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.
Apr 29, 2009
Apr 13, 2009
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.
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.
Nov 24, 2008
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.
###
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.
###
Sep 27, 2008
World's Leading Cruise LInes Launch New Website
WORLD’S LEADING CRUISE LINES LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE TO ENHANCE CONSUMER AWARENESS OF MEMBER LINES
MIAMI (September 23, 2008) — World’s Leading Cruise Lines (WLCL), a marketing alliance between Carnival Corporation & plc’s six brands serving the North American market – Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn – has created a new website to provide a one-stop resource for exploring the full range of quality cruising experiences available to consumers today.
Created to enhance awareness with both consumers and travel agents, WLCL’s new website www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com provides insight into each brand’s fleet, shipboard experiences and popular destinations. Videos featuring each brand are provided as well as links to member lines.
“Each brand contributed content and imagery, allowing guests and travel agents to more fully appreciate the diverse features and amenities offered by the World’s Leading Cruise Lines, each a leader in its specific market segment,” said Bill Harber, Carnival Corporation’s Director of Marketing.
WLCL is part of Carnival Corporation & plc and capitalizes on the array of ships, destinations, durations, and cruising styles that are available for excellent vacation choices. WLCL also provides a number of cross-market opportunities for its brands, including joint research and advertising, trade and affinity group sponsorships, and active participation in a number of cruise industry functions and events.
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of AIDA, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Ibero Cruises, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn.
Together, these brands operate 88 ships totaling more than 167,000 lower berths with 18 new ships scheduled to be delivered between October 2008 and June 2012. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Tours and Princess Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.
MIAMI (September 23, 2008) — World’s Leading Cruise Lines (WLCL), a marketing alliance between Carnival Corporation & plc’s six brands serving the North American market – Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn – has created a new website to provide a one-stop resource for exploring the full range of quality cruising experiences available to consumers today.
Created to enhance awareness with both consumers and travel agents, WLCL’s new website www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com provides insight into each brand’s fleet, shipboard experiences and popular destinations. Videos featuring each brand are provided as well as links to member lines.
“Each brand contributed content and imagery, allowing guests and travel agents to more fully appreciate the diverse features and amenities offered by the World’s Leading Cruise Lines, each a leader in its specific market segment,” said Bill Harber, Carnival Corporation’s Director of Marketing.
WLCL is part of Carnival Corporation & plc and capitalizes on the array of ships, destinations, durations, and cruising styles that are available for excellent vacation choices. WLCL also provides a number of cross-market opportunities for its brands, including joint research and advertising, trade and affinity group sponsorships, and active participation in a number of cruise industry functions and events.
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of AIDA, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Ibero Cruises, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn.
Together, these brands operate 88 ships totaling more than 167,000 lower berths with 18 new ships scheduled to be delivered between October 2008 and June 2012. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Tours and Princess Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.
Sep 26, 2008
Lifetree Adventures Offers Christian Family Travel to Alaska
Lifetree Adventures is a new division of Group Workcamps Foundation, a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian travel trips for youth and adults for over 30 years.
(live-PR.com) - Loveland, CO, September 26, 2008 -- Lifetree Adventures today announced a new addition to their portfolio of trips, a Christian family adventure to Alaska. Part vacation and part Christian service, this new adventure will allow travelers to experience the thrills of Alaska as well as helping local villagers.
Travelers on this Christian family adventure will stand atop a glacier, hike in Denali National Park, and catch a glimpse of the tallest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley. They will spend a day sailing in Prince William Sound, listen for the crackling noise of a calving glacier, and visit the wildlife preserve near Anchorage and get to know the many “wild” residents who call Alaska their home.
While participating in this Christian family travel, families will enjoy numerous activities, including horseback riding, river rafting, or shopping for Native Alaskan handicrafts in the largest open-air market in Anchorage. Their time in this beautiful land will be filled with exploration, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and mesmerizing vistas that are guaranteed to take your breath away. Families will experience the many lakes, mountain ranges, and wildlife that make Alaska God’s country! For a detailed itinerary visit: www.lifetreeadventures.com/Alaska.aspx
Immersed in all this glorious beauty is great need. On Lifetree Adventures Christian family trip, travelers volunteer at a camp that cares for kids from around the country. Every summer they come to be stretched in their faith and grow in their love for Jesus. Travelers will help around the camp with maintenance, gardening, cleaning, and plenty of other projects that a family can do together.
