National Travel Tourism Week May 7-13, 2017

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The Faces of Travel in Kandiyohi County, MN

Many of us are likely familiar with the frequently touted (and research-proven) positive effects of travel on our work performance, relationships and personal well-being. But, with all the national conversation about creating and keeping good American jobs, how much thought do we give to travel’s economic power in our lives?

It certainly deserves our attention. Travel is a top-10 employer in 49 states and the District of Columbia. The industry played a major role in America’s economic recovery post-recession—and now, travel is our country’s number one service export, accounting for 11.2 percent of all U.S. exports in 2016. The U.S. travel industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, has recovered far faster than other economic sectors since 2008. Spending by travelers everywhere in the U.S., which currently totals over $947 billion annually, supports 15.3 million American jobs. That’s one in nine Americans whose employment depends upon plenty of travelers moving to and within the U.S.

In Minnesota alone, tourism generates $14.4 billion in sales, which is almost $40 million a day. That secures 260,000 jobs in MN and 5.1 billion in wages. Let’s narrow it done even further. In Kandiyohi County alone, tourism generates $90.2 million in gross sales, $5.9 million in sales tax and 1,748 jobs. Tourism is definitely important in the Willmar Lakes Area!

Our industry is one that relies on human interaction—whether it’s the front desk clerk at a hotel, the tour guide in a historic district, or the ticketing agent at an airport, our people are what make America a great place to visit, and keep our industry strong. That’s why, as part of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) 2017, May 7-13, our industry is shining the spotlight on the people behind our nation’s travel industry with this year’s theme—“Faces of Travel”—and highlighting the need to craft smart, travel-friendly government policies that keep their jobs flourishing.

We encourage you to join us in our NTTW celebration by getting social and engaging with the #nttw17 hashtag on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Share a story with us on someone you know that is a “Face of Travel” in the Willmar Lakes Area. We want to celebrate those that help make Kandiyohi County the wonderful tourist destination that it is today!

For more great ideas and resources, check out this toolkit from the U.S. Travel Association.

This year’s NTTW is more than just another campaign. It’s a movement that positions the travel industry as a primary driver in the U.S. economy and an important part of our daily lives.

Fish our lakes

The possibilities are endless on our 30 recreational lakes…boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, hydro biking, paddle boarding and so much more!

Fishing Report

Explore our Trails

Surrounded by beautiful lakes and scenery…who wouldn’t take a hike or a leisurely bike ride to enjoy the view? With miles of trials to choose from, you can always find new places to explore.

Trail Report