(TAN): At a time of physical distancing, the U.S. Travel Association will organise a virtual road trip to mark National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) on May 5.
While the national nonprofit claimed it will be their “first-ever virtual road trip”, the body’s Chief Executive Officer Roger Dow said it will be a fitting opportunity for Americans to appreciate the value of travel.
“This year’s NTTW is happening amidst an unprecedented societal challenge, but that makes it even more appropriate to pause and consider what travel means to this country. It is more critical than ever to appreciate the economic and cultural importance of travel, and celebrate its indomitable spirit,” he said.
The road trip is part of this year’s NTTW theme – “Spirit of Travel”, which is aimed at celebrating the tourism industry’s “strength and resilience”, and looking ahead to the times free from the ongoing crisis.
The virtual road trip will start on the East Coast at 0900 hours EDT, and end on the West Coast at 2100 hours EDT. The organisation will give each of the American states a time slot during which people associated with the sector are encouraged to share stories about their respective business or destination representing the spirit of travel, along with the hashtag #VirtualRoadTrip.
A report from the U.S. Travel Association recently showed that the outbreak has had a devastating impact on the country’s tourism industry. Data from the study indicated the financial effect the American travel sector is currently facing because of the pandemic is nine times worse than the 9/11 attacks – eight million out of 24 million travel-related jobs will have been lost by April-end. The report also projected by the end of 2020, travel spending losses could cross USD 500 billion.
“NTTW is a reminder of what we are really fighting for—the workers who power this vital industry. This year’s celebration should underscore to communities and policymakers the indispensable role travel and tourism will have in leading America’s economic recovery,” Dow added.
U.S. Travel Association has developed a resource toolkit, with special stress on social media engagement, preparation for the future and support for coronavirus relief efforts, to promote the spirit of travel during NTTW.
The organisation is also urging communities to cheer for and appreciate tourism during these grim times.
[ALSO READ: Over 100 million travel jobs could be lost to COVID-19 globally]
In response to COVID-19, the U.S. Travel Association has also postponed its annual inbound travel trade show, IPW, to May 2021. This year’s edition, which was supposed to be held in Las Vegas, in Nevada state, on May 30, will be organised in the same city between May 10 and 41 next year.
The international show, which gives a boost worth USD 5.5 billion in future travel to the United States, provides a platform for travel buyers such as tour operators, wholesalers and receptive operators to meet sellers of American travel product including lodging, destinations, attractions, retail, and transportation.
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