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WELCOME
+ from the FTA Publisher
Dear Reader, Welcome to the first edition of Faith Travel Association’s Trip Planner, the ultimate resource for faith-based travel. When you think of the people of all faiths who travel, and the people in the tourism industry who welcome them, the population of both circles is enormous, but the overlap is thin. Most faith-based groups aren’t aware of all the options—and how affordable they can be. At the same time, there are countless sites and destinations, events and activities that want to welcome faith-based tourists, but they don’t fully understand these groups’ needs, and can’t penetrate the walls of religious institutions. That’s where FTA comes in. We launched in early 2014, and our mission is to be the premier business network for travel professionals around the world engaged in faith-based travel, and those who plan these trips, including faith leaders, tour operators, travel agents and group leaders. You are holding in your hands a major step toward that goal. Inside, you’ll learn about destinations, sites, attractions and events around the world that welcome faith-based travelers, as well as advice from experts and other ideas to ensure your group has a successful trip. Toward the back, you will find a directory of FTA members who have expertise, insight and access to unique experiences that will help you to create memorable trips of a lifetime. The journey begins here. Bon voyage!
Karla DiNardo President, NTASI Publisher, FTA Trip Planner
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FTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Edward Dresel, President Destinations Unlimited ed@destinationsunlimited.com
PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Karla DiNardo
karla@ntaservicesinc.com
Vice Chairman Mitchell Sussman, Owner Sussman Consulting sussbus@aol.com
EDITORIAL Editor Contributing Writer Graphic Design
Julie Hoover-Ernst Judy Marchman Jason Morrison
julie@faithtravelassociation.com
ADVERTISING Sales Director Ambassador Theresa Krieg Account Executive Wendy Payne Billing Inquiries Justina Elsidodi
Secretary Malia Asfour, Director Jordan Tourism Board North America malia@visitjordan.com Cathy Greteman, President Star Destinations, Inc. cathyg@stardestinations.com Paul Nakamoto, Exec. Vice-President Gray Line of San Francisco paul@graylineofsanfrancisco.com
ADVISORY COUNCIL ADVERTISE IN FTA TRIP PLANNER 2015: 1.859.264.6600
Space Deadline Circulation May 1 10,000 travel professionals engaged in faith-based travel, pastors, Materials Deadline group leaders and travel agents May 16
Tina Abellanosa, Asst. Director of Travel Industry Sales Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Resort taballanosa@gaylordhotels.com Cindi Brodhecker, President Priscilla Woman’s Tours cindi@faithtraveldc.com Edita Krunic, President Select International Tours & Cruises edita@select-intl.com Paul Larson, President Ed-Ventures, Inc. pcl@ed-ventures.com
Published by Faith Travel Association FTA Trip Planner is an official licensed publication of FTA, an international trade association for the faith-based travel industry. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any way or by any means, electrical, mechanical, photocopyingt, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of Faith Travel Association., except for quotations made for purpsoes of a review. All inquiries should be sent to FTA Trip Planner, 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350, Lexington, KY 40509. +1.859.264.6600. Printed in the U.S.A. Advertising sales are available upon request. For a change of address, notify Faith Travel Associaiton directly, by email or letter. Postage paid at Lexington, Kentucky. POSTMASTER: send address changes to NTA Trip Planner, 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350, Lexington, KY 40509.
Table of Contents
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How Does FTA Benefit Travel Industry?..................................................7 Ask the Experts Q&A with Ronen Krumholtz of Diesenhaus Unitours and Tony Etienne of Collette Tours...............................................................................................9 Faith & Film Tour the sites featured in this year’s Hollywood Blockbusters........................12 Seeing is Believing 7 Inspiring Places You Have to See...............................................................16 FTA Directory of Member Travel Professional........................................17 FTA Membership Application & Benefits................................................19
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On the Cover: Description of cover photo here. Description of cover photo here. Description of cover photo here. Description of cover photo here. Description of cover photo here.
Faith Travel Association is Building Bridges Faith Travel Association was launched in January 2014 to serve as the premier resource for the faith-based travel industry, connecting destinations, attractions, tour operators, travel agents, faith leaders and group leaders around the world with one goal in mind: to help them plan trips of a lifetime for faithbased travelers. Facilitating those connections is no easy task, but the FTA Advisory Council provides regular insight and expertise to help with that goal. Their input is tantamount to a rudder on our ship, providing stability and direction as we embark on this journey together. The Advisory Council includes these industry leaders, each of whom contributed insights for this article: Tina Abellanosa with Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Resort, Cindi Brodhecker with Priscilla Woman’s Tours, Paul Larsen with Ed-Ventures, Inc. and Edita Krunic with Select International Tours & Cruises.
Bearing that in mind, Faith Travel Association helps facilitate connections with travel professionals to navigate the nuances of planning trips for faith-based groups that will make the experience more meaningful and exciting, and ultimately more fruitful for everyone. Throughout the year, we encourage our travel industry readers to check the website for webinars, marketing ideas and expert insights into the unique needs of faith-
Endless Possibilities for the Travel Industry One of our primary goals is to help the travel industry expand their understanding of all that faith-based travel entails, so they can be inspired by the possibilities. We want the industry to capture the vision that faith-based travel is indeed the traditional pilgrimage and cathedral tours, but it is also the youth mission trip that is tied to a few days of adventure excursions. It is the women’s group trip to New York City to see a Broadway musical as much as it is the couples’ retreat in the Bahamas. From the majestic vistas of the Canadian Rockies to the extraordinary temples of India and everywhere in between, anywhere people travel together for fun and fellowship in order to deepen their connections with each other and get in touch with their spirituality is faith-based travel. That throws the door wide open to any hospitality business, any destination, and any tour operator who wants to grow their business. faithtravelassociation.com
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BUILDING BRIDGES
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based travelers, as well as information on how our members can get involved and grow their business through FTA. Inspiring Opportunities for Faith Leaders and Group Leaders Faith Travel Association also affirms the crucial connections with faithbased groups. By partnering with faith leaders and group leaders to help them see more, do more and spend wisely on trips, we can also facilitate stronger relationships between them and tour operators and trip planners. By showcasing the many exciting tours and trips available to them, we inspire faith leaders and group travel planners to try new itineraries with the reassurance of doing business with FTA members.
a presence at various faith and travel conventions throughout the year in order to cultivate relationships with travel professionals and faith leaders, and share our vision so that all can be inspired by the possibilities for faithbased travel and what it can do, not only for their members, but for the world. These include Catalyst and the National YouthWorkers Convention, both of which attract thousands of faith leaders, plus several more to be announced. We will also expand our reach to travel agents at the National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) and to tour operators at Contact 2015 to collaborate with them on how to maximize the potential for faith-based travel.
