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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-20-2004-6bORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 20, 2004 Action Agenda Item No. ~.~ SUBJECT: National Tourism Week DEPARTMENT: Visitor's Bureau PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): Proclamation Background Information on National Tourism Week INFORMATION CONTACT: Patty Griffin, Communications Manager, Visitor's Bureau, 968-2060 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To proclaim the week of May 8 through 16, 2004 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. The travel, tourism, hospitality and recreation industries' contribution to the nation's social, cultural and economic well-being is certainly meaningful. The message to travelers is to See America...Now More Than Ever. America is more than adestination -it's an experience. 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. Patty Griffin, the Visitors Bureau Communications Manager, and/or other representatives from the Visitors Bureau will present at the meeting. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board proclaim the week of May 8 through 16, 2004 as National Tourism Week in Orange County, and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation on behalf of the Board. 2 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK PROCLAMATION May 8-I6, 2004 WHEREAS, the navel 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 generated an economic impact of more than $111 million in 2002 - an increase of 3.4 percent over the previous year -ranking the county 2Z out of 100 counties in North Carolina in travel expenditures; and WHEREAS, state and local tax revenues from travel to Orange County amounted to $8..96 million in 2002, representing a $73 tax saving to each County resident; and WHEREAS, more than 1,710 jobs in Orange County were directly attributable to travel and tourism; and WHEREAS, ttavel generated a $25.89 million payroll in 2002, and WHEREAS, our area attractions, welcome centers and tours hosted more than I.3 million visitors in 2003, an increase of 27 percent over 2002; 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 wil] become an increasingly important aspect in the lives of our residents; and WHEREAS, given these laudable conhibutions to the economic, social, and cultural well being of the residents 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 8 - 16, 2004 as NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK in Orange County, and we recognize that Tourism Works in Orange County. This the 20°i day of Apri12004. Barry Jacobs, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners Background on the History of National Tourism Day The 2004 Celebration and Message: The 21st Annual National Tourism Week will be celebrated May 8-16, 2004 The travel, tourism, hospitality and recreation industries' contribution to the nation's social, cultural and economic well-being is more meaningful than ever before, Nationally, the message to travelers is to See America...Now More Than Ever. America is more than adestination -it's an experience. National Tourism Week is also an opportunity to thank visitors and travelers as they continue to be a vital part of our economic growth locally. National Tourism Week is the opportunity to emphasize and promote a wider understanding of the importance of travel and tourism as a major U.S. industry that is vital to the economic stability and growth of the nation ($528.5 billion direct travel expenditures and 17 million jobs). Tourism Works for' America. The History: 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.. In a White House Ceremony, President Ronald Reagan signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with "the appropriate ceremonies and activities." Industry leaders and public relations professionals from the major travel and tourism trade associations were the first volunteers to manage the annual event. By 1986 industry leaders had formed a permanent coalition, which later became the Tourism Works for America Council. They opened a full time office and expanded the concept into ayear-round tourism awareness program. By then hundreds of communities across the nation were participating in the celebration and more participate each year. In 1998, the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) accepted responsibility for and absorbed all Tourism Works for America activities. Today this premier public advocacy program represents the single TIA activity that helps both members and non-members push tourism awareness to its most basic level-the grassroots.. In Orange County: The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Board is again looking to increase awareness of the impact of tourism with local residents through a National Tourism Weelc Promotion. The plan, as outlined in the 2003-2004 marketing plan, includes requesting the Orange County Board of Commissioners to proclaim the week of May 8-16, 2004 as National Tourism Week., The Bureau is again partnering with a local newspaper to develop an advertising supported insert to promote the impact of visitors on our area and to encourage local citizens to be tourists in Orange County. We will include a highlight on Hillsborough's upcoming 250°i Anniversary. The Bureau looks to make residents aware of the many fine offerings that are available for visiting family members, friends and business associates, as well as to inform them of visitor resources available.. We will also distribute customized National Tourism Week Bookmarks, with a local Orange County Tourism message, through the area visitor centers, accommodations, attractions and more.