Next year, the World Religious Travel Association will host its first-ever World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference, October 29 through November 1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando. The conference, which will be held annually, is expected to feature hundreds of travel wholesalers, suppliers, tourist boards, agencies and group travel organizers from the faith-based tourism industry.
The expo will include the International Tradeshow and the Education Conference. The latter will provide trade- and consumer-focused educational programs featuring industry speakers, presentations, panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions. Current sponsors and exhibitors include Globus, Carnival Cruise Lines, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Christian Travel Finder and Trafalgar Tours.
"Although religious tourism is one of history's oldest travel segments, no large-scale trade convention has ever been held for this 300 million traveler segment," said Kevin J. Wright, president of WRTA. "All market segments will be represented at the expo, including pilgrimage, cruising, missions, leisure vacations, attractions, conferences, retreats, Christian camp and volunteer vacations."
Sign up by November 30 to qualify for early-bird registration. WRTA members also will receive a discount when registering. Visit [www.religioustravelexpo.com] or [www.religioustravelassociation.com]. (JM)