Destination Niagara USA celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week

This week marks the 34th annual National Travel and Tourism Week. Tourism communities nationwide are doing their part to salute travel in America. The theme of this year's celebratory week is "Faces of Travel," which provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the individuals who keep this industry moving on a daily basis.

Locally, Destination Niagara USA is recognizing the many faces of travel by hosting hospitality industry familiarization (FAM) tours this week. These tours are free to all hospitality and tourism employees across Niagara County and serve as an opportunity to play tourist right here in our own backyard.

John Percy, president and CEO of Destination Niagara USA, said, "Our hospitality industry employees work very hard every day to ensure that our visitors have an incredible stay in Niagara Falls USA. We believe that allowing each of them to personally experience all of the attractions that Niagara County has to offer will further enhance their ability to answer questions and make recommendations to these visitors."

The four days of FAM tours are covering 28 attractions across Niagara County in Lewiston, Youngstown, Lockport, Wilson, Olcott, Newfane and Niagara Falls.

Tourists are being celebrated this week, as well. In the official Niagara Falls USA Visitor Center, Destination Niagara USA is providing complimentary treats to all visitors who pass through the doors. Each day, a local product is being featured, including Frankie's Donuts, the Village Bake Shoppe, Platter's Chocolates, Honeymoon Sweets and DiCamillo Bakery.

Tourism is the second-largest employer in Niagara County, employing approximately 20 percent of the total workforce. Tourism sales generate approximately $40 million in local taxes, which equates to about $841 in savings per Niagara County household.

"As we ramp up efforts for the busy summer season, we are thrilled to take this week to celebrate our extremely important hospitality industry employees, as well as our visitors who, combined, are the formula which makes the tourism industry in Niagara County a huge economic success," Percy said.