5 Great Reasons to Choose Ireland for Your Next Faith-based Trip (by CIE Tours)

Note: The following article by CIE Tours is taken from today's publication of the Members-only "On The Cutting Edge" Newsletter.

Ireland is a win/win product for faith-based travel -
a winning experience for the client and a winning sale for the tour organizer. Long known as the "Isle of Saints & Scholars," Ireland was the center of Christian learning, education, and traditions that were taught in the monasteries throughout Europe over a thousand years ago. This tradition has been carried forth into the 21st century, opening many doors for faith-based travel to Ireland. And, it is well known that "affinity" is the beauty of all group travel.

Here are 5 great reasons to choose Ireland for your next faith-based trip:

1. Ireland is the home of St. Patrick, St. Bridget, St. Kevin, St. Columba, St. Killian, St. Ciaran, and hundreds of other saints who have connections to US-based travelers.

2. The Book of Kells, an elaborately scripted 9th century version of the Four Gospels and truly one of the great religious treasures of the world, is a main attraction of Dublin.

3. Co. Mayo is the setting of Knock, a leading Marian shrine like Lourdes and Fatima, drawing close to 2 million people a year.

4. Many of Ireland's historic abbeys and churches are in beautiful settings, easily accessible and open to the public, such as Kylemore Abbey, Glenstal Abbey, Ballintubber Abbey, as well as cathedrals, churches, chapels, round towers and high crosses.

5. Ireland's mainstream visitor attractions include many places with religious significance - to trace in the footsteps of saints: 6th century Glendalough and Clonmacnoise monastic settlements; St. Patrick's Holy Mountain near Westport, Co. Mayo; St. Patrick's Grave and early cathedrals in Armagh and Down; St. Declan's round tower at Ardmore, Co. Waterford; The Rock of Cashel; Holy Island in Lough Derg, and more.

CIE Tours is geared to facilitating faith-based travel and building itineraries that blend religious links with enjoyable 21st century activities and luxuries. CIE's group department works to develop customized itineraries to fit every requirement - arranging visits to Mass rocks, holy wells, and other unusual religious places. No request is too difficult - CIE has all the right connections.

Jim Kelly Vice President - Sales
CIE Tours International
Tel: 1-800-243-8687
http://www.cietours.com/
Email: helpdesk@CIEtours.com

Religious Travel Buzz Newsletter (July 10)

Lead Story: WRTA Launches e-Library with 2,500+ Faith Tourism News Stories
How would you like immediate access to more than 2,500 top news stories and articles on faith tourism from 1998 through 2008 - and all categorized for your convenience? It's now possible. WRTA has just assembled and debuted the most comprehensive, categorized database of religious travel news stories on the Internet. More than 70 categories have been assigned and classified. All WRTA Members have access to this invaluable resource.

Top News Stories from WRTA, Members, and the Religious Travel Industry
3 Major Religious Travel Events in 2010
1. Breaking News! Pope Benedict just announced: Shroud of Turin will be displayed in 2010 2. Oberammergau hosts Passion Play
3. Holy Year in Santiago de Compostela - 10 million visitors expected

News Stories featuring WRTA Members
(Member: Jordan Tourism) Following Faith
(Member: Israel Tourism) Israel declares Holy Land refocus
(Member: Passport Health) Taking the bite out of travel - Wall St. Journal
(Member: Globus) Globus Predicts Growth In Faith-Based Vacations for 2010

New Stories featuring interviews with WRTA
Religious tourism is bright spot in downturn (AME Info/Middle East News)
Pilgrims boost luxury tourism (The National/United Arab Emirates)
Following Faith (Jo Publication/Jordan)
Millions opt for religious tourism (The Portugal News Online)
NTA Convention brings Faith-based Market to Delegates (Press Release)

More News Stories in Faith Tourism
USA
Colorado: Thank God for Conventions (Coloradoan)
Florida: Holy Land Trips in Florida?
Missouri: Faithful flock to Springfield (News Leader)
North Carolina: Winston-Salem targets religious groups for tourism dollars (Fox 8 News)
The RCMA Survey: The Religious Meetings Market

