“Discover Great American Traditions” is the theme of the 25th Annual National Tourism Week, celebrated this year May 10-18. As I looked quickly through our client list tonight, I was looking at so many of the traditions – and personalities  - that represent so much of the true America that visitors crave, whether they come from other countries, or other parts of the United States.

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From Acoma, the longest continuously-inhabited community in the United States (of course, it wasn’t the U.S. in the 12th century, when they arrived on the mesa!), to Greater Williamsburg, VA, where travelers can step into the 17th and 18th centuries – literally! – every corner of this country is rich in opportunities for even the most time-starved vacationer.

Finger Lakes Wine Country, home to both Mark Twain and early aviator Glenn Curtiss; Denver’s arts and outdoor splendors; Indianapolis, gearing up for this year’s 500, and more; Greater Miami, playground of the world for decades; Park City, full of fun and great cuisine, winter AND summer; Pennsylvania, Metro Portland; St. Petersburg/Clearwater, whose top-ranked beaches lure visitors who love those great museums on their moments out of the sun.

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Click here (http://information.travel.aol.com/tourism-week) to see more details, right on aol.com. 

But, of course, travel is one of the fastest job creators known to economic developers: even in our current economic climate, great marketing can motivate a traveler to visit destination “X” this weekend – or tomorrow, brining with them the benefits of spending on accommodations, restaurants, attractions, museum admissions, souvenirs, and the associated bed and sales taxes that fill every community’s coffers.

According to the Travel Industry Association (www.tia.org), travel and tourism is the nation's second largest services export industry, third largest retail sales industry and one of America's largest employers. It is in fact the first, second or third largest employer in 29 U.S. states.

©Development Counsellors International

The U.S. travel industry received more than $645 billion last year, including international passenger fares, from domestic and international travelers.
Last night, we celebrated National Tourism Week here in New York with a few journalist friends.

Please join us in celebrating National Tourism Week in your own community: send photos, by clicking the “Comment” link, and let us know how your marketing efforts are succeeding.

All hail, travelers: keep traveling!