Identifying trends in faith-based tourism

LEXINGTON, Kentucky – Faith-based tourism will be an important focus at the 2011 NTA Convention in Las Vegas, highlighted by the association’s first-ever Faith-based Tourism Leaders Forum, set for D

LEXINGTON, Kentucky – Faith-based tourism will be an important focus at the 2011 NTA Convention in Las Vegas, highlighted by the association’s first-ever Faith-based Tourism Leaders Forum, set for December 7, 2011.

“This forum will bring together experienced leaders who can identify trends within the market,” said Lisa Simon, CTP, NTA President, “For example: is it certain destinations that people of faith want to reach? Or is it that people of faith just like to travel together? It’s probably both, but we’ll look for those trends, interests, and challenges that define the market.”

Earlier this year, NTA formed its Faith-based Tourism Advisory Council ( http://www.ntaonline.com/articles/index.cfm?action=view&articleID=2294&menuID=391 ) to help expand business opportunities for members, and that’s also the goal of the forum, according to Malia Asfour, a member of the council.

“We’re using the forum to create a network of faith-based tourism professionals who can provide ongoing guidance for NTA members,” said Asfour, Director of the Jordan Tourism Board North America, “That way, a community of professionals within NTA can work together year-round to overcome challenges and develop solutions.”

To ensure broad representation at the forum, NTA has sought experts both from within and outside its membership.

Twenty-seven companies have already committed to attending the forum:

Ed-Ventures, Inc.
Reformation Tours
GTA North America
Jordan Tourism Board North America
Switzerland Tourism
Nebraska Travel & Tourism
Jerusalem T&T Ltd.
Touring Israel
Pulsar Tourism Ltd.
Magister Tours
Meander Travel
United Travel Agency
Travellers International
Wens Travel
Ontdek Kenya Safaris
Select Travel Service Ltd.
Agri Travel Services
Earth Bound Tours
Twin Travel Concepts
Sweet Magnolia Tours, Inc.
Myer Hotels-Branson’s Award-Winning Hotels
Presleys’ Country Jubilee
Tourisme Quebec
Quebec’s National Shrines
The Bahamas Tourist Office
Historic Temple Square LDS Church
FamilySearch at Temple Square

“We expect a lively dialogue at this event,” said Simon, “Each participant will walk away with useful information and practical ideas, and they’ll be part of a new peer network.”

ABOUT NTA:

Now celebrating its 60th year, NTA is the leading association for professionals serving travelers to, from and within North America. Members are tour operators, suppliers, and destination marketing organizations from more than 40 countries. For general information, visit www.ntaonline.com . For details about Convention ’11, visit the Convention Web page at: http://businessbuilder.ntaonline.com/Default.aspx?alias=businessbuilder.ntaonline.com/convention .

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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