AAA Western and Central New York is celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), which runs from Sunday, May 2nd – Saturday, May 8th. The annual observance highlights the contributions of the U.S. travel industry. Last year, the theme was the Spirit of Travel in recognition of the industry’s resiliency. This year, the 38th annual NTTW theme is Power of Travel, recognizing the industry’s role in bringing back vibrant communities, restoring the U.S. economy, rebuilding the travel workforce and reconnecting America. 

Before the pandemic, travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S., according to the U.S. Travel Association.

“NTTW takes on a special significance this year as the travel industry looks to rebound quickly from the pandemic and accelerate recovery efforts,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. 

AAA Western and Central New York is saluting the power of travel and the power of AAA travel agents this week. “AAA Western and Central New York is ready and eager to welcome back travelers who are anxious to book much-awaited vacations,” said Carol DiOrio, AAA Western and Central New York’s Vice President of Travel. “Our travel agents have worked diligently throughout the pandemic to rebook and reschedule trips. National Travel and Tourism Week is an opportunity to remind travelers of the incredible contributions of the travel industry and the value of a travel agent.”

Here are AAA’s top 3 reasons to use the power of a AAA travel agent:

• A Travel Agent Can Handle the Unexpected
  • Between weather delays, natural disasters, flight cancellations, lost luggage and much more, a lot can happen on vacation. Travel agents act as the traveler’s advocate in the event something goes wrong, helping navigate the challenge of making any necessary itinerary changes.
• Travel Agents Offer Expert Recommendations
  • A knowledgeable travel agent will make personalized recommendations and offer tips on destinations, what to see and do while on vacation, the best and worst times to travel, and much more.
• Travel Agents Take the Stress Out of Planning
  • Agents help clients in all types of situations and are immersed in travel full-time, they’re aware of details a traveler might not think of when planning on their own. The expert knowledge gives them foresight to avert potential crises.

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S. As the travel industry starts a new chapter, NTTW will spotlight the critical role that travel will play in driving economic recovery especially during this post-pandemic travel recovery. 

Travelers can book their next trip at www.AAA.com/Travel, reach AAA Travel directly at 800-937-1222 or contact a AAA Travel Agent, or visit www.AAA.com.  Visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about the week.