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P <br />What are your Board /Commission's most important accomplishments? <br />• Despite nearly a year of uncertain indicators as a result of concerns <br />expressed over N.C.'s House Bill 2 becoming law, the travel bans and <br />tourism boycotts, Orange County's travel and tourism industries are <br />supporting more jobs and workers and generating more state and <br />local tax revenues than ever before. <br />• The county welcomed 2.5 million visitors in the 2016 calendar year. <br />• These visitors also generated a $190 million industry using a travel <br />economic index that measures: hotels, event venues, restaurants, <br />and retail and transportation receipts. <br />List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. <br />• Help increase occupancy and total visitors to area to build economic <br />development in Orange County. <br />• Distribute 150,000 visitor guides, dining information and maps. <br />• Manage websites and social media tools as appropriate. <br />• Assist 12,000 visitors to the walk -in Visitors Center. <br />• Host International travel journalists. <br />• Serve on committees that include helping patients at SECU family <br />house, downtown Chapel Hill partnership, Orange County <br />agricultural summit, 2nd Friday Arts in Chapel Hill; River Park <br />Concert in Hillsborough; Arts Center program book advertising. <br />• Commissioned feasibility study to examine potential of sports fields <br />in OC or multi -use conference center. <br />Describe this board /commission's activities /accomplishments in carrying out <br />BOCC goal(s) /priorities, if applicable. <br />Like Orange County, many counties in NC are increasing their focus on <br />tourism in the future because there is a continuing economic shift from the <br />manufacturing sector to the services sector. Tourism is one of the fastest <br />growing economic sectors in North Carolina and is a key driver for <br />economic progress. The Visitors Bureau Board works to build and maintain <br />tourism through ongoing research, data analysis, and marketing and visitor <br />services. This supports jobs, economic prosperity and also provides <br />resources for historic preservation. <br />Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other <br />advisory boards and commissions? <br />Economic Development Orange County and municipalities economic <br />development boards throughout our County. Arts boards, RDU, Historic <br />Preservation, High School Athletic Association, Black Alumni Reunion, <br />UNC Healthcare, Orange County's Bike Safety, Ag Summit, Mountains to <br />