Many, LA — National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, spotlights the critical role that travel plays in driving economic growth and building the path forward through the theme Future of Travel.

This year’s theme elevates 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, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 39th annual NTTW (May 1-7) arrives as the industry looks ahead to future growth and success following the challenges of the past two years.

The Louisiana Travel Association advises that the travel and tourism industry is a key economic driver in the state. Prior to the COVID pandemic, travel and tourism generated $3.7 billion in direct income and $6.1 billion when indirect and induced impacts are considered in 2019. Visitor spending, visitor supported jobs, and business sales generated $3.4 billion in government revenues. State and local taxes alone tallied $1.9 billion in 2019. This year’s Future of Travel campaign will help facilitate recovery and assist in rebuilding Louisiana’s economy.

The Sabine Parish Tourist Commission is celebrating travel’s promising future by continuing to feature and promote area businesses, festivals, tournaments, and other events. Tourists visiting Sabine Parish spent an estimated $8.71 million in 2017, $11.68 million in 2018 and $13.21 million in 2019.

“The Sabine Parish Tourist Commission is planning for a future that will strengthen Toledo Bend Lake Country tourism industry and the Sabine Parish economy,” said Georgia Craven, SPTC Director. “During National Travel and Tourism Week, we are celebrating the Future of Travel and spotlighting how travel supports our local economy.”