Monday, May 3, 2010 - St. Lucie County TDC Celebrates Tourism Week

The St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council (TDC) is joining other cities, states and businesses nationwide in the annual salute to travel and tourism in America, presented by the U.S. Travel Association.

National Travel and Tourism Week is (NTTW) a collective effort to promote the power of travel through customized events in communities nationwide.  The goal is to enhance the country's economy, security and perception, and to recognize the cultural and social benefits created by travel and tourism.

The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, the City of Fort Pierce and the City of Port St. Lucie will each issue a proclamation at upcoming meetings recognizing NTTW.  In addition, the TDC and the St. Lucie County Hotel & Lodging Association (SLC HLA) will be hosting the "Tourism Matters" tent from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. at the annual Fort Pierce Boat Show in downtown Fort Pierce on Saturday, May 8 - the first day of tourism week.  In addition to the boat show, downtown Fort Pierce will be buzzing with other outdoor festivities including the annual Hibiscus Offshore Big 3 Fishing Tournament, the weekly Arts & Crafts show and the weekly Fort Pierce Farmers' Market.

Representatives from St. Lucie County hotels and attractions will be in the "Tourism Matters" tent to hand out information and talk to attendees about the importance of tourism.  The tent will also feature displays, giveaways and demonstrations from local attractions.  In addition, St. Lucie County hospitality employees will have a chance to win $175 is cash prizes and must sign up at the tent to win.

"In these difficult times, we want our residents to remember that we live in a very special place filled with fantastic things to see and do.  And when residents learn more about them, they become ambassadors for tourism," said Charlotte Lombard, St. Lucie County tourism coordinator.

The Annual National Travel and Tourism Week will be celebrated May 8 - 16.

For more information call Charlotte Lombard at (772) 462-1539 or e-mail lombardc@stlucieco.org. For more information about St. Lucie County tourism visit: www.visitstluciefla.com.