National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) was created by Congress in 1983 to celebrate the economic power of travel in the U.S. Each May, the tourism industry honors this tradition by highlighting just how travel stimulates economic growth, creates job opportunities, and cultivates communities. As the official Destination Marketing Organization of The Woodlands, Visit The Woodlands takes the lead this year by hosting a Hospitality Industry Appreciation Night to recognize local hospitality partners who have gone above and beyond for their guests.

The camera faces the stage of Market Street's Central Park during National Travel and Tourism Week 2024. There is a band on the stage, but Elizabeth Eddins holds the microphone to address the crowd (who are off-screen).

THE IMPACT OF TOURISM

In The Woodlands, leisure and business travel has an immense and positive impact on the community. Nearly 4,500 people are employed by The Woodlands tourism industry, which plays a large part in helping The Woodlands Township have one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Unlike cities, almost 60% of The Woodlands Township's budget comes from hotel and sales taxes. When visitors spend money at The Woodlands' hotels, shops, and restaurants, the taxes collected from their purchases fuel the local economy. These taxes not only keep property rates down for residents but also contribute to the further development of the community, improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

"Tourism in The Woodlands is remarkable," said Elizabeth Eddins, Executive Director of Visit The Woodlands. "This industry has an extremely positive impact on our community. We are excited to participate in National Travel & Tourism Week to highlight why tourism matters in The Woodlands and share our appreciation for our amazing partners and visitors."

The camera faces the stage from the back of Market Street's Central Park during National Travel and Tourism Week 2024. Between the camera and the stage are a bunch of spectators sitting in the grass, in lawn chairs, or under white pop-up tents. Elizabeth Eddins passes out "coolers" (laminated paddles with wooden handles, intended for fanning oneself) to spectators.

Meeting at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center

TOURISM BY THE NUMBERS

Travel and tourism are critical components of the Texas economy. They affect more than just the leisure and hospitality industries; they impact every sector from transportation to finance, real estate, insurance, and more. Here are just a few of the ways that tourism has benefited The Woodlands:

  • Brings in $555.4 million of direct spending by visitors
  • Employs 4,500 people in the travel and tourism industry
  • Earns $248.8 million for owners and employees of local hospitality businesses
  • Collects $48.8 million in tax revenue to elevate the community

*Source: Travel Texas, Texas Research Dashboard (2024).

Six women stand behind a Visit The Woodlands booth at National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW). Most of them are wearing matching blue T-shirts with an image of The Woodlands swan boats on them. Three are holding laminated paddles with wooden handles to hand out as fans for the event. The booth is covered in a hot pink cloth with "VISIT THE WOODLANDS TEXAS" in bold white text. On the table is a sign that says "NTTW" and features all kinds of giveaway swag (VTW brochures, maps of The Woodlands, sunglasses, postcards, etc.).

VISIT THE WOODLANDS POP-UP

Visit The Woodlands will recognize its Tourism Award Honorees at Hospitality Industry Appreciation Night on May 8 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Taking place during Concert in the Park at Market Street, guests are free to enjoy an evening of live music and heartfelt speeches. The Visit The Woodlands' team will be on-site to share information about the impact of tourism in The Woodlands as well as how their organization supports the community year-round. Drop by their booth for complimentary swag items like sunglasses, fans, miniature trolleys, and more.

Treeventure rope walk

TSAE Attendees on Swan Boat Excursion

WEEK-LONG DISCOUNTS

National Travel & Tourism Week is the perfect time to explore The Woodlands! Visit The Woodlands is offering $5 off admission for Texas TreeVentures, Riva Row Boat House, Lakes Edge Boat House, and Swans at The Mall from May 1-31, with discount code NTTW2025.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK

Traditionally, National Travel & Tourism Week is celebrated during the first full week of May. This year, NTTW will fall on May 4 - 10 (with a pop-up event on May 8) to accommodate U.S. Travel Association's IPW, the leading international inbound travel trade show.

DATE: Thursday, May 8, 2025

TIME: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Central Park on Market Street