However, cultivating lasting relationships means ensuring we are meeting their travel planning needs at every level. To accomplish that, we will provide our faith and group leaders with fundraising ideas, education, marketing strategies and other tools and resources that will help them to increase participation among their groups, and use travel as a ministry to grow faith and attract new members and be an instrument of peace worldwide.
The faith-based travel industry is already an $18 billion market, and nearly every week, another country is announcing programs to develop faith-based tourism to enhance their economy. By understanding the distinctive needs of each side and facilitating greater collaboration among them, FTA is the bridge that connects the travel industry to the faith-based groups, helping both sides capture the vision and achieve very different, but ultimately complimentary goals. The sky is truly the limit. The journey begins here.
To accomplish these things, we are taking FTA on the road! We will have
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FTA Trip Planner
Ask the Experts
To find out about trends in faith-based travel, the advantages of using an FTA tour operator, and how to work most effectively with them, we took your questions to experts. Tony Etienne with Collette Travel Services and Ronen Krumholtz with Diesenhaus Unitours Incoming Tourism Ltd. recently shared their insight and experience with Faith Travel Association.
What is your company’s area of expertise?
What trends in faith travel are you noticing?
moments that last, even more so than iconic sites.
Krumholtz: Diesenhaus Unitours Incoming Tourism organizes tours for all kinds of groups and especially Pilgrimages to Israel & Jordan. We assist in all the logistic aspects of the land arrangements, which allow the leaders of all denominations to concentrate solely on the spiritual side of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We also specialize in Biblical Study Tours and the archaeological experience for the travelers who wish to delve into ancient history. On the technological side, by using our online booking system, agents worldwide can easily reserve for their individual clients hotels, transportation and even private guided tours.
Krumholtz: One of the trends which have been developing in faith travel is directed towards engaged and authentic experiences. The creative tourist differs from a cultural one in that he or she is active and interacts with the locals. Another popular trend is Christianbased guaranteed departure tours which we offer in a variety of different languages. These affordable tours offer travelers the opportunity to meet other Christian travelers who are not necessarily from the same community. Culinary Christian tourism exposes the travelers to many different cuisines, which the Israeli culinary kitchens and restaurants have to offer. Israel is a melting pot of cultures with a wide variety of restaurants, tastes, smells and patisseries, as well as extraordinary wineries, bakeries and eateries – all those are offered by Diesenhaus Unitours in a 7-10 days tour.
Do you plan different kinds of tours depending on whether you are working with a youth group or a group of adults? How do they differ?
Etienne: We specialize in worldwide guided travel. All our fully guided tours feature a professional Tour Manager. A Collette tour focuses on blending the iconic locations that people have always wanted to see (like the Grand Canyon or the Vatican) with the culture and flavor of each region. Collette makes it possible for our guests to interact and be a part of the places they visit; not just sightseeing. It’s about being able to execute the complex operational side of guided travel with the more inspiring elements while making it seamless for our guests.
Etienne: We are certainly seeing the desire to stay in quality, unique accommodations. We are also seeing an evolving passenger. This is a trend in all group travel programs. People want the full experience while traveling. Seeing a destination yes, but using all the senses. Taste, smell and most importantly feel. Passengers want to interact with local people as there is no better way to learn and understand the culture that to be a part of it, even briefly. Those are the
Krumholtz: We differentiate our tours for youth groups by providing more adventure activities during their stay. For youth groups, we also emphasize more community involvement activities all over the country and adjust the level of effort according to the abilities of the group members. The Adult Christians tours we offer concentrate more on the classic routes rather than adventures program. Etienne: We focus primarily on adult groups, with an age range from 45-75. As mentioned, they have specific expectations as to the types of activities. We call them the “ageless” traveler. It’s more about a state of mind. Do you ever work directly with American faith-based groups, or do you work instead with American travel agents/planners or even tour operators? Are there aspects to your tours that only you can provide due to your knowledge and access? Krumholtz: As a wholesale tour operator, we are a proud partner with many of the most reputable and leading agents in USA, so we faithtravelassociation.com
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keep working with the industry rather than directly with the organizations/clients. Therefore, if the clients approach us, we direct them to our partners in the USA in order to have a full package program including the flights portion. However, since our company has a vast experience with operating trips for Christian and Jewish groups, over the years, we have developed a tight connection with many churches and synagogues in USA. We continue to offer unique programs according to worldwide trends. For example, in the last two years, we have begun offering unique walking and culinary tours with the option to combine it with a classic program.
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Why should a group leader planning a trip for his or her group use a professional tour operator, such as Collette, versus trying to do it on their own? Etienne: Using a company that specializes in the destination does a number of things; it saves the customer money, yes, but it is more than that. A consistent quality level from start to finish gives the customer a better experience. Collette also has a team of product managers who travel the globe, seeking out the best experience. They are the ones actually in the hotels, trying the food at restaurants and working on the pace of a tour. You can never get that kind of first-hand insight when trying to plan a trip on your own.
With a 98% guest satisfaction rating, Collette has proven to be an expert. Plus, you are backed by the team in our headquarters. From your District Sales Manager to your Account Executive to our 24/7 emergency support, we have your back. As far as saving time, if you have ever seen the lines at the Vatican Museum then you will understand. As part of a preplanned Collette group, you will move to the front of the line. How would you explain the group leader/tour operator relationship? Krumholtz: The tour operator and their tour guide who accompanies the group throughout the entire stay, as well as the tour leader, are the key for a successful trip.
The guide will not only lead the tour of historic sites but will also help with all arrangements while finding solutions for unexpected changes in the program that will satisfy the group leader. The program itself is divided between the tour operator for all the logistic aspects and the group leader who is responsible for spiritual and personal aspects. Etienne: In its best form, it’s a partnership. Open dialogue and clear expectations make sure everyone is happy at the end of a tour program. What advice would you recommend group leaders do to help ensure a successful trip for their group? Krumholtz: One of the most important factors for a successful trip is the synchronization between
the tour operator and the group leader, as both must work closely according to meet the other side’s expectations. Nothing will happen without the trust and reliability. Good communication will result in the perfect program and a great trip. Etienne: I think many group planners take for granted how many choices people have these days. Start early, and be very active in the marketing of these programs. Make sure all information gets into the hands of the people who need it.
guides. Experience is also a major factor in choosing the tour operator. Etienne: These days, take a look at the company first. Financials, how many years in the business, credit rating, and certainly speaking to others who have used them. There are lots of tour companies, and all do something well. From the ontour experience to customer service to knowing you’ve made a safe choice, finding one that does all things takes a bit of due diligence.
