Great Rivers & Routes Celebrates The Power Of Travel During National Travel & Tourism Week

National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) shines a spotlight on the U.S. travel industry’s essential role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness.

The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is showcasing it’s role in the travel industry with a series of travel segments on KMOV-TV throughout the week culminating with a live broadcast of Great Day St. Louis at Aerie’s Resort Friday, May 9.

“Southwest Illinois is a dynamic region and travel provides a powerful economic engine for our six counties and 39 communities,” noted Cory Jobe, president/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “Travel fuels our local economies and enhances the quality of life in our region.”

The Great Rivers & Routes region had more than $827 million in travel spending in 2024, generating $31.6 million in local tax revenues. Travel and tourism in the region supported $203.2 million in hospitality and travel employment payroll. That impact supports local businesses and fosters long-term growth in the region.

“Travel drives economic opportunity and strengthens our communities,” Jobe added. “This National Travel & Tourism Week, we celebrate travel’s undeniable impact and reaffirm its importance in sharing our local economies and quality of life.”

This year, the bureau will feature travel destinations throughout southwest Illinois, in segments on KMOV-TV from May 5-9, capping off the week-long celebration at Aerie’s Resort in Grafton with a live Great Day St. Louis show. This show is open to the public and is free to attend. Complimentary donuts and pastries from Duke Bakery in Alton will be served. The doors open at 8AM and the live show begins at 9AM.

Sine 1983, NTTW has underscored the travel industry’s contribution to U.S. economic strength, community vitality and quality of life. In 2024, the travel industry generated $2.9 trillion in economic output, supported more than 15 million jobs and produced $190 billion in tax revenue – the equivalent of $1,490 per household.