1. NTTW proclamation 2026

Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting · 2026-05-05 · agenda_item

This item is a proclamation recognizing National Travel & Tourism Week, May 3-9, 2026, and Emergency Medical Services Week, May 17-23, 2026, in Highlands County. The Board of County Commissioners is expected to approve these proclamations. While these are recognitions and do not involve direct construction or development projects, they highlight the importance of tourism and emergency services to the local economy. The tourism proclamation notes that visitor spending in Highlands County is nearly $350 million annually, supporting over 4,300 local jobs and generating $34 million in tax revenues. The Emergency Medical Services Week proclamation recognizes the vital role of these services. Businesses and residents are encouraged to support local tourism-related businesses and participate in events. This early recognition provides an opportunity for businesses in the tourism and emergency services sectors to align their marketing and operations with these highlighted weeks.

economic output

2.9 trillion dollars

jobs nationwide

15 million

Florida tourism jobs

1.8 million

Florida tourism tax revenue

33 billion dollars

Highlands County annual visitor spending

350 million dollars

Highlands County local jobs supported by tourism

4,300 jobs

Highlands County wages from tourism

118 million dollars

Highlands County tax revenues from tourism

34 million dollars

National Travel & Tourism Week established

1983