National Travel and Tourism Week 2021 (May 2-8) spotlights the collective strength of the U.S. travel industry.
This National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), there is more reason than ever to celebrate the collective strength of the U.S. travel and tourism industry and its dynamic workforce.
The 38th annual NTTW recognizes the Power of Travel and the critical role our industry will play in bringing back our vibrant communities, restoring the economy, rebuilding our workforce and reconnecting America.
Prior to the pandemic, the travel industry was a powerful economic engine, supporting jobs and driving local economies in every pocket of America. The industry had experienced 107 straight months of growth, generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S.
Unfortunately, that strong growth trend plummeted last year due to the pandemic. Travel spending in the U.S. declined 42%, costing the economy $1.1 trillion, while hard working Americans supported by travel made up a staggering 65% of all U.S. unemployment. The Alabama Tourism Department Annual Report indicates that Mobile County was down 12% in travel related job and declined 13% in travel related expenditures; the upside for Mobile being that this decline was much less than other major cities. 46% of tourism revenues for the state come from the Gulf Coast region.
However, Mobile, Alabama—and the travel industry—is resilient. Despite the hardships of last year, we are ready and eager to welcome back visitors and help drive Mobile's recovery efforts.
While we faced extraordinary challenges in the past year, our industry united like never before, lifted each other up, aided one another, and devoted ourselves fully to the task of supporting and restoring all sectors of travel. This year’s NTTW is an opportunity to turn the page to a new chapter in our industry’s story and celebrate its collective power by spotlighting the innumerable ways travel will drive recovery, bring Americans together again and help define our country’s path forward.
Mobile, Alabama is participating in NTTW by hosting an online photo contest. The #MyMobileAL photo contest will begin on Sunday, May 2, 2021! We want to see your best shot of all things Mobile! Our amazing sunsets, picturesque skyline, exquisite food, murals, dreamy fountains... whatever it may be, you have a chance to win a two night staycation in Mobile. Stay tuned to our official Instagram and Facebook pages for more information on how to enter.
From the USS ALABAMA to Bellingrath Gardens, Mobile’s, travel and tourism industry contributes so much to our local economy and our community’s unique character. From all of us at Visit Mobile, we are so excited to have the full power of our industry—and the strength and spirit of Mobile this NTTW.
Please click here to learn more about NTTW!
