Destination marketing organizations from all around the United States have been celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, which has been annually held during the first full week of May since 1984.

Since its establishment, the U.S. travel and tourism industry has collectively marked the event in a number of creative ways, from staging local rallies and conducting media outreach to securing proclamations and resolutions from local legislative bodies.

The state of the industry in 2013 is extremely positive and gives communities across the nation plenty of reason to celebrate, based on findings from the U.S. Travel Association. It generated $2.0 trillion in economic output in 2012, with $855.4 billion spent directly by domestic and international travelers that spurred an additional $1.1 trillion in other industries. Additionally, direct spending by resident and international travelers in the U.S. averaged $2.3 billion a day, $97.6 million an hour, $1.6 million a minute and $27,125 a second.

The economic impact from travel and tourism is strong, resulting as one of the top 10 industries in 48 states and D.C. in terms of employment. In fact, one out every eight jobs in the U.S. depends on it.

Many of Simpleview's clients have held events and campaigns throughout the week to recognize National Travel and Tourism Week. We're proud of their efforts and enthusiasm to share the world about the industry's impact in fun ways. Here is a sampling of what we have seen:

  • Visit Eau Claire officially kicked off their summer season with the national celebration. This includes setting up a "Fun Patrol" car that will be driving around Wisconsin to pass out "I Love Travel" stickers, sunglasses and information about the local events visitors can attend. 
  • The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau has been serving complimentary refreshments during the week at their visitors centers. In addition, the Myrtle Beach International Airport visitor center has been hosting live music throughout the week. 
  • The Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau decided to give away gifts, prizes and tickets for area businesses and attractions at their visitor center. This includes drawings to win an overnight stay at the region's hotels and other lodging properties. 
  • Several DMOs are highlighting their local craft breweries and beer-focused restaurants during the week, while drumming up votes to earn the Beer City USA 2013 title. Two of our clients - the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau and Experience Grand Rapids - represent destinations that currently hold the title. You can vote for the next "Beer City" here and learn more about the competition here. 
For more information about National Travel and Tourism Week, visit the U.S. Travel Association's page about the event.