INTERNATIONAL
France: Pilgrimage to Chartres (PBS)
India: Kashmir Pilgrimage gets under way
Iraq has huge potential for religious tourism
Nepal and Religious Tourism (Travel and Leisure Magazine)
Poland: Study religious tourism in Krakow
Spiritual retreats cater to the mind, body, and soul
Summer missions: A Pastor's Checklist
Turkey: Destinations to discover in Turkey

New! Special Tours, Vacations, and Events
Welcome to the newest section of Religious Travel Buzz! With each future issue of "the Buzz," WRTA will feature select tours, vacations, and events for publication. This new section will enable travel agents, planners, and other buyers to discover special deals and itineraries that exist in faith tourism. If you wish to submit a trip/event for possible publication, here are the three criteria:
• Your company must be a current WRTA Member.
• Your company must be registered as a Tour Operator, Destination, or Supplier member (Note: Travel agent and planners do not qualify)
• Your tour, vacation, or event must feature one or both of the following attributes: - Feature some form of discount or other related incentive (i.e. special commissions). - Feature a very unique itinerary, vacation, or event.

Here are this week's chosen sample trips and events:
Mission Travel Group Hosting group trips to the 3 major religious travel events in 2010
MTS Travel A Pilgrimage to England with The Order of Julian of Norwich
Royal Caribbean: Holy Land Cruise with special deals

Are You a Religious Travel Expert? Take the Faith Tourism Quiz
Want to find out if you're "cutting edge" in today's religious travel industry?
Take the short 5 question quiz below and test your expertise level.

1. Who developed the world's first escorted group travel company?
(Hint: He was a Methodist minister from England).

2. What are the two largest religious groups in the U.S. market?

3. Name three reasons and/or "motives" behind religious travel purchases.

4. (True or False question) The Seven Churches of Revelation are located in Israel.

5. (True or False question) People of faith embark on a wide variety of leisure group vacations such as cruises and safaris.

How can you find the answers to the above questions?
Review your Religious Travel Market Educational Course (only Members have access). If you haven't studied and mastered the nearly 40-page educational course on faith tourism, now is the time. All success in religious travel begins with understanding today's marketplace.

Are You Maximizing Your Member Benefits?
Fill Out Your Own Report Card
Time for report cards. How do you think you and/or your company is doing in maximizing your WRTA Membership benefits? Would you give your company an "A" for a top grade or an "F" for failing.....or something in-between? Find out by filling out your own Membership Report Card.

Expo 2009 Update: More than 50 Booths Sold! Are You Registered Yet?
Despite challenging times in the travel industry, the World Religious Travel Expo is on target for welcoming more delegates than last year's historic inaugural 2008 Expo. In the past 3 months alone, more than 50 exhibit booths have been sold. Multiple Expo sponsorships have also been sold including among others the German National Tourist Office, Leipzig Tourism and Marketing Company, Routes to Luther, Reno-Tahoe CVA, Theatre Direct International, and Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center.

If your organization has not yet registered to attend or exhibit at this celebrated event, call WRTA today and secure your spot. Best locations on the tradeshow floor are quickly disappearing along with top sponsorship opportunities.

Just for Fun - Faith Tourism Links Galore
2009 Religious Travel Buyer's Guide
Brochure: Sponsorship and Exhibitor Guide to Expo 2009
Guidebooks: The Christian Travel Planner
Guidebooks: Catholic Shrines of Western Europe
Guidebooks: Europe's Monastery & Convent Guesthouses
Guidebooks: Marian Shrines of the United StatesVideos from WRTA Members
Video: Discover the World of Faith Tourism
Video: Experience the World Religious Travel Expo
Website: World Religious Travel Expo

Monsoon Season will Bring Japanese Encephalitis

Baltimore, MD–6/25/2009—The 2009 monsoon season will soon arrive in the Asian territories and culicine mosquito populations are expected to increase. “These mosquitoes may carry the virus that causes Japanese Encephalitis (JE), which kills 10-15,000 people each year,” warned Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health, the largest provider of travel medical services in the U.S. A new vaccine called Ixiaro® has been approved by the FDA, and is ready for distribution in the United States. Some Passport Health’s offices will have both JE-VAX® and Ixiaro® until JE-VAX® is phased out. “The new vaccine is good for adults over 18 so we still have to use JE-VAX® for the younger population,” concluded Lessans. Both vaccines protect against JE.

Monsoons flood areas with fresh rain water and this attracts culicine mosquitoes which may carry the virus that causes Japanese Encephalitis. 30,000-50,000 people are infected each year. An educational video is available here (http://bit.ly/BmP6I).

