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 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 www.WRTAreligioustravel.com or www.WRTAexpo.com.

Transform your business with renewed creativity, purpose and focus

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

Note from Torre Ossmo of Faithful Holidays about Montreal and the Expected Growth of Faith Tourism

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.

Expo Buzz Newsletter - Oct 20, 2010

WRTA Expo = Two Shows in One Means Big Savings!

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

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

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

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

WRTA President Speaks on Canonization of Brother André

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


CBS Newsmaker to Speak at Expo

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


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

PyroMarketing - A New Way to Think About Marketing

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

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

For info or to register visit www.WRTAexpo.com

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

HURRY!!!

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

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

Wright’s Interview on CTV News Channel Regarding Brother Andre's Canonization as Canadian Saint

Here's the link to the article featuring my interview on CTV News Channel (Canada):
Read full story here: http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101017/brother-andre-canonized-101017/20101017/?hub=OttawaHome

Selections of article:
His elevation to sainthood will carry some worldly benefits for St. Andre's hometown, according to Kevin Wright, the president of the U.S.-based world religious travel association.

"When an individual is declared a saint, their shrines attract significant numbers of visitors," Wright told CTV News Channel. "And we're going to see that in Montreal."

He said that while the oratory that St. Andre founded is not as big a draw as sites like the French shrine at Lourdes, it already attracts an estimated one million pilgrims a year.

And Wright said that St. Andre's sanctification will only boost those numbers.

"Over the next couple of years we could see that double and get up to three, four or even five million people. And that's incredible."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement that the newly canonized St. Andre was "a great Canadian."

"Brother Andre's canonization is an important inspiration to us all, and the Oratory will continue to serve as a central landmark of spiritual strength and faith for Quebecers and all Canadians."

"Brother Andre's canonization is an important inspiration to us all, and the Oratory will continue to serve as a central landmark of spiritual strength and faith for Quebecers and all Canadians."

Kanon Cultural Tours invites you to World Religious Travel Expo

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: http://www.kanon.gr/

CBS Newsmaker to Open Co-Located WRTA/NTA Event

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

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

Broadway is Coming to Montréal!

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

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

For Immediate Release
September 30, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who Will Be at World Religious Travel Expo 2010

Who Will Be at Expo 2010 ?

Click here to see who's coming! The most important question is, will you be there?

Register today and take advantage of all the new ideas and contacts you can make at the World Religious Travel Expo.

Register online
Register by Phone: 888.255.9782, Ext 101 (U.S. and Canada) or +1.859.219.3529 Register by e-mail: headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expo 2010: Your Registration Goes Further!

This November, the World Religious Travel Expo will co-locate with the NTA Convention.

This means your WRTA Expo registration dollars go further, providing access to the largest gathering of religious travel providers and suppliers in the world, as well as the tour operators, suppliers and destinations at NTA’s Convention—all on one tradeshow floor!

With a combined 2,000-plus travel professionals in attendance, this incredible opportunity of two shows in one destination is a “one-stop shop” for all your planning and religious travel program needs.

Highlights of Expo 2010 include:
• Back by popular demand, North America’s top faith marketing expert Greg Stielstra will keynote at Expo 2010 in Montreal. Stielstra is co-author of Faith-based Marketing and the mastermind behind the strategy of “PyroMarketing.”
• Meet and network with tour operators, suppliers, and destinations from across 30 countries.

• Attend the industry’s most comprehensive educational program in religious tourism and hospitality.
How Can You Receive a FREE Expo Fam Trip to Quebec’s Shrines?
The first 25 buyers to register for Expo 2010 will enjoy a complimentary VIP Fam tour of Montréal valued at $500.

How to Register for Expo Today?
Register online
Register by Phone: 888.255.9782, Ext 101 (U.S. and Canada) or +1.859.219.3529
Register by e-mail: headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com

Top faith marketing expert Greg Stielstra to keynote World Religious Travel expo 2010

Back by popular demand, North America's top faith marketing expert Greg Stielstra will keynote for the second year at the World Religious Travel Expo 2010. The recipient of numerous praises and accolades among Expo delegates, Stielstra is the co-author of Faith-based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers (Wiley, 2009) and the mind behind the strategy of "PyroMarketing" to help businesses reach and retain markets. Stielstra also served as the marketing director behind the highly acclaimed The Purpose Driven Life, a faith-based marketing phenomenon and the fastest selling hardcover book in American history.

