Cosmos will be the official tour operator to coordinate the Australian pilgrimage to World Youth Day (WYD) 2019 in Panama, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, the Australian Catholic Bishops Delegate for Youth announced today.
After facilitating a rigorous process of informing, identifying and selecting a company to support the Australian pilgrimage, the Australian Bishops selected Cosmos as the company that will manage up to 30 groups and over 1,000 pilgrims.
Cosmos managed the successful Australian pilgrimages to WYD 2016 in Krakow, as the ACBC Tour Operator. Cosmos is continuing to build on its extensive experience in offering affordable tours across the globe, which includes a range of pilgrimage experiences. Cosmos caters for over 40,000 clients each year and is part of the Globus Family of Brands, one of the world’s largest touring companies.
Archbishop Anthony said, “I am happy to announce the appointment of Cosmos as our tour operator for WYD 2019 in Panama as it provides young people and the Church in Australia a great opportunity to encounter the Catholic Church in Central America and to encounter Pope Francis through the WYD experience.
I know Cosmos will again be of great assistance in managing the logistical needs of our pilgrimage in partnership with my brother Bishops and their local youth ministers. Building on their World Youth Day experience in Krakow, Cosmos will provide comprehensive infrastructure to support us on this important faith journey”.
Managing Director of the Cosmos Australasia office, Mr Stewart Williams said, “Cosmos, together with the entire Globus Family around the world are very excited and honoured by this appointment. We are committed to the success of Australia’s pilgrimage to WYD 2019. We understand not only the logistical importance of this event, but the spiritual impact on the lives of young people and therefore the whole Church in Australia. We have begun our preparations and are looking forward to the journey ahead”.
Australia’s participation at the WYDs is overseen by the ACBC Office for Youth. The Office supports and liaises with Pilgrimage Coordinators, the Official Tour Operator, the WYD Host City and government agencies to ensure the success of Australia’s pilgrimage to WYD. The Office for Youth is currently establishing a comprehensive planning guide with tools for preparation for WYD 2019. These will be outlined at a National Briefing Day with Cosmos on Thursday, 27 April in Sydney. Pilgrimage Coordinators are asked to RSVP for the day via wyd@catholic.org.au.
Contact Cosmos directly via Mr Russell Windebank on 1300 230 235 or wyd2019@cosmostours.com.au.
For Further WYD information, please contact Mr Malcolm Hart, Director, ACBC Office for Youth 0419 951 417.