The Cyprus Tourism Organization in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization and the Church of Cyprus is organizing the 1st International Conference on Religious Tourism (ICORET) 2006 in  October 2006 in Cyprus.

It is anticipated that the industry servicing the sector worldwide and especially in Europe and the Mediterranean region, such as Travel Agents, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), industry analysts and the church body itself will participate.

Aiming to tap into what is part of a US$18 billion industry and representing part of the 25% of the meetings industry in the US alone, the conference will formally instigate an initiative of elevating the status of religious tourism in Cyprus, the nearby region and in Europe, will cover both the demand and supply perspective of religious tourism and will provide networking opportunities to interested parties.

The conference aims to cover both the demand and supply perspective of religious tourism. The focus will primarily be on Christianity and on how can involved parties handle challenges that are expected to have a positive influence in the development of this type of tourism.

In addition to an array of renowned speakers invited to the conference, other guests will produce papers addressing current issues, providing best practice solutions, and using relevant examples.

The following areas are of interest:
The importance of religious tourism as a special form of tourism
The importance of religious tourism in promoting cultural dialogue and social understanding
Ways to promote synergies among authorities and agents promoting religious tourism
Best Practices in product organization and promotion of religious tourism
New trends in religious tourism development
How religious tourism remains a focal point of international tourism
Respect and protection of places of worship