WASHINGTON

National Travel and Tourism Week 2017 kicked off on Sunday, with more than 200 events planned by cities and destinations across America. This year’s official theme, "Faces of Travel," shines a spotlight on the power of travel by recognizing the millions of people who keep the industry strong.

NTTW, established by Congress in 1983, focuses national attention on the many economic, cultural and personal benefits of travel. This year, the U.S. Travel Association and its ambassador, travel expert Samantha Brown, have invited individuals, communities and even government agencies to share their "Faces of Travel" stories on social media (U.S. Travel even shared a few of their own).

In addition to the rallies, press conferences and social media campaigns staged by destinations across the country, the Empire State Building in New York City will light up in red—the official NTTW color—to commemorate Travel Rally Day on Tuesday, May 9.

A brand-new, interactive NTTW event map allows participants to see who’s celebrating across the country, and add their own event to help spread the word.

On Capitol Hill, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) delivered remarks for the Congressional Record honoring NTTW and travel in America, and resolutions were passed in support of NTTW in the House and Senate, as well as statehouses across the U.S.

“As I’ve said for years, travel is serious business in America,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “In addition to its measurable benefits for our health, wealth and relationships, travel is our country’s top service export, and helps fuel millions of American jobs. That’s why welcoming international visitors and keeping travelers moving is so important—and why our industry depends on exceptional people to do so. Whether it’s the front desk concierge at a hotel, a tour guide in a city’s historic district, or the CEO of a local destination marketing organization, it’s these 'Faces of Travel' that keep our industry—and the U.S. economy—strong and growing.”

In 2016, travelers to and within the U.S. spent over $990 billion, generating more than $2.3 trillion in economic output. Travel now supports 15.3 million jobs, with 8.6 million good-paying jobs in the industry itself and 6.7 million across other sectors of the economy.

Follow #NTTW17 on social media, plus see what’s happening around the country and add your event to the NTTW event map. Learn more about NTTW at USTravel.org/NTTW.

 


U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry. In 2020, travel generated $1.5 trillion in economic output and supported 11 million jobs, a drastic decline from pre-pandemic figures. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.

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