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 faithbased 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 ?
Drinkhouse : Our main demographic is seniors , but we ’ ve had clients aged 8 – 97 this year . Some of our tours are youthfocused 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 .
Rowena Drinkhouse of Reformation Tours at Germany ’ s Wartburg Castle
Joanna Dyer of Globus visiting Lourdes , France
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