China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand have seen epidemics of Japanese Encephalitis. The CDC explains that the disease is controlled primarily by vaccination in these areas. “Vaccination is the best prevention for this potentially deadly disease,” cautioned Lessans, whose clients’ number one travel destination is India, followed by China. “JE is endemic in northeastern India and we see outbreaks in China as well.”

The new JE vaccine is given in a 2-shot series, 28 days apart, while JE-VAX® requires 3 doses. The FDA has approved the new vaccine and it is already available at some Passport Health offices.

Japanese Encephalitis is a serious infection which occurs in certain rural parts of Asia and it’s transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. It causes the brain to swell and symptoms of severe infections include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, abnormal movements, occasional convulsions (especially in infants), coma, and paralysis. About 1 in 4 of such cases results in death.

“In addition to being vaccinated travelers need to know how to use the correct type of mosquito repellent and other precautionary measures,” cautioned Lessans. She went on to offer some tips for travelers:
• Remain in well-screened areas whenever possible
• Wear clothes that cover most of the body
• Use an insect repellent containing 20%-30% DEET on skin.
• Spray Permethrin on clothes, bedding and mosquito nets

For more information visit www.passporthealthusa.com or call 888-499-(PASS)

***

Jorge Castillo
410-727-0556
Jorge.castillo@passporthealthusa.com

Going on Faith quoted in Associated Press article

Spiritual destinations’ reach mind, body, soul - MSNBC

WRTA Partner and Going on Faith editor Brian Jewell is quoted in this Associated Press story on religious travel.

Read full story at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31174070/ns/travel-destinations/

Church group travel remains strong in spite of the recession, said Brian Jewell, the editor of "Going on Faith," a publication for faith-based travel planners. "Because of the importance that people place in their faith, they come up with the means or make other sacrifices to take that trip once or twice a year," Jewell said. Jewell also said church groups tend to travel in larger numbers, allowing visitors to get better price discounts.

New Israel tourism minister to focus on promoting Israel as the holy land

Full article at http://ehotelier.com/hospitality-news/item.php?id=P16479
Jun 19, 09

Just weeks after his May 2009 appointment by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel's Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov, has ordered a major refocusing of the Ministry's overseas promotional efforts to place greater emphasis on Israel as the land holy to the three monotheistic religions. "What Israel needs to focus more on," Misezhnikov recently declared, "is what other countries don't have, or in other words: the Holy Land. Israel is holy to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and the increasing focus of the tourism ministry today is to promote Israel as such."

Misezhnikov is petitioning his government for a virtual doubling of the Ministry of Tourism's promotional budget, with an aim to spending close to $100 million in 2010. "I know there's a global economic crisis but that's exactly the reason we need the money for marketing now," he underscores, "because when the world gets out of this crisis, not too long from now, we need to be ready so we don't miss the train.

Tourism to Israel in 2008 broke the all-time record, with more Americans, and more international visitors coming to Israel than ever before. "And while tourism to many countries is suffering decreases of 30, 40, 50 percent this year because of the recession," commented Arie Sommer, Israel Tourism Commissioner, North and South America, "2009 tourism to Israel is down just 13% - a result that is deeply encouraging for the long-term health of Israel's tourism industry."

The Top 10 Health Tips for International Travel

Passport Health http://www.passporthealthusa.com

DENVER -- Michelle Reesman, RN, executive director of Passport Health Colorado, says far too many international travelers, from business travelers to the more adventurous types, leave home without taking the basic steps she suggests below. "People need to put the same kind of preparation into their health as they do into their destination choice, passport acquisition or flight plans," Reesman advises.

1. Get advice from a travel health professional. Four to six weeks before departure, consult a travel medicine specialist for the most up-to-date immunization, malaria recommendations and consultation. They can answer your questions and prepare you for a safe and healthy trip. It's important to get your immunizations early, as some of the vaccines take time to effectively protect you.

2. Protect yourself from disease-bearing insects. Wear protective clothing and use products containing 20 percent to 30 percent DEET, the insect repellant permethrin and bed nets.

