National Travel and Tourism Week 2023 (May 7-13) marks the 40th anniversary of the annual industry celebration.
National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the essential role that travel will play in driving economic growth and innovation through the theme #TravelForward.
"The travel industry fuels every industry—our industry's success is the nation's success," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. "This week is a prime opportunity to elevate the message that travel is essential to moving America's economy forward."
Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry's role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activity and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans.
Travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. The U.S. travel industry generated a $2.6 trillion economic output in 2022 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling communities, small businesses and working families across the country.
Travel spending also generated nearly $160 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2022—revenue that helped fund critical public services while saving each U.S. household an average of $1,270 in taxes.
In Racine County, the travel and tourism industry contributes so much to our local economy and the spirit of our community. Located 25 miles south of Milwaukee and 60 miles north of Chicago, Racine County is home to North Beach, Wisconsin's first beach designated as a Certified Blue Wave clean beach by the National Clean Beaches Coalition; Wind Point Lighthouse, the oldest and tallest working lighthouse on Lake Michigan; Frank Lloyd Wright architecture; Danish Kringle; Racine Zoo; and Racine Art Museum, home to the nation's largest collection of contemporary crafts.
"The best thing about tourism in Racine County is exposing our visitors to our best asset–our people," stated Cari Greving, interim executive director at Real Racine. "These communities are all so unique and special, and provide the tourism industry with something 'extra.' From Waterford to the City of Racine, you'll find different attractions and different experiences, but you'll always find locals to welcome you. The hospitality here is outstanding, and whether you live in or visit Racine County, you'll want to spend as much time here as possible."
Visit the U.S. Travel Association website to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.
Families have fun in the water at Bear Paw Adventure Park in Caledonia.
About Your Local Destination Marketing Organization
At Real Racine, we are excited to be a part of the travel and tourism industry. Established in 1983 as the Greater Racine Convention and Visitors Bureau, we have played a prominent role in promoting Racine County attractions, businesses and events, and bringing visitors to the area for 40 years.
Real Racine is a 501c 6, private, not-for-profit corporation and not affiliated with Racine County or the State of Wisconsin. In addition, the Real Racine Sports and Event Commission was incorporated in 2019 as a 501c 3 and is also a private and not-for-profit organization. Rebranded as Real Racine in 2009, we will be rebranding again in 2023. Watch our Facebook page for a live announcement on May 15!
We are funded in a large part by a portion of the 8% room tax, which is collected on all lodging stays of less than 30 days. The hotel room tax is currently collected from properties in Racine, Caledonia, Yorkville, and Sturtevant. We also eagerly seek out available grants for an additional funding source.
Franksville Craft Beer Garden is an exciting community gathering spot at Franksville Memorial Park.
We love to promote special events and activities throughout Racine County! They not only showcase our great county, but they bring in thousands of visitors and much valued and appreciated revenue to our local businesses. Real Racine's blog posts and social media accounts help us reach visitors from afar to promote and market attractions, events and businesses at no cost to our community partners. We also spotlight and promote this information on our online events calendar.
At our core, we are the county's accredited destination marketing organization. We're a community resource responsible for programs that promote Racine County as an attractive travel destination. We strive to enhance our public image as a dynamic place to live and work. We work hard to strengthen our community's economic position and vitality beyond the travel and tourism industry, which provides an opportunity for all of our residents.
Racine County is a great place for bicycling in a bicycle-friendly state
with nearly 120 miles of designated bicycle routes and recreation trails.
Your Racine County Tourism Experts
Real Racine is home to a dedicated team to make your visit with us exceptional. From hosting your next big event, providing resources and accommodations, or promoting local attractions and businesses, we're here for you.
We are governed by a dedicated volunteer board of directors who represent our county's local businesses, attractions and hospitality services.
Executive Board: Laura D'Amato – Chair, Kristen Beglinger – Vice-Chair, Kathy Lindbloom – Secretary, Kevin Plazak – Treasurer
Board Members: Tammie Begotka, Dr. Art Cyr, Andrew Goetz, Randy Isaacson, Lori Jaime, Ralph Malicki, Fran Martin, Doug Nelson, Jeff Towne, Jenny Trick, Paul Vornholt
The Real Racine Visitor Center is located at 14015 Washington Avenue in Sturtevant.
Where to Find Us
The Real Racine Visitor Center is located at 14015 Washington Avenue, just west of I-94 at Hwy 20 (exit #333). We welcome visitors and travelers from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. We offer free Wi-Fi and free local and statewide attraction information along with free state and county maps. We look forward to seeing you!
You can also contact us through our website or Facebook page.