"We are so excited about bringing Greg Stielstra back as our Expo Keynote speaker," said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. "Greg wowed all of our attendees and exhibitors last year with his remarkable insight and practical wisdom in how to effectively reach the faith-based consumer and traveler. It was clear from the onset, Greg was a crowd favorite."

Greg Stielstra worked in marketing for the world's leading Christian publishers for 17 years where he planned the promotions for dozens of bestselling books. An expert in word-of-mouth, faith-based and social network marketing as well as an innovative thinker, speaker and consultant, Stielstra is today author of two books: PyroMarketing: the Four-Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep Them for Life (HarperCollins, 2005) and Faith-Based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers (Wiley, 2009). His writings and work have been covered by The Economist, Advertising Age, Point Magazine, Business Week, Forbes, Wireless Age, Knowledge at Wharton, the Wharton Leadership Journal, and the book 9 Minds on Marketing. Stielstra currently teaches marketing at Vanderbilt University and operates PyroMarketing, a social media marketing agency in Franklin, TN.

"People have long known that word-of-mouth is the most powerful form of advertising," said Stielstra. "What they may not realize, however, is that faith communities spread word-of-mouth more effectively than any other group. What's more, people of faith represent the largest demographic segment in the world. When you combine the size and connectivity of the faith community with new social media technologies you can create incredibly powerful opportunities to promote religious travel that are also affordable. I look forward to sharing this good news with religious travel professionals and seeing them use it to further advance religious travel worldwide."

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

For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or +1-859-219-3529 or by e-mail at headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit www.WRTAexpo.com .

Travel Ministry Conference Comes to Montreal & World Religious Travel Expo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This fall’s World Religious Travel Expo will be held in conjunction again with the NTA Convention, making for a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members unprecedented opportunities for education, business expansion, networking, and new market opportunities.

For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or +1-859-219-3529 or by email headquarters at WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit the WRTA and Expo websites respectively.

Register today for World Religious Travel Expo 2010

The World Religious Travel Expo is the ONLY event of its kind that brings together over 500 travel professionals along with tourism organizations specializing in faith tourism from more than 30 countries. In 2010 we will again be co-locating with the NTA Convention, who will draw an additional 2,000 plus travel and tourism professionals to this unique event. It all adds up to an incredible opportunity to learn, discover, network and to buy/sell with your peers.
If you are part of or want to join in this $18 billion dollar marketplace, the World Religious Travel Expo is tailor-made to your needs. Attendees and exhibitors will:

Buy and sell faith-based travel products and services.
Discover how to develop a flourishing religious travel program.
Meet and rub elbows with the “Who’s Who” in faith tourism.
Learn how to become recognized leaders in their local marketplaces.

“Rendez-vous” in North-America’s top destination for international meetings - Montréal, as we showcase our “savoir-faire” as religious travel professionals.

Register today!
Tel 888-255-9782 or 859-219-3529
Email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com
www.WRTAexpo.com

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

Expo Buzz Newsletter Aug 5, 2010

WRTA's Expo Buzz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expo Host City: Montreal Named #1 North American Host City

WRTA's 2010 Expo will be held in the top host city in North America for international associative events, according to the 2009 ICCA International Congress and Convention Association's official rankings.

Final 2009 North American Rankings:
(Number of international associative events)
Montréal (57)
Vancouver (46)
Toronto (36)
Boston (35)
Mexico City (33)
Washington (31)
NYC (28)

This ranking speaks to the city's dynamism and its power to draw major international associations, despite the increasingly wider options offered in recent years.

Read the official news release from Montréal. Congratulations, Montréal!