What should one look for in selecting a Tour Operator? Krumholtz: They should lo ok for a professional and dedicated team who can provide creative and fast solutions, excellent logistic support, and knowledgeable
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Faith in Film:
+ Tour the Sites Featured in This Year’s Hollywood Blockbusters
By Judy L. Marchman In the late 1950s, Charlton Heston ruled movie theaters in the The Ten Commandments and the Oscar-winning Ben-Hur. Not since that time has Hollywood been so focused on bringing biblical stories to the big screen as it has in 2014. With such grand Old Testament tales as Noah and Exodus: Gods and Kings and movies about the lives of Jesus Christ and Mary, moviegoers may find themselves inspired to make the journey to the Holy Land to visit the sites depicted in those movies. For assistance in planning such an important trip, we turned to FTA member tour operators in the region for their suggestions on where to visit. Noah Released in March, Noah, starring Russell Crowe, recounts one of the most well-known stories of the Bible, that of the Great Flood and the Ark. For present-day sites connected to the story of Noah and the Ark, only the Ararat Mountains, in what is now eastern Turkey, are specifically named in the Bible as the final resting place for the Ark. In the film, after settling down 12 FTA Trip Planner
upon leaving the Ark, Noah embraces his wife after seeing her efforts to build a new life there by planting seeds. For travelers intrepid enough to make the journey to see Mount Ararat and the surrounding range, they can witness the stark beauty of the terrain that awaited Noah and his family after the flood receded. Istanbul-based Stella Maris Travel offers a couple of tours of the area, which is still fairly remote, with the trip to the Ararat mountain chain centering on the nearby towns of Van and Dogubeyazit. From the latter, travelers go by minibus near the site of where the Ark is believed to have ended its journey. As part of its rich and complex history, Turkey features numerous biblical sites, particularly related to the travels of Paul and the early Christian church. “Approximately sixty percent of the places mentioned in the Bible are in Turkey,” explained Selahattin Esen, managing director of Stella Maris Travel.
A “must visit” of the area near Mount Ararat, according to Esen, is the 10th century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island on picturesque Lake Van. The church’s exterior is made of sandstone with each wall carved with Old Testament scenes. Exodus: Gods and Kings The tale of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and to the promised land is receiving a new Hollywood treatment from director Ridley Scott in Exodus: Gods and Kings. If the movie, scheduled for a December 2014 release, covers the Israelites’ 40-year trek through the desert, an important moment that could be depicted is when Moses disobeys God’s instructions in the Desert of Zin by striking a rock with his staff to bring forth water and is denied entry into the promised land as a result. Travelers today can journey back to Moses’ time in the Wilderness of Zin Nature Trail in the Ein Avdat National Park, located about 2 1/2 hours south of Jerusalem in the Negev region of southern Israel.
Visitors can follow the trail through a canyon to the natural spring, or oasis, of Ein Avdat. “It’s a very beautiful hike. Travelers get excited about visiting here,” said Boaz Shalgi, general manager of E.D.I. Travel in Tel Aviv, Israel. In neighboring Jordan, the ancient city of Petra also connects to the story of Exodus through a local legend that says that the spring in the Valley of Moses (Wadi Musa) just outside the city is the place where Moses struck the rock with his staff for water. Located about three hours south of Amman, Petra is one of the country’s most popular tourist sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is best known for the beautiful carved façade of the Treasury, which was featured in another Hollywood blockbuster, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Jordan has numerous other sites connected biblically to the story of the Exodus, said Christine Moore, religious market consultant for the Jordan Tourism Board, North America. The best known and most revered of those is Mount Nebo, located just west of Madaba. If Exodus: Gods and Kings traces Moses’ story to the end, the movie
may depict him climbing Mount Nebo, which overlooks the Dead Sea and Jordan River Valley to the west, to view the promised land that he will not enter. Early Christians built a small church on the site as a place of pilgrimage, and the church was subsequently expanded into the present-day basilica. Madaba, about a half-hour south of Amman, is known as the City of Mosaics for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics. The best known of these is a 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land that covers the floor of St. George’s Church, which was built over the remains of the older Byzantine church. Son of God and Mary, Mother of Christ In addition to the Old Testamentbased movies, Son of God, which explores the life of Jesus Christ, came out earlier this year, with Mary, Mother of Christ, scheduled for an early 2015 release, according to the IMDB website. Travelers taking inspiration from these films will not lack for meaningful places to visit in the Holy Land.
“Because many of the sites are all so close by, we can do a lot every day, even up to six or seven sites in a day,” Shalgi said. In following the lives of Jesus and Mary, Laila Asfoura, owner and operator of the Bethlehem-based Laila Tours & Travel, recommended visiting the Church of the Nativity and Shepherds’ Fields. Son of God depicts Jesus’ birth, showing the baby in his manger surrounded by Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and wise men. Travelers to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem can visit that site. Beneath the church’s altar, a silver star in the Grotto of the Nativity marks where Jesus was born. About 10 minutes east of Bethlehem, at the village of Beit Sahour, the Shepherds’ Fields are believed to be where angels heralded Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. Nazareth in northern Israel is instrumental in the lives of both Jesus and his mother. The film, Mary, Mother of Christ, tells the story of her early life and will likely depict the angel Gabriel’s visit to her with the news that she will carry the Son of God. Visitors to the
Above: Nativity Church. Right: Akdamar Church Lak Van.
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nearly 2,000 years. In a poignant scene from Son of God, after being sentenced to crucifixion by Pontius Pilate, Jesus struggles to carry the heavy cross through the streets of Jerusalem. Travelers and pilgrims can follow the actual path Jesus took along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow) to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City. The church, which dates to the early 4th century, is considered the holiest site in the world for Christians, as it marks the site of Golgotha, or Calvary, where Jesus was crucified.
