HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-16-2002 - 5c 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 16, 2002
Action Agenda
Item No. -�
SUBJECT: National Tourism Week Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Visitor's Bureau PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joe Blake, 968-2060
Proclamation Buck Tredway, ext. 2126
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To proclaim the week of May 4 - 12 as National Tourism Week in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: National Tourism Week was established in 1983, when the U.S. Congress
passed a joint resolution designating the week to be celebrated in May 1984. National Tourism
Week 2002 has been raised to a new level of significance by the tragedy of September 11,
2001 and the subsequent global war on terrorism. The travel, tourism, hospitality and
recreation industries' contribution to the nation's social, cultural and economic well-being is
more meaningful than ever before. Travel can help Americans and our global neighbors with
the healing process. The message to travelers is to "See America" to celebrate a great nation,
its vistas, its heroes, its culture and its heritage.
The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Board made the decision to increase
awareness of the impact of tourism with local residents through a National Tourism Week
Promotion. The plan, as outlined in the 2001-2002 marketing plan, includes requesting the
county and municipal governments to proclaim the week of May 4 - 12, 2002 as National
Tourism Week.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board proclaim the week of May
4 - 12, 2002 as National Tourism Week in Orange County, and authorize the Chair to sign the
proclamation on behalf of the Board.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK PROCLAMATION
May 4 - 12, 2002 _
WHEREAS, the travel and tourism industry supports the vital interests of Orange
County, contributing to our employment, economic prosperity, understanding,
and goodwill; and
WHEREAS, total domestic tourism in Orange County generates an economic
impact of more than $108 million, ranking the county 21 out of 100 counties; and
WHEREAS, state and local tax revenues from travel to Orange County
amounted to $8.77 million, representing a $74 tax saving to each county
resident; and
WHEREAS, more than 1,700 jobs in Orange County were directly attributable to
travel and tourism; and
WHEREAS, travel generated a $25.4 million payroll in 2000; and
WHEREAS, our area attractions, welcome centers and tours hosted more than
1.1 million visitors last year, up four percent from the previous year; and
WHEREAS, as people throughout the county, state, country and world become
more aware of the outstanding cultural, historical, and recreational resources
available in Orange County, travel and tourism will become an increasingly
important aspect in the lives of our citizens; and
WHEREAS, given these laudable contributions to the economic, social, and
cultural well being of the citizens of Orange County, it is fitting that we recognize
the efforts of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau and the importance
of travel and tourism;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
proclaim May 4 - 12, 2002 as NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK in Orange County,
and we recognize that Tourism Works in Orange County.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners