Expo Buzz Newsletter, Sep. 1, 2009

Headlining Keynote Named:
Greg Stielstra

WRTA has named Greg Stielstra, the marketing director behind The Purpose Driven Life, the fastest-selling hardcover book in American history and a faith-based marketing phenomenon, as the headline speaker at this fall's celebrated event. Stielstra is also best known as the author of Faith-based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers (HarperCollins, 2005) and PyroMarketing: The Four Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep Them For Life (Wiley, 2009).

Stielstra is an innovative thinker, speaker, consultant and author. An expert in word-of-mouth, faith-based, and social network marketing, he speaks regularly at Word of Mouth Marketing Association conference and numerous other events including AdTech New York and the prestigious Forbes CMO Summit. His work has 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.

We are very excited to welcome Greg to our Expo.

Full release

Greg's Biography and Book Information

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Can't Join Us in Reno?

Create a presence through advertising. Advertise in the Official Expo Program to ensure your brand is remembered by all expo attendees. The program features:

Expo Schedule
Exhibitor List
Educational Sessions
Attendee directory - making it a year long publication
Expo Map
But hurry...limited space is available - book by Sept. 15 to be included.

For more information about advertising, contact Kami Risk at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or 859-226-4402; or email sales@WRTAstaff.com..
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New Logo Unveiled for Expo Theme "Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever"

WRTA is thrilled to debut its logo for this fall's World Religious Travel Expo. The new logo unveiling follows Expo's recent announcement of its fall theme: Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever. As the official symbol of Expo 2009, you will see this logo in upcoming expo communications, and on the expo tradeshow floor, general sessions, educational seminars, and other event functions. The logo and theme is an ever-constant reminder to "Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever!"

Exhibitors of the Week

In each Expo Buzz, we like to show the quality of exhibitors we will have at the Expo by highlighting different companies each week. We are looking forward to meeting everyone and hope you are too!

The ACA & Tourism/Bethlehem will guide you through your quest. Whether you want to visit a country or prefer a regional tour throughout Israel, the Palestinian Autonomous Territories, Egypt or Jordan we can tailor any trip to your taste and pace. website

At CIE Tours International, quality is our focus. We insist on state-of-the-art luxury coaches; prompt and pleasant customer service; and the best hotels, visits and entertainment. website

The Shrine of Christ's Passion is an interactive half-mile winding pathway that begins with the Last Supper and Garden of Gethsemane. You then journey through the Passion of Christ as depicted in the Stations of the Cross. website

7TUR Tourism Ltd. is one of Turkey's leading Business Travel and Destination Management Companies with 28 years of experience. We emphasize creativity, cost-efficiency and commitment to our clients, providing only the best in accommodation, transportation, entertainment, seminars, tours, special events and more. website

Annett Bus Lines has become one of the most respected motorcoach companies in North America. Family Tradition is what drives our business, and our fleet of 55 motorcoaches will travel more than 3.3 million miles this year. website


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Expo 2008 Highlights Webcast Released
"Revenue Secrets from Faith Tourism Experts"

You can now experience and relive highlights of Expo 2008 in the newly released webcast entitled "Revenue Secrets from Faith Tourism Experts." In this 55-minute webinar , discover sales, marketing, PR, product, and operational insights from top authorities in the world of religious travel and hospitality.

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Expo Tip of the Week
Get the Biggest Bang for your Buck

As you know, WRTA and NTA are co-locating their conventions this year in Reno, however, did you know WRTA suppliers/wholesalers/destinations and WRTA buyers can access select NTA functions with the NTA add-on options? Build your portfolio by adding-on NTA options!

$220 NTA Add-on: For Travel Wholesalers/Tour Operators who want appointments with Tour Suppliers at NTA. Subject to NTA approval.

$545 NTA Add-on: For Wholesalers/Suppliers/Destinations who want access to NTA Convention Mall and education. Does not include appointments with NTA Tour Operators. Subject to NTA approval.

$825 NTA Add-on: For Wholesalers/Suppliers/Destinations who want to have appointments with NTA Tour Operators. Subject to NTA approval.

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Personal Note from WRTA President

Dear Faith Tourism Friends & Colleagues,

You're in for a big treat this fall at Expo. Never before has the travel industry been addressed by the top faith-based marketing authority in North America- Greg Stielstra. This is a first!

In preparation for the Expo, as well as for the benefit of your own faith-based travel program - I'd suggest purchasing a copy of Greg's newly published book Faith-based Marketing (http://www.faithbasedmarketing.com/). ). It is a tremendous resource and will greatly impact the way you serve the religious market.

Another book of Greg's to check out is Pyromarketing (http://www.pyromarketing.com/). I read this book about a year ago - and it's one of the finest business books I've ever read. It's a must.

Greg is thrilled about addressing our Expo this fall - and he very much looks forward to meeting you in person.

See you in 3 months in Reno!
Best Wishes,
Kevin J. Wright
WRTA President

P.S. If you want to catch Greg in action, watch one of his live performances.

Greg Stielstra, North America's Top Faith-based Marketing Expert to Headline World Religious Travel Expo

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug 31, 2009) – One of North America’s top authorities on faith-based marketing and word-of mouth marketing will address the travel industry, for the first time ever, at the World Religious Travel Expo 2009. The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) just named Greg Stielstra, the marketing director behind The Purpose Driven Life, the fastest-selling hardcover book in American history and a faith-based marketing phenomenon, as the
headline speaker at this fall’s celebrated event. Stielstra is also best known as the author of Faith-based Marketing: The Guide to Reaching 140 Million Christian Customers (HarperCollins, 2005) and PyroMarketing: The Four Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep Them For Life (Wiley, 2009).

“We hit the jackpot in landing Greg Stielstra as the Sunday luncheon keynoter,” said WRTA President Kevin J. Wright. “The most frequently asked question by every travel provider and supplier in relation to the religious market is ‘How do we effectively reach pastors and the faith-based consumer?’ Greg will share the fascinating marketing principles behind the mega-success of The Passion of the Christ movie and The Purpose Driven Life book, and how these same
principles can and should be applied by each organization in the travel industry.”

Stielstra is an innovative thinker, speaker, consultant and author. An expert in word-of-mouth, faith-based, and social network marketing, he speaks regularly at Word of Mouth Marketing Association conference and numerous other events including AdTech New York and the prestigious Forbes CMO Summit. His work has 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.

“People of faith are the largest, most loyal, and highest spending market segment in the United States with 140 million weekly church-goers who spend $5.1 trillion annually,” said Stielstra. “To be successful, you must first understand the religious consumer power niche—and how to effectively reach them. I will help the travel industry understand who makes up the faith community, what they want, and what it takes to appeal to them. We’ll also discuss common mistakes marketers make in dealing with the faith-based market; how to serve rather than sell to them; and what works and doesn’t work when dealing with pastors and other religious leaders. Above all, I’ll provide practical guidance for creating faith-based marketing plans that work.”

With one in four Americans expressing interest in taking a faith-based trip, and religious tourism expected to double by 2012, many travel providers and destinations have recently significantly expanded their faith-based marketing efforts including Trafalgar Tours, Globus family of brands, Collette Vacations, Faithful Holidays (division of Mayflower Tours), CIE Tours, Homeric Tours, TravelBound, Ed-Ventures Worldwide Tours, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, the Jordan Tourist Board, Switzerland Tourism, as well as many Convention and Visitor Bureaus and other suppliers including Passport Health. WRTA is currently taking registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most
important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations, travel professionals, and group planners from 30-plus countries.

A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Convention ‘09, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking and access to 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@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com and http://www.wrtaexpo.com/ respectively.

WRTA debuts logo for World Religious Travel Expo 2009

WRTA is proud to debut our logo for this fall's World Religious Travel Expo.....

Expo Buzz Update

August 18, 2009

Table of Contents

• Saturday Events You Don't Want to Miss
• Expo-- Did you Know?
• Expo Tip of the Week-- Choose Wisely!
• Get Noticed in the Faith-Based Market
• Exhibitors of the Week
• Be a Know-it-All at the Expo
  
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  Get to the Expo early Saturday- So much to do!
  
  Invitation from NTA: Saturday International Luncheon
  Join us for NTA's International Luncheon, being held Saturday, Nov. 14 from 12:30-1:45 in the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. In this luncheon, you'll dine with hundreds of tourism professionals while you learn more about international destinations such as Jordan and Mexico. Each sponsoring destination will deliver a destination presentation, designed with all travel packagers in mind and be exposed to great product development ideas for your clients. We have also confirmed, Her Excellency of Jordan, will be one of the destination presenters. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about these exciting destinations while networking with your peers.
  
  Take Advantage and Sightsee!
  After NTA's International Luncheon on Saturday (2pm-6pm), experience the Reno area and choose from one of five sightseeing tours! From historic Virginia City to the brand new Reno Aces AAA Ballpark, each four-hour tour is a great way to see the southwest area of Reno. The tours are offered on a first-received, first-registered basis, so sign up now! Deadline to register is October 14, 2009.
  Tours start and end at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
  
  Tour #1 - Virginia City "Step back in Time"
  The mining boom turned Virginia City into the most important settlement between Denver and San Francisco and the grubby prospectors were turned into instant millionaires - who built mansions, imported expensive furniture, food and fashions from Europe and the Orient, and ended up helping to finance the Civil War.
  
