FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Wednesday, May 10, 2023

DOWNLOADABLE IMAGES: CHATTANOOGA’S TRAVEL & TOURISM INDUSTRY

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (May 10, 2023) – National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the essential role that travel will play in driving economic growth and innovation through the theme #TravelForward.

“The travel industry fuels every industry—our industry’s success is the nation’s success,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “This week is a prime opportunity to elevate the message that travel is essential to moving America’s economy forward.”

In celebration of NTTW and Chattanooga's travel and tourism industry, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, have signed proclamations marking the second week of May as National Travel and Tourism Week in Hamilton County and Chattanooga. Both proclamations were made in partnership with the Chattanooga Tourism Co. to recognize tourism's vital role in our local economy and the quality of life for residents.

"Tourism is part of Chattanooga's core. Our community welcomes more than 15 million visitors every year who spend $1.5  billion in our hotels, restaurants, attractions, local shops, and entertainment. We proudly celebrate our industry and look forward to welcoming more visitors to Chattanooga this upcoming travel season,” says Barry White, Chattanooga Tourism Co. CEO and President. "We are grateful for our local tourism industry, partners and employees, and for Mayor Wamp and Mayor Kelly's recognitions of National Travel and Tourism Week."

Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry’s role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activity, and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans.

Travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. The U.S. travel industry generated a $2.6 trillion economic output in 2022 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling communities, small businesses and working families across the country.  

Travel spending also generated nearly $160 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2022—revenue that helped fund critical public services while saving each U.S. household an average of $1,270 in taxes. In Hamilton County, visitor spending saves every household $828 per year in taxes. 

Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.

About the Chattanooga Tourism Co.  

The Chattanooga Tourism Co. is the official destination marketing organization for Hamilton County, dedicated to sustainably increasing visitation and connecting guests with authentic Chattanooga experiences. The organization aims to strengthen the local economy and enrich the community by establishing Chattanooga as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, and leisure travel. Annually, Hamilton County welcomes over 15 million visitors who contribute $65 million in local taxes, saving each resident household $1,138 in taxes and supporting more than 30,000 jobs. VisitChattanooga.com   

MEDIA CONTACT:  
Hannah Hammon  
Public Relations Manager  
Cell: 256-996-5788  
hannah@chattanoogatourism.com