Christian Leaders Tour Planning Guide

With the renewed demand from the Christian travel market, the Israel Ministry of Tourism developed a unique tour handbook, the “Christian Leaders Tour Planning Guide,” specifically for Christian pastors and ministry leaders—a truly detailed step-by-step guide that leads them through every aspect of group Christian travel to Israel from the early planning stages, pricing and tour operator selection, to the basic marketing, promotion and general sales techniques necessary to build a successful group pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

The handbook can also be a valuable aid for the travel agent planning the organization of a group travel program to Israel, or as an invaluable sales aid when making a presentation to a ministry or pastoral group for the purposes of selling a pilgrimage program to them.

In addition to basic information relative to the important aspects of approaching a congregation to develop an initial interest in the program, there’s a variety of details that can help the agent guide their pastor “client” in developing a program that will not only be an unforgettable religious experience for their flock, but an unforgettable travel experience, as well.

Even the general theme of the handbook—“Israel-You’ll Never Be the Same”—is a genuine reflection of what you’ll be able to achieve for your pilgrimage client as you help guide them through the planning and operational stages utilizing this truly detailed handbook. It’s the perfect launch pad for sending your religious clients on to, “Israel-The Adventure of A Lifetime.”

The handbook is available for both Protestant and Catholic leaders in English, Spanish and Portuguese. For information on obtaining a copy of the “Christian Leaders Tour Planning Guide,” call the Israel Ministry of Tourism at (888) 77-ISRAEL or visit www.goisrael.com.

The Garden Tomb

Agents should also note that while the Church of the Holy Sepulchre seems to be pretty secure historically, there is another site called the Garden Tomb believed by many Protestants to be the burial ground of Christ. Discovered in 1867, it’s located about 100 yards from a rocky outcrop that could also be “the place of the skull,” and which the discoverers of the tomb identified as the burial place of Jesus, mainly because of its location in the area that had been identified as Calvary.

Common Phrases

Here are a few common translations from English to Hebrew that will help your clients get around while traveling through Israel.

Do you speak English?—“Ata medaber anglit?”
How much does this cost?—“Kama ze ole?”
Please—“Bevakasha”
Thank you—“Toda”
I do not understand—“Ani lo Mevin”
Restrooms—“Sherutim”
Hotel—“Malon”
Taxi—“Monit”
Yes—“Ken”
No—“Lo”
Good evening—”Erev tov”
All right/ok—”Beseder”
The bill, please—”Cheshbon, bevakasha”