Louisiana celebrates National Tourism Week, kicks off rally held in New Orleans

National Travel and Tourism Week is a tradition celebrated annually since 1984. It was established as National Tourism Week when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution in 1983 designating the week to be celebrated in May. In a White House ceremony, President Reagan even signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with ceremonies and activities in their communities. 

 

Every year in mid-May, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with our major tourism partners like the Louisiana Restaurant Association, the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association and New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp., join cities across the United States to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week and the industry that employs more than 75,000 locals and brings $6 billion to our city annually. We expect approximately 700 people to attend the luncheon and we have an exciting program planned.

 

"The promotion of tourism to Louisiana is vitally important to the restaurants across Louisiana," said Stan Harris, LRA President/CEO. "National Travel and Tourism Week affords our industry the opportunity to remind the public of the unique culinary and cultural treasures we have in Louisiana and how that translates to jobs and revenue."

The first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week, a tradition first celebrated in 1984. Localized events are presented in cities, states and travel businesses nationwide to champion the power of travel. It was established as National Tourism Week when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution in 1983 designating the week to be celebrated in May. In a White House ceremony, President Ronald Reagan signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with “the appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

While New Orleans hosts a rally to emphasize the economic impact and number of individuals the hospitality industry employs, Louisiana Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne toured the state this week spreading the message of tourism's role in the state's economy. The press tour kicked off in New Orleans for the rally and moved on to the Northshore, Bossier City, Lake Charles and Jeff Davis Parish.

Since its establishment, the U.S. travel community has collectively marked the event in a number of creative ways, from staging local rallies and conducting media outreach to securing proclamations and resolutions from local legislative bodies.