When not working in the camp, families will serve in the nearby community and bless the elderly who can no longer do the things they need to do in preparation for a long, hard winter. On this Christian family trip, families work alongside men, women, and their families. Experience everyday life in the Alaskan wild, and spend time learning about their traditions. Life in the village is very hard, and the time passengers spend with them, showing God’s love to these amazing people, will make a difference for years to come.
Lifetree Adventures Christian Family Trip Itinerary: July 25 - August 2, 2009
Day 1 Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 Depart in the morning for a day hike in Alyeska and Girdwood. Passengers visit an animal sanctuary in the afternoon.
Day 3 Transfer by coach to the camp. Service days begin this afternoon.
Days 4-6 Various service projects in/around camp. Passengers provide service in the neighboring community to the elderly.
Day 7 Board a coach in the morning for Talkeetna (near Denali National. Park). Passengers will enjoy a free family day in Talkeetna Choose and will be able to choose from various tour options in and around the park.
Day 8 Return to Anchorage by coach and share experiences with fellow travelers at the farewell dinner.
Day 9 Transfer to the airport.
The age requirement for this Christian family travel is 7 years of age. The prices for 9 days are $1450 per person adult $450 per child (age 7 - 17). For more information about this Alaskan Christian family adventure please visit: www.lifetreeadventures.com/Alaska.aspx or call 800-747-2157.
Lifetree Adventures is a new division of Group Workcamps Foundation, a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian travel trips for youth and adults for over 30 years. Lifetree offers Christian travel options to Kenya, Tanzania, Peru, Guatemala, Israel, Jordan, Mazatlan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Uganda and Vanuatu with new destinations being constantly added. Through Group Workcamps, over 250,000 volunteers have provided more than 7 million hours of volunteer service to projects in hundreds of U.S. and international locations. www.lifetreeadventures.com
For media inquiries please contact Alexia Nestora at Lasso Communications, 303.898.3376
Press Release Submission by PressReleasePoint(www.pressreleasepoint.com)
Contact:
Alexia Nestora
Lifetree Adventures
1515 Cascade Avenue
Loveland, CO 80538
800-747-2157
www.lifetreeadventures.com
(live-PR.com) - Loveland, CO, September 26, 2008 -- Lifetree Adventures today announced a new addition to their portfolio of trips, a Christian family adventure to Alaska. Part vacation and part Christian service, this new adventure will allow travelers to experience the thrills of Alaska as well as helping local villagers.
Travelers on this Christian family adventure will stand atop a glacier, hike in Denali National Park, and catch a glimpse of the tallest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley. They will spend a day sailing in Prince William Sound, listen for the crackling noise of a calving glacier, and visit the wildlife preserve near Anchorage and get to know the many “wild” residents who call Alaska their home.
While participating in this Christian family travel, families will enjoy numerous activities, including horseback riding, river rafting, or shopping for Native Alaskan handicrafts in the largest open-air market in Anchorage. Their time in this beautiful land will be filled with exploration, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and mesmerizing vistas that are guaranteed to take your breath away. Families will experience the many lakes, mountain ranges, and wildlife that make Alaska God’s country! For a detailed itinerary visit: www.lifetreeadventures.com/Alaska.aspx
Immersed in all this glorious beauty is great need. On Lifetree Adventures Christian family trip, travelers volunteer at a camp that cares for kids from around the country. Every summer they come to be stretched in their faith and grow in their love for Jesus. Travelers will help around the camp with maintenance, gardening, cleaning, and plenty of other projects that a family can do together.
When not working in the camp, families will serve in the nearby community and bless the elderly who can no longer do the things they need to do in preparation for a long, hard winter. On this Christian family trip, families work alongside men, women, and their families. Experience everyday life in the Alaskan wild, and spend time learning about their traditions. Life in the village is very hard, and the time passengers spend with them, showing God’s love to these amazing people, will make a difference for years to come.
Lifetree Adventures Christian Family Trip Itinerary: July 25 - August 2, 2009
Day 1 Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 Depart in the morning for a day hike in Alyeska and Girdwood. Passengers visit an animal sanctuary in the afternoon.