3. Never go barefoot, even on the beach.

4. Make sure your water is purified. Do not use tap water when brushing your teeth.

5. Consume only well-cooked food. Fruits and veggies? Peel it, boil it or forget it!

6. Pre-fill your prescriptions, they may not be available at your destination. Take extra in case your trip is extended. In some countries counterfeit medications can be a problem. Carry medications in their original packaging and pack in your carry-on luggage.

7. Don't swim in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. Well-chlorinated pools and salt water are usually considered safe.

8. Take a basic first aid kit. Include medications for pain relief, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, topical preparations for minor skin wounds and infections, and medications for allergic reactions. Consider presumptive treatment (Imodium and an antibiotic) for traveler's diarrhea. Discuss the appropriate antibiotics for your destination with a travel health specialist.

9. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of medical problems among tourists. Avoid riding motorcycles or wear a helmet and don't drink and drive. Wear a seatbelt and only travel during daylight hours.

10. Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation. Most medical insurance plans aren't accepted when you travel internationally.

Source: Passport Health Colorado

Taking the Bite Out of Travel/Passport Health

WRTA Member Passport Health interviewed by Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124459335008800343.html#

.....Likewise, some travelers throw caution to the wind in an effort to have genuine local experiences. "People do crazy things when they are on vacation and take risks they would never think of at home," says Fran Lessans, a nurse who is founder and chief executive of Passport Health, which operates 167 travel-medicine clinics around the U.S. and provides vaccination services to the federal government.

......Travelers can obtain preventive care from their doctor or a private clinic. Passport Health charges $48 for a pre-travel consultation. It also offers vaccinations and kits that include medicine for diarrhea and a 12-hour controlled release mosquito repellent.

WRTA publishes Religious Travel Buyer's Guide

Never before has a guide to the $18 billion faith tourism and hospitality marketplace been produced and distributed throughout North America and around the world. This is extraordinary considering religious travel is one of the oldest and fastest growing segments of the travel industry. Thanks to the debut of the WRTA Religious Travel Buyers Guide, you now possess the definitive “go to” publication for faith-based travel opportunities and networking.

The timing of this publication could not be better. In 2008, the WRTA hosted the World Religious Travel Expo, the first-ever gathering of the faith tourism marketplace featuring hundreds of travel organizations, professionals, and planners from 30 countries. This remarkable event officially ushered in a new era of religious travel and hospitality.

What is the New Era of Religious Travel & Hospitality?
Today, faith-based travel appeals to all ages, comprises a diverse range of travel experiences, encompasses destinations both near and afar, and is driven by a desire for quality products and services.

How can I make the most of the WRTA Religious Travel Buyers Guide?
Be pro-active in using this authoritative guide to the “Who’s Who” in the faith tourism industry. Mark up this book; highlight it; make notes in it. Whether you are a member of the travel trade, group planner, religious leader, or a faith community—you can use this compendium to network with and/or learn about providers, destinations and suppliers specializing in travel products and services for religious travelers and groups.

What types of companies, products, services, and faith vacation opportunities can I find in the WRTA Religious Travel Buyer’s Guide?

Tour operators
Travel agencies
Tourist offices
Visitors bureaus

Travel wholesalers
Cruise agencies
Attractions
Travel Trade Assoc.

Incoming/receptives
Hotels/lodging
Religious sites

Cruise lines
Air services
Airport parking

Safari operators
Rail/train services
Travel health

Event services
Retail services
Travel insurance

How can I get more copies of the WRTA Religious Travel Buyer’s Guide? How can our organization be featured in future editions? Contact the World Religious Travel Association at www.WRTAreligioustravel.com; 888.255.WRTA (9782), ext. 101.

40%+ Surge in Pilgrims to Israel

43-percent surge in Christian pilgrims
The Jerusalem Post

By ETGAR LEFKOVITS

To read the full story, click here: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1238562896531&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Christian tourism to Israel has increased by 17 percent since Pope John Paul II visited nine years ago, the Tourism Ministry said on Thursday.

Nearly 1.8 million of the 3 million tourists who came to Israel last year were Christians, the ministry said. In 2000, 1.5 million Christians came.

The number of Christian visitors from Eastern Europe and Africa was up dramatically in 2008 compared to 2000, while the figures for Western Europe and Asia fell.

Meanwhile, there was a 40% increase in Christians from the United States visiting Israel last year compared to the year 2000, while there were fewer visitors from Latin America, including a 64% drop from Argentina and 37% decrease from Mexico.

