Tapping the Uncovered -- Spiritual Tourism
Imtiaz Muqbil,
Executive Editor, Travel Impact Newswire
Writer and Researcher, Issues & Trends, PATA
PATA Travel Mart 2003
03 October 2003
Singapore
786/110
First time ever at an international travel show
Thanks to Sheila Leong and Peter de Jong
Why Me? Born in India, studied in a Christian
missionary school, a Muslim by faith, now living in Buddhist Thailand
Amateur student of the role of religions in world affairs
Write a column in the Bangkok Post Follower of one, Believer in All
History of travel Visual Recreational Physical Mental
and now Spiritual
Other reasons why people travel
Conquest, trade, missionaries Time Space Knowledge VFR But one of the most important
reasons is:
The Search for Self Not just what you know, but who you
know People turning to spirituality. A deeper yearning to Get Connected Times of trouble, uncertainty, difficulty People in search for HOPE and better
times
Relationships Rod Gluth’s Hong Kong story Kamal Kaul’s son story Phuket Air story
The Transition Data Information Knowledge Intelligence Wisdom
Religion and Travel interlinked
Mosques, Churches and Temples. Religious monuments all around the
world and featured in itineraries. Part of our heritage, culture, history.
Brands How many of these brands do you
recognise?
Huge market Students, old people, families, women Anyone wanting to reconnect with
spirituality, foster a sense of community and brotherhood
The Importance of water Sea of Galilee Rivers: Ganges, Brahmaputra,
Tigris/Euphrates, Nile, Indus, Mekong, Yangtze
Desert: Zam Zam
Sites and Maps
Good starting place UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Other places Kumbh Mela Buddhist Circuit Bethlehem 2000 Australia The Haj
Huge inconveniences: Transportation and other logistics,
accommodation problems. Sanitation, hygiene, Telecommunications, food,
environmental management. Fire, health
Conclusion But entirely worth it. Will be Big Business in Future DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY
THANK YOU!