Day 3 Transfer by coach to the camp. Service days begin this afternoon.
Days 4-6 Various service projects in/around camp. Passengers provide service in the neighboring community to the elderly.
Day 7 Board a coach in the morning for Talkeetna (near Denali National. Park). Passengers will enjoy a free family day in Talkeetna Choose and will be able to choose from various tour options in and around the park.
Day 8 Return to Anchorage by coach and share experiences with fellow travelers at the farewell dinner.
Day 9 Transfer to the airport.
The age requirement for this Christian family travel is 7 years of age. The prices for 9 days are $1450 per person adult $450 per child (age 7 - 17). For more information about this Alaskan Christian family adventure please visit: www.lifetreeadventures.com/Alaska.aspx or call 800-747-2157.
Lifetree Adventures is a new division of Group Workcamps Foundation, a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian travel trips for youth and adults for over 30 years. Lifetree offers Christian travel options to Kenya, Tanzania, Peru, Guatemala, Israel, Jordan, Mazatlan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Uganda and Vanuatu with new destinations being constantly added. Through Group Workcamps, over 250,000 volunteers have provided more than 7 million hours of volunteer service to projects in hundreds of U.S. and international locations. www.lifetreeadventures.com
For media inquiries please contact Alexia Nestora at Lasso Communications, 303.898.3376
Press Release Submission by PressReleasePoint(www.pressreleasepoint.com)
Contact:
Alexia Nestora
Lifetree Adventures
1515 Cascade Avenue
Loveland, CO 80538
800-747-2157
www.lifetreeadventures.com
Sep 20, 2008
Bermuda's Premier Assembles Local Religious Leaders for Faith Tourism
Bermuda’s Premier Assembles Local Religious Leaders
HAMILTON, Bermuda - Premier Dr. Ewart F. Brown of Bermuda hosted a breakfast forum on Wednesday, September 17 with Bermuda’s religious leaders to discuss combating anti-social behaviour and the continuation of Faith-based Tourism.
About 70 religious leaders from a wide variety of local churches attended.
Premier Brown said: “Bermuda is blessed with a very strong faith community and I am grateful the leaders of that community are willing to come together and share their concerns and ideas. I told them today’s forum is not the end of the participation process, the Government wants to hear from the faith community often and we will create a structure that makes it easier to do so. ”
Parental responsibility legislation, life skills and morality teaching in schools and easing the financial burdens on working parents to allow them more time with their children were among a long list of issues discussed during an open dialogue on anti-social behaviour.
Wednesday’s event was held at the Evangelical Church of Bermuda in Paget.
About two-thirds of the two-hour session focused on anti-social behaviour, while the remaining time was spent on Faith-based Tourism
Emilygail Dill, as Acting Director of Sales and Marketing in the Bermuda Department of Tourism’s North America Office, has oversight for the Department’s Faith-based Tourism strategy. Today she briefed Bermuda’s faith leaders on the $18 billon global Faith-based Tourism industry. The industry generates more than 300 million travelers annually.
Mrs. Dill, an ordained minister, told the gathering the support of local faith leaders would be crucial to the future success of Faith-based Tourism in Bermuda.
HAMILTON, Bermuda - Premier Dr. Ewart F. Brown of Bermuda hosted a breakfast forum on Wednesday, September 17 with Bermuda’s religious leaders to discuss combating anti-social behaviour and the continuation of Faith-based Tourism.
About 70 religious leaders from a wide variety of local churches attended.
Premier Brown said: “Bermuda is blessed with a very strong faith community and I am grateful the leaders of that community are willing to come together and share their concerns and ideas. I told them today’s forum is not the end of the participation process, the Government wants to hear from the faith community often and we will create a structure that makes it easier to do so. ”
Parental responsibility legislation, life skills and morality teaching in schools and easing the financial burdens on working parents to allow them more time with their children were among a long list of issues discussed during an open dialogue on anti-social behaviour.
Wednesday’s event was held at the Evangelical Church of Bermuda in Paget.
About two-thirds of the two-hour session focused on anti-social behaviour, while the remaining time was spent on Faith-based Tourism
Emilygail Dill, as Acting Director of Sales and Marketing in the Bermuda Department of Tourism’s North America Office, has oversight for the Department’s Faith-based Tourism strategy. Today she briefed Bermuda’s faith leaders on the $18 billon global Faith-based Tourism industry. The industry generates more than 300 million travelers annually.
