Free Guide from Group University on "Understanding Faith Tourism" (by Cindi Brodhecker)

As this blog is dedicated to Growth Markets and learning more about them - one excellent resource to obtain is the free guide from Group University on the topic of "Understanding Faith Tourism."

This publication and resource is written by my good friend and faith-based tourism expert, Cindi Brodhecker. To learn more about Cindi and her company visit http://www.faithtraveldevelopment.com/

Regarding obtaining the guide itself, here's the information:
Website link: http://groupuniversity.com/understanding-faith-tourism/

Understanding Faith Tourism

In this free Guide from Group University, Cindi Brodhecker, President of Faith Travel Development and Consulting, discusses the history of why religious groups travel, how to define your religious travel niche market and how to develop a portfolio for your religious travel product.

Introduction Excerpt:

“While new to some, faith tourism has existed since antiquity and was the first viable sector of the travel industry. In ancient Greece, for example, people would travel to worship the gods at important temples. Later, the Olympic Games became an event that drew thousands of “tourists” to Greece.”

To download your free copy, visit the website and following webpage:
http://groupuniversity.com/understanding-faith-tourism/

Benton Civic Center Upgrades Building

The expansion and upgrade of the Benton Civic Center is taking longer than expected.

The new finish date is now projected for sometime in October compared to the original Sept. 1 date, according to a story in the Benton Evening News this week.

The project has been three years in the making. In the end the center will be bigger and better say officials allowing them to hold larger concerts and events.

Architect Brian Edmison said the state-of-the-art facility would include a 6,000-foot stage adding the stage would extend 36 feet beyond the former back wall.

“The roof will be 50 feet tall,” he said. “The only thing taller in Franklin County will be the Wood Building. That excludes towers and other structures. The height is needed to raise and lower scenery for theatrical productions.”

Edmison said two side sections would also be renovated to elevate the floor and install an orchestra pit 6 feet, 6 inches below the stage.

Click here for a slide show of the construction progress.

Current Tourism News Stories: Adventure, Agritourism, Family, Faith-based, Sports Tourism and More

Here are some of the top "growth markets in tourism" stories circulating in the news. For more information about each destination or organization represented below in the stories, click on the NTA member to contact link.

Adventure
Whistler offers summer adventure product for tours
NTA member to contact: Tourism British Columbia

Agritourism Agritourism gains popularity in Mississippi
NTA member to contact: Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Division, Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau

Family Travel
Alberta has many kid-friendly attractions and activities for family travel itineraries
NTA member to contact: Travel Alberta, Tourism Calgary, Edmonton Tourism, West Edmonton Mall

Faith-based Travel
Making the 74^th annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Anne in Quebec, Canada
NTA member to contact: Quebec's National Shrines

Garden & Horticulture Tourism
Garden lovers can hit the road in New York 
NTA member to contact: Horizon Club Tours

Sports Tourism
Arizona economy gets boost from sports tourism
NTA member to contact: Arizona Office of Tourism, Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tempe Tourism Office, Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, Metropolitan Tucson & Visitors Bureau