Hundreds of communities across the nation are preparing to celebrate See America Week…
Hundreds of communities across the nation are preparing to celebrate See America Week (formerly known as National Tourism Week). The purpose of See America Week, sponsored by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), is to celebrate the economic, social, and cultural impact of travel and tourism in the United States. Travel and tourism is a $600 billion industry, employing 131.5 million Americans, and generating $162 billion in payroll.
This year See America Week changed its name from National Tourism Week to broaden the tourism awareness audience and leverage already established See America marketing programs with the industry and consumers. This celebration was first observed in 1984 after Congress passed a joint resolution. Numerous communities now use this week to roll out awareness campaigns designed to inform residents, legislators, industry employees, travelers, and the media of the importance of travel and tourism to their community. This tourism awareness message will reach millions of visitors as the summer travel season kicks off.
See America Week events and promotions can be viewed on a clearinghouse report at www.tia.org/tourism, where travel organizations from 40 states have reported on their activities. Examples of community events include tourism week proclamation ceremonies, Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown promotions, and discounted or free admission to local attractions. This year`s clearinghouse report includes a Hot List of especially creative and unique ideas.
See America Week is an industry institution, said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the Travel Industry Association of America. Community celebrations have helped more citizens and government officials understand the tremendous economic, social, and cultural impact derived from travel and tourism.
TIA continues to provide a See America Week Toolkit that can be viewed at www.tia.org. The toolkit provides travel organizations the resources for planning their See America Week campaigns, including tips for working with the media and elected officials, sample proclamations and resolutions, and event ideas. This year, the toolkit features brand new resources like an interactive Did You Know? Tourism Fact Sheet, a See America radio promotion, tourism and fitness event ideas, a letter to the editor template, and tourism awareness speech material.
See America Week coincides with the National Trust for Historic Preservation`s Historic Travel Week, which highlights the importance of preservation and travel. These joint celebrations serve the same goal of showcasing the country`s diverse and unique heritage. See America Week and Historic Travel Week emphasize the importance of protecting the nation`s past and encourages travelers to experience the wealth of cultural, historic, and scenic treasures in the United States.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
