Going on an adventure. Relaxing. Meeting new business partners. Learning. Supporting local business and jobs. These are just a few examples of what travel means to people and to the communities.

This year, to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), May 2 – 10, our industry is underscoring how travel affects us all with the theme: “Travel is _________.”

Travel is vacationing. Travel is making memories. Travel is essential to the U.S. economy. Travel is a job creator. No matter how you complete the sentence, the bottom line message is that travel is vital to our country and our lives, and it has meaning for everyone.

NTTW is the perfect time to celebrate what travel means to you. Through nationwide events – from rallies to media outreach to proclamations from local governments – NTTW champions the power of our industry for this week and beyond. Travel and tourism professionals, from communities small and large, come together to promote the incredible contributions their markets and travel-related businesses make to strengthen the economy and our workforce.

The theme – “Travel is ________.” – not only amplifies our call, but it customizes the unique impact of the U.S. travel industry on the fabric of America. Destinations, including ours here in Greensboro, are defining travel as it specifically contributes to our local economies, businesses and lives.

Let’s make this year’s NTTW more than just a celebration. Let’s make it a movement that positions our industry to grow even stronger and expand its influence on our daily lives.