Barbados Considering Religious Tourism
Member of Parliament of Barbados, Hamilton Lashley mentioned that Government is pursuing faith-based tourism.
photo: barbadosparliament.com
It was mentioned recently during the Budgetary speech of
2009 that Barbados is now considering religious, also known
as faith based tourism.
In a reply to the prime minister's budgetary proposals, Mr.
Hamilton Lashley mentioned that a committee was put in place
to include possibly, Apostle Lucile Baird and Mr. Patrick
Tannis to pursue religious tourism in Barbados.
Christian tourism under the umbrella of religious tourism, refers to the entire industry of Christian
travel, tourism, and hospitality. It includes Christians
embarking on individual or in groups on pilgrimages and
missionary travel, but also on religion-based cruises,
leisure vacations, crusades, rallies, retreats, monastery
visits/guest-stays and Christian camps, as well as visiting
Christian tourist attractions.
The Minister of Tourism of Jamaica, Mr. Edmund Bartlett,
mentioned in an article published in the
Jamaica Observer
that Jamaica is pursuing such a venture.
The tourism minister, said his committee has identified a
number of projects to work on which include the
possibilities of establishing a religious theme park,
developing a faith-based map of Jamaica and promoting
faith-based cruises to Jamaica.(Jamaica Observer)
The Travel Industry Association of America
reported last November that one in four travelers are
currently interested in “spiritual vacations.” The appeal
spans the ages
with approximately one-third of each age group (18-34,
35-54, and 55+) expressing interest in taking such a
vacation. And according to some reports, more than 50,000
churches and religious organizations host travel programs.
Today religious travel, tourism, and hospitality is a
dynamic $18-billion global industry with 300 million
travelers. In North America alone, it is estimated at $10
billion.
In an article written by Kevin Wright one of the world’s
most recognized faith-based travel experts, aptly entitled
religious tourism, he mentions that The faith tourism
industry is comprised of virtually every segment of the
travel trade. the following entities comprise religious
tourism: tour operators, cruise lines, airlines, hotels,
retreat houses, conference centers, land transportation
companies, destinations, tourist boards, convention and
visitors bureaus, attractions, museums, theaters,
restaurants, and service providers like travel insurance
companies.
This move by the Government of Barbados is a great one, as religious
organizations in Barbados are involved in many Christian
related conferences and seminars, and gospel events
including Barbados Gospelfest, Jesus Week, Flame music
Awards, Cityworship 168, and many others on an annual
basis.
Religious tourism in Barbados, would assist the island in diversifying its tourism product.