Book Your Exhibit Space by June 15 for Special Offer

WRTA Sellers' Special

Sellers – Book your Exhibit Space by June 15 and receive a rotating logo with link to your Web site on WRTA’s homepage for a month (value of $500)! Reserve your spot today

Expo Host City Montreal: Religion a Focal Point in the City's History

Religion: A Focal Point in Montréal’s History provided by Expo's host city, Tourisme Montréal

In 1535 the Iroquoian village of Hochelaga was visited by French explorer Jacques Cartier, and approximately 100 years later Sieur de Maisonneuve founded the settlement of Ville-Marie, Montréal’s former name. The first sign of Christianity was the cross planted in 1643 atop Mount Royal.

While still the highest monument in Montréal, it’s far from being the only religious symbol in a city of more than 80 ethnic groups. The legacy of religion in Montréal can be seen in the hundreds of church steeples that point to the heavens and heard in the sounds that flow from the city’s more than 600 places of worship. For anyone with an interest in religious art, architecture and music, the “Rome of America,” as Montréal was once known, is one of the most enriched cities on the continent.

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.

WRTA OPENS REGISTRATIONS TO WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO 2010

3rd Annual World Religious Travel Expo Provides New and Expanded Market Opportunities

WRTA opens exhibitor reservations to the industry’s largest religious tourism and hospitality tradeshow

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 18, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has opened exhibitor reservations for the 3rd Annual World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference. WRTA also unveiled the official theme of Expo 2010: Discover the World of Faith Tourism. The tradeshow will be held for the first time internationally in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from November 13-16, 2010.

“The World Religious Travel Expo is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the industry, so I’m thrilled to open up this opportunity to travel companies, destinations, and suppliers eager to take part in this remarkable event,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As we prepare to highlight the year in faith tourism, we’re expecting record attendance again at this fall’s tradeshow, especially with our second co-location with the annual NTA Convention. The Expo remains ‘the place to be’ for any organization or travel professional that wishes to buy, sell, and network in the religious marketplace.”

Faith-based travel and hospitality has evolved into a major market and pillar of the global travel industry. More than 300 million people each year embark on trips or events with their faith communities including pilgrimages, cruises, leisure vacations, conferences/events, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure travel, safaris, and more. The World Religious Travel Expo attracts tour operators, tourist offices, convention and visitor bureaus, motorcoach companies, hotels, attractions, suppliers, media, travel agents, and other tourism companies/professionals from throughout North America and around the world.

“We are excited about the upcoming WRTA Expo in Montreal and very much look forward to it,” said Mirko Capodanno, Manager Central USA and Canada. “Switzerland Tourism and our partners will be participating for the third consecutive time and the Expo marks an important and key event for us. Not only will it be a platform to promote faith-based travel in Zurich, Lucerne and the Ticino, but we’ll also be able to highlight train travel in Switzerland and our new partnership with Sunstar Hotels. Plus, it’s always a great opportunity to meet with the religious travel industry which is vital for us and also a lot of fun – an opportunity not to be missed!”

For Expo 2010, WRTA is excited to welcome new sponsors such as the Italian Government Tourist Board, Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, Innsbruck Tourist Board, and Tourisme Montréal. As well as our returning sponsors Switzerland Tourism, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, and VisitRochester.

The World Religious Travel Association will host this fall’s Expo again in conjunction with the NTA Convention. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members unprecedented opportunities for education, business expansion, networking, and new market opportunities. Last year’s WRTA Expo 2009 featured the theme “Make 2010 Year Best Year Ever” and the event’s Gold and Silver Sponsors included Reno-Tahoe, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, Globus family of brands, Switzerland Tourism, Jordan Tourism Board N.A., German National Tourist Office, Leipzig Tourism and Marketing Company, Routes to Luther, VisitBritain, VisitScotland, Canterbury Cathedral, VisitRochester, PhotoVision, Epiphany Media, LifeWay, and TBN Holy Land Experience.

For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/ or http://www.wrtaexpo.com/.

WRTA PROCLAIMS 2010 THE YEAR OF TRAVEL MINISTRY

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. (March 4, 2010) – 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 Travel Ministry Conferences.

