Agenda - 04-15-2003-5c - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Background on the History of National Tourism Week The 2003 Celebration and Message: The 20th Annual National Tourism Week will be celebrated May 10-18, 2003. It continues to take on a new level of significance since the tragedy of September 11, 2001 and the subsequent global war on terrorism. 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 to celebrate a great nation, its vistas, its heroes, its culture and its heritage. It's also an opportunity to thank visitors and travelers as they continue to be a vital part of our economic growth. See America to celebrate the spirit, adventure, joy and discovery of travel. Now more than ever before, 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 ($584 billion annual expenditures and 18 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 HilUOrange 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 2002-2003 marketing plan, includes requesting the county commission board to proclaim the week of May 10 - 18, 2003 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 have a focus on Orange County's 250th Anniversary as the yearlong celebration comes to a close. 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 libraries, visitor centers, town and county offices and more.