HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamation proclaiming May 9 - 17, 2009 as National Travel and Tourism WeekORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK
May 9-17, 2009
WHEREAS, the travel and tourism industry in Orange County is vital to our economic
stability and growth and contributes substantially to our cultural and social well being;
and
WHEREAS, travel benefits every citizen by substantially enhancing our personal growth
and education while promoting intercultural understanding and appreciation of Orange
County's history, geography and culture; and
WHEREAS, tourism is a growth industry in Orange County generating $147.55 million
in expenditures in 2007 - an increase of 7.2 percent over the previous year's figures -
ranking the county 24th in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties according
to the United States Travel Association; and
WHEREAS, state and local tax revenues from travel to Orange County amounted to
$10.85 million in 2007, representing an $85 tax saving to each County resident; and
WHEREAS, more than 1,740 jobs in Orange County were directly attributable to travel
and tourism in 2007; and
WHEREAS, travel generated a $28.62 million payroll in 2007; and
WHEREAS, our area attractions, welcome centers and tours hosted more than 1.76
million visitors in 2008;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, recognize the
efforts of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau and do hereby proclaim May 9
- 17, 2009 as NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK in Orange County, with
the theme DISCOVER GREAT AMERICAN TRADITONS. Let's discover and
appreciate Orange County's great tourism traditions which illustrate the importance of
tourism to our community. Travel Matters in Orange County.
This the 5th day of May, 2009.
71~~~
Valerie P. Foushee, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners