This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), an annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry. NTTW is a time to recognize the economic, social, and cultural benefits that travel brings to our country. So pack your bags and join us as we learn about this significant week and find out what’s happening in our community!
Photo Credit: Visit St. Pete and Clearwater
Why We Celebrate NTTW
National Travel and Tourism Week is celebrated every year in the first full week of May. This year, that falls from May 7th – 13th. As the name suggests, NTTW is a time to recognize the importance of travel and tourism in boosting the economy, celebrating other cultures, and creating memorable experiences in your own life.
Travelling is important on both a global and individual level. Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries. In just the US, tourism brings in about $1.3 trillion annually. Travel also encourages diversity across the world, bringing people out of the comforts of their own communities and into cultures that are unfamiliar.
Down to an individual level, travel has been proven to boost mental health. It provides a way to escape the stresses from everyday life. Getting out of your normal routines and making new experiences and connections is a great way of getting out of your slump back home.
Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce
Annual Tourism Lunch
If you’re interested in learning more about tourism in the Tampa Bay and St. Pete communities, check out the Annual Tourism Lunch hosted by the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event is themed “Bridging Beach and Bay” and is on May 12th starting at 11AM. This event will feature leaders in the community speaking on travel trends and upcoming projects.
If you don’t want to register for the luncheon, there will also be an expo open to the public starting at 10:30AM. There will be plenty of opportunities to network with professionals and businesses in the industry!
Photo Credit: Visit Tampa Bay
Tampa Turns Red
Tampa is turning up the lights on May 8th for NTTW! Joining landmarks from across the country in the Power of Travel, some of Tampa’s most visited locations will be bathed in red light to highlight the official color of NTTW. Some participating locations will include Busch Gardens, Old City Hall, The Florida Aquarium, and more. View a full list of locations here!
This National Travel and Tourism Week, take some time to plan a vacation, attend a travel expo, explore Tampa as it’s glowing in red light, or even take a trip to visit us here at Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center. You won’t regret exploring and making new memories!