For more information about the Travel Ministry Conferences visit https://nymail.imgworld.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=bfe31953613b4b8b82c68ac1db947630&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wrtareligioustravel.com%2f. For faith-based communities, organizations and individuals interested in attending and participating in the Travel Ministry Conferences, contact WRTA staff.

WRTA LAUNCHES CONSULTING FIRM AND SPEAKERS BUREAU FOR RELIGIOUS TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

WRTA LAUNCHES CONSULTING FIRM AND SPEAKERS BUREAU FOR RELIGIOUS TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Based on growing marketplace demands,the World Religious Travel Association expands its business services

LEXINGTON, Ky. (February 18, 2010) – In launching a new consulting program and speakers bureau, the World Religious Travel Association is expanding its business services to meet the growing demands of the $18 billion religious travel and hospitality industry.

“We’re thrilled with the debut of these two new enterprises,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As more organizations and companies enter religious tourism from throughout the United States and around the world, we’ve seen the demand rise for specialized consulting as well as requests for expert speakers within the marketplace. With the launch of these ground-breaking business services, WRTA will not only continue to facilitate the growth of the industry, but also further enrich and empower it.”

Since its inception, WRTA has provided select contracted services to destinations, travel providers, and suppliers that requested further assistance in tapping the religious market.
In response to the increased interest, WRTA is now making its specialized consulting services available to the industry. Each new project will be taken on a case-by-case basis and must fall outside the scope of WRTA’s traditional membership benefits. Current and past clients include international tourist offices, convention and visitors bureaus, tour operators, suppliers, retailers, and theme parks/attractions among others.

To accommodate the blossoming and ongoing demand for its speaking services, WRTA is also launching a Speakers Bureau. With the new venture, WRTA will continue to best fulfill and meet the ever-expanding needs and requests of the faith-based travel marketplace. WRTA president and four-time published travel author, Kevin J. Wright, will continue to serve as the bureau’s featured speaker. Wright has spoken at dozens of tradeshows, conferences, and events globally and nationally.

For companies and organizations interested in hiring WRTA’s consulting, speakers bureau, or video development services, or to submit a proposal, contact Jim Wright, WRTA VP Sales & Marketing at http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/.

Leisure Group Travel: Top 10 Emerging Destinations in Faith-based Tourism

Cover story for Leisure Group Travel Magazine (February 2010 Issue)
Top 10 Emerging Destinations in Faith-based Tourism
View the entire story at http://bit.ly/EmergingDestinationsFaithTourism2010

The president of the World Religious Travel Association identifies 10 places ripe for religious group tours.
1) Armenia
2) Colombia
3) Lebanon
4) Syria
5) India
6) Cyprus
7) Palestine
8) Ethiopia
9) Poland
10) Quebec, Canada

Join the World Religious Travel Association at a new low rate!

Join WRTA Now & Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever!

Now is your opportunity to join the premier association for faith-based travel at a new low rate!

The World Religious Travel Association is offering a low $499 rate for all destinations, attractions and suppliers looking to target the 300 million traveler religious market in 2010. Travel agents also have a low rate at $99.

Make 2010 your best year ever by becoming part of one of the fastest growing and most resilient markets in the travel industry -- Religious Travel and Hospitality.

WRTA is the only global association dedicated to the Religious Travel and Hospitality Industry. Our members come from 30-plus countries on 6 continents and include the entire "infrastructure" of the faith tourism marketplace including wholesalers, suppliers, destinations, travel agents, and planners.

Religious travel and hospitality is an industry comprised of 300 million travelers globally and is recognized as one of the fastest growing segments in the travel marketplace. Religious travel and hospitality today features virtually every type of travel and event including pilgrimages, conventions/ meetings, leisure vacations, cruising, adventure/ safaris, attractions, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, and much more. It is one of the most resilient markets.

To join WRTA, contact the staff or click here: http://bit.ly/JoinWRTA2010

USA TODAY: Religious Tourism Top Travel Trend for 2010

The top ten travel trends for 2010
USA Today
By Laura Bly

Religious Travel ranks as Top 10 Travel Trend for 2010.

Read full story at http://bit.ly/USATODAYReligiousTravelTopTrend2010