Mrs. Dill, an ordained minister, told the gathering the support of local faith leaders would be crucial to the future success of Faith-based Tourism in Bermuda.
Aug 31, 2008
Lifetree Adventures Announces New Christian Travel Option
Lifetree Adventures Announces New Christian Travel Option
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
http://www.live-pr.com/en/lifetree-adventures-announces-new-christian-r1048205429.htm
Lifetree Adventures, a Christian travel operator based in Loveland, Colorado, recently launched tours to meet the growing demand for Christian travel, and is the first of its kind to offer Voluntourism specifically from a Christian approach.
Loveland, CO, August 27, 2008 (PRAvenueNW) -- Voluntourism, the growing trend of travelers seeking vacation options combining tourism with volunteer service, just got a spiritual shot in the arm. Lifetree Adventures, a Christian travel operator based in Loveland, Colorado, recently launched tours to meet the growing demand for Christian travel, and is the first of its kind to offer Voluntourism specifically from a Christian approach.
“Every Lifetree Adventure has two key components: adventure activities and Christian service projects—packaged into one amazing trip,” remarked Joel Fay, Lifetree President, “so you might find yourself exhilarated by thrilling zip-lines in the jungles of Costa Rica, and then take that passion and apply it to fixing dilapidated housing for young children and their families.”
Each of Lifetree’s adventures include three and four star hotel accommodations, touring national landmarks, free time, service days, many meals and meeting new friends—likeminded travelers, and indigenous people who need help. Christian travelers can help build a church, lead a Bible study, play games with disadvantaged children even help feed whole neighborhoods all while enjoying the vacation of a lifetime.
With tours operating in the fall of 2008, Christian travel participants can discover the excitement of exotic destinations while serving the needs of indigenous people through eight trips to four Latin American countries: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru. For 2009, Lifetree has added Vanuatu, Alaska, Mazatlan, Kenya, Tanzania, Australia, Israel and Egypt as destinations. To view Lifetree’s 2009 Christian travel adventures please visit: http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/future.aspx
For more information, or to reserve a trip, travel agents and travelers can go to http://www.lifetreeadventures.com or call 800-747-2157 Monday through Friday MST.
Contact:
Alexia Nestora
Lifetree Adventures
P.O. Box 275
Loveland, CO 80539
8007472157
alexia@lassocommunications.com
http://www.lifetreeadventures.com
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
http://www.live-pr.com/en/lifetree-adventures-announces-new-christian-r1048205429.htm
Lifetree Adventures, a Christian travel operator based in Loveland, Colorado, recently launched tours to meet the growing demand for Christian travel, and is the first of its kind to offer Voluntourism specifically from a Christian approach.
Loveland, CO, August 27, 2008 (PRAvenueNW) -- Voluntourism, the growing trend of travelers seeking vacation options combining tourism with volunteer service, just got a spiritual shot in the arm. Lifetree Adventures, a Christian travel operator based in Loveland, Colorado, recently launched tours to meet the growing demand for Christian travel, and is the first of its kind to offer Voluntourism specifically from a Christian approach.
“Every Lifetree Adventure has two key components: adventure activities and Christian service projects—packaged into one amazing trip,” remarked Joel Fay, Lifetree President, “so you might find yourself exhilarated by thrilling zip-lines in the jungles of Costa Rica, and then take that passion and apply it to fixing dilapidated housing for young children and their families.”
Each of Lifetree’s adventures include three and four star hotel accommodations, touring national landmarks, free time, service days, many meals and meeting new friends—likeminded travelers, and indigenous people who need help. Christian travelers can help build a church, lead a Bible study, play games with disadvantaged children even help feed whole neighborhoods all while enjoying the vacation of a lifetime.
With tours operating in the fall of 2008, Christian travel participants can discover the excitement of exotic destinations while serving the needs of indigenous people through eight trips to four Latin American countries: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru. For 2009, Lifetree has added Vanuatu, Alaska, Mazatlan, Kenya, Tanzania, Australia, Israel and Egypt as destinations. To view Lifetree’s 2009 Christian travel adventures please visit: http://www.lifetreeadventures.com/future.aspx
For more information, or to reserve a trip, travel agents and travelers can go to http://www.lifetreeadventures.com or call 800-747-2157 Monday through Friday MST.
