Dutch Country still holds sway for faith groups
Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country remains a top destination for faith travel planners according to results from the Going On Faith 2014 annual travel preference survey.
Half of GOF readers said their group had visited the Amish favorite, ahead of other beloved faith-based destinations Branson, Myrtle Beach and the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
When queried which destinations their group had visited, 50% said they had been to Pennsylvania Dutch Country, edging out Branson which was visited by 45% of respondents.
The survey found 43% had taken a trip to Myrtle Beach and 38% to the Smoky Mountains.
"Thousands of adult church and youth groups travel each year as part of the $17 billion faith-based travel industry, and these four destinations are getting their share of those active groups," said Going On Faith publisher Mac Lacy.
"The news is good for all these faith-based favorites."
"Faith-based groups are ardent worldwide travelers," said Lacy, highlighting 39% of groups had taken an international trip.
Popular overseas destinations for church groups were the Holy Land countries of Israel, Jordan and Palestine, Italy and Rome, Christian sites in Turkey and Europe and Canadian holy sites.
Lacy said volunteer tourism underscored international travel for some groups, such as to areas affected by natural disasters like earthquakes and floods.
One church group said it had taken trips to Haiti, Colombia, and Papua, New Guinea.
Over 80% of survey respondents said historical significance was the most important factor when choosing a destination.
Trips revolving around special events was second most popular with 39%, followed by visits to national parks and beaches.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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