Let’s help celebrate our region’s number one industry by increasing awareness to its importance and value during National Tourism Week, May 10-18, 2003. With an annual $20 billion contribution to our economy, the hospitality and tourism industry is vital to our region’s continued stability and growth.

myregion.org’s Funding Partner, the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando/Orange County CVB), has joined the festivities. The travel industry’s large and small organizations are taking advantage of this opportunity to explain the economic, cultural and social impacts of travel and tourism in their communities.

National Tourism Week was established in 1983, when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution designating the week to be celebrated in May 1984. In a White House Ceremony, President Ronald Reagan signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with "the appropriate ceremonies and activities." Each year hundreds of communities across the nation participate in the celebration. Traditionally, the Wednesday of National Tourism Week is celebrated as industry employee's "Wear Red Day" in recognition of the industry's 18 million jobs.

For more information on National Tourism Week celebrations throughout the region, or to view the latest industry surveys and reports, go to the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Web site, www.orlandocvb.com or contact Danielle Saba Courtenay, Vice President of Public Relations and myregion.org Communications Committee member at 407.354.5586.

For a comprehensive listing of events in the Central Florida area ranging from cultural to sporting events and children’s activities to festivals as well as a featured event of the month, go to www.orlandoinfo.com.