skip to content
content

Idaho to Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week May 5-13, 2012

5/4/2012
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho—May 4, 2012—The first full week of May is recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week, a tradition first celebrated nationwide in 1984 to champion the power of travel.  The Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism will be held May 8-10, to acknowledge the importance of Idaho’s visitors and the industry they support.  

In 2011, Idaho’s tourism-related businesses employed nearly 31,000 workers that generated just under $600 million in earnings for Idahoans—that’s five percent of all jobs and 2.4 percent of all wages in the state. There were another 12,600 positions instrumental in keeping travelers fed, housed, supplied with goods and services and on the move, bringing the total number of jobs that rely on tourism to over 43,600 and around $1 billion in wages.  

A 2008 domestic visitor report for Idaho showed:

  • Money spent by domestic overnight visitors totaled over $1.8 billion with items such as lodging ($502 million), food/beverage ($412 million), retail purchases ($333 million), recreation ($218 million) and transportation ($298 million) topping the list of necessities.  
  • Domestic day trips to Idaho totaled $0.9 billion with retail ($341 million), recreation ($137 million), transportation ($142 million) and food/beverage ($242 million) again topping the list.
In 2011, the U.S. Travel Association (www.poweroftravel.org) estimated that with over $3 billion in domestic and international traveler spending, travel and tourism is Idaho’s third largest industry.  The industry contributes 6% of Idaho’s gross state product.     

“2008 was a banner year for travel and tourism in Idaho,” said Jeffery Sayer, director of the Idaho Department of Commerce.  “I am pleased to report that we are on track to exceed those numbers in 2012, which is great news for Idaho’s economy.”   

National Travel and Tourism Week is May 5-13.  The Idaho Department of Commerce Division of Tourism and travel industry members will recognize the importance of travel and tourism in a variety of ways.


  • Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter is featured in a 30-second video encouraging Idahoans to travel the state. A 15-second PSA is also available. Watch the video message here.
  • The Idaho State Police and Idaho Department of Commerce joined forces to create a PSA encouraging Idaho travelers to slow down and enjoy the state’s scenic beauty. ISP troopers will carry Idaho Travel Guides and Idaho maps in their vehicles, making them available to anyone needing assistance. Listen to the PSA.
  • The Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism is scheduled May 8-10, during National Travel and Tourism Week.  Attendees will wear red shirts imprinted with “I Love Travel” on Tuesday, May 8, the national Travel Rally Day.
  • A “Vote Travel” station will be set up during the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism opening reception on Tuesday, May 8. Visitors to the station will learn more about the value of tourism to Idaho and the nation.
To request the Governor’s message or the Idaho State Police/Tourism PSA in specific formats, please contact Laurie McConnell, (208) 334-2470 ext. 2144 or (208) 850-2964 cell, laurie.mcconnell@tourism.idaho.gov. 

                                                                                              ###  

Idaho—Adventures in Living
Idaho is home to thousands of miles of biking trails, mountains to climb, lakes to fish, 18 ski resorts and more whitewater than any other state in the lower 48.  So take a break from it all and come out to play. Idaho—adventures in living. Visit www.visitidaho.org for more information and vacation ideas.

News tag(s): Business Communities Travel

Share this page