WHEREAS, the travel industry is essential to the success of every industry and will continue to be a critical part of Nevada's economy, development, and workforce; and

WHEREAS, travel is an economic powerhouse for every state and destination across the country, with an economic output of $2.8 trillion, supporting 15 million American jobs; and

WHEREAS, travel spending supports vibrant and safe communities in Nevada and across the United States by generating $89 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2023 to support essential services, such as education, emergency response, public safety, and more; and

WHEREAS, travel enables success for all industries including manufacturing, agriculture, defense, healthcare and more-by driving sales growth, innovation, education, and operations that power our economy, our nation, and Nevada; and

WHEREAS, 52.2 million travelers visited Nevada in 2023 leading to a record level of $32 million in room tax collections in the calendar year; and

WHEREAS, Nevada's thriving tourism industry leads to significant economic benefits for the state, generating $49 billion in visitor spending, 271,000 jobs and reducing the annual tax burden of our residents by $4,800 in 2022, enhancing our community and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, America's travel industry cannot be globally competitive without maximizing growth in leisure, business, and international inbound travelers; increasing travel to and within the United States drives our economy to a more prosperous future and connects America; and

WHEREAS, small businesses account for more than 60% of leisure and hospitality employment. Travel is an essential industry, and we must continue to communicate that growing travel leads to economic growth, benefits businesses, fosters mutual understanding, and connects the nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim the week of May 19-25, 2024, as

TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK IN NEVADA