The first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week, a tradition first celebrated in 1984. Each year hundreds of communities across the nation participate in the celebration.

National Tourism Week was established in 1983, when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution designating the week to be celebrated in May 1984. President Ronald Regan signed a Presidential Proclamation encouraging communities to observe the week with the appropriate ceremonies and activities.

The purpose of National Tourism Week is to promote a wider understanding of travel and tourism as a major U.S. industry that is vital to the economic stability and growth of the U.S. contributing substantially to its cultural and social wellbeing.

Mississippi will join with the nation in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week.

The Adams County Welcome Center, located in the Natchez Visitor Reception Center; 640 S. Canal St., will observe National Travel and Tourism Week this week. Throughout the week there will be craft, exhibits, fine arts, attractions and representatives from our local and surrounding areas to help promote tourism.

Exhibits will be available for viewing during the center’s business hours, Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m.to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tourist Appreciation Day will be observed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. Light refreshments will be available and entertainment provided by Gray Montgomery, (Cotton field Blues to Broadway Stardust).

Participants for that day will include, Grand Gulf Military Park, Natchez National Cemetery, St. Catherine Wildlife Refuge, Natchez Grand Hotel, Natchez Manor Bed and Breakfast, Natchez Eola Hotel, Port Gibson Chamber/Tourism, McComb Chamber/Tourism, Pat Harrison Waterways, Domino’s Pizza.

Local artists will also be present, including, Lorraine Griffin and Leon Hollins, and craftsman Johnnie Griffin.

Other participants for the week will include Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez State Park, Old South Winery, Grand Village of Natchez Indians, Jefferson Military College, Hampton Inn and Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture Museum, Natchez In Historic Photographs, Natchez National Historic Park, Natchez Art Association and Ridgeland Tourism.

The public is invited to all events and to tour the Natchez Visitor Reception Center.

More information is available by contacting me at the Adams County Welcome Center in Natchez at 601-442-5849.

 

Annette Anderson works at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center.