Trip Planner 2017-18 Trip Planner For Group Leaders | Page 6

Ask the Experts
A FAITHFUL FOLLOWING
Tour operators specializing in faith-based travel deliver unique experiences
by Kay Saffari
Faith travel is a growing segment of the group travel market that includes pilgrimages, visits to holy sites, mission and humanitarian
trips, pastor-led retreats and congregational leisure trips. If you are a group leader interested in planning a faith-centered trip,
tapping the expertise of a tour operator can help you get the best experience and price for your travelers.
Two tour operator companies that provide in-depth faith travel packages are Reformation Tours and Globus. Reformation Tours
specializes in Christian and cultural tours of Europe and biblical sites in Turkey, Greece, Jordan and Israel, and Globus offers
religious vacations and special events around the world. Rowena Drinkhouse of Reformation Tours and Globus’ Joanna Dyer
discuss their companies’ tour programs and share trends they’ve observed in faith travel.
What is your definition of faith travel?
Drinkhouse: I would define it as “travel from
a faith perspective with like-minded people.”
We focus on Europe from a Christian
perspective, but faith travel encompasses all
religious groups. Travel for affinity groups is
always a lot of fun.
Dyer: The definition of faith-based travel can
be broad, from pilgrimages and missions to
leisure tours or cruises. For those looking for
a more meaningful travel experience, Globus
and Cosmos offer an enlightening collection
of faith-based vacations around the world
that represent inspiring places to bow heads
and lift hearts.
Who are your customers for your
faith tours?
Rowena Drinkhouse of Reformation Tours at Germany’s Wartburg Castle
Drinkhouse: Our main demographic is
seniors, but we’ve had clients aged 8–97 this
year. Some of our tours are youth-focused
for schools and seminaries, but most of our
trips are designed for ages 50-plus.
Dyer: We reach a wide range of travelers
interested in faith-based travel, from
solo travelers to baby boomers to multi-
generational families and groups (including
religious organizations, student groups and
alumni groups). Faith travel reaches every
demographic.
With travelers increasingly
seeking authentic experiences
at destinations, what types of
programs do you offer to connect
them with local faith communities
and traditions?
Drinkhouse: We like to arrange fellowship
with churches, and we have contact with
many English-speaking churches all over
Europe. Sometimes our groups go to French
or German churches, too, giving them an
opportunity to mingle with locals.
Joanne Dyer of Globus visiting Lourdes, France
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NTA Trip Planner for Group Leaders
Some exciting initiatives in Europe include
the Serve the City program, where people