HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-07-2013 - 4e 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 7, 2013
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-e
SUBJECT: National Travel and Tourism Week Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Clerk's Office, 245-2130
Laurie Paolicelli, 968-2064
PURPOSE: To consider proclaiming the week of May 4-12, 2013 as National Travel and
Tourism Week in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: National Travel and Tourism Week was established in 1983 when the U.S.
Congress adopted a joint resolution designating the week to be celebrated in May each year.
The week is designated to promote greater public awareness of the powerful economic, social
and cultural importance of travel and tourism through local events and celebrations. The
national theme for this year is "TRAVEL EFFECT" which proves that along with its economic
benefits, travel and tourism has the power to improve relationships and to create lasting family
memories. The Visitors Bureau encourages everyone to be a tourist in your own backyard and
appreciate the tremendous economic impact of tourism in Orange County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
designating the week of May 4-12, 2013 as National Travel and Tourism Week in Orange
County and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation on behalf of the Board.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 2
NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK PROCLAMATION
May 4-12, 2013
WHEREAS, the travel and tourism industry in Orange County is vital to our economic
stability and growth, and the industry contributes substantially to our culture and quality
of life; and
WHEREAS, travel and tourism to Orange County, brings more than two million annual
visitors to our communities — families and business travelers who frequent our galleries,
performing arts halls, farms and Farmers' Markets; festivals, parades and sporting
venues; and
WHEREAS, overall travel to Orange County provides significant economic benefits to
our tourism industry including hotels, restaurants, attractions, shopping and retail
establishments, transportation operators, and others; and
WHEREAS, tourism is a growth industry in Orange County generating $156.82 million
in expenditures in 2011 — an increase of 8.8 percent over the previous year's figures —
ranking Orange County 24th in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties
according to the U.S. Travel Association; and
WHEREAS, tourism provides high-quality experiences for visitors, strengthens Orange
County communities and develops tourism-related livelihoods; and
WHEREAS, state and local tax revenues from travel to Orange County amounted to
$11.64 million in 2011, representing an $86 tax saving to each County resident; and
WHEREAS, more than 1,650 jobs in Orange County were directly attributable to travel
and tourism in 2011; and
WHEREAS, travel generated a $28.72 million payroll in Orange County in 2011 ; and
WHEREAS, our area attractions, welcome centers and tours hosted more than 2 million
visitors in 2012;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, recognize the
efforts of the Orange County Visitors Bureau and do hereby proclaim May 4-12, 2013 as
NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK throughout Orange County, with the theme
TRAVEL EFFECT which proves that along with its economic benefits, travel and
tourism have the power to improve relationships and to create lasting family memories.
Let's discover and appreciate Orange County's great heritage, which illustrates the
importance of tourism to our County.
This the 7th day of May, 2013.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners