The Surry County Board of Supervisors recently approved a resolution designating the week of May 2-8 as National Travel and Tourism Week in the county.

National Travel and Tourism Week is the annual celebration of the contribution of the U.S. travel industry and will spotlight the role of travel in “driving economic growth and building the path forward.”

This year’s theme is “Future of Travel,” intended to boost “how the travel industry can restore the workforce, help communities recover, foster sustainability, usher in new innovations and reconnect travelers in the U.S. and around the world.”

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, National Travel and Tourism Week was created by Congress in 1983 to recognize the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 39th annual observance arrives as the industry looks ahead to future growth and success following the challenges of the past two years.

“NTTW has special significance this year as tourism in Surry County looks ahead to a brighter future,” said Pat Bernshausen, tourism coordinator. “This is an opportunity to recognize the collective strength of the local tourism industry and how stakeholders are adapting and rebuilding to be more dynamic, innovative, and sustainable in the months and years to come.” Data from 2020 indicate that traveler spending generated tax revenues of more than $112 billion for federal, state and local governments combined, with over $240,000 attributed to Surry County alone, according to Virginia Tourism Corp.

“Despite the hardships of the past two years, Surry County Tourism is anticipating a future that will strengthen small businesses as well as the local economy,” Bernshausen said.

During National Travel and Tourism Week the Surry County Visitors Center will be open Monday through Friday to guests with daily themes and activities.

For additional information about Surry County’s tourism programs, initiatives and promotions, visit https://www.surrycountytourism.com/.