Corning, NY. May 13, 2006 - In recognition of travel and tourism's tremendous economic, social, and cultural impact in Steuben County, the Steuben County Conference and Visitors Bureau announced today that it plans to observe See America Week May 13-21, 2006. This annual celebration is sponsored nationally by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA).

A primary growth opportunity for the U.S. economy is the $645 billion travel and tourism industry. There are 7.3 million direct travel- generated jobs in the U.S., which translates to one of every eight people in the U.S. civilian labor force. In a rapidly changing world, the tourism industry is evolving and becoming increasingly diversified and sophisticated. Often only the most obvious segments of the industry are recognized by the public or reported on by the media such as airlines, airports, restaurants, rental cars, hotels, and travel agents. From entry-level employees to top-level executives, tourism-related jobs in the U.S. can be found in technology, transportation, hospitality, meeting services, attractions and theme parks, sightseeing, entertainment, special interest travel, recreation, outdoor, and nature-based travel, as well as travel marketing and promotions.

See America Week is a time when Steuben County focuses on the impact of travel and tourism in the area. "We're very excited about the results of recently released tourism research which showed an increase in county tourism revenues," said Pat White, Communications Manager. "Visitors are staying longer and trip satisfaction has improved. We're getting more first-time visitors, our marketing materials and e-marketing efforts are paying off. The Steuben County CVB will continue to aggressively promote Steuben County. Tourism puts visitors in front of cash registers. I hope that whenever local residents see a visitor from out of town, they'll make a point of welcoming them to the area!"

According to the New York State Department of Economic Development:
• Travelers to Steuben County spent over $106,968,000 in 2004 (the most recent year for which statistics are available. That's an increase of over $21,000,000 since the year 2000)
• These travelers generated $8,557,470 in state and local sales taxes.
• The result of taxes generated by travel and tourism is annual tax relief to each household in Steuben County of $219.00, (up from $175 in 2000).

Peggy Coleman, Executive Director of the Steuben County CVB said, "The dollars spent by visitors have strengthened Steuben County's economy by creating jobs, supporting local businesses from gas stations to retail stores, and creating greater tax revenues to support the community. As a result, it's easy to see how Tourism Works for Steuben County and why the industry's slogan is 'Tourism Works for America'."

Contact: Pat White
Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau
607-936-6544