National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual celebration of the contributions and accomplishments of the U.S. travel industry, held May 2–8, 2021, will spotlight the critical role that travel will play in driving economic recovery efforts and building the path forward through the theme “Power of Travel.”
Celebrated annually the first full week in May, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to underscore the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 38th NTTW arrives at an opportune moment to recognize the importance to the U.S. economy of initiating a post-pandemic travel recovery.
“NTTW takes on a special significance this year as the travel industry looks to rebound quickly from the pandemic and accelerate recovery efforts,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “The past year was incredibly challenging, but we saw the full power of the travel industry on display in the way we united and supported one another through this crisis.”
“The greater Champaign County area is poised to make a strong recovery,” states Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO of Visit Champaign County. “With new and improved amenities such as the I Hotel & Conference Center expansion, the Rantoul Family Sports Complex, and increased funding for the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, we will be ready to welcome back visitors with new and safe activities.”
Throughout the week, Visit Champaign County will highlight the area’s hospitality workers, our innovative and resilient local businesses, and those area amenities that will play a critical role in recovery.
Prior to the pandemic, the greater Champaign County area saw the highest growth in tourism spending in the entire state of Illinois, with $448.7 million spent in 2019, a 6.2% increase over 2018. “We are ready to once again be a leader in growth in tourism and look forward to bringing back sports, conferences, group and leisure travel. We also look forward to sharing our community story far and wide to showcase the greater Champaign County area as a destination to live, work, and visit,” says DeLuce.
Additionally, each year Visit Champaign County celebrates the local impact of travel following National Travel & Tourism Week. To allow our community to reach Bridge Phase, the annual Toast to Tourism will be held on July 28 at the Venue CU. Details on the event will be available soon.
Visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about the week, or contact Terri Reifsteck for more information on local efforts at terrir@visitchampaigncounty.org or 217-714-4273.