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city’s Basilica of the Annunciation can view the cave in the lower church where Mary is said to have received the news. East of Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee and surrounding area offer numerous sites related to the life of Jesus and his teachings and these are featured heavily in Son of God. In the film, Jesus approaches Peter who is pulling nets from his boat and entreats Peter to follow him and become a “fisher of men.” Boat tours on the Sea of Galilee allow travelers to connect spiritually to the place so closely associated with Jesus’ teachings. Group travel leaders can arrange to stop on the water for a period of prayer, meditation, or song. “It is such a nice experience,” Asfoura said. “You can feel the spirituality of the place.” The film also features Jesus preaching the Sermon on the Mount, and then later performing the miracle of the loaves and fish to feed the thousands who flocked to him. The Church of the Beatitudes, a Catholic church on the northwestern shore of the Sea 14 FTA Trip Planner
of Galilee, commemorates the spot where Jesus preached his famous sermon. And visitors can hike or drive down from the mount to the Church of the Loaves and Fishes, which houses a 5th century mosaic floor built as part of an earlier Byzantine structure. In Jordan, where the Jordan River heads into the northern tip of the Dead Sea, Bethany Beyond the Jordan celebrates the location where John the Baptist baptized Jesus and after which, Jesus began his public ministry. In May 2014, Pope Francis became the third pope to visit the site as part of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. “There are three crucial events that any Christian should visit or commemorate,” Moore said. “Bethlehem, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, and Calvary.” In Jerusalem, the spiritual heart of the Holy Land, visitors can follow in the footsteps of Jesus’ final days. Atop the Mount of Olives, travelers get an amazing panoramic view of the city, before heading down to the Garden of Gethsemane, where ancient olive trees date back
These sites are a mere sampling of the many spiritually and historically significant places the Holy Land has to offer. The stories connected to these places continue to inspire Hollywood, and the movies they make, in turn, can inspire others to visit the real thing.
CONTACTS E.D.I. Travel – Experience Destination Israel 1-855-200-4334 (toll free) www.editravel-israel.com Jordan Tourism Board, North America 1-877-733-5673 (toll free) www.visitjordan.com Laila Tours & Travel +970 (02) 277-7997 www.lailatours.com Stella Maris Travel +90 (212) 343-0832 www.stellamaris.com.tr
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Seeing is Believing + 7 Trips That Will Inspire Though the traditional pilgrimage will always have an important place in faith-based travel, more and more faith-based groups are looking for different kinds of trips and adventures to nurture their spirits, inspire their faith, and deepen their connections with each other. To demonstrate just how varied faith-based travel can be, Faith Travel Association has assembled here a conglomeration of trips of a lifetime to help inspire you with innovative itineraries, unexpected attractions and destinations that are off the beaten path.
Great Faiths of India Monuments of Spiritual History Tour, India This tour from Soul of India will take you on a journey of spiritual discovery through the major religious centers of India. Beginning with a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of the Chandi Chowk market in Delhi on your way to the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, this 16 day tour will give you a taste of the culture as well as insight into the very essence of religious diversity in India... Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Baha’i, and Buddhist. You’ll enjoy tours of the spectacular Sikh Golden Temple, the Taj Mahal and Mahabodhi Temple, with the famed sculpture of Lord Buddha, and many others as well as a morning boat ride on the Ganges river. + www.SoulOfIndia.com
A Country Christmas Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee For a memorable holiday getaway for your group, there’s no better place than Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville. With 2 million Christmas lights, acres of larger-than-life decorations, live shows and exciting attractions, Gaylord Opryland Resort’s A Country Christmas is sure to get you in the spirit of the holiday season! Explore 2 million pounds of colorful ice sculptures at ICE!, see the Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and hear the rich, soaring harmonies of country music powerhouse group RESTLESS HEART in a brand new dinner show. You can even brave the hills of the new Artic Plunge Snow Tubing attraction and have some chilly fun at the new outdoor ice rink. + www.gaylordhotels.com 16 FTA Trip Planner
Convent of St. John Mustair, Switzerland For a truly unique experience, book a stay in the nineroom guest house of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Convent of St. John of Mustair, an 8th Century Convent in Alpine Switzerland. Whether it is the breathtaking views of the Alps, the extraordinary art found in the world’s largest and best preserved cycle of frescoes from the Carolingian period, or the opportunity to participate in the church prayers and the Eucharist with the resident nuns, this Benedictine Monastery is a source of inspiration not found anywhere else on earth. + www.myswitzerland.com
Rome, Italy Home to the center of the Catholic Church, the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica and the world-famous Sistine Chapel, Rome has beckoned Catholic pilgrims for centuries. Yet its ancient architectural feats, including the Colosseum and the Pantheon, as well as the catacombs where Christians once prayed and hid, and the Mamertine Prison, which is believed to have once housed both St. Peter and St. Paul, capture the heart and the imagination. + www.selectinternationaltours.com
Vancouver, British Columbia Get in touch with creation – and with your group – with an energizing trip to Vancouver’s great outdoors. Whether your group longs to hit the slopes in the winter, paddle the wild rivers in the summer, or enjoy the quiet serenity of miles of hiking trails along Joffre Lake’s turquoise waters, Vancouver British Columbia has an adventure in store for you. + www.604pulse.com
Foundations of Freedom Tour On this distinctly American tour, you’ll be inspired by America’s founders and their vision for the country while touring the historical places where it all began: Mt. Vernon, home to George Washington, Monticello, home to Thomas Jefferson, Montpelier, home to James Madison, the Jamestown Settlement, and Colonial Williamsburg. You will also be able to tour the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, Arlington National Cemetery and much more. + www.acts-tours.com
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Indochina Tour For an exotic getaway, explore the three kingdoms of IndoChina. Your group will cruise along the towering limestone islands in Halong Bay, Vietnam, venture into a lush jungle to an elephant village, discover Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building and the symbol of Cambodia and immerse yourself in a traditional Laotian Baci ceremony. + www.gocollette.com
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Contact the organizations mentioned above, or consult the Membership Directory beginning on page 19 for a comprehensive list of FTA members offering exciting tours that will expose your group to new cultures, new cuisines, breathtaking scenery and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will leave them inspired – and wanting more.
