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Faith-based Tourism Leaders Forum Added to NTA Convention

October 20, 2011

 

LEXINGTON, Ky., USA—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 Dec. 7.

"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 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:

  1. Ed-Ventures, Inc.
  2. Reformation Tours
  3. GTA North America
  4. Jordan Tourism Board North America
  5. Switzerland Tourism
  6. Nebraska Travel & Tourism
  7. Jerusalem T&T Ltd.  
  8. Touring Israel
  9. Pulsar Tourism Ltd.
  10. Magister Tours
  11. Meander Travel 
  12. United Travel Agency  
  13. Travellers International
  14. Wens Travel
  15. Ontdek Kenya Safaris
  16. Select Travel Service Ltd.
  17. Agri Travel Services
  18. Earth Bound Tours
  19. Twin Travel Concepts
  20. Sweet Magnolia Tours, Inc.
  21. Myer Hotels-Branson’s Award-Winning Hotels
  22. Presleys’ Country Jubilee
  23. Tourisme Quebec
  24. Quebec’s National Shrines
  25. The Bahamas Tourist Office
  26. Historic Temple Square LDS Church
  27. 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."

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