Religious travel on the rise

The market for travel focused on religious and spiritual themes is worth around $18 billion, according to some estimates, and is growing at a quickening pace.

According to a study by the Travel Industry Association of America, 25% of all travellers express interest in going on a "spiritual vacation." Although Israel and other traditional religious destinations remain extremely popular, many new options include Christian-themed cruises and retreats, as well as vacations that incorporate missionary work.

Tour operator Globus, which launched a sector for faith-based travel in 2004, said it has seen a 74% increase in bookings in 2007 over the previous year. According to a recent survey Globus conducted with 2,697 international travellers, Israel was the top choice for religious trips, with Italy and England coming in second and third, respectively.

Globus offers trips such as the 10-day trip to Egypt and Jordan to delve into the roots of the Bible (starting at $1,649), a seven-day trip to Poland called "Legacy of Pope John Paul II" (starting at $1,249) and a nine-day trip to England named "Christian England & the World of C.S. Lewis" (starting at $1,889). These prices do not include airfare.

Christians looking to combine a cruise with a mission can turn to PraiseFest Ministries Cruise with a Cause. This company offers a five-day trip on Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas with guest speakers, Christian music concerts, a day spent doing missionary work in the Bahamas and a day of fun on Royal Caribbean's private island.


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Zoe Westof Editorial


06/01/2008



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