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Membership Directory with thousands of historically significant artifacts, the Reagan Library is truly a shining city on a hill. Tour meal and docent-led packages available. 800-4108354. www.reaganlibrary.com. Israel. Expect your life to be changed. Why LeSEA Tours is your best choice: We are a ministry. Our mission is simple, to fulfill the dream of all those whose hearts yearn to travel to Israel. We have experience. We have been escorting tours to the Holy Land since 1965. We travel with you! On every tour, you will be joined by the President of LeSEA Broadcasting, Pete Sumrall and the Tour Director Kim Suski.
Reformation Tours, owned by Frank and Rowena Drinkhouse, specializes in quality Christian tours to Europe and the Bible lands. Clients include churches, Bible colleges, Christian schools, families, and individuals. Our aim is to showcase Europe’s splendors, make Christian history come alive and enable fellowship opportunities. Tours also include fun cultural elements, such as wine tasting, Rhine cruises, castles and music. We also offer educational and cultural tours, genealogical trips, sabbaticals and family getaways.
The Reagan Library is one of California’s most beautiful destinations. Go onboard and tour through Air Force One 27000, touch an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall, see his mother’s bible which he swore the inaugural oath on, and pay your respects at President Reagan’s Memorial Site. Along
The Soul of India is a leading provider of tailor made Interfaith Spiritual tours to India. We work closely with Faith and Inter Faith Groups, Church Leaders, Diocese, Educational establishments and Private individuals, crafting tours to experience the true Soul of India’s countless faiths. Dialogue is the heart of our mission bringing all people together……and there’s no better place to meet and exchange views than in vibrant, exciting India! Enquiries@soulofindia.com
As an Ireland Only Operator, celebrating our 40th Year in Business, we customize itineraries to meet your group’s specific interests, needs & budget. Our New York office, & our Irish offices, is happy to assist with the booking process, as well as any of the specialist requirements you may have. We offer our knowledge & expertise of Ireland, & the reassurance that you are using an Irish company with a 24 hour back vwhen touring Ireland.
Nestled in between Malibu and Santa Barbara, Ventura is surrounded with natural beauty that offers a relaxed atmosphere in a spectacular
coastal setting for your faithbased event. Filled with familyfriendly and outdoor activities, miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, modest hotel prices and home to the Channel Islands National Park, Ventura embodies a casual soul and unexpected allure that’s very much alive and refreshingly human. Be rejuvenated. Be inspired. Get into Ventura.
With over 44 years of experience, GroupsOnly by Goway specializes in faithbased travel planning to the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe and Latin America for all budget levels and sizes. We are experts in customizing innovative, unique and interactive group arrangements including, affinity touring short-term missions, missionary treks, youth study groups, volunteer/ charity experiences, fellowships and pilgrimages, spiritual and wellness groups, large conferences and festivals including World Youth Day.
vWith over a century of collective experience creating tours, Ed-Ventures’ staff has the expertise and reputation for delivering quality tours to destinations around the world. Recognized as leaders in the faith-based marketplace, we offer pre-formed and customized tour itvvineraries that connect peoples and cultures through life-changing travel experiences. Call us for information on FAM trips, individual bookings, or a customized group quote to the Middle East, Europe, Central America or wherever your faith leads.
Join us on a life changing journey! As a faith based operator our goal at Ophir Tours is to help Christians of all denominations build ties to the Holy Land. We are a family owned company established in 1952 and one of the largest operators in Israel. We are the Israeli affiliate of Carlson Wagonlit as well as members of the USTOA and the NTA. We cater to groups and customize each request based on personal needs.
Take advantage of the upcoming 500th Reformation Jubilee! Terra Lu Travel supports you with quality tours to the places of Lutheran and Reformed Faith in Europe. Terra Lu is your expert B2B inbound supplier for all tourist services, church mission trips, concert tours, service projects, and much more. Terra Lu’s founder and owner Christian Utpatel is an ordained Pastor, bus driver, and expert in spiritual travel for 25 years.
Tourgreece is your reliable partner in Greece. After 34 years we represent the largest TO’s and Travel Specialists around the world. With over 140.000 clients annually, our purchasing power allows us to get low net rates and discounts that are passed to you, making you more competitive. We offer a full range of services for your FIT clients or your Groups. Tourgreece is a member of: NTA -USTOA - FTA – ASTA – PATA - IATA faithtravelassociation.com
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Membership Directory For nearly four decades, Witte has been operating tours for pastors and their congregations, scholars, historians, colleges and universities, church choirs and other groups who desire to add a spiritual dimension to their travels. Each Witte tour is a made-to-order combination of historic religious sites, popular attractions, hidden treasures, unique experiences, and leisure time. We have the knowledge, contacts, and experience to design your group’s trip of a lifetime!
Québec’s National Shrines feature some of Québec’s most beautiful treasures. These jewels of our heritage welcome four million visitors each year—a testament to their world-renowned influence and popularity. Our organization offer several services for tourism professionals looking to organize trips and pilgrimages to Québec’s National Shrines. We accompany group leaders, travel agencies and tour operators with their itinerary planning, and we also arrange familiarization tours to discover the richness and diversity of our spiritual offering.
For almost thirty years, Select International Tours & Cruises has been a leader in innovative faith based trips to the Holy Land, Europe, Mexico, Canada and the USA. Hundreds of 20 FTA Trip Planner
groups have traveled with us. You benefit from previously successful trips, through our contacts, itinerary planning expertise and excellent buying power. We have been blessed to receive the trust of many incredible travel agents and group leaders. Edita Krunic, our President is an Advisory Board Member of the FTA and happy to share our experiences with you. We invite you to visit our web site and contact us for a chat.