Contact:
Alexia Nestora
Lifetree Adventures
P.O. Box 275
Loveland, CO 80539
8007472157
alexia@lassocommunications.com
http://www.lifetreeadventures.com
Thalys Train
Thalys: This train travels between Paris, Benelux and into Germany.
A meal is included with any 1st class ticket and served at your seat every day.
Breakfast from 6am to 9am (beverages, danishes, cheese or cold cuts, fruit or yogurt.)
Snack from 9am to 11:45am, from 2pm to 6pm and after 9pm (beverage, small sandwich, pastry and fruit.)
Lunch between 9am and 11:45am, 2pm to 6pm and after 9pm (light meal consisting of beverage, appetizer, cold entrée, bread and dessert.)
Dinner between 6pm and 9pm (light meal consisting of beverage, appetizer, cold entrée, bread and dessert.)
“Welcome drink” offered with a mini sandwich on the routes Brussels-Amsterdam/Antwerpen-Berchem and in the route to Cologne (in the bar car) in both directions.
For individual passengers holding a 1st class ticket and arriving at Paris Gare du Nord or Brussels Midi can book a taxi from the bar car (a fee applies.) Bookings must be made at least 30 minutes prior to arrival. Upon arrival, a chauffeur will meet the passenger at the Thalys meeting point
Fred Spagnuolo Rail Europe, Inc. Manager Group Rail 914-681-3246
Visit us at: www.raileurope.com
A meal is included with any 1st class ticket and served at your seat every day.
Breakfast from 6am to 9am (beverages, danishes, cheese or cold cuts, fruit or yogurt.)
Snack from 9am to 11:45am, from 2pm to 6pm and after 9pm (beverage, small sandwich, pastry and fruit.)
Lunch between 9am and 11:45am, 2pm to 6pm and after 9pm (light meal consisting of beverage, appetizer, cold entrée, bread and dessert.)
Dinner between 6pm and 9pm (light meal consisting of beverage, appetizer, cold entrée, bread and dessert.)
“Welcome drink” offered with a mini sandwich on the routes Brussels-Amsterdam/Antwerpen-Berchem and in the route to Cologne (in the bar car) in both directions.
For individual passengers holding a 1st class ticket and arriving at Paris Gare du Nord or Brussels Midi can book a taxi from the bar car (a fee applies.) Bookings must be made at least 30 minutes prior to arrival. Upon arrival, a chauffeur will meet the passenger at the Thalys meeting point
Fred Spagnuolo Rail Europe, Inc. Manager Group Rail 914-681-3246
Visit us at: www.raileurope.com
European High Speed Rail
They are the most sophisticated forms of rail transport in the world. Eurostar, French TGV, TGV Lyria, ICE, Thalys are redefining the European rail travel experience with their cutting edge style, comfort, speed and design.
What better way to travel between countries and cities than in the comfort zone of the Eurostar or French TGV as the ever-changing European landscape flits passed your window; it is an incredible experience in itself and a memorable part of anyone's journey.
High speed rail is the most obvious choice for travel in Europe. For journeys within 4 hours length, European trains have the market share of over 70%.
You can sit back in style with a glass of wine and enticing meal and enjoy the scenery as you head to some of Europe's most exciting destinations from the French to the Italian Riviera, Venice, Switzerland, and the UK; as well as other exciting destinations through central, eastern and Northern Europe.
These trains are streamlined, extremely comfortable, safe and fast; they can get you across all corners of Europe in style and at incredible speeds.
WiFi technology is fast becoming standard across Europe's High Speed Rail Network so it is definitely transport designed for 21st century travel; you can key into your lap top, answer emails and send messages, you are never out of touch.
Travelers are taking to the sophisticated, high speed trains of Europe with a vengeance. Rail Europe has chalked up $40 million in sales from this market in 2007 alone 22 per cent of its total annual worldwide turnover.
Rail has always been popular and seen as good value for money but in recent years we have seen phenomenal year on year growth, especially travelers who seek travel solutions that are safe, efficient, comfortable and increasingly carbon neutral.
