The Enjoyment of Travel Meets the Joy of Faith on Globus and Cosmos 2013 Religious Vacation Itineraries

For 2013, Globus is providing travelers the perfect blend of faith, fellowship and fun with 6 faith-based itineraries that include the world's most spiritual and inspiring destinations matched with the history, culture, landscapes and cuisines that make these regions rich with experiences. In addition, for the first time, the Globus family of brands is introducing 3 budget-friendly religious vacations through the Cosmos brand.

According to a new religious travel study* conducted by TravelStyles and commissioned by the Globus family of brands, many travelers (25 percent) are using a faith-based vacation as a motivator to travel internationally for the first time. "In 2013, Cosmos will help inspire even more international travel with NEW faith-based journeys," said Mike Schields, managing director of groups and emerging markets for the Globus family of brands.

"For more than 50 years, Cosmos has helped value-minded travelers see the world by offering affordable travel packages. Now, dreams of taking an enriching faith-based vacation can be a reality for the masses. Cosmos' religious vacations start for as little as $130 per day," said Schields.

The TravelStyles survey also revealed that Italy and Israel continue to top the list of desirable religious vacation destinations (58 percent of travelers are interested in Israel; 30 percent in Italy). So, it's no surprise that Globus' Israel & Jordan and Grand Catholic Italy tours are two of the company's most popular faith-based tours year after year. Cosmos will follow suit, inviting travelers to Italy and Israel during its first year with 9-day Spiritual Highlights of Italy and 9-day Holy Land Discovery.

"Nothing helps you feel more connected to the world than traveling. And, faith based travel is the perfect way to build community by intimately exploring the roots and stories of your faith with fellow travelers," said Schields.

A strong sense of community is important to religious travelers. In fact, 70 percent are likely to choose a group tour for their religious travel experience. Now, with faith-based itineraries offered by both Globus and Cosmos, travelers have more tour choices. Plus, 8 makes a group with Globus' and Cosmos' scheduled itineraries and departures – a small-group advantage for religious travelers.

While Globus offers a plethora of itineraries designed to take travelers to the heart of their faith, experiencing the most popular spiritual destinations, the award-winning tour operator also understands the fact that travelers desire a journey that is unique … one that their group can personalize. Whether they're looking for a custom set of cities or simply want to edit one of Globus' current itineraries, the Globus family can craft a journey that's perfect for each group's needs, passions and interests.

"Your faith-based journey should feel as special as it does spiritual. We get it," said Schields. "Whether travelers are on one of our published itineraries or a custom tour, they are privy to award-winning land programs, world-class accommodations, guided sightseeing, unequaled VIP access into key destinations, and incomparable storytelling, thanks to the finest Tour Directors in the business."

And, new for 2013, Globus is helping religious travelers raise funds for their church with a new Get Out & Give Back program. When groups book their faith-based vacation with Globus or Cosmos, the company will contribute up to $1,000 to the church, after the trip's conclusion.

Early Booking Incentive: Travelers booking a 2013 Globus Religious vacation can save 10 percent when they book and pay (in full) nine months prior to departure. For more information, visit www.globusfaith.com.

*TravelStyles travel survey, conducted in 2011, surveyed more than 40,000 households of outbound travelers; Globus' proprietary religious travel questions surveyed nearly 1,000 past and potential religious travelers.

ABOUT THE GLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDS
Littleton, Colorado-based Group Voyagers, Inc. is the privately held company that markets and sells the Globus family of brands within the United States. Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways offer travelers unparalleled tour, independent travel package, river- and small-ship cruise options. Considered the world's largest tour operator, with more than 80 years of international travel experience, the Globus family of brands is dedicated to enriching the lives of travelers by turning foreign destinations into familiar harbors, where the expense of travel is forgotten and replaced by personal value. The Globus family of brands is a member of Sustainable Travel International (STI).

Consumers can book a Globus family of brands 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.globusfamily.com or "Like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/globus.