Ready to do something fun? May 5 – 13, 2012, is National Travel and Tourism Week and the perfect opportunity to get out and be a tourist in your own town.
Established in 1984 and presented by the U.S. Travel Association, National Travel and Tourism Week celebrates and educates the public on the economic and social value of travel through events in communities nationwide.
Travel & Tourism Means Jobs!
Why is travel and tourism recognized during this week? Because it’s one of America’s largest industries which means jobs. According to 2011 figures, the travel and tourism industry directly supported 7.5 million jobs and 6.9 million in other industries. Did you know 1 out of every 9 jobs in the U.S. depends on travel and tourism? Travel is among the top 10 industries in 48 states and D.C. in terms of employment. That’s a lot of people!
Travel & Tourism Means Lower Taxes
As for spending, in 2011 domestic and international travelers spent $813 billion which directly generated 124 billion in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments. Why should you care? Because each U.S. household would pay $1,055 more in taxes without the tax revenue generated by the travel and tourism industry.
Go Out, Be a Tourist in Your Own Town, May 5 – 13
Did you realize the serious business of tourism? It’s basic economics but people sometimes forget visiting an attraction, making a purchase in a shop or dining in a restaurant supports the economy. Doing it often in your community helps support your local economy, plus, you’ll probably earn a better appreciation for what there is to do and see in your area.
Check with your local convention and visitors bureau (CVB), tourist development council (TDC), tourism office or chamber of commerce to learn if they are hosting a special event during National Travel & Tourism Week.
So tell me, what’s a popular tourist attraction near your home? I just may plan a visit to check it out.
Source: 2011 Data from the U.S. Travel Association, Updated March 2012
This post is part of the 2012 Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Check back daily for a different letter!
What a great reminder! The hubby and I have been wanting to check out our new city museum that just relocated. Maybe we can venture there on our day off together this week! ~Angela
lots of places to enjoy here in L.A.–I actually went on several tours myself, even though I live here:)
Nutschell
http://www.thewritingnut.com
Happy A-Zing!
My whole country is a tourist attraction – Welcome to Sweden.
A very high percentage of the taxes collected in my county are a result of tourism. We have the only Walmart for miles around and folks from other counties tour it daily.
More seriously though, our county hosts equestrian, athletic, arts and fishing events that draw out-of-towners.
Lucy