Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week with VisitMartinsville

The Martinsville-Henry County EDC’s Tourism Division will celebrate travel and tourism during the 35^th annual National Travel and Tourism Week: May 6-12, 2018. 

National Travel and Tourism Week unites communities across the country to celebrate what travel means to American jobs, economic growth and personal well-being.

“Just look at the numbers. Travel supports one in nine American jobs, including 763 right here in Martinsville-Henry County,” said Sarah Hodges, Director of Tourism, MHC Economic Development Corporation. “This week, we are celebrating what travel means to our community. We’re calling on everyone—from elected officials to local residents—to join us in saluting this important industry, and to support travel-friendly legislation that impact our local, state and national economies.”

The theme of this year’s NTTW, “Travel Then and Now,” highlights the travel industry’s history of economic impact in every corner of America. Across Martinsville-Henry County, travel employs a prosperous and diverse workforce, from hotel employees to restaurant, attraction and retail workers, and supports related sectors such as construction, manufacturing and finance. Some of the numbers: 

• 763 jobs are supported by travel and tourism in Martinsville-Henry County
• Travel and tourism generates $1.51 million per year in local tax revenue for Martinsville-Henry County

These local figures are an important part of travel’s economic importance nationwide. To wit:

• Travel is a $2.3 trillion industry in the U.S., with $990.3 billion in direct travel-related spending in the U.S. by domestic and international visitors in 2016.
• These visitors support 15.3 million American jobs—roughly 8.6 million direct travel jobs, and 6.7 million indirect and induced jobs.
• Travel-related spending generated $72 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues in 2016.

“I am fortunate to have worked in the travel industry in Martinsville-Henry County, with the EDC, for seven years,” said Beth Stinnett. “I know travel has helped Martinsville-Henry County immensely for many years because of the tax revenue it generates, not to mention the countless businesses and jobs that are supported by our visitors. That’s why I’m proud to support travel on Rally Day and every day.”

Local Celebrations & Activities 

• Sunday, May 6^th- Philpott Blueway Ribbon Cutting & Celebration
• Tuesday, May 8^th- “Now & Then” themed Familiarization Tour
• Thursday, May 10^th- Volunteer Day
• Saturday, May 12^th- Discounts & Giveaways at the NCBA Tournament at Hooker Field

To learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week 2018, please visit our event page online at: www.VisitMartinsville.com.