Agenda - 05-03-2005-6b - Laserfiche WebLink

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Background on the History of See America Week/National Tourism Week The 2005 Celebration and Message: The 22nd Annual See America Week/National Tourism Week will be celebrated May 7-15, 2005. See America Week/National Tourism Week, formerly know as simply National Tourism Week, is sponsored by the Travel Industry Association of America. I-hundreds of cities and towns across the national promote greater public awareness of the powerful economic, social, and cultural impacts of travel and tourism through local events and celebrations. See America Week/National Tourism Week is the opportunity to emphasize and promote a wider understanding of the importance of travel and tourism as a major U.S. industry that is vital to the economic stability and growth of the nation ($555 billion direct travel expenditures and 7.2 million direct travel-generated jobs). Tourism Works for America., The History: National Tourism Week was established in 198.3, when the U,S. Congress passed a joint resolution designating the week to be celebrated in May 1984. In a White House Ceremony, President Ronald Reagan signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with "the appropriate ceremonies and activities," Industry leaders and public relations professionals from the major travel and tourism trade associations were the first volunteers to manage the annual event, By 1986 industry leaders had formed a permanent coalition, which later became the Tourism Works for America Council.. They opened a full time office and expanded the concept into ayear-round tourism awareness program,. By then hundreds of communities across the nation were participating in the celebration and more participate each year.. In 1998, the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) accepted responsibility for and absorbed all Tourism Works for America activities, Today this premier public advocacy program represents the single TIA activity that helps both members and non-members push tourism awareness to its most basic level-the grassroots.. In Orange County: The Chapel IIill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Board is again looking to increase awareness of the impact of tourism with local residents through a National Tourism Week Promotion. The plan, as outlined in the 2004-2005 marketing plan, includes requesting the Orange County Board of Commissioners to proclaim the week of May 7-I5, 2005 as See America Week/National Tourism Week. The Bureau is again partnering with a local newspaper and two news pages will be devoted to promoting the impact of visitors on our area and to encourage local residents to be tourists in Orange County., The Bureau looks to make residents aware of the many fine offerings that are available for visiting family members, friends and business associates, as well as to inform them of visitor resources available.. We will also distribute Tourism Week postcards with a local Orange County Tourism message,