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Tourism Means Business in Anaheim and Orange County, California
Visitor Industry Provides More Than
150,000 Jobs
Anaheim, Calif., (May 8, 2009)
- Visitor destinations across the nation will be recognizing National
Travel and Tourism Week May 9 -17, 2009. In Anaheim and Orange County,
located in the heart of Southern California, tourism is big business
and significantly impacts the region’s economic health.
In 2008 Orange County welcomed more than 43
million visitors who spent a collective $7.9 billion in the region
on hotel stays, entertainment, dining, shopping and transportation.
Tourism in the Orange County area accounts for more than 150,000 jobs –
from waiters and attraction ticket-takers to hotel general managers.
According to Charles Ahlers, president of the Anaheim/Orange County
Visitor & Convention Bureau (AOCVCB), Orange County’s major
destination marketing organization, “Tourism and the visitor industry
in Anaheim and Orange County play a major role in our region’s economic
success. It fuels a multitude of
businesses, from hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues to a
variety of small businesses such as printers, cleaners, uniform
providers etc.. Tourism Week provides us all with an opportunity to
shine a light on this vital industry.”
In recognition of this week, the City of Anaheim proclaimed May 9 – 17
National Tourism Week in Anaheim. Additionally, the AOCVCB invites
people to explore ‘Free
and Almost Free’ deals on their web site and discover everything
from major theme park discounts to picturesque hikes and hidden gems
within Orange County.
Bruce Bommarito, Executive Vice President & COO of the U.S. Travel
Association, recently spoke at the Orange County Tourism Council’s
annual meeting and covered the state of the Meetings and Tourism
industry in the United States. The following link
highlights his talk.
The 26th Annual National Travel and Tourism Week will have a nationwide
focus on establishing travel as a solution to America's ongoing
economic challenges. This year's theme - "Travel Matters" - highlights
travel's unique ability to create jobs, stimulate economic recovery and
drive needed tax revenue in all fifty states. As part of the U.S.
Travel Association’s efforts, it is organizing simultaneous rallies in
more than 30 cities coast-to-coast. Additionally, the U.S. Senate will
be holding a hearing discussing why “Travel Matters” and AOL®
Travel will launch a special online feature for travelers on a budget.
"Our industry wants to do everything we can to strengthen the nation's
economy by getting Americans back on the road and in the skies," said
Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "The
travel dollar permeates the American economy and is critical to saving
and creating the jobs that America desperately needs."
National Travel and Tourism Week was established as National Tourism
Week in 1983 when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution
designating the week to be celebrated annually in May.
Home to renowned beaches, world-famous theme parks and attractions,
exciting professional sports, unique shopping, arts and cultural
events, and award-winning restaurants, Southern California’s
Anaheim/Orange County is a blend of sights and experiences complemented
by warm sunshine. For more information about Anaheim/Orange County,
visit www.anaheimoc.org or call
714/765-8888.
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