Houston First Celebrates the Spirit of Travel During National Travel and Tourism Week

Houston First Corporation is pleased to join others around the country in celebrating the “Spirit of Travel” during National Travel and Tourism Week May 3-9, 2020.  

Now, more than ever, it is important to recognize not only the contributions of the travel industry to our local, state and national economy, but also to support the industry’s professionals who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

According to the U.S. Travel Association, nearly 6 million travel-related jobs have been lost so far, and the industry is expected to lose more than $900 billion dollars this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. Behind those numbers are real people who make the ease of travel second nature in our daily lives. 

“The true spirit of travel is in the thousands of dedicated, hardworking professionals who are the backbone of the industry,” said Brenda Bazan, president and CEO, Houston First Corporation. “We want to encourage everyone to celebrate the importance of travel to our economy and our lives by taking part in some of the virtual activities planned for the week and support our local travel and hospitality community in whatever way you can.”

Ways You Can Celebrate Travel & Tourism Week 

Houston First is offering a number of ways for everyone to celebrate travel and tourism.  

1. Through its Visit Houston social platforms, Houston First is encouraging residents and visitors to post their favorite local attractions, hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. throughout the week using the #MissingHOU hashtag. More opportunities to show your support of travel and those who work in the industry are available here.

2.  On Tuesday, May 5, Houston will join other cities across the nation in saluting the travel industry by painting the town red, the official color of National Travel and Tourism Week. Major venues like Houston City Hall, the George R. Brown Convention Center, NRG Stadium, Montrose Light Bridges, the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel, Partnership Tower and the city’s airports will all light up in red between 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Pictures will be posted on Houston First and Visit Houston social channels #MissingHou. 

3.  Houston First is releasing its #MissingHou video during National Travel & Tourism Week. The video, a heartfelt selection of local icons and attractions to music by the Houston Symphony, serves as a tribute to Houston, a city that inspires and unites. It also offers an outlet for residents and visitors alike to daydream of the near future when we once again welcome everyone back, #WelcomeHou. The public can view the #MissingHou video, along with a message from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner here.

Houston First encourages everyone to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week by going to VisitHouston.com to learn more about Houston and experience—virtually—some of the awesome things that make this city such a great destination.

Photos: V. Sweeten