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ALEXANDRIA, Va - Visit Alexandria is observing National Travel and Tourism Week from May 3 to 9, joining a nationwide effort that recognizes tourism as a key driver of the U.S. economy, the organization said Monday.
This year's theme, "Postmarked: Essential," coincides with what the destination marketing organization called one of its most dynamic upcoming tourism seasons. Alexandria will serve as the official Team Base Camp for the Croatian National Football Team during the World Cup and is preparing programs tied to the nation's 250th birthday, including a three-day Sails on the Potomac festival.
According to Visit Alexandria, tourism contributes nearly $2.9 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. The agency reported that Alexandria's tourism spending from travelers residing more than 50 miles away reached $1 billion for the first time in calendar year 2024. Fiscal Year 2025 consumption tax revenues hit a record $88 million, which the agency said supports core city services, saves the average Alexandria household $832 annually and sustains more than 5,700 local jobs.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins said Visit Alexandria plays a vital role in strengthening the city by spotlighting local people, businesses and stories, and credited the agency with helping drive economic growth across Alexandria's neighborhoods.
“Visit Alexandria plays a vital role in strengthening our city by uplifting the people, businesses and stories that make Alexandria unique. Through its efforts to share authentic visitor experiences, Visit Alexandria not only spotlights our welcoming and vibrant community, but also helps to drive a strong tourism economy that supports local businesses, and fuels continued economic growth throughout all Alexandria neighborhoods.” ~ Mayor Alyia Gaskins
Visit Alexandria President and CEO Todd O'Leary said the timing of this year's observance fits the momentum in the city's hospitality industry, adding that visitor spending supports small business owners and residents.
“This year’s National Travel and Tourism Week celebrations seem particularly fitting, given all the momentum we’re seeing in Alexandria’s hospitality industry, as tourism grows in importance here, the dividends from visitor spending support our small business owners and ultimately our residents. Visit Alexandria is proud of the work done by our local industry to keep this city top of mind for domestic and international travelers.” ~ Visit Alexandria's President & CEO Todd O’Leary.
The agency also pointed to its ongoing destination marketing campaign, Unlock Your Story, which it said invites visitors to experience offerings across the city's historical, cultural and sports communities.
To mark the week, Visit Alexandria staff and board members will lead a land-based litter cleanup at Four Mile Run Park, which the agency described as a biodiversity hotspot. Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley is scheduled to deliver a proclamation at the event declaring the week as National Travel and Tourism Week in Alexandria.
More information about the national observance is available at ustravel.org/NTTW.
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