This week Visit California released the 2019 Travel Impact Report, prepared by Dean Runyan Associates. Tuolumne County tourism revealed a healthy growth. Overall total direct travel spending increased to $273 million in 2019 from $263 million in 2018. The report shows that tourism accounts for 2,440 jobs in Tuolumne County. Lisa Mayo, President and CEO of Visit Tuolumne County, commented, “These numbers show the incredible importance of the tourism industry to Tuolumne County’s economy providing funds for local government through TOT and sales tax. Many of Tuolumne County’s businesses and residents depend on tourism. When the time is right, we look forward to an extensive tourism recovery marketing effort that will have tourism thriving in Tuolumne County once again.”

To read the full report visit, https://www.visittuolumne.com/tourism-means-business.

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) was created by Congress in 1983 to underscore the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 37th National Travel and Tourism Week, being observed May 3 through 9, arrives at an opportune moment to unite the industry, celebrate its indomitable spirit and elevate the role it will play in America’s economic recovery. Visit Tuolumne County (VTC) is using NTTW and California Tourism Month to inform the community about the impact of travel and tourism in Tuolumne County and inspire residents and visitors to embrace the spirit of travel. Some components of VTC’s campaign include a Tourism Hero giveaway, local banner and radio ads, social media posts, and partner engagement.

Outside of National Travel and Tourism week and California Travel and Tourism Month VTC is working on a post-COVID recovery plan to regenerate tourism when travel restrictions are lifted. While restrictions are in place VTC is working to help raise awareness about supporting local businesses during these challenging times.