Print Preview : Christian social networking website launches a holy land travel revolution

Christian social networking website launches a holy land travel revolution
Travelujah.com announced that it has launched the first faith-based website focused exclusively on travel to the Land of the Bible. The unique online resource aims to make the Holy Land more accessible to Christian users, and to spur tourism to and economic development in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

With exclusive Christian content and travel services, and a host of innovative features that allow users to create blogs, write reviews, form their own travel or common interest groups and learn from experts, Travelujah is poised to become the leading online Christian travel destination site for the Holy Land. In addition to its commercial goals, the Tel Aviv-based company hopes that the website will stimulate the construction of a “tourism bridge” that will result in partnership and economic opportunity in the region.

“We believe that a trip to the Holy Land will help shape the way visitors view all aspects of their lives, including family, faith and heritage,” said Elisa Moed, Founder and CEO of Travelujah and a 20-year veteran of the hospitality, travel and tourism industries. “Our hope is that Travelujah will encourage tourists and entrepreneurs from around the world to forge a deeper connection with their faith and find their way to the Holy Land to discover the sites, culture and spirituality that the region has to offer.”

Travelujah is the only dedicated online Christian portal for the Holy Land. The website serves as a “one-stop-shop” for travelers both before and after their journeys, providing relevant information and user-friendly booking tools for the planning stage as well as forums in which to share experiences, celebrate Christianity and learn more about the Holy Land after the fact.

Moed’s foray into the online Christian travel market came as a result of Christian tourism and pilgrimage studies she prepared for the Pontifical Institute of Jerusalem, which uncovered significant voids in the way the region was being marketed to all Christians.

“We are excited to offer users extensive content, interactive social networking features, and distinctive, cost-effective travel packages,” said Moed. “Our expertise in Christian tourism and close relationships with the numerous denominations represented throughout the Holy Land as well as ground operators allow us to provide individuals and groups with unique access to personalized travel and pilgrimage experiences.”

Travelujah is also the only website offering access to more than 25 historic Church-run guest houses located throughout the region and discounted hotel, car rental and tour reservations.

While the website is intended for both individuals and groups, the platform can be especially useful to ministries, organizations and parishes. In addition to providing trip planning tools, spiritual leaders can access relevant Christian content about Israel for educational purposes, including information about holy and historical sites and a biblical scripture index. Theodore Koumelis - Monday, April 13, 2009