HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamation proclaiming May 4-12, 2013 as National Travel and Tourism Week ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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
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