Globus and Cosmos Religious vacations take travelers to the world’s most inspiring destinations, bringing to life the stories they know, love and cherish. Our faith-based itineraries get travelers up close to historical manuscripts, spiritual sights, and aweinspiring places of worship. Add the culture, history, landscapes and cuisine of the world’s most intriguing places – from Rome and Spain to Israel and Greece – travelers can expect a divine experience like no other. GlobusFaith.com
Accommodations DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Junction Mandy Freese 743 Horizon Drive Grand Juction, Colorado 81506 United States 970.257.8107 Mandy.freese@hilton.com www.GrandJunctionDoubletree. com
Embassy Suites San Diego-La Jolla Russell Kirkpatrick 4550 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, California 92122 United States 858.431.2108 1-800-EMBASSY russell.kirkpatrick@hilton.com www.sandiegolajolla.embassysuites. com
Gaylord Opryland Resort Tina Abellanosa
2800 Opryland Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37214 United States 615.458.2821 1.888.976.6779 tabellanosa@gaylordhotels.com www.gaylordhotels.com
Hilton Suites Ocean City Oceanfront Ruth Waters PO Box 160 Ocean City, Maryland 21842 United States 410.289.1470 1.800.399.6820
Biblical Times Dinner Theater Allan Miller 2391 Parkway Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863 United States 865.908.3327 allan@biblicaltimestheater.com www.biblicaltimestheater.com
Blue Man Group Jessica Juadines Monte Carlo 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 United States 702.697.1615
rwatershg@gmail.com www.ocmdhotels
jessicaj@blueman.com www.blueman.com
Holiday Inn/Midland Hotel Corporation Stefanie LeBrun 55 Ariadne Road Dedham, Massachusetts 02026 United States 781.329.1000 1.888.465.4329
Broadway Inbound Bob Hofmann 520 8th Avenue New York, New York 10018 United States 212.302.0995
slebrun@midlandhc.com www.holidayinn.com/bos-dedham
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel James Miller 838 Hamilton St. Vancouver, British Columbia V6B6A2 Canada 604.689.8033 1.800.661.8870 jamesm@rosedaleonrobson.com www.rosedaleonrobson.com
Airline Receptive The Air Travel Group Eric Peterson 8028 Prestbury drive Orlando, Florida 32832 United States 321.800.5766 1.855.205.4905 eric@theairtravelgroup.com www.theairtravelgroup.com
Attraction Alabama Theatre Cathy Kelley 4750 Hwy 17 South North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29582 United States 800.782.2262 x4410 ckelley@alabama-theatre.com www.alabama-theatre.com
bob@broadwayinbound.com www.broadwayinbound.com
Graceland Attractions Shirley Conner 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, Tennessee 38671 United States 901.332.3322 1.800.238.2010 sdconner@elvis.com www.graceland.com
Grand Ole Opry Wayne Chandler 2804 Opryland Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37214 United States 615.882.5435 wchandler@opry.com www.opry.com/groups
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum Melissa Giller 40 Presidential Drive Simi Valley, California 93065 United States 805.522.2977 1.800.410.8354 mgiller@reaganfoundation.org www.reaganlibrary.com
Sight & Sound Theatres Nathan A. Claycomb 300 Hartman Bridge Rd. PO Box 310 Strasburg, Pennsylvania 17579 United States 717.687.422 1.800-377-1277
faithtravelassociation.com
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Membership Directory nathan.claycomb@sight-sound.com www.sight-sound.com
Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass Stacey Alexander 223 Taylor Ave N, Ste 100 Seattle, Washington 98109 United States 206.905.2186 staceya@spaceneedle.com www.spaceneedle.com
Temple Square Hospitality Neil Wilkinson 15 East South Temple 9th Floor Salt Lake City, Utah 84105 United States 801.718.0226 1.800.363.6027 neilw@tshc.biz www.visittemplesquare.com
Consulting Services Sussman Consulting Mitchell Sussman 1 Carlyle Court Princeton, New Jersey 08540 United States 609.937.1532 sussbus@aol.com www.sussmanconsultants.com
Destination Chattanooga CVB Shelda Rees 736 Market Street - 18th Floor Chattanooga, Kentucky 37402 United States 423.424.4431 1.800.322.334 ssrees@chattanoogacvb.com www.chattanoogafun.com
Jordan Tourism Board Malia Asfour 1307 Dolley Madison Blvd. Suite 2A McLean, Virginia 22101 United States 703.243.7404 1.877.733.5673 malia@visitjordan.com www.myjordanjourney.com
Kuoni Group Travel Experts Tommy Ryder 5 Penn Plaza New York, New York 10001 United States 212.376.5416 1.800.456.2004 tommy.ryder@GTA-travel.com www.kuonigrouptravel.com
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Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau Andrea Lawrence 211 N. Water St. Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001 United States 575.541.2444 tourism@lascrucescvb.org www.ExploreLasCruces.com
Myrtle Beach CVB Sandy Haines 1200 North Oak Street Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577 United States 843.916.7248 1.800.488.8998 sandy.haines@visitmyrtlebeach.com www.visitmyrtlebeach.com
NYC & Company Reagan Stulbaum 810 Seventh Avenue New York, New York 10019 United States 212.484.1271 rstulbaum@nycgo.com www.nycgo.com
Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau Alyce Bosacki 1000 Town Center Drive, Ste. 130 Oxnard, California 93036 United States 805.385.7545 1.800.269.6273 alyce@visitoxnard.com www.visitoxnard.com
Specialized Travel Services Catherine Daly 447 Bay Ridge Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11209 United States 718.745.9146 1.800.66.IRISH katie.daly@special-ireland.com www.special-ireland.com
