Posted by: thepinetree on 05/07/2013 12:02 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 05/07/2013 12:07 PM
Expires: 01/01/2018 12:00 AM
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National Travel & Tourism Week Celebrates Our Largest Private Industry
Tuolumne County, CA... Travel and tourism is the largest private sector employer in Tuolumne County and among the largest employers throughout the world.
Since 1984, when President Reagan signed a proclamation urging citizens to observe the first full week of May with “appropriate ceremonies and activities,” the tourism industry has continued the tradition.
For 2012, tourism nationally generated $2 trillion in economic output with $855.4 billion spent directly by domestic and international travelers who also contributed $129 billion in tax revenue. The tax revenue alone saves each US household $1,060 per year....
Travel and tourism is America’s largest service export industry that produces an annual balance of trade surplus of $45 billion per year.
The industry supports 14.6 million jobs: 7.7 million directly in the travel industry. In other words, one out of every eight jobs in the US depends on travel and tourism.
Local statistics on the travel and tourism industry come from a report commissioned by the state from the Dean Runyan Report (http://industry.visitcalifornia.com/media/uploads/files/editor/CAImp12pdraft.pdf – Page 105). The most recent report (April 2013) has just arrived and covers activity through 2011 and shows the following key points for Tuolumne County:
• Visitors in 2011 spent almost $181 million here (up almost $12 million from 2010) here: the largest portions going to lodging ($44 million) and food & beverage services ($51.6 million, excluding grocery stores which gained an additional $9.6 million in revenue).
• Visitors spent $27.3 million on the arts, entertainment and recreation and $26.9 million shopping in non-food establishments
• In 2011, tourism employed 2170 people in Tuolumne County and brought in $10.7 million in tax revenue.
Nanci Sikes, Executive Director of the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau points out that, “Based on tax receipts the numbers have improved considerably since 2011 as our area continues to grow as an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors.” She adds, “The statistics do not include employment or revenue numbers from activities on tribal lands including Black Oak Casino and the new Resort that just opened, or Chicken Ranch Casino.”
“Tourism is an essential industry for our community,” adds Lisa Mayo, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Bureau. “Our visitors make it possible for local residents to enjoy the amazing variety of activities, events, restaurants and attractions that we otherwise may not be able to support.”
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