THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF FAITH & FUN:

GLOBUS UNVEILS 2011 RELIGIOUS VACATIONS

Industry Leader Adds New ISRAEL, JORDAN & EGYPT Vacation to Faith-Based Getaways

LITTLETON, Colorado – July 14, 2010 – Keeping faith in faith-based vacations, today, Globus revealed its 2011 religious itineraries, including a NEW Through the Ages: Israel, Jordan & Egypt vacation.  As one of the first and only large tour operators to embrace faith-based travel, creating a religious travel division in 2004, Globus continues to cater to the growing religious travel trend, unveiling both new vacations and destinations. 

By 2015, Globus estimates that nearly 16 million people will have traveled internationally on a religious journey (an estimated growth of 200 percent in 10 years).  And, according to Mike Schields, director of group sales and emerging markets for the Globus family of brands, a majority of those travelers (54 percent) consider Israel to be the most desirable religious destination.

“In just two years, Journey Through the Holy Land – a vacation that guides travelers through spiritual storytelling, encouraging connection to sights in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa and Galilee– has become our most popular itinerary,” said Schields.  “And in 2011, we’re offering travelers more opportunities to delve deeper into their faiths in Israel as well as Jordan (Petra, the Dead Sea and Eilat) and Egypt (Cairo, Giza and Memphis) with a NEW Through the Ages vacation.”

The Holy Land isn’t the only sought-after destination for religious travelers.  Rounding out the “Top 3” list of Globus’ religious vacations are:  Footsteps of Apostle Paul which takes travelers through Turkey and Greece and Grand Catholic Italy, a vacation that features exploration through Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo, Assisi, Florence and Venice.

“While 75 percent of religious travelers are interested in in-depth faith exploration with like-minded travelers on their religious getaway, it’s not all they want,” said Schields.  “Our itineraries are popular for religious travelers because we provide a unique balance faith and fun.  With more than 80 years of experience in perfecting vacations, we’re giving this burgeoning group of travelers religious and non-religious exploration, shopping and entertainment, as well as first-class service and amenities.  Everything they’re looking for.”

Visit www.globusfaith.com for more information.

2011 Religious Vacation Highlights Include:

• Journey Through the Holy Land, 10 days, priced from $2,149 land only
• NEW Through the Ages: Israel, Jordan & Egypt, 12 days, priced from $3,079 land only
• Footsteps of Apostle Paul, 10 days, priced from $1,949 land only
• Grand Catholic Italy, 11 days, priced from $2,389 land only
• Lourdes & Shrines of France, 11 days, priced from $2,579 land only
• Marian Shrines of Europe, 12 days, priced from $2,099 land only
• Legacy of St. Patrick, 10 days, priced from $1,799 land only

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ABOUT GLOBUS

With more than 80 years of international travel expertise, Globus is the world’s leading tour operator.  Globus has teams of people on the ground in more than 65 countries around the world, and is an expert in providing travelers a holiday from the everyday by helping them truly experience each destination.  We bring to life cultures and histories through storytelling and in-depth journeys in the heart of each city, region or country.  Honored with countless industry awards, including Travel Weekly’s Reader’s Choice Awards three years running and Recommend magazine’s Best Tour Operator to Europe for more than 10 consecutive years, Globus also unites travelers with similar interests through niche tours, including family vacations, music-oriented journeys, faith-based travel and holiday excursions.  The Globus family of brands is a member of Sustainable Travel International (STI).

Consumers can book a Globus vacation or request brochures by visiting a preferred travel agent or by calling the following toll free number: 1.866.313.2855.  For more information, please visit www.globusjourneys.com.   Travel agents can request brochures by calling toll free 1.800.221.0090 or visiting www.globusfamilypartner.com.