Switzerland Tourism Alex Hermann 608 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10020 United States 416.695.3375 1.800.794.7795 alex.herrman@switzerland.com www.myswitzerland.com
Tour Greece Vassilis Sakellaris 80-88 Syngrou Avenue
Athens, 117 41 Greece 30.210.924.4345 v.sakellaris@tourgreece.gr www.tourgreece.gr
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region Kevan Ridgway 1651 Commercial Drive, Ste. 270 Vancouver, British Columbia V5L 3Y3 Canada 604.638.6930 1.800.667.3306
455 Belle Lane Harleysville, Pennsylvania 19438 United States 215.513.1499 jdanyluk@ncl.com www.ncl.com
Receptive 32CC Group- Irish Coaches/ Hello Ireland Tours Donal Hughes Ulster Bank Chambers 2-4 Lower O’Connell St. Dublin, Ireland 353.1.878.8894/98
kevan@vcmbc.com www.604pulse.com
dch@32ccgroup.ie www.32ccgroup.ie
Ventura Vistors & Convention Bureau Cheryl Bagby 101 S. California Street Ventura, California 93001 United States 805.648.2075 1.800.333.2989
Diesenhaus Unitours Incoming Tourism Ltd. Ronen Krumholtz 3 Hamelacha St. P.O. Box 57176 Tel Aviv, 61571 Israel 972.3.565.1313
cheryl@ventura-usa.com www.ventura-usa.com
ronenk@diesenhaus.com www.diesenhaus.com
Insurance
E.D.I Travel Israel Boaz Shalgi Kibbutz Gonen POB 168 Gonen, Upper Galilee 12130 Israel 972.52.647.9455 1.855.200.4334
ITG Travel/Cave Insurance Tim Cave 6507 Clearwater Creek Dr. Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55038 United States 651.261.0951 tim@itgtravel.net www.itgtravel.net
Motor Coach Coach Tours Michael Neustadt 475A Federal Road Brookfield, Conneticut 08804 United States 203.740.1118 michael@coachtour.com www.coachtour.com
Sunway Charters & Tours Brenda Sherlin 212 Bush Drive Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29579 United States 843.293.2100 brenda@sunwaycharters.com www.sunwaycharters.com
Passenger Vessel Norwegian Cruise Line Jodi Ann Danyluk
boaz@editravel.co.il www.editravel-israel.com
Ekol Travel Sehap Akin Ataturk Blvd. No. 70/3 Aydin, 09400 Turkey 90.256.614.4573 sehapakin@ekoltravel.com www.ekoltravel.com
Enchanted Ireland Tours Sean Fenton Tiernaboul Killarney, County Kerry Ireland 353.64.667.1112 sean@enchantedireland.com www.enchantedireland.com
Global Travel Services Alparslan Kose 135-15 Halaskargazi Street Istanbul, 34000 Turkey 90.535.734.3663 1.646.229.6541 alp@global-travelservices.com
Membership Directory www.global-travelservices.com
Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours Desale Mitiku Asfaw Lucky Building , Bole Medhanialem P.O. Box 23908 Addis Ababa, 01000 Ethiopia 251.911.428.006 desale@grandholidaysethiopia.com www.grandholidaysethiopia.com
Holy Places in Spain Josu Camacho Paseo Infanta Isabel, 21, Ste, 5c Madrid, 28014 Spain 91.551.52.94 josu@olespaintours.com www.holyplacesinspain.com
Magister Tours Inc. Mustafa Coskun Halaskargazi Caddesi, No. 163/2 Sisli, Istanbul 34381 Turkey 90.212.230.0000 1.888.377.4488 planning@magister.com.tr www.magistertours.com
Nebo Tours Hanna Sawalha 9 Abdullah Bin Omar Street PO Box 811982 Amman, 11181 Jordan 962.6.567.9950 hanna@nebotours.com www.nebotours.com
Ophir Tours Tamar Lurye 6 Hanatziv Street Tel Aviv, 670101 Israel 972.3.526.9561 tamar_l@ophirtours.co.il www.ophir-peltours.com
Samara Tourist & Travel Agency Christina Samara P.O. Box 14058 Jerusalem, 91140 Israel 972.2.627.6133 christina.samara@samaratours.com www.samaratours.com
Tennessee Express Tours, LLC Christy Lewis 1417 Peach Tree St.
Sevierville, Tennessee 37862 United States 865.774.6574 1.800.638.8687 Christy@tnexpresstours.com www.tnexpresstours.com
Terra Lu Travel & Consult GmbH Christian Utpatel Pfarrstrasse 20 34576 Homberg Homberg, 34576 Germany 49.5681.848.881 utpatel@terra-lu-travel.com www.terra-lu-travel.com
Voice of Faith Tours Saliba Danho No. 2 Ben Yehuda Street Jerusalem, 910020 Israel 972.2.648.1045 saliba@gmtravel.pl www.voftours.com
Restaurant Golden Corral Corp. Carolyn Boss 180 Loma Linda Ln. Branson, Missouri 65616 United States 512.825.9189 groupsales@goldencorral.net www.goldencorral.net
Rusty’s Surf Ranch Cindy Pfeifer 256 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, California 90401 United States 310.399.8886 cindy@rustyssurfranch.com www.rustyssurfranch.com
Shrine/Holy Site Quebec’s National Shrines Marie-Eve Perron 399 Rue St. Joseph Est. Quebec, Quebec G1K 8E2 Canada 418.641.6654 x-5480 marie-eve.perron@quebecregion. com www.quebecshrines.com
St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal Genoveffa Fiorin 3800 Queen Mary Road Montreal, Quebec H3V 1H6 Canada 514.733.8211
gfiorin@osj.qc.ca www.saint-joseph.org
Sightseeing Globus Family of Brands Joanna Dyer 5301 South Federal Circle Littleton, Colorado 80123 United States 303.703.7220 1.877.797.8793 jdyer@globusfamily.com www.globusfaith.com
Gray Line of San Francisco Paul Nakamoto 50 Quint Street San Francisco, California 94124 United States 415.573.2311 paul@graylineofsanfrancisco.com www.graylineofsanfrancisco.com
Tour Operator American Christian Tours, Inc. Sabrina Carlson 201 E. South Street Rice Lake, Wisconsin 54868 United States 715.234.6500 1.800.222.2001 sabrina@acts-tours.com www.acts-tours.com
Blue Marble Journeys Mike Neiland 609 NW Stratford Court Ankeny, Iowa 50023 United States 515.971.5616 mnieland@q.com www.bluemarblejourneys.com
Collette Tony Etienne 180 Middle Street Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02867 United States 401.727.9000 1.866.513.6521 tetienne@gocollette.com www.gocollette.com
Custom Holidays Sue Biggs 15250 Euclid Allen Park, Michigan 48101 United States 313.388.0448 sue@customholidaysonline.com www.customholidays.com
Destinations Unlimited Inc.
