2015 National Travel and Tourism Week

National Travel and Tourism Week kicked off on May 2^nd and runs through May 10, 2015. This nationwide celebration was established in 1983, and gives markets across the country the chance to promote this industry and their contribution to it. This year’s theme is “Travel is______.” This theme encourages the travel and tourism community to reflect on all of the different ways that this industry contributes to “the fabric of America” by filling in the blank.

The Smoky Mountain Tourism and Development Council kicked off National Travel and Tourism Week at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters on Monday, May 4^th. This was the 31^st anniversary that celebrated the partnership between the park and surrounding counties, as well as the park employees.

The Park’s 2014 “Employee of the Year” was named at this celebration. Dana Soehn, Management Assistant at GSMNP, was the well-deserved recipient of this award. Dana began working at the park in 1989 as an intern, and has held many positions since then that have contributed greatly to the park’s success. To add to the celebration, the Simpson family from Ohio was chosen as the “tourist family of the day.” They were recognized at the celebration, and awarded a basket filled with local favorites.

All week long, expect to see representatives from all over Tennessee in the state’s Visitor’s Centers promoting their area. Each city and town has their own appeal that draws in an array of travelers and tourists to this great state. Look for what is unique about each and help fill in the blank of what travel truly means to America!