  Tour #2 - Can You Believe it?
  Start with Reno's newest venue-Reno Aces AAA ball park- walk through the dugouts and visit the Hall of Fame Club Suite where you get a birds eye view of the entire park and the Reno skyline! The next stop is to the National Automobile Museum, the Harrah Collection, where time, culture, beauty, history, human invention, ingenuity and frivolity merge to fascinate us in the form of cars.
  
  Tour #3 - The Biggest Little City in the World
  Explore downtown Reno, a city that started as a small river crossing but ended up as the "Biggest Little City." Before Las Vegas, Reno was a Mecca for movie stars and entertainers, beautiful architecture and famous restaurants. You will also get a glimpse of our small city as it undergoes a renaissance throughout the downtown corridor. Visit downtown spots, historic churches, bridges and hotels with us.
  
  Tour #4 - Carson City- "A Stroll through the 1800's"
  Take a walk back into the 1800's in Carson City, Nevada's capitol. Explore the Kit Carson Trail, the city's fabulous historic district. Come see all the sites, including the Governor's Mansion and the Capital Building, and hear the tales of our capital and its colorful residents!
  
  Tour #5 - North Shore of Tahoe and Squaw Valley
  Travel west with us to the beautiful North Short Lake Tahoe and see what all the fuss is about as you take in the views. Visit the Tahoe Maritime Museum, Squaw Valley (home to the 1960 Winter Olympics, and the Sierra Nevada Foothills (home to the oldest Zinfandel vines in the world). Enjoy the view - and the wine - on our tour.
  
  Read the full descriptions of the tours
  Sign up by October 14, 2009!
  
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  Expo- Did you Know?
  
  Expand your contacts and grow your business with the National Tour Association. As you know, WRTA and NTA are co-locating their conventions this year in Reno, however, did you know WRTA suppliers/wholesalers/destinations and WRTA buyers can access select NTA functions with the NTA add-on options?
  
  $220 NTA Add-on: For Travel Wholesalers/Tour Operators who want appointments with Tour Suppliers at NTA. Subject to NTA approval.
  $545 NTA Add-on: For Wholesalers/Suppliers/Destinations who want access to NTA Convention Mall and education. Does not include appointments with NTA Tour Operators. Subject to NTA approval.
  $825 NTA Add-on: For Wholesalers/Suppliers/Destinations who want to have appointments with NTA Tour Operators. Subject to NTA approval.
  About NTA
  More about WRTA/NTA registration
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  Expo Tip of the Week- Choose Wisely
  
  With so many great educational breakout sessions to choose from, the decision may be tough! A great expo tip, for any educational conference, is to decide in advance which educational session you will get the most out of. Our Sunday morning educational sessions start of the conference with great topics! Which best suits your needs?
  
  WRTA Educational Breakout Sessions
  Sunday, November 15
  9:15am-10:15am
  Product Development for the faith market
  Seminar 1 - How to build the right travel products and experiences for today's religious market
  Seminar 2 - Fellowship vacations and events in North America: Tapping your backyard goldmine
  Seminar 3 - Discover the top trends, destinations and opportunities in religious travel
  
  
  See the full (preliminary) WRTA schedule of events and other educational session topics.
  
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  Get Noticed in the Faith-Based Market
  
  With Expo 2009 only 3 months away, we don't want you to miss your opportunity to stand-out in the faith based market. Here are three reasons to book exhibit space now:
  
  Join your travel industry colleagues including ACA Travel & Tourism, CIE Tours International, Cyprus Tourism Organization, Ed-Ventures Worldwide Tours, German National Tourist Office, Globus Family of Brands, Greek National Tourism Organization, Idee Travel Services, Jordan Tourism Board, Krouse/Amsalem Travel, Leipzig Tourism and Marketing Company, Lifetree Adventures, Reno-Tahoe, Routes to Luther, The Shrine of Christ's Passion, Switzerland Tourism, Tauck World Discovery, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, Trafalgar Tours USA Inc, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Visit Britain and Visit Scotland. View the complete list of Expo 2009 Exhibitors.
  
• New this year - exhibitors choose their own space. Booth selection has already started, so act quickly to get the best spot!
  An anticipated 400 NTA tour operators will have access to the WRTA International
• Tradeshow floor. This is your ticket to meeting more buyers!!
  For more information about exhibiting, contact Kami Risk at WRTA.
  
