National Tourism Week is an annual event sponsored by the Travel Industry Association of America.

It was established as National Tourism Week when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution in 1983 designated the week to be celebrated in May.

In a White House ceremony, President Ronald Reagan signed a presidential proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with activities and ceremonies.

The first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week.

Tourism is an industry that attracts millions of tourists to this great state each year. It has a great impact on the economy.

Adams County Welcome Center, located in the Natchez Visitor Reception Center, 604 S. Canal St., will celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week through Sunday.

Throughout the week, there will be arts, exhibits, crafts and attractions that showcase our local and surrounding areas.

Exhibits will be available for viewing during the center’s business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Tourist Appreciation Day will be observed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. Refreshments will be available and entertainment will be provided by Gary Montgomery.

Those participating that day will include, Isle of Capri Casino, Hampton Inn & Suites, artist Lorraine Griffin, craftsman Johnny Griffin, Historic Jefferson College, artist Joseph Johnson, artist Carolyn Weir, Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez State Park, Natchez National Cemetery, Mississippi Black Civil War Soldiers, a quilting demonstration by Elizabeth Swalm, Magnolia Bluffs Casino, Grand Gulf Military Park, Domino’s, Holiday Inn Express and Port Gibson Tourism.

Other representatives for the week will include, St. Catherine National Wildlife & Refuge, McComb Tourism, Delta Blues Museum, Natchez Grand Hotel, Natchez Eola Hotel, Holiday Inn Express and The Frog Farm.

The public is invited to all events and to tour the visitor information center.

For more information, contact the Adams County Welcome Center at 601-442-5849.

 

Annette Anderson is the supervisor of the Adams County Welcome Center.