Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority recognizes annual national travel and tourism week
With new mural, mayoral proclamation and purple skyline, the CRVA honors the local Charlotteans who make up the hospitality industry and shares hope in the face of the coronavirus pandemic with this year’s theme: the Spirit of Travel
CHARLOTTE, NC – (May 7, 2020) – As National Travel and Tourism Week 2020 draws to a close, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) is marking the annual tradition, while also tempering the celebration in light of the realities and struggles the hospitality industry is facing in Charlotte. On Friday, May 8 the city skyline will light up purple, the international color of hospitality, and next week a new mural will be unveiled in South End.
The CRVA, in partnership with Charlotte Center City Partners, has commissioned local artist Nick Napoletano to create a mural that celebrates the hospitality industry and the important role it plays in the region’s economy. Featuring the quote "from the silence, a seed of growth is planted" the mural will be located in South End at 201 Rampart Street and 2202-2228 Hawkins Street. The art is intended to acknowledge the challenging times that hospitality professionals such as restaurant workers, small business owners and travel professionals have faced due to COVID-19, yet also illustrate a hopeful and aspirational future for these individuals in our community.
"Now, more than ever, it is crucial to support the hospitality workers who have always supported us," said Tom Murray, CEO of the CRVA. "Hospitality is our region's fourth largest industry and one of the most powerful economic drivers we have. National Travel and Tourism Week is our time to celebrate those workers and businesses and, this year especially, look toward the future with optimism and hope."
In addition to the new mural and the city skyline light tribute, earlier this week Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles shared a proclamation officially recognizing May 3 - 9 as National Travel and Tourism Week, stating "We owe so much of our growth and economic success to the tourism industry and I hope it bounces back better and stronger when this pandemic is behind us."
The leisure and hospitality industry employs 1 in 9 residents and is the region’s fourth largest sector. More than 29 million visitors traveled to Charlotte in 2018, spending $7.4 billion in local businesses, attractions, restaurants and hotels across the region.
A dropbox of images used to inspire the artist and mural can be found here.
About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles’ Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand. For more information, visit charlottesgotalot.com.
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