High Speed Rail (HSR) has grown at a lightening pace in recent years and shows no signs of stopping. 2007 was a ground-breaking year with Eurostar launching HSR all the way from London to Paris, TGV launching 300km of new HSR tracks linking up longest land tunnel the Lotschberg Tunnel drastically reducing travel times between Italy and Switzerland.
In 2008 high speed rail between Madrid and Barcelona opened in March - with a lot more high speed rail developments expected later this year and into 2009.
The choice of rail passes available is also extensive and growing every year. Apart from the popular Eurail Global Pass which can encompass up to 18 different countries, there are the Britrail passes, France Rail Pass, Swiss Pass, Austria Czech Republic Pass, Greece-Italy Pass, Austria-Croatia/Slovenia Pass, European East Pass and Balkan Flexipass a choice of over 40 regional, national and multi-national passes in all. With our sleek trains and huge choice of passes, all of Europe is at traveler's fingertips.
Fred Spagnuolo Rail Europe, Inc. Manager Group Rail 914-681-3246
Visit us at: www.raileurope.com
What better way to travel between countries and cities than in the comfort zone of the Eurostar or French TGV as the ever-changing European landscape flits passed your window; it is an incredible experience in itself and a memorable part of anyone's journey.
High speed rail is the most obvious choice for travel in Europe. For journeys within 4 hours length, European trains have the market share of over 70%.
You can sit back in style with a glass of wine and enticing meal and enjoy the scenery as you head to some of Europe's most exciting destinations from the French to the Italian Riviera, Venice, Switzerland, and the UK; as well as other exciting destinations through central, eastern and Northern Europe.
These trains are streamlined, extremely comfortable, safe and fast; they can get you across all corners of Europe in style and at incredible speeds.
WiFi technology is fast becoming standard across Europe's High Speed Rail Network so it is definitely transport designed for 21st century travel; you can key into your lap top, answer emails and send messages, you are never out of touch.
Travelers are taking to the sophisticated, high speed trains of Europe with a vengeance. Rail Europe has chalked up $40 million in sales from this market in 2007 alone 22 per cent of its total annual worldwide turnover.
Rail has always been popular and seen as good value for money but in recent years we have seen phenomenal year on year growth, especially travelers who seek travel solutions that are safe, efficient, comfortable and increasingly carbon neutral.
High Speed Rail (HSR) has grown at a lightening pace in recent years and shows no signs of stopping. 2007 was a ground-breaking year with Eurostar launching HSR all the way from London to Paris, TGV launching 300km of new HSR tracks linking up longest land tunnel the Lotschberg Tunnel drastically reducing travel times between Italy and Switzerland.
In 2008 high speed rail between Madrid and Barcelona opened in March - with a lot more high speed rail developments expected later this year and into 2009.
The choice of rail passes available is also extensive and growing every year. Apart from the popular Eurail Global Pass which can encompass up to 18 different countries, there are the Britrail passes, France Rail Pass, Swiss Pass, Austria Czech Republic Pass, Greece-Italy Pass, Austria-Croatia/Slovenia Pass, European East Pass and Balkan Flexipass a choice of over 40 regional, national and multi-national passes in all. With our sleek trains and huge choice of passes, all of Europe is at traveler's fingertips.
Fred Spagnuolo Rail Europe, Inc. Manager Group Rail 914-681-3246
Visit us at: www.raileurope.com
Newly Renovated Grand Hotel Moderne in Lourdes Offers Limited Special Group Rates
SPECIAL OFFER
THE COMPLETELY RENOVATED HISTORIC FOUR-STAR HOTEL OFFERS SPECIAL GROUP RATES FROM OCTOBER 1 THROUGH DECEMBER 14, 2008
LOURDES, France (August 29, 2008) – To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the apparitions in Lourdes, the city’s most historic hotel completed its extensive renovations and reopened to its original splendor in June 2008. The hotel will close for the winter on December 14, 2008 and open for the Spring in February 1, 2009.
Built in 1896 by Benoîte and Jean Soubirous, St. Bernadette’s brother, the Grand Hotel Moderne is a splendid example of late XIXth century architecture that will offer all modern day comfort in the fantastic “Art Nouveau” ambience designed by Louis Majorelle. The exceptional architecture of the hotel makes it a masterpiece of Lourdes heritage.
