NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK
Bellevue kicks off National Travel and Tourism Week with push to reignite travel industry
National Travel and Tourism Week, the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, spotlights the critical role that travel + tourism will play in driving economic recovery efforts and building the path forward through the theme Power of Travel. Celebrated annually the first full week in May, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 38th annual NTTW (May 2-8) arrives at an opportune moment to recognize the importance to the U.S. economy of initiating a post-pandemic travel recovery.
Visit Bellevue is saluting the power of travel this year by reminding our community that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel and tourism industry was a significant contributor to the U.S. economy and exports, and supported millions of hard-working Americans of all backgrounds. Travel spending is down nearly $500 billion, costing the U.S. economy $1.3 trillion. The total number of travel-supported jobs fell by 34% nationally, from 17 million in 2019 to just 11 million in 2020. Here in Bellevue, travel spending was down by 77% costing our community $1 billion in economic impact and more than 8,000 local jobs.
The devastating losses have proven how critical travel + tourism is to our community. With the right measures in place, we can get people moving again in a safe and healthy way, which will put Americans back to work. A robust recovery requires the return of business travel, meetings, and events, which is already being done in a healthy and safe way. We invite you to explore the important focus areas below and ask for you to do your part.
