Office of the Mayor
Proclamation
Lawrence, Kansas
WHEREAS: Travel has a positive effect on Lawrence and the nation’s economic prosperity and image abroad, and impacts business productivity and to individual travelers’ well-being; and
WHEREAS: Travel to and within the United States provides significant economic benefits for the nation, generating more than $2.1 trillion in economic output in 2014, with $927.9 billion spent directly by travelers. The travel industry generates $141 billion in tax revenues; and
WHEREAS: In Lawrence and Douglas County, visitors spent $227 million in 2014, with spending growing by 7.7%. Visitor spending in Lawrence and Douglas County ranks 5th among all counties in the state. This spending directly supports 2,548 jobs providing an income of $56 million to staff. Tourism in Lawrence and Douglas County generated $36.3 million in tax revenues in 2014 with $21.4 million returned to state and local governments; and
WHEREAS: Business travel helps companies strengthen performance, educate employees and customers and reward business accomplishments, which in turn boosts the U.S. economy; and
WHEREAS: Leisure travel, which accounts for more than three-quarters of all trips taken in the United States, spurs countless benefits to travelers’ health and wellness, creativity, cultural awareness, education, happiness, productivity, and relationships.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Amyx, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim the week of May 1 – 7, 2016 as
in Lawrence.
May 3, 2016