Contact:  Ricky Rodriguez, TMP, CTTP
Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau
1-800-789-1327 or 615-453-9655
www.visitwilsoncounty.com

National Travel and Tourism Week Rally Shows Why “Travel Matters” to Wilson County

Lebanon, TN (May 1, 2009) – Highlighted by the tagline, “Travel Matters,” the Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau kicks off National Travel and Tourism Week with a Travel Expo sponsored by the Nashville Attractions Coalition at Opry Mills on May 8-9, to show firsthand how travel benefits Wilson County.

“Travel and tourism play a key role in our economy,” said Ricky Rodriguez, Director of the Wilson County CVB. “Our community relies on travel for tax revenue and jobs, and the benefits these bring to our economy. With next week’s event, we hope to raise awareness and showcase why travel matters to Wilson County and the state of Tennessee.”

The dollars spent by visitors have strengthened Wilson County’s economy by creating jobs, supporting local businesses from gas stations to retail stores, and creating greater tax revenues to support our community. As a result it’s easy to see how tourism works for Wilson County and why the industry’s slogan is ‘Travel Matters.’

With business, meetings and event travel facing steep declines across America, nationwide events throughout National Travel and Tourism Week will emphasize the economic benefits travel and tourism bring to local workers and communities, and demonstrate the importance of travel. This event is part of a larger effort led by the U.S. Travel Association with rallies in dozens of cities nationwide.

Travel and tourism is one of America’s largest industries, with $740 billion in direct travel expenditures by domestic and international travelers. The industry also represents one of America’s largest employers with 7.7 million direct travel-generated jobs and $189 billion in travel-generated payroll. Additional information about National Travel and Tourism Week can be found at www.ustravel.org.

For additional information on accommodations, historical sites, upcoming events, shopping and recreational opportunities, please contact the Wilson County CVB at 615-453-9655 or visit www.visitwilsoncounty.com.

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