Heritage Corridor is the Future of Travel

This National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), there is more reason than ever to celebrate the collective strength and promising future of the U.S. travel and tourism industry.

The 39^th annual NTTW, taking place May 1-7, recognizes the Future of Travel and the critical role our industry will play in rebuilding the workforce, helping communities recover, fostering sustainability, ushering in new innovations and reconnecting travelers in the U.S. and around the world.

Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, the travel industry was a powerful economic engine, supporting jobs and driving local economies in every pocket of America. Travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S.

While the industry was hit hard by the challenges of the past two years, we are recovering and positioning our industry for a return to growth. There is great optimism among American travelers to get back on the road and see our great country.

We have overcome many obstacles, and the future is bright.

That’s why here in the Heritage Corridor Region and across America, we are using NTTW to recognize the contributions of the U.S. travel industry and how we will grow a more dynamic, innovative, sustainable and inclusive future. While the pandemic was a setback, it’s also an opportunity to reimagine the industry to be greater than ever before.

From Starved Rock Country to I&M Canal Towns to The First Hundred Miles of Route 66, our partners in the travel and tourism industry contribute so much to our local economy and the spirit of our community. From all of us at Heritage Corridor, we are excited for all of the promising things ahead.