Wilmington, NC: National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the critical role that travel will play in driving economic recovery efforts and building the path forward through the theme ‘Power of Travel’.

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 38th annual NTTW (May 2-8) arrives at an opportune moment to recognize the importance to the U.S. economy of initiating a post-pandemic travel recovery.

“NTTW takes on a special significance this year as the travel industry looks to rebound quickly from the pandemic and accelerate recovery efforts,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “The past year was incredibly challenging, but we saw the full power of the travel industry on display in the way we united and supported one another through this crisis.”

“Before the pandemic, travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S.—evidence of the outsized role the industry will play in America’s broader economic recovery,” said Dow.

During its May 4 industry presentation, the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau [CVB] will salute the power of travel with special guest Lynn Minges, Executive Director of the N.C. Restaurant & Lodging Association, who will deliver a Power of Travel keynote address. On May 3, the New Hanover County Commissioners will consider a Proclamation that recognizes May 2-8 as ‘National Travel and Tourism Week in New Hanover County’. During the week of May 2-8, the CVB will also reach out to industry partners and elected officials with talking points that reinforce the Power of Travel.  

Said Kim Hufham, president/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority: “Despite the challenges and hardships of the last year, Wilmington and the island communities of Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville beaches are ready and eager to welcome back visitors and help drive New Hanover County’s recovery efforts. National Travel and Tourism Week is an opportunity to remind visitors and residents of the incredible contributions of the travel industry—not just to our local economy and workforce, but to our community’s identity and culture.”

National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) 2021 recognizes the power of travel and the industry’s role in bringing back our vibrant communities, restoring the U.S. economy, rebuilding our workforce and reconnecting America. Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.

The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place. Visit us online at www.WilmingtonAndBeaches.com.

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Contact:
Connie Nelson
Wilmington CVB
910-341-4030 x120
866-266-9690
cvbpr@wilmingtonandbeaches.com