Agenda - 04-20-2004-6b - Laserfiche WebLink

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Background on the History of National Tourism Day The 2004 Celebration and Message: The 21st Annual National Tourism Week will be celebrated May 8-16, 2004 The travel, tourism, hospitality and recreation industries' contribution to the nation's social, cultural and economic well-being is more meaningful than ever before, Nationally, the message to travelers is to See America...Now More Than Ever. America is more than adestination -it's an experience. National Tourism Week is also an opportunity to thank visitors and travelers as they continue to be a vital part of our economic growth locally. 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 ($528.5 billion direct travel expenditures and 17 million jobs). Tourism Works for' America. The History: National Tourism Week was established in 1983, 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 Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Board is again looking to increase awareness of the impact of tourism with local residents through a National Tourism Weelc Promotion. The plan, as outlined in the 2003-2004 marketing plan, includes requesting the Orange County Board of Commissioners to proclaim the week of May 8-16, 2004 as National Tourism Week., The Bureau is again partnering with a local newspaper to develop an advertising supported insert to promote the impact of visitors on our area and to encourage local citizens to be tourists in Orange County. We will include a highlight on Hillsborough's upcoming 250°i Anniversary. 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 customized National Tourism Week Bookmarks, with a local Orange County Tourism message, through the area visitor centers, accommodations, attractions and more.