10 REASONS TO USE
AN FTA TOUR OPERATOR
Monks along
Via Francigena, Italy
1
2
various monasteries. No matter what our clients want, we are able to
plan the itinerary to create their dream trip. For example, a few years
ago we planned a trip for a client who wanted to travel to Italy and
visit monasteries that still had ancient pharmacies in operation. Not
only did our client visit these sites, but we arranged meetings with the
monks and friars who worked in the pharmacies, which made the trip
especially rewarding for that client.
Talk about your company’s involvement with faith travel.
Working in religious tourism is unique in the industry. First, you must
have the utmost respect for various religious beliefs. Next, you must
be willing to study various religions to be able to understand what
followers of those religions will be seeking in faith travel. Finally, as
a travel professional you must be willing to participate in the various
religious encounters in Europe, visit associations, churches and
religious communities in order to understand these opportunities
and seek out the best offerings for your customers. In other words,
you must be willing to actually participate in many faiths in order
to understand and offer the best in faith travel to your customers.
Staying in your office and researching on the computer is not enough
to truly understand the world of faith travel.
How does your organization benefit from FTA
membership?
Even though we have been a member of FTA for only a year, we are
already seeing the benefits of our membership. Some of our existing
clients appreciate the membership, and we have attracted new
clients who have attended our conventions, visited our offices and are
planning trips for next year.
Company: Target Travel
Location: Venice, Italy
FTA contact: Daniele Panzarin
Web: targettravel.it
DID YOU KNOW?
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Approximately 330 million pilgrims visit the world’s key
religious sites annually.
CONNECTIONS
FTA tour operators are part of a network of tourism
professionals who package or represent attractions and
destinations throughout the world.
EXPERIENCE
Every FTA operator also is a member of the National Tour
Association, FTA’s parent organization. Its tour operators have
been in business an average of 23 years and are among the
most respected and knowledgeable in the tourism industry.
PROTECTION
FTA/NTA tour operators are required to carry a minimum
of $1 million in general liability insurance, and have safety
and emergency practices in place for you.
BUDGET
FTA/NTA tour operators have access to competitive
pricing due to the volume of business they do and their
industry relationships.
CUSTOMIZATION
Most FTA/NTA tour operators customize packages for
groups based on spedific interests and needs.
TIMING
FTA/NTA tour operators understand how to plan
activities, meals and free time throughout an itinerary so
your group is satisfied and comfortable.
DETAILS
FTA/NTA tour operators understand the crucial details of
planning and executing a successful tour that may never
occur to a less-experienced travel planner.
TEAMWORK
FTA/NTA tour operators have access to experienced tour
directors who handle all the logistics so you can enjoy
your time with your group.
TRUST
An FTA/NTA tour operator will find out exactly what you
want and put it all together, which allows you to focus on
other areas of trip management.
WOW FACTOR
Every day throughout the world FTA/NTA members are
creating new, inspiring experiences with leisure faith-
based travelers in mind.
Steps of St. Paul
at the Parthenon,
Greece
25% of all U.S. travelers are interested in taking a spiritual
vacation.
More than 16 million people make up the religious travel
market in the United States.
Over 200 tour operators in the National Tour Association’s
membership (FTA’s parent organization) offer faith-based packages.
50,000+ churches in the United States have travel programs.
faithtravelassociation.com
5