares and IATAN Partner to Benefit Students of Travel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Contact:
Carolyn Viles, Director Grants & Scholarships Bert Rivero, Regional Director
Tourism Cares IATAN
781-821-5990 x208 877-734-2826
Carolynv@tourismcares.org info@iatan.org

Tourism Cares and IATAN Partner to Benefit Students of Travel
Travel industry philanthropy will manage IATAN Ronald A. Santana Scholarship Fund

Canton, Mass. (May 12, 2010)-Tourism Cares, the travel and tourism industry’s premier philanthropy with a mission to preserve the travel experience for the benefit of future generations, has now assumed the responsibility of administering the International Airlines Travel Agent Network’s (IATAN), Ronald A. Santana Foundation Scholarship Fund. IATAN, the travel industry’s premier accreditation program, realized the benefit of having Tourism Cares, which now promotes and administers the scholarship programs of both NTA and ASTA, handle its long established fund.

The IATAN Foundation was established in 1996 in memory of the late Ronald A Santana. Santana was a member of the IATAN Board, a past president of the Association of Retail Agents (ARTA) and a travel agency owner and advisor. The fund was established to recognize his dedication and tireless efforts toward the education of travel agents. The fund has since awarded more than $82,500 in scholarships to IATAN accredited agents and to those wishing to begin their careers in travel and have met the scholarship criteria. The criteria tie in with IATAN’s mission to promote professionalism, administer meaningful and impartial business standards, and provide cost-effective products and services that benefit the travel industry.

“The Ron Santana Memorial Foundation was created to provide scholarships to those who were inspired to join our exciting travel industry,” said Bert Rivero, IATAN’s Regional Director for The Americas. “Many deserving people have benefited from the scholarships in the last 14 years that IATAN and its Board wanted to ensure these scholarships were protected and continue to serve our industry. There was no doubt that Tourism Cares was the right organization to promote and administer the fund to the high standards that IATAN has maintained for so many years. IATAN’s pledge to continue to support the Ron Santana Memorial Foundation has been and will continue to be unwavering.”

“It’s an honor for Tourism Cares to be the official philanthropy of IATAN,” said Bruce Beckham, Tourism Cares’ Executive Director. “The addition of the IATAN Ronald A. Santana Memorial Scholarships, when combined with the academic and professional development scholarships we now administer, will allow Tourism Cares to award more than $100,000 per year to deserving members of the present and future travel industry workforce. That’s very exciting for everyone involved, especially during these challenging economic times.”

In 2010, five $1,000 IATAN Ronald A. Santana Memorial Professional Development Scholarships will be awarded to applicants who are entering or working in the travel, tourism or hospitality industry. These will be used toward reimbursement of the costs of successfully completed travel-and-tourism or hospitality certificate programs at U. S. state-licensed schools. The application deadline is Thursday, July 1, 2010 5 pm EDT. For more information, please visit the Tourism Cares Professional Development Scholarships webpage at
http://www.tourismcares.org/scholarships/professional-development-scholarships.

In addition, beginning in 2011, the Santana Fund will feature academic scholarships. Information about those awards will be available at a later date.

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

IATAN Accreditation Programs promote professionalism, administers meaningful and impartial business standards and provides cost-effective products and services that benefit the travel industry. Guided by a diversified board comprised of all sectors of the industry, including travel agencies, home based businesses, large corporations, hotel, cruise lines and airlines, IATAN provides a vital link between the suppliers community and the U.S. travel distribution network. For more information about IATAN, visit www.iatan.org.

Lifetree Adventures/Member newsletter

www.lifetreeadventures.com

In This Issue -
Experience Ecuador through the eyes of two of our previous travelers. - Learn fun facts about visiting Ecuador!
Stay TunedThe next e-Newsletter will feature Kenya. Click here for more information on our upcoming Kenya trip this September!

Serve in Ecuador!You can make a difference in people's lives! Our next trip to Ecuador is August 7-15, 2010 (click here to learn more).
Custom TripsDo you have a group of people - church friends or your family - who would like to travel and serve together? All our destinations can be customized (dates and itineraries) just for your group. Call 1-800-747-2157 for more information.
Serve in Costa RicaOur Costa Rica group travels July 18-26 and there are only 4 spots left! Call 1-800-747-2157 to sign up. Click here for more info.

