Published: May 14, 2008 11:43 am            

Help celebrate National Tourism Week

“Tourism is like an iceberg. It is easy to describe the part that stands out from the water but very hard to be precise about exactly what lies beneath.”

Although I don’t know who to attribute that quote to, I’ve seen it many times in my involvement with the hospitality industry and it’s true. We all know what tourism is, but describing what all makes it happen could fill The Daily Citizen from cover to cover. What we do know is travel and tourism is vital to Greater Dalton’s prosperity.

During National Tourism Week, which is recognized nationwide May 10 to 18, we join hundreds of cities and states in an annual salute to the economic, social and cultural benefits of travel. This year’s theme, “Discover Great American Traditions,” highlights the role that travel plays in discovering the icons of a destination, such as Prater’s Mill. Tourism is the second largest industry in Georgia.

This industry is diverse and wide-ranging, including sectors such as hotels, airlines, rental cars, taxis and motorcoaches and countless community features such as restaurants, museums, zoos, parks, mountains and events.

Did you know that each U.S. household would pay $995 more in taxes without the tax revenue generated by the travel and tourism industry? That will buy about five weeks of groceries for a family of four.

In terms of direct, indirect and induced expenditures, travel in America is a $1.6 trillion dollar industry. The travel dollar creates 7.5 million jobs spanning all career levels. It generates $110 billion in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments; money that reduces taxes paid by local residents, encourages entrepreneurial opportunities, and generates community pride and enthusiasm. But those impressive numbers don’t reflect the whole story. Travel is America’s front door, leading to countless measures of goodwill among travelers from near and far.

One of the most recognizable features in Georgia is our Visitor Information Centers (VIC). The local VIC, in Ringgold, celebrated Georgia On My Mind Day on Friday, May 9. Georgia On My Mind Days are celebrated by the tourism industry and communities to increase the awareness and celebrate travel and tourism’s economic impact to the State.

During these annual events the community, and tourism partners are able to showcase to our visitors the southern hospitality Georgia is known for.

When you look below the surface, you clearly see the iceberg is enormous. In the June edition of ChamberLink we will be focusing more on local tourism. We will feature stories about the Dalton Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Dalton Hospitality Association.

Until then, celebrate National Tourism Week as it recognizes the value of travel and tourism. Please join us in saying “Thank You” to tourism’s contributions in Dalton and Whitfield County.



Beth Morrison is vice president of member services for the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce.

        

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