It is National Tourism Week in Athens

Tourism Week 2013_Proclamation

Mayor Jerry Don Vaught signs the proclamation declaring Tourism Week May 4-12. The travel industry is one of Texas’ largest industries with visitor spending generating $63.2 billion and directly supporting 545,000 jobs with earnings of $17.6 billion. Henderson County generated $110.1 million in visitor spending and supported 480 jobs with earnings of $17.6 million. National Tourism Week is annually recognized the first full week in May, a tradition first celebrated in 1984. Pictured from left to right are Tracie Lyda, America’s Best Value Inn; Sherri Skeeters, Tourism Coordinator; Mayor Jerry Don Vaught; Pam Burton, City Administrator. (COURTESY PHOTO)