Icing on the Cake in Ecuador
By Jody Waldrop

My Lifetree Adventures trip to Ecuador was an experience never to be forgotten. It was a beautiful way of serving the Lord by visiting the homes of the people and providing the missionaries with help as they needed it. In this way, I had to be dependent upon what the Lord would give me to do and not what I could produce in my own efforts. It was a great mix of Ecuadorian history, having fun and being challenged (the zip line!), and serving people. My heart in going on this Lifetree Adventure was to serve the kids and the families and that was incredible for me. The "other items" were icing on the cake! This Lifetree Adventures experience is one of the best ways to "get your foot in the door" to missions. You really can make a difference in a week with those you work with and live the rest of your life differently because of the one week of service.

My First Mission Trip Ever
by Brook Hickle

This trip opened my eyes in many ways to needs that I did not know existed. It is completely different to hear on the news what is going on in our world versus seeing it firsthand. - Brook Hickle

When I stepped off the airplane in Quito, Ecuador on my Lifetree Adventures trip, I felt a rush of emotion. This would be my first mission trip ever! I had heard many stories from friends who had served on mission trips but nothing could have prepared me for the life-changing events that would take place over the next nine days.

As our Lifetree Adventures trip began, 15 strangers from around the U.S. and Canada quickly bonded as the "adventure" portion of our trip unfolded - visiting the Mitad del Mundo (the equator), touring historic Quito, zip-lining through the rainforest, and riding by horseback in the Andes Mountains. I so clearly remember riding on the tour bus and listening to the conversations of the people in my group. These were people who were complete strangers just days before but were quickly experiencing an amazing adventure together and sharing their lives with one another. I felt as if God was preparing us as a team for our service work ahead. Hebrews 10:24 came to mind over and over: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

Our service work began on day four of the trip at the daycare in the Quito City Dump. We made food baskets for 14 families who are employed at the dump and then delivered them to their homes and listened to their stories. We also cleaned the daycare and did light repairs on the facility, made and served dinner one evening to all the dump employees, and cared for the children in the daycare while their parents worked at the dump site. I was touched by so many things: the thankfulness of the Ecuadorian people as they received the food baskets (one woman we visited had not eaten in four days), the appreciation for a warm meal shown by the dump workers as we served them dinner, and the little voices, laughter, and hugs we all experienced while working with the wonderful children in the daycare. I will never forget these things!

The Lifetree Adventures trip taken by our group was an inspiration to each of us to become more servant-like in our lives, whether in our own homes, our neighborhoods, or in far-away places. For me personally, it was a realization that we must never underestimate the power of giving. Whether it is showing kindness and love, sharing a smile or laughter, or giving time or money, what we give makes such an impact on those we are serving. Something that feels so small to the "giver" can change the life of another! I have never experienced a trip as fun and meaningful as my trip to Ecuador with Lifetree Adventures!

BETHANY BEYOND THE JORDAN RECLAIMS SPOT ON HOLY LAND PILGRIM MAP

BETHANY BEYOND THE JORDAN RECLAIMS SPOT ON HOLY LAND PILGRIM MAP
Jordan attracts 24% more U.S. visitors to Baptism Site in First Quarter 2010;
Tour Companies Say Numbers Mark Turning Point in Faith-Based Travel to Jordan

McLEAN, Va. (April 27, 2010) – The rustic, eco-protected settlement on the eastern banks of the Jordan River known as “Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan” – where the Bible says Jesus came to be baptized by his cousin John – is fast becoming a must-see destination for faith-based travelers and general tourists alike to the Holy Land. In 2010, 24% more American tourists visited the baptism site during January-March than during the same period last year, and travel suppliers are reporting increased interest and demand for the site from Christian travel planners and consumers.

“We have worked hand in hand with our suppliers to promote this unique location and educate religious travel planners about how to build it into all of their Holy Land travel programs,” said Malia Asfour, director of the Jordan Tourism Board North America. “Now that the site is fully open and travelers have easy access, it is only natural that this authentic location is once again returning to its place of prominence on the Holy Land map.”

Asfour views faith-based travel as one of the primary niches for Jordan tourism. She has been working since 1997 to promote the destination of Jordan to the North American travel market, and decided early on that Jordan needed a re-branding in the religious sector in order to educate and re-introduce the kingdom’s biblical sites and experiences to prospective travelers. With Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan at number one on the list of must-see biblical locations in Jordan, the rising tide of visitors to the site should lift faith-based travel to other parts of Jordan.

“It’s a case of what was old is new again,” said Christine Moore, founder of Epiphany Media, who has spent a decade representing the Jordan Tourism Board to the religious community in North America. “More Americans are simply returning to the original pilgrim route taken by the early Christians, who would visit the place of baptism between their journeys to Mount Nebo and Jerusalem. Today, faith-based travelers can have the same authentic experience that the original pilgrims had, and also enjoy adventures and experiences at Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and so many other locations in Jordan.”

