Rome To Celebrate National Tourism Week
Rome joins hundreds of cities, states and travel-related businesses nationwide in recognition of the 25th annual National Tourism Week, to be held May 10-18. Designated by Congress and established by presidential proclamation in 1983, the event celebrates the value and scope of the nation’s $740 billion travel and tourism industry, and the economic and social contributions it brings to our community.
This year’s theme, “Discover Great American Traditions,” encourages travel to American locales and highlights the role that tourism plays in discovering the icons of a destination.
“Hotels and meeting facilities, attractions, restaurants and transportation providers are among the local businesses greatly impacted by travel to Rome,” said Executive Director of the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau, Lisa Smith. “In 2007, the CVB worked with meeting planners, tournament directors, and motorcoach groups that generated over $7.1 million in revenue for Greater Rome and Floyd County. This week celebrates the people who visit here, the workforce that provides service for them and the development created as a result.”
In recognition of National Tourism Week, the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau will start the week off on Saturday, May 10 with “Be a Tourist in Your Hometown” tours. Two tours will be given with the first beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the second at noon. These free tours will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and will depart from the Visitor Center, located on Civic Center Hill across from Applebee’s. Enjoy learning more about Georgia’s Rome with local historian, Anne Culpepper. “If you’ve never been on a tour with Anne, you’re missing out on a fun and exciting learning experience”, says Kathy Mathis, Deputy Director of the Rome CVB. Seating is limited and will be on a first-come first-served basis. Please call the Visitor Center to reserve your seat
The Last Stop Gift Shop, located inside the Visitor Center, will also be hosting an Open House and Secret Sale on Saturday the 10th. The Visitor Center will also provide free postcards to all visitors to send to their family and friends to share their visit to Georgia’s Rome and will also be serving refreshments throughout the week.
The Visitor Center is open six days a week, Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau invites all Romans to “Be a Tourist in Your Hometown”.
For more information about National Tourism Week or “Be a Tourist in Your Hometown” contact Lisa Smith or Kathy Mathis at the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau, 706/295-5576.
