This week, May 5th – 11th, is  2019 National Travel & Tourism Week. The Visit Salina division of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce is spreading the word about the impact of the industry in Central Kansas.

According to the organization, this is the 36th annual National Travel & Tourism Week, which unites communities across the country to celebrate how travel matters to American jobs, economic growth and personal well-being. The theme this year is “Travel Matters,” which highlights the many ways travel and tourism makes up the fabric of Salina’s culture and economy.

Each day this week Visit Salina will celebrate a different facet of travel: the economy, new experiences, jobs, infrastructure, health benefits, hometown pride and families.

“This week we will use Visit Salina’s social media platforms for messages and contests, local media and a Mayoral Proclamation at Monday’s City Commission meeting to drive home why Travel Matters to Salina, Saline County, Kansas, and America,” said Sylvia Rice, Visit Salina Director at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

From small business to large attractions, travel employs a diverse workforce and generates important tax revenues:

• 2,015 Saline County jobs are supported by tourism – 1 in 11.5 jobs.
• 4.9% of all employment in Kansas is impacted by tourism.
• Travel and tourism generates $609 million in state and local tax revenue for Salina and Kansas.

These figures illustrate the travel’s economic importance. Travel:

• Is a $2.5 trillion industry in the U.S.
• Creates $10.8 billion in total Economic Impact in Kansas.
• Generated $204 million in visitor spending in Saline County.

“The Salina Chamber is so proud of the work being done by the tourism industry here in Salina,” continued Rice. “This is our opportunity to shine a light on all those reasons Travel Matters to Salina.”