National Travel and Tourism Week 2020 Celebrates “Spirit of Travel”

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Contact:

Kathleen Achtenberg

[email protected]



Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan and Travel Michigan to Look Ahead to Recovery during 37th Annual NTTW (May 3-9)

 

LANSING, Mich. – The Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan (TICOM) and Travel Michigan are again recognizing National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual celebration of the contributions and accomplishments of the U.S. travel industry. This year NTTW will spotlight resilience and hope in the face of the coronavirus pandemic with this year’s theme: The Spirit of Travel.

 

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to underscore the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 37th NTTW arrives at an opportune moment to unite the industry, celebrate its indomitable spirit and elevate the role it will play in America’s economic recovery.

 

“This week we are celebrating the spirit of travel and its impact on our state.  We are seeking the support of elected officials and Michigan residents in showing appreciation for the hospitality workers in this vital industry,” said Tourism Industry Coalition President Darren Ing. “Travel and tourism are an essential component to enjoying all the beauty Michigan has to offer while supporting those individuals and businesses that contribute to that success. While we miss travel right now, we look forward to when we can travel again. This week we celebrate all that unites us in the spirit of travel in Michigan.” 

 

For Michigan’s 2020 National Travel and Tourism Week celebration, TICOM is releasing a video that highlights this year’s NTTW theme “Spirit of Travel,” by showing the diversity of places and people throughout Pure Michigan that embrace the spirit of travel, bringing joy and memorable experiences to millions each year. Michiganders are also encouraged to show their support of the travel industry on social media using the hashtag #spiritoftravel.

 

Tourism spending directly supported 227,497 jobs in Michigan in 2018. Michigan welcomed 124.8 million visitors in 2018 and visitor spending rose about 4 percent to $25.7 billion. This generated $2.8 billion in state and local taxes, according to Travel Michigan.

 

“Even in the face of an incredibly challenging time for our state, National Travel and Tourism Week is an opportunity to remind our visitors and our residents of the incredible spirit and resiliency of the travel industry and our workforce,” said Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “When the time is right, Pure Michigan will be ready to welcome travelers with open arms. And in the meantime, we are two peninsulas, and one Pure Michigan, united against adversity.”

 

Also happening this week as part of NTTW, Pure Michigan, MLive Media Group and “Under the Radar Michigan” are hosting a new virtual concert and entertainment series for Michiganders to enjoy while practicing social distancing to benefit the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association Education Foundation’s (MRLAEF) Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund.

 

Come Together: A Relief Effort for Tourism Workers will stream live during National Travel and Tourism Week on Monday, May 4 – Friday, May 8, from 7-8 p.m., on MLive’s Facebook page as well as Pure Michigan’s Facebook page. Donations collected online during the series will go directly to the relief fund to assist those in the tourism industry who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

 

In addition to its benefits for the local economy, travel can also have a positive effect on personal well-being for residents and visitors of Michigan. Numerous research studies have confirmed the positive health effects of travel and time off, from reducing the risk of heart disease to decreasing depression. Using time off to travel with family is important for all, particularly children, as kids who travel with their families are more likely to attend college and earn more as adults.

 

Nationally:  

  • Travel is a $2.6 trillion industry in the U.S.
  • Visitors support 15.8 million American jobs, roughly 9 million direct travel jobs, and 6.8 million indirect jobs.
  • Travel-related spending generated $180 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue in 2019.

 

The tourism industry allows Michigan visitors to see first-hand the myriad of opportunities the state has to offer. From its provision of relaxation destinations and natural areas for exploration to its all-encompassing business site locations, the travel and tourism industry is continually validating the message that Michigan is the perfect place to work, live and play.

 

To learn more about the economic impact of tourism to Michigan, visit:  https://medc.app.box.com/s/oheae29l9u5204v6myfviuhph5ax5btp.





About Michigan Economic Development Corporation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy.  For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org.  For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.