The authenticity, simplicity and eco-protected nature of the site means it is here to stay on the pilgrim map. And more and more faith-based travel suppliers are recognizing that the practice of taking Christian groups to other locations on the Jordan River does not hold the same meaning for their clients as visiting the special area where John the Baptist lived, preached and baptized his cousin.

Nick Mancino, president of Group IST, who operates Regina Tours for the Catholic market and Journeys Unlimited for the Protestant market, said he has experienced increased demand across the board for the Baptism Site. And Rick Ricart, president of Imagine Tours & Travel, whose father promoted Jordan as a religious travel destination as far back as the 1970’s, said he has had one of his busiest seasons ever for travel to Jordan. Ricart said the baptism site is becoming more popular among his clients, as word has spread about its excavations and accessibility.

“I used to feel like a voice crying out in the wilderness myself when trying to promote the baptism site or other holy places in Jordan,” said Ricart. “But we have prepared the way, and now more travel leaders are aware of the opportunities in Jordan, and want to give their groups a chance to experience Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan and other special places, as well as sample some of that famous Jordanian hospitality.”

Additional Information:

Church/Visitor Facilities
An area of 350,000 square miles of land has been set aside for the pilgrim village just outside the baptism site reserve, which has strict environmental protection bylaws.
Many Christian denominations have begun building new churches and facilities/guest houses nearby in a “pilgrim village” to facilitate modern pilgrims to what has been called the “Birthplace of Christianity.” Churches and facilities in existence or in the works include these traditions: Greek Orthodox; Anglican; Baptist; Catholic; Coptic and Russian Orthodox.
In March, 2009, Baptist World Alliance (BWA) officials, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Prince Ghazi Bin Mohammed of Jordan joined officials from around the world to dedicate a new Baptism Center. “I think believers from many parts of the world who want to make a pilgrimage to the area where Jesus was baptized will certainly want to make their own pilgrimage here,” said BWA President David Coffey.
In May, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI blessed the cornerstones of two new Catholic churches being built with these words: “Let us rejoice in the knowledge that the two buildings, one Latin, the other Greek Melkite, will serve to build up, each according to the traditions of its own community, the one family of God.”
Rupert Murdoch’s youngest daughters were baptized at Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan in March, 2010, but you don’t have to be famous to hold a ceremony at the baptism site – park officials welcome all church groups and other visitors interested in holding special ceremonies, such as baptisms or communion, and these are easily arranged through tour operators.

Park Oversight and Planning
The Baptism Site is a legally protected National Jordanian Park run by an independent board of trustees – the Baptism Site Commission – appointed personally by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan, who considers its maintenance an honor and a sacred trust for future generations of Jordanians and Christian pilgrims from all over the world. For more information, please visit www.baptismsite.com.
While several hundred thousand people visit the park each year, Baptism Site Commission officials expect to receive more than a million visitors a year once all churches and guest facilities are complete.
The baptism site is close to Amman and the Dead Sea resort and hotel area, which is served by several 4- and 5-star hotels. Planning is underway to build 3-star hotels on the northeastern shores of the Dead Sea.

Biblical Background:
Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan is part of the wilderness area associated with John the Baptist and also contains the traditional spot where the Bible says Elijah the prophet ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire.
While Jordan is home to hundreds of biblical locations, some of the most pivotal biblical events occurred at these sites:
Mount Nebo, where Moses saw the land he would never enter and, according to the Bible, is buried nearby in an unknown location;
Mukawir, a mountaintop fortress not far from the Dead Sea where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded;
Tel Mar Elias, the birthplace of the prophet Elijah (also known as Elijah the Tishbite), located among the ancient Hills of Gilead;
Umm Qais, a Roman provincial town overlooking the Sea of Galilee where the miracle of the Gadarene swine took place;
Jabbok River, where Jacob wrested with “the Angel,” and his name was changed to Israel, meaning “He who wrestles with God.”

The Jordan Tourism Board North America is an independent, public-private partnership that works to brand, position and promote Jordan as a tourism destination. For more information, please visit our website at www.visitjordan.com.

Christine M. Moore
Epiphany Media
P.O. Box 1382
Frisco, TX 75034
Tel: 469-688-5683
Google Voice: 830-4INFO-76 (830-446-3676)
Email: christine@epiphanymedianet.com
Twitter: @epiphanymediapr