Garrett County Commissioners Proclaim Local Tourism Week

Garrett County Commissioners Denny Glotfelty, Ernie Gregg and Fred Holliday proclaimed May 10 – 18th Tourism Week in Garrett County.   Charlie Ross, President & CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, Members of the Chamber Board of Directors along with Chamber Staff attended the proclamation on Tuesday at the Oakland Courthouse.

“Tourism Week celebrates the economic benefit tourism brings into the county,” said Charlie Ross, President & CEO at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “Tourism is the state’s 4th largest industry and it generates an estimated $11 billion annually for Maryland.”

The local proclamation coincides with the 25th Annual National Tourism Week which runs May 10th – 18th. The 2008 theme is "Discover Great American Traditions". The silver anniversary theme encourages travel to American locales and highlights the role that tourism plays in discovering the icons of a destination.

National Tourism Week is a collective effort to promote the power of travel through customized events in communities nationwide. The goal is to enhance the country's economy, security and perception, and recognize the cultural and social benefits created by travel and tourism.

National Tourism Week was established in 1983 when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution designating the week to be celebrated in May 1984. In a White House ceremony, President Ronald Reagan signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with "the appropriate ceremonies and activities." Industry leaders and public relations professionals from the major travel and tourism trade associations were the first volunteers to manage the annual event. By January 1986 industry leaders had formed a permanent full-time office at TIA to sponsor the event and expand tourism awareness into year-round programs.

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