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Globus Study Cites 2010 Boom in Faith-Based Travel
Published on: February 3, 2010
The Globus Family of Brands commissioned a Religious Travel Study, conducted by Menlo Consulting Group, which showed that 4.5 million people have traveled internationally on a religious or faith-based vacation, and the number is expected to increase by the end of this year when an additional 9.7 million people will have traveled internationally on religious journeys. One possible growth explanation, according to Mike Schields, director of group sales and emerging markets for the Globus family of Brands, is that 2010 marks the anniversary of Oberammergau's Passion Play, a 400-year-old tradition that draws hundreds of thousands of people every 10 years. Thanks to the Passion Play, bookings on European itineraries with Oberammergau extensions are up 1,350 percent for 2010 and the company’s Cosmos Oberammergau vacations have sold out.
“Oberammergau's Passion Play is a once-in-a-decade experience; it provides Americans a strong incentive to book a European getaway,” said Schields. “And demand for these vacations is high so we've developed the widest range of travel styles and pricing available for religious and secular getaways in 2010.” Globus is one of the first and only large tour operators to embrace faith-based vacations, having created a religious division in 2004. In addition to its Oberammergau itineraries, Globus has experienced great traveler excitement around Israel. "We unveiled Journey through the Holy Land this year and in less than 10 months, it's become our most popular getaway," said Schields. "In addition, Grand Catholic Italy and Footsteps of Apostle Paul round out our top three faith-based itineraries.”
Oberammergau vacations include Catholic Germany & the Alps, Plus Oberammergau (nine days), priced from $2,639, land only; The European Reformation, Plus Oberammergau (11 days), priced from $2,869, land only; Enchanting Europe, Plus Oberammergau (13 days), priced from $3,569, land only; German Highlights, Plus Oberammergau (10 days), priced from $2,849, land only; and Munich, Salzburg & Vienna, Plus Oberammergau (10 days), priced from $2,689, land only. Other 2010 Religious Vacation highlights include Journey through the Holy Land, 10 days, priced from $1,849, land only; Footsteps of Apostle Paul, 10 days, priced from $1,829, land only; Lourdes & Shrines of France, 11 days, priced from $2,489, land only; and The Vatican & Assisi, seven days, priced from $1,589, land only. Littleton, Colo.-based Group Voyagers, Inc. is the privately held company that markets and sells the Globus Family of Brands within the United States, including Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways. For more information on Globus, call 866-313-2855 or visit www.globusfamily.com, www.globusjourneys.com or www.globusfaith.com.
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