Travel Lane County Moves Travel Forward This National Travel and Tourism Week

This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the annual industry celebration

Eugene, Or — National Travel and Tourism Week, (NTTW) the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the essential role that travel will play in driving economic growth and innovation through the theme #TravelForward.

“The travel industry fuels every industry—our industry’s success is the nation’s success,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “This week is a prime opportunity to elevate the message that travel is essential to moving America’s economy forward.”

Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry’s role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activity and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans.

Travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. The U.S. travel industry generated a $2.6 trillion economic output in 2022 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling communities, small businesses and working families across the country.

Travel spending also generated nearly $160 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2022—revenue that helped fund critical public services while saving each U.S. household an average of $1,270 in taxes.

In Lane County the travel industry drives $1.4 billion in economic impact and employees nearly 11,000 of our friends and neighbors. On May 17, 2023, Travel Lane County hosts its annual Visitor Industry Celebration and Summit where area individuals, businesses or organizations are honored for their service to residents and visitors. Award categories include Community Leadership, Destination, Sustainability, Sports Leadership and Convention Leadership. 

“Visitors are important to Lane County’s economy and to our quality of life, supporting our beloved restaurants, cultural venues and artists and helping ensure we have a diverse array of tasting rooms and shopping options," noted Kari Westlund, President/CEO of Travel Lane County. “Visitors also reflect the magic of where we live, from our incredible waterfalls and coastal sand dunes to the magic of Hayward Field, which is great for our civic pride and self-esteem. Travel Lane County is proud to draw visitors that benefit our communities and share our love for this special place.”

Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.