Edward Dresel P.O. Box 548 Southington, Conneticut 06489 United States 860.621.9178 1.800.246.1546 ed@destinationsunlimitedinc.travel www.destinationsunlimitedinc.travel
Durgan Travel Richard Durgan 125 Main Street Stoneham, Massachusetts 02180 United States 781.438.2224 1.800.234.9959 rdurgan@durgantravel.com www.durgantravel.com
Edgerton’s Travel Service, Inc Tom Edgerton 620 W. Edison Road, Ste. 130 Mishawaka, Indiana 46545 United States 574.256.2929 1.800.643.4604 tom@edgertonstravel.com www.edgertonstravel.com
Ed-Ventures, Inc. Paul Larsen 320 Elton Hills Drive NW Rochester, Minnesota 55901 United States 507.289.3332 1.800.658.7128 pcl@ed-ventures.com www.ed-ventures.com
The German American Connection (TGAC) Jo Ann Wolf 605 Ross Street Brenham, Texas 77833 United States 281.630.6764 ute@ thegermanamericanconnection.com www.the germanamericanconnection.com
Globus Family of Brands Joanna Dyer 5301 South Federal Circle Littleton, Colorado 80123 United States 303.703.7220 1.877.797.8793 jdyer@globusfamily.com www.globusfaith.com
Goway Travel LTD Barbara Norton 1200 W. 73rd Ave, Suite 1050 Vancouver, British Columbia faithtravelassociation.com
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Membership Directory V6P 6G5 Canada 604.264.8088 1.800.838.0618 barbara@goway.com www.goway.com
Homeric Tours Inc. John Klados 55 East 59th Street - 17th Floor New York, New York 11714 United States 212.753.1100 1.800.223.5570 jklados@homerictours.com www.homerictours.com
Hudson River Valley Tours Ernie Bruno PO Box 474 Rosendale, New York 12472 United States 845.658.3101 1.800.382.3818 ebruno@hrvtours.com www.hrvtours.com
Jerusalem Travel & Trade, Ltd. Omar Atallah 14 Nour El Din Street PO Box 19949 Jerusalem, 91193 Israel 972.2.628.9418 omar@jttours.com www.jttours.com
Le SEA Tours Kim Suski 61300 Ironwood Road South Bend, Indiana 46614 United States 574.231.5227 1.800.685.3732 kim@lesea.com www.leseatours.com
Legendary Journeys Gayle Fortin 3474 17th Street Sarasota, Florida 34235 United States 941.953.7988 1.800.511.5411 gayle@lj.travel www.lj.travel
Pentecost Tours, Inc Gary Foster P.O. Box 280 Batesville, Indiana 47006 United States 800.713.9800 gary.foster@pentecosttours.com www.pentecosttours.com
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Potomac Tours Eric David P.O. Box 771 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20884 United States 301.869.8687 eric@potomactours.com www.potomactours.com
Priscilla Woman’s Tours Cindi Brodhecker 263 Ridge Avenue Ephrata, Pennsylvania 17522 United States 717.733.1655 cindi@priscillawomantours.com www.priscillawomantours.com
Reformation Tours, LLC Rowena Drinkhouse P.O. Box 854 Belleville, Illinois 62222 United States 618.222.9914 1.800.303.5534 info@reformationtours.com www.reformationtours.com
Select International Tours & Cruises Edita Krunic 85 Park Avenue Flemington, New Jersey 08822 United States 908.237.9262 1.800.842.4842 edita@select-intl.com www.selectinternationaltours.com
Significant Living Travel Chris Knowles 3019 Pinewood Lane La Crescenta, California 91214 United States 818.542.3158 1.800.308.6857 sltravel@charter.net www.significantlivingtravel.com
Soul of India Tours Ltd. Yasin Zargar Avanta Harrow, 79 College Road Harrow, London HA1 1BD United Kingdom 44.208.8901.7630 yasin@soulofindia.com www.soulofindia.com
Star Destinations, Inc. Cathy Greteman P.O. Box 456 Carroll, Iowa 51401 United States 712.830.3897
1.800.284.4440 cathyg@stardestinations.com www.stardestinations.com
Stella Maris Travel Mehmet Selahattin Esen Feza Apt. 192 K2 D4 Halaskargazi Cad. Sisli Istanbul, 34360 Turkey 90.212.343.0832 selah@stellamaris.com.tr www.stellamaris.com.tr
Twin Travel Concepts Nicholas Calderazzo 451 Eichybush Road Kinderhook, New York 12106 United States 917.575.6600
Travel Agency Cuba Tours and Travel Peter Sanchez 320 Pine Avenue, Ste. 503 Long Beach, California 90802 United States 562.234.2551 1.888.225.6439 peter@cubatoursandtravel.com www.cubatoursandtravel.com
Expedia CruiseShipCenters Mary-Jane Borden #340, 140 St. Albert Road St. Albert, Alberta T8N 7C8 Canada 780.471.9186 1.877.300.7888
nick@twintravelconcepts.com www.twintravelconcepts.com
mjborden@cruiseshipcenters.com www.cruiseshipcenters.com/ mjborden
Uniglobe McIntosh Travel John Mitchell Hicks 31 A Postal Parkway Newnan, Georgia 30263 United States 770.253.1641 1.800.442.5749
Laila Tours and Travel Laila Asfoura Manger Street P.O. Box 516 Bethlehem, 36007 Palestine 970.2.277.7997
mitchell@uniglobemcintosh.com www.uniglobemcintoshtravel.com
The Way To Go Tours, Inc. Jerry Waldkoetter 580 Ward Road North Tonawanda, New York 14120 United States 716.693.0793 1.800.953.0793 waytogo580@aol.com www.thewaytogotours.com
Witte Travel & Tours Dan Hermen 3250 28th Street S.E. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512 United States 616.957.8113 1.800.469.4883 danh@wittetravel.com www.wittetravel.com
Trade Association Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association Raed Khatib P.O. Box 19597 Jerusalem, 91190 Israel 972.2.628.3140 admin@holylandoperators.com www.holylandoperators.com
laila@lailatours.com www.lailatours.com
Travel Management Company Inspiration Cruises & Tours, Inc. Michael Stewart 4384 E. Ashlan Avenue Fresno, California 93726 United States 559.224.5489 1.800.247.1899 michael@inspirationcruises.com www.inspirationcruises.com
Membership Directory
faithtravelassociation.com
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THE INDUSTRY
+ Benefits of Membership
in the tourism industry,
If your business would benefit by targeting the buyers and sellers of faith-based travel packages, including transportation, lodging, food and beverage, travel arrangements, or tour packages, you need the advantage of Faith Travel Association.
contributing $18 billion
Member Benefits
Faith-based travel is one of the fastest growing markets
annually to the world’s economy. It encompasses everything from pilgrimages and conventions to mission trips, retreats and youth excursions.
• Targeted exposure in an online membership directory and annual Trip Planner focusing on faith-based travel itineraries • Access to educational workshops, webinars and other resources to help you maximize your faith-based business • Discounts on advertising, powerful marketing tools and events • Use of the FTA logo in your marketing materials, lending credibility with end-users who look to the “FTA” brand as an indicator of an organization they can trust • Unprecedented face-to-face opportunities to network with your key prospects — travel planners, DMOs, Tour Operators, Agents and Faith-Based Leaders from around the world • Corporate partner discounts • Bi-weekly e-newsletter to keep you informed about association news, industry trends and new members • Plus much more!
CUBE TOURS 1/2 PAGE AD
26 FTA Trip Planner
faithtravelassociation.com
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Back Cover Advertising: Quebec National Shrines