This National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), there is more reason than ever to celebrate the collective strength and promising future of the U.S. travel and tourism industry. The 39th annual NTTW, taking place May 1-7, recognizes the Future of Travel and the critical role our industry will play in rebuilding the workforce, helping communities recover, fostering sustainability, ushering in new innovations and reconnecting travelers in the U.S. and around the world.
Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, the travel industry was a powerful economic engine, supporting jobs and driving local economies in every pocket of America. Travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S. While the industry was hit hard by the challenges of the past two years, we are recovering and positioning our industry for a return to growth.
There is great optimism among American travelers to get back on the road and see our great country. We have overcome many obstacles, and the future is bright. That’s why here in Brownwood, Texas, and across America, we are using NTTW to recognize the contributions of the U.S. travel industry and how we will grow a more dynamic, innovative, sustainable and inclusive future.
Sports tourism is a major source of revenue for any region, but its impact is even more significant in smaller towns. In 2021 alone, an estimated 39,712 outside visitors drove into Brownwood to utilize our sports complex, directly resulting in 5,369 hotel stays and circulating a record $2.1 million into Brownwood’s economy.
Visit Brownwood and the Brownwood Municipal Development District believe in destination promotion as an economic engine to highlight quality of life, champion local businesses, recruit business, encourage relocation, and increase direct visitor spending.
From the Bert V. Massey II Sports Complex to Lake Brownwood and everywhere in between, Brownwood’s travel and tourism industry contributes so much to our local economy and the spirit of our community. We are excited for all of the promising things ahead for Brownwood and the U.S. travel industry.
