TITLE: Honoring the staff of the Pearland Convention and Visitors Bureau on the occasion of National Travel and Tourism Week.

SUMMARY: Honoring the staff of the Pearland Convention and Visitors Bureau on the occasion of National Travel and Tourism Week.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The observance of National Travel and Tourism Week from May 7 to 13, 2017, provides a welcome opportunity to recognize the significant contributions that local tourist agencies such as the Pearland Convention and Visitors Bureau make to the prosperity of their communities; and WHEREAS, One of the largest private-sector employers in the United States, the travel industry supported 15.1 million jobs in 2015, including 8.1 million people who work directly in travel, as well as 6.9 million people who work in other fields; foreign and domestic tourists generated $2.1 trillion in economic output in 2015, with nearly $950 billion of that amount coming from the travelers themselves; and WHEREAS, Tourism is likewise one of the biggest industries in the Lone Star State; in 2015, that sector of the economy generated $68.7 billion in direct travel spending and $6.2 billion in state and local tax revenues and supported 1.1 million jobs; and WHEREAS, The city of Pearland has benefited greatly from this bounty, thanks in large part to the efforts of its convention and visitors bureau in attracting and assisting tourists and convention attendees; guests of the city spent $129 million in 2015, and this economic activity supported 1,200 jobs and brought in $4.6 million in sales and occupancy taxes; and WHEREAS, The tourism sector plays a vital role in the success and vibrancy of the State of Texas, and organizations like the Pearland Convention and Visitors Bureau are essential to the strength of this important industry; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby honor the staff of the Pearland Convention and Visitors Bureau on the occasion of National Travel and Tourism Week and extend to them sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Pearland Convention and Visitors Bureau as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Thompson of Brazoria Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1468 was adopted by the House on April 27, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House