Last year, more than a million incoming tourists defined themselves as Catholic, 300,000 as Protestant, 360,000 as "other Christian," and 75,000 as Evangelicals, according to the Tourism Ministry statistics that were released during a tour of Christian holy sites in Nazareth ahead of the Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the Holy Land next month.

Meanwhile, the number of Christian visitors who defined themselves as pilgrims shot up a whopping 43% over the last eight years, with more than one million in 2008 - more than half of the Christian visitors - calling themselves pilgrims.

The pope will visit the Holy Land between May 11 and 15, with stops that will include Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.

The ministry hopes the papal visit will be an impetus to further increase Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land, as was the case in the months after John Paul's visit in 2000. Last year was a record year for tourism to Israel.

Travel Guard Helping Religious Travelers

TRAVEL GUARD HELPING RELIGIOUS TRAVELERS
Leading travel insurance plan provider launches the Faith Travel Plan for religious-destination travelers just in time for religious holiday season

Stevens Point, WI, October TK, 2008 – According to the Travel Industry Association of America, one in four Americans is interested in faith-based travel*. The size of the faith-based travel industry is estimated at $18 billion**. This month, Travel Guard announced the launch of a new travel insurance offering – the Faith Travel Plan – developed to appeal to this growing market. The new plan is a novel approach to meeting the travel insurance needs of travelers embarking on mission trips, pilgrimages, volunteer vacations, conferences and retreats. In addition to enhanced coverage options, the Faith Travel Plan features specialized concierge services to help customers who may feel “out of their element” traveling to religious destinations around the world.

"The travel agency partners we work with who specialize in faith-based travel asked us to develop a program specific to their clients’ needs," said Tom Zavadsky, Travel Guard Executive Vice President. "We continually look for innovative ways to develop travel insurance programs that meet the needs of our travel partners and their clients. Travel Guard's Faith Travel Plan provides these travelers with enhanced worldwide coverages as well as customized services such as last-minute safety advisories or travel information specific to their upcoming mission trip or pilgrimage."

Faith Travel Plan featured coverages:
• Trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000 – High coverage limit if overseas travel must be cancelled for reasons such as sickness of religious pilgrimage traveling companion or financial default of mission tour operator.
• Children 17 and under at no additional charge – Ideal for religious-oriented family travel, the Faith Travel Plan includes coverage for children under age 17 at no additional cost.
• Medical Evacuation – Medical coverage for insureds whether traveling in religious groups, individuals or families that includes medical evacuation and transportation to the hospital of choice or home in the event of an unforeseen incident.
• Cancel for Any Reason – The Faith Travel Plan reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost if the insured(s) cancels a covered trip for any reason, up to 48 hours prior to departure.
• Cruise, airline, and tour operator default coverage

Included in the plan is a Faith Traveler’s 24-hour hotline with specialized concierge services giving religious travelers convenient access to worldwide religious destination information, urgent message relay to friends and worship leaders and pre-trip health and safety advisories. Plus, LiveTravel emergency assistance services offer an around-the-clock travel hotline for finding alternative flight options, rebooking flights, replacing lost travel documents and making hotel and rental car reservations.

Travel Guard is one of the nation’s leading providers of travel insurance plans, and markets its plans through over 12,000 travel companies throughout the United States. For more information on Travel Guard, log onto www.travelguard.com. Travel agents with questions on the Faith Travel Plan or any of Travel Guard’s comprehensive range of travel insurance plans can call Travel Guard’s 24-hour World Service Center at 800.826.1300.

Travel Guard Group, Inc. (“Travel Guard”) is one of America's leading providers of travel insurance and assistance services plans for more than 6 million travelers each year. Travel insurance plans through Travel Guard are distributed by more than 12,000 travel agents across the United States.

Travel insurance through Travel Guard may include coverage for trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation expenses, and lost or delayed baggage. Most of the plans available through Travel Guard also include 24-hour travel assistance services† for emergency medical assistance, last-minute or emergency travel changes, lost luggage tracking, pre-trip travel advice, and more.

Insurance is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa, with its principal place of business in New York, NY. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. All coverages may not be available in all states. †Assistance services provided by Travel Guard Assist.

* Travel Industry Association of America, November, 2006.
**The International Conference on Religious Tourism, 2006.

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