Canadians inspired by faith-based travel

VACATIONS TO BELIEVE IN

● Book 2014 holidays by September 17 this year and save 10%

●Travellers can earn up to $1,000 for their churches

            With over 22 million Canadians (67 per cent of our population) having a Christian identity, the potential market for international religious vacations is sizable.  The Globus family of brands has recognized this demand and is pleased to launch its 2014 collection of faith-based holidays in Europe and the Middle East.

            Devout Christians have made pilgrimages to sites of religious significance for centuries. Today, with escorted tour companies Globus and Cosmos, these faith-based journeys combine piety with historic and cultural curiosity, making the experience spiritual, yet convenient and simple to book.

             Since 2005, Globus has featured faith-based vacations throughout Europe and the Middle-East for people who are seeking “more intimate, personal experiences” of their faith.  Globus destinations comprise France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Turkey, as well as Israel and Jordan.  This year, the company added value-focused sister brand Cosmos’ faith-based vacations, featuring its always-popular guaranteed share program for solo travellers.  

           

              For 2014, Globus has unveiled seven faith-based itineraries, including a new 8-day Legacy of Pope John Paul II tour of Poland.  Cosmos will offer four budget-friendly options for as little as $129 per day, including a new 12-day Shrines of France & Lourdes which will feature Paris, Lisieux, Avignon, Paray-Le-Monial, Nevers and Chartres.

            As Europe and the Middle East continue to lure religious vacationers, Italy and Israel top the list of divine destinations. Globus’ 9-day Journey through the Holy Land and 11-day Grand Catholic Italy tours are two of the company’s most popular faith-based vacations.  For just over $170 per day, Cosmos also invites travellers to these destinations on its 9-day Spiritual Highlights of Italy and 9-day Holy Land Discovery.

            Globus and Cosmos’ groups will also be pleased to know that there is a Get Out & Give Back fundraising program to raise money for their church. When groups book their faith-based vacation with Globus or Cosmos, Globus family of brands will contribute up to $1,000 to the church depending on the group size.

           

            “The interest in faith-based travel to enrich a person’s spiritual experience and to bring history to life continues to grow,” says Stéphanie Bishop, managing director of the Globus family of brands in Canada. “These travellers may not regularly practice their religion, but they do have an abiding interest its culture and history – and they love the chance to experience these countries and enhance their faith with like-minded fellow travellers.”

            Making the tours more affordable, when just eight travellers book one of the tours together they become eligible for special group-travel benefits.      Or, if the group totals 20 or more, Globus will be happy to design a custom itinerary suited to the travellers’ needs, passions and interests.

            With winning land programs, world-class accommodations, guided sightseeing, VIP access and masses organized in key sites, and the finest tour directors in the business, Globus and Cosmos bring the best of the religious and secular worlds together in one memorable experience. 

            The company is uniquely positioned to operate these tours, bringing over 85 years of experience and buying power in the escorted coach tour business. Globus was the first major tour operator to establish a faith-based tour division and since its inception has seen growth of demand increase every year.

Early Booking Incentive:    Save 10 per cent on the land portion of all 2014 Globus Religious tours when you book by September 17 this year (a saving of up to $427 per person); or if you are travelling as part of a group, save $100 per person on Cosmos or $200 per person on Globus faith-based getaways. 

            For more information and a free copy of the brochure, visit www.GlobusJourneys.ca or www.CosmosVacations.ca; call 800-268-3636; or see your travel agent.

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About the Globus family of brands: With over 85 years of international travel expertise, Globus is the world’s leading tour operator.  Globus has teams on the ground in more than 65 countries around the world, and is an expert in providing travellers a holiday from the everyday by helping them truly experience each destination.   The Globus family of brands comprises Globus (escorted tours); Cosmos (escorted value-brand tours); Avalon Waterways river cruises and small ship cruises; and Monograms (pre-planned itineraries for independent travellers). Globus also unites travellers with similar interests through niche tours, including family vacations, music-oriented journeys, faith-based travel, special events and holiday excursions. The Globus family of brands is a member of Sustainable Travel International (STI).