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  Exhibitors of the Week
  
  Cyprus , an island in the Eastern Mediterranean with history that dates back 10,000 Years. A country exceptionally rich in monuments of the Byzantine period, many of them UNESCO World Heritage The arrival in Cyprus of the Apostles Paul, Barnabas and Mark in 45A.D. is one of the most important historical events to leave its mark on the island. Their visit is linked to the spread of Christianity. Come and trace the steps of Apostle Paul and Barnabas on our beautiful island. Cyprus is a year round destination with more than 360 days of sunshine.
  http://www.visitcyprus.com/wps/portal
  
  Ed-Ventures is a family owned and operated company specializing in worldwide tours with a purpose, and has been customizing tours for operators and travel agents for over 30 years. In recent years our focus has shifted to faith-based travel with a special emphasis on the Passion Play, Footsteps of Paul, the Holy Land and Egypt, and the Reformation era. We have also arranged travel and volunteer opportunities for mission groups in Central America and pilgrimages to Italy and other destinations.
  www.ed-ventures.com
  
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  Be a Know-it-All at Expo
  
  Want some fast, fun facts about the World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference? Knowing as much as possible about the Expo before you get there will allow you to get the most out of it!
  
  Official Expo website
  Expo video
  Discover the World of Faith Tourism video
  Scott Keopf, NACTA President, named keynote speaker
  

New Webinar Released: Revenue Secrets From Faith Tourism Experts

WRTA's newest Webinar has just been released: Revenue Secrets from Faith Tourism Experts - How to Flourish in a Thriving New Market.

The Webinar also features highlights from the World Religious Travel Expo.

To view the Webinar, visit the homepage of http://www.WRTAexpo.com/

NACTA President, Scott Koepf, Keynote Speaker at World Religious Travel Expo

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 14, 2009) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has named NACTA President, Scott Koepf, as keynote speaker for the final day of the World Religious Travel Expo 2009.

“We are ecstatic about Scott Koepf serving as a keynote speaker at the World Religious Travel Expo,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As a motivational speaker and sales trainer with two decades-plus experience in the travel industry, Scott is the ideal candidate for sharing with delegates how to make 2010 their best year ever.”

Koepf is recognized as one of the leading authorities and representatives of travel agents in the industry. With more than 25 years in retail travel, Scott became president of the National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) in 2008. Prior to his current position, Scott was with Sabre Holdings as general manager of the Jurni Consortium, TMA and the host Travel agency, Nexion. He opened a cruise travel agency in 1985 and in 1989 became president of Cruise Holidays International. Scott was responsible for taking the franchise company from 12 franchises to over 120. In 1991 he returned to owning an agency, which quickly became one of the top cruise selling agencies in the country.

“I am thrilled to be a keynote speaker for the WRTA Expo in Reno,” said Scott Koepf, NACTA president. “First, as a graduate of the University of Nevada in Reno, the destination will serve as a memorable homecoming. Secondly, the conference theme Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever is perfect and I will dig into how you can make that happen—even in these remarkable times. I might even slip in a few never-before-told college stories to spice things up!”

With a special partnership between WRTA and NACTA, all NACTA travel agent members are eligible for a special $35 rate to attend the World Religious Travel Expo.

The Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations and travel professionals from 30-plus countries.

A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association’s Convention, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to new market opportunities.

For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, including registering for the special NACTA member travel agency rate, contact the World Religious Travel Association

World Religious Travel Expo Theme Announced: “Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever”

WRTA Announces Theme of Fall Expo
“Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever”

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 25, 2009) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced “Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever” as its official theme for this fall’s World Religious Travel Expo. The newly chosen motto will serve as the guiding principle and overall purpose of the three-day event.

“Our theme serves as an invitation to tap into the flourishing religious travel and hospitality industry,” said WRTA president, Kevin J. Wright. “We all know this is a very trying time for many companies. However, as faith tourism provides new market and revenue possibilities, the World Religious Travel Expo provides organizations with a renewed opportunity to experience their best year yet.”

Faith-based travel and hospitality has become an important new market segment for many tour operators, travel agents, destinations and suppliers in the industry. In the past year alone, the religious market has taken on even greater significance, due to its recession-proof and groups-dominated attributes. An estimated 75% of faith-based travelers prefer to travel in group settings while 80% would like to repeat their religious travel experience. Challenging times only serve to bring people of faith together in greater numbers for travel or convention purposes; providing a much needed “stimulus” to the industry.

WRTA recently opened registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations and travel professionals from 30-plus countries.

A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Annual Convention, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to 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@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com and www.WRTAexpo.com respectively.

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Early Bird Discounts ending soon

If you're looking for special savings to attend the World Religious Travel Expo.....be sure to hurry! Early Bird discounts to attend or exhibit at the World Religious Travel Expo will be ending in the coming weeks. For more info, visit www.WRTAexpo.com or call 888-255-WRTA (9782).

World Religious Travel Expo video released

WRTA just released its inspriational World Relgious Travel Expo video on YOU TUBE. It can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c25vbpwqQ1o

WRTA Opens registrations for Expo 2009

The World Religious Travel Association is now open and accepting registrations for the World Religious Travel Expo 2009.

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE for best booth space.

To reserve your exhibit booth or attendance, contact WRTA at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or 859-219-3529....or email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com.