Beaumont Celebrates National Travel & Tourism Week May 2-10, 2015 

The Convention & Visitors Bureau will lead Beaumont, Texas travel workers in the "Masters of Hospitality" Beaumont Bowl & Travel Rally on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. The event signifies the beginning of several local efforts planned as part of the 32nd annual National Travel and Tourism Week. May 2-10, 2015, communities across America celebrate tourism to shine a light on what travel means to jobs, economic growth and personal well-being.

"Just look at the numbers. Travel supports 15 million jobs in America, including 601,000 right here in Texas," said Dean Conwell, Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director. "This week, we are celebrating what travel means to our community, and we call on everyone-from elected officials to local residents-to join us in saluting this important industry."

Across Texas, travel employs a prosperous and diverse workforce, from airline and hotel employees, to restaurant, attraction and retail workers, and supports industry sectors such as construction, manufacturing and finance.

Beaumont's Travel Impact:

  • Local jobs supported by travel and tourism in Beaumont: 3,184
  • Total direct travel expenditures: $297.2 million
  • Beaumont generated state tax revenue: $17.2 Million
  • Beaumont generated local tax revenue: $479,590
  • Tax Relief per household: $391.23  

The national figures are equally remarkable: 

  • Economic Output: $2.1 trillion
  • Direct travel-related spending in the U.S. by domestic & international travelers (2014): $927.9 billion
  • Generated federal, state & local tax revenues (2014): $141.5 billion
  • American jobs: 15 million (8 million direct & 7 million indirect) 

"I am fortunate to have worked in the travel industry for 14 years," said Stephanie Molina. "It has helped my community immensely because of the tax revenue it generates and the countless businesses and jobs that are touched by the economic activity visitors bring. That's what Travel Rally Day is all about."

Travel can also have a positive effect on personal well-being. A recent study by the U.S. Travel Association found that Americans left 429 million vacation days unused (the most in nearly 40 years) and forfeited $52.4 billion in time-off benefits. If workers took just one more day off each year, travel would generate $73 billion annually for the economy.

"Travel contributes to the fabric of America and continues to do wonders for our businesses and personal lives," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, the umbrella organization representing the travel industry in the U.S. "This week-long celebration should extend to every day of the week to strengthen further our dynamic industry."

As part of National Travel & Tourism Week, the Beaumont CVB will also host a special session of its highly popular Beaumont Destination Training. While the tour is free, seats are limited and reservations are required. Sign up online at www.beaumontcvb.com/bdt

For additional details on everything happening during National Travel & Tourism Week in Beaumont, please visit www.beaumontcvb.com/nttw and check our calendar of events.