FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Ricky Rodriguez, TMP, CTTP
Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau
1-800-789-1327 or 615-453-9655
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Celebrating 2011 National Travel & Tourism Week

Lebanon, TN (May 3, 2011) -The Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau will kick off 2011 National Travel and Tourism Week with the release of its “At Your Service” guide, aimed at educating the hospitality industry about the history, events and attractions that Wilson County has to offer.

Join the Wilson County CVB and cities across the nation as we honor 2011 National Travel and Tourism Week on May 7-15. Since 1984, the first full week of May is celebrated as National Travel and Tourism Week. Whether we realize it or not, tourism is important to all of us. The Wilson County CVB is committed to providing visitors with an enjoyable and memorable experience, which is why we created the “At Your Service” guide to arm the hospitality industry with the knowledge and expertise to give visitors an unforgettable experience…AND KEEP THEM COMING BACK FOR MORE! The 10-page guide will be distributed to the local hospitality industry during National Travel and Tourism Week.

“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. 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 “Why 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, supporting 14 million jobs, including 7.4 million directly in the travel industry and 6.7 million in other industries. In fact, 1 out of every 9 jobs in the U.S. depends on travel and tourism. Travel and tourism is a $758 billion industry that generates a total of $1.8 trillion in economic output in the United States. Find out more about 2011 National Travel and Tourism Week at www.ustravel.org.

You can make a positive impact on our local economy by being a tourist in your own backyard. Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week by attending a local event, such as A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival on Saturday, May 14, from noon to 6:00 p.m., at Nashville Shores. Spend the day sipping the state’s finest wines, savoring gourmet specialty food, relaxing on complimentary lake cruises and attending highly acclaimed wine and food seminars. For additional information and to purchase tickets, call 615-758-3478 or visit www.atoasttotennessee.com.

ABOUT Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau – The mission of the Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau is to maximize the economic impact of travelers to the community and position it as a premier destination to target markets. Located just a few miles east of Nashville, Wilson County is THE PLACE TO BE in Middle Tennessee. To learn more about the destination and various events available, go to www.visitwilsoncounty.com

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