On Saturday, the U.S. Travel Association launched its 29th annual National Travel and Tourism Week, taking place May 5-13 in honor of the 14.4 million U.S. jobs supported by the U.S. travel industry. This year's event, it announced on Monday, is the largest to date, with more than 120 cities and states holding rallies and events — nearly double last year's participation.
The theme of this year's event — "Vote Travel" — aims to spotlight the travel, tourism and hospitality industries' ability to create jobs, stimulate economic recovery and drive needed tax revenue prior to this November's election.
"Travel is a force that can drive our nation's economic recovery," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. "It is one of the healthiest sectors of our economy in terms of job creation and hiring, employing one out of every nine Americans. During this election season, we are galvanizing support and asking Americans to 'Vote Travel' and showcase the power of our industry and its impact on our economy."
Every year, the highlight of National Travel and Tourism Week is Travel Rally Day, which brings together travel workers from all sectors to highlight travel's value as an economic force and job creator. This year's Travel Rally Day took place yesterday, May 8, and included rallies in every corner of the United States.
"Travel and tourism supports 14.4 million jobs across the nation," Dow said. "These rallies celebrate the benefits of travel to local communities and states, and they let elected officials and local citizens know that a vote for travel is a vote for jobs."
For more information about National Travel and Tourism Week, including festivities in your area, visit www.travelcoalition.org.