A new era in religious-based travel could open up new opportunities for the Christian products industry.

That was one of the messages at the first annual World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) expo and conference, which concluded in Orlando, Fla., at the weekend.

The event drew more than 500 travel agents, organizations and planners who heard that what had once been a niche market focused on pilgrimages, retirees and low budgets had broadened into an $18 billion-a-year industry attracting all ages and embracing a wide range of destinations and styles.

The new WRTA was founded by Kevin J. Wright, the author of four faith-based travel guidebooks, including The Christian Travel Planner, released by Thomas Nelson in January.

He said that while faith-based travel currently accounted for only about 2-3% of the overall travel industry, it seemed to be following the trend of Christian publishing and music, which had each been about 1% of their larger category markets in the 1980s and has grown to take a 5% share of the overall market.

As such, Christian publishers and retailers had an opportunity to reach a growing market with more products and services, he said.

Thomas Nelson was among the almost 100 exhibitors on the trade show floor, where more than 30 countries were represented. In addition to countries with biblical and historic Christian sites, exhibitors included locations offering popular Christian convention and cruise destinations.

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