At the April 23, 2019, Alachua County Commission meeting, County Commissioner and Tourist Development Council (TDC) Chair Marihelen Wheeler will read a proclamation declaring May 5, through May 11, 2019, as “Travel and Tourism Week” in Alachua County. TDC board members, Visit Gainesville/Alachua County staff and representatives of the local travel and tourism industry will receive the proclamation.
The proclamation marks the local kick-off of the 36th annual National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW). This year’s theme, “Travel Matters,” represents the unified goal of travel stakeholders to unite communities across the country to celebrate how travel and tourism matter to American jobs, economic growth, and personal well-being.
Each day of NTTW, Visit Gainesville/Alachua County will celebrate a different local benefit of travel and tourism including:
- Economic impacts such as job creation and tourist dollars in the local economy
- $10.3 million in tourism-related sales tax revenue, which supports services to our citizens in the County and all of the municipalities
- $5 million in Bed Tax revenue paid by visitors
- That Bed Tax supports local arts, nature, cultural, and sports organizations
- That Bed Tax supports capital projects such as the construction of Champions Park, the Cade Museum, and the City of Alachua Event Center
“More than 9,200 jobs are supported by tourism in Alachua County,” said Visit Gainesville, Alachua County Tourism Manager Jessica Hurov. “During Travel and Tourism Week, we are celebrating travel’s powerful impact on our community. Travel powers our economy, strengthens our community, and changes our lives.”
“Tourism matters to our community,” said Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler. “I was so pleased to learn that visitors rated the friendliness of our residents as the highest rated aspect of their visit.” She continued, “I’m proud of Alachua County and eager to welcome visitors here to show them why we love our North Central Florida oasis that is truly where nature and culture meet.”
During Travel and Tourism Week, visitors and locals alike are invited to stop by the Visit Gainesville/Alachua County office (33 N. Main Street, downtown Gainesville) for prizes and discounts on area lodging and attractions and “What’s Good?” swag.
Learn more about Visit Gainesville/Alachua County.
For more information, contact Jessica Hurov at 352-363-8619 or JHurov@alachuacounty.us.