National Travel and Tourism Week is celebrating its 29th year in 2013 with the theme “Travel Effect.”
Celebrated May 4-12 throughout the country, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is celebrating the people who represent the face of Las Vegas with their Hospitality Heroes program that rewards the staffers who have shown exemplary customer service throughout the tourism industry. This year, 40 people received the accolade.
“Travel and tourism make up the life-blood of our economy in southern Nevada,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus. “There are 382,800 Southern Nevada jobs supported by the tourism industry – accounting for 47 percent of southern Nevada’s labor force and generating $45 billion in economic activity. These men and women are employed in the entertainment, gambling and service industries.
“Last year, nearly 40 million visitors came to Las Vegas. In addition, we hosted [more than] 21,000 conventions and meetings, which brought in close to 5 million national and international visitors.
“[Those employees’] hard work, ingenuity and dedication make Las Vegas one of the world’s premiere travel destinations for business and pleasure.”
The Hospitality Heroes program was developed to recognize the efforts of hospitality workers who provide great customer service that Las Vegas has become known for, according to Jeremy Handel, senior manager of public affairs, LVCVA. Each recipient receives a Hospitality Hero Certificate and replica of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign for being the welcoming force that inspires businesses and tourists to return to Las Vegas.
Traveleffect.com has revealed surprising statistics that may sway a family to travel on its “vacay” instead of opting for the recent fad of a “staycation.” Fifty-five percent of adults remember their childhood travels fondly and want to create similar memories for their kids; three of four adults over 55 say they still have vivid memories of childhood vacations, even more so than school events and birthdays; and 93 percent of kids say vacations mean a chance to spend quality time with parents.
What is emphasized is the long-term effect that family travel can have on their children for decades to come. Although children may whine and bicker throughout a vacation, as grown adults their view of quality family time while traveling with their parents is remembered as a highlight of youth.
