The first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week, a tradition first celebrated in 1984. Events are presented in cities, states and travel businesses nationwide to champion the power of travel.
Voices of Montana Tourism is coordinating Tourism Works Day on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week. On May 8, we’re encouraging organizations and businesses to invite state legislators and legislative candidates to temporarily join Montana’s travel workforce. For 90 minutes on that day, businesses can bring candidates and elected leaders inside the tourism industry for a fun, informative, and hands-on experience.
Voices of Montana Tourism will provide the following tools:
- a sample invitation and invitation template to help you develop an invitation to send to candidates/leaders
- a tourism industry fact sheet and an ITRR datasheet to download and share with candidates/leaders
- a media advisory inviting local news organizations to cover the event if desired
- a press release for news organizations on the day of the event
- frequently asked question responses about tourism in Montana
When: Tuesday, May 8. We recommend hosting candidates/leaders for a 90-minute period between 10 am and 2 pm to accommodate media coverage if desired.
Who: Tourism is a large and diverse industry that is defined by a common consumer — the traveler. Any business that makes a meaningful portion of its revenue from non-resident travelers is welcome to participate. Examples of businesses include hotels, special event organizers, airports, outdoor guides, museums, galleries, campgrounds, gas stations, destination wedding service providers, restaurants and more.
Voices of Montana Tourism can help interested businesses identify candidates and leaders in their home districts.
Where: Tourism work environments across Montana
Why: It is important to let current and future elected leaders know how tourism affects Montana businesses. During the 2011 Montana Legislative Session, two bills proposed to reduced and destabilize the lodging tax funds used to promote Montana to travelers. Tourism Works Day is a fun, non-partisan event designed to build relationships and raise awareness about why tourism matters to local businesses and Montana’s economy.
Businesses can invite local media to cover the event — creating an opportunity to also share tourism’s significance with local news outlets.
How to Participate: Contact Mary Paoli, Voices of Montana Tourism PR Manager, at 406-600-1957.