The Grand Hôtel Moderne combines charm, elegance, and comfort in the heart of Lourdes. Located within a minute walk of the shrine grounds, the hotel offers easy access to the Grotto and the tourist sites of the city: native house of Bernadette Soubirous, basilicas, fortified castle and museums. The five-story building with its 106 rooms was entirely renovated and reopened in June 2008. The interior retains its warmth and prestige with wooden floors, wall paneling, circular staircase, marble pillars, and antique furniture. All rooms are spacious, decorated with a great sense of taste (fashionable furniture, bathroom luxuriously appointed in Italian marble and white porcelain), and offer a very high level of comfort (individual heating/cooling controls, high quality bed linen, noise isolation) and safety.
“The Grand Hotel Moderne is the number one hotel I would recommend for every tour operator in North America. With its four-star ambiance, facilities, and cuisine, combined with its “across the street” proximity to the Lourdes shrine, the hotel serves as the perfect venue for the discerning American traveler. As a tour leader myself, the Grand Hotel Moderne is where I’ll take my groups.” – Kevin J. Wright, Author & WRTA President
The Grand Hôtel Moderne is offering special rates for new group bookings for travel from October 1 to December 14, 2008. To learn more about these rates or to make reservations contact booking@grandhotelmoderne.com or call +33 (0) 5 62 94 12 32. in the US contact Luciana White at 617-953-2761 or lucianawhite@verizon.net.
Grand Hôtel Moderne****
21, avenue Bernadette Soubirous
F-65100 Lourdes
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 94 12 32
Fax: +33 (0)5 62 42 07 17
booking@grandhotelmoderne.com
www.grandhotelmoderne.com
THE COMPLETELY RENOVATED HISTORIC FOUR-STAR HOTEL OFFERS SPECIAL GROUP RATES FROM OCTOBER 1 THROUGH DECEMBER 14, 2008
LOURDES, France (August 29, 2008) – To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the apparitions in Lourdes, the city’s most historic hotel completed its extensive renovations and reopened to its original splendor in June 2008. The hotel will close for the winter on December 14, 2008 and open for the Spring in February 1, 2009.
Built in 1896 by Benoîte and Jean Soubirous, St. Bernadette’s brother, the Grand Hotel Moderne is a splendid example of late XIXth century architecture that will offer all modern day comfort in the fantastic “Art Nouveau” ambience designed by Louis Majorelle. The exceptional architecture of the hotel makes it a masterpiece of Lourdes heritage.
The Grand Hôtel Moderne combines charm, elegance, and comfort in the heart of Lourdes. Located within a minute walk of the shrine grounds, the hotel offers easy access to the Grotto and the tourist sites of the city: native house of Bernadette Soubirous, basilicas, fortified castle and museums. The five-story building with its 106 rooms was entirely renovated and reopened in June 2008. The interior retains its warmth and prestige with wooden floors, wall paneling, circular staircase, marble pillars, and antique furniture. All rooms are spacious, decorated with a great sense of taste (fashionable furniture, bathroom luxuriously appointed in Italian marble and white porcelain), and offer a very high level of comfort (individual heating/cooling controls, high quality bed linen, noise isolation) and safety.
“The Grand Hotel Moderne is the number one hotel I would recommend for every tour operator in North America. With its four-star ambiance, facilities, and cuisine, combined with its “across the street” proximity to the Lourdes shrine, the hotel serves as the perfect venue for the discerning American traveler. As a tour leader myself, the Grand Hotel Moderne is where I’ll take my groups.” – Kevin J. Wright, Author & WRTA President
The Grand Hôtel Moderne is offering special rates for new group bookings for travel from October 1 to December 14, 2008. To learn more about these rates or to make reservations contact booking@grandhotelmoderne.com or call +33 (0) 5 62 94 12 32. in the US contact Luciana White at 617-953-2761 or lucianawhite@verizon.net.
Grand Hôtel Moderne****
21, avenue Bernadette Soubirous
F-65100 Lourdes
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 94 12 32
Fax: +33 (0)5 62 42 07 17
booking@grandhotelmoderne.com
www.grandhotelmoderne.com
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