Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1537157
B M & T ••• July/August 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 25 T ourism's role as a major economic driver has been well established. According to the U.S. Travel Association, in 2023, the travel and tourism indus- try contributed $2.6 trillion to the U.S. economy and supported over 20 million jobs. This sector also generated over $585 bil- lion in tax revenue annually, representing almost 7% of all gov- ernment income, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). At its very basic level, Tourism can drive infrastructure development, including improvements to roads, highways, and airports. It can stimulate local economies by supporting small businesses like restaurants and retail stores. Tourism can help fund the preservation of historical sites and cultur- al traditions. This is clearly demonstrated within culturally rich communities such as the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, ranging from Wilmington NC to St. Augustine Fl. This National Heritage Area, reportedly has the potential of generating upwards of $34 billion in travel spending -- if Its cultural riches are promoted. Recent budget cuts to the National Park Service (NPS) and concerns about further cuts, however, are disabling efforts to encourage Tourism to flourish and to support the local indigenous families that rely on it. Please note that tourism funding, whether through the National Parks or other channels, is not a federal giveaway. It is an investment in the cultural assets that are at the heart of travel and tourism which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The funding reductions to NPS have either put at risk or have, ironically, stopped completely, efforts to achieve the stated goals of our nation's current administration; "to keep jobs in America that employ Americans." This is largely due to the fact that 1) elected officials have not heard from enough constituents about the contributions of travel and tourism to their districts and 2) education on the importance of these cultural assets (whether it is culinary, crafts, per- formance, historical sites, etc.) as a vital component to the U.S. economy is lacking. Given the right data, each working member of the travel and tourism industry can be equipped to convey to their elect- ed local, state, and federal officials, the essential economic con- tributions of tourism to their communities. Fortunately, the U.S. Travel Association makes it possible for everyone to have that data at their fingertips. Through their website, the link below enables readers to learn the economic impact of tourism for their state and congressional district. https://impact.ustrav- el.org/ The cultural institutions in tourism are telling the stories of America. They are communicating history, without judge- ment, and without winners and losers, reportinghow life was experienced by those who lived it at a specific point in time. It is these stories that make each U.S. destination extraordinary and they encourage both domestic and inter- national travelers to learn about and to experience the American Journey. These stories are what makes us unique, and what has made us American. Without our stories and the ability to communicate them, there are fewer reasons for travelers to circulate their tourism dollars throughout these united states. Laura Mandala is Managing Director and CEO of Mandala Research and can be reached at Laura@man- dalaresearchandmarketing.com. For more information on her services or to order a report, visit mandalare- search.com/reports. THE MISGUIDED CHAINSAW: CUTTING CULTURAL TOURISM FUNDS IMPACTS THE NATION BY LAURA MANDALA T ourism's role as a major economic driver has been well established. According to the U.S. 'Iravel Association, in 2023, the travel and tourism iJ,,., 'tributed $2.6 trillion to the U.S. economy anrl million jobs. 1his sector also generi,• revenue annually, represer,t: -:ome, according tr TC). hr