Travelsmart
The U.S. travel and tourism industry is helping Texas in a big way.
Tourism Cares and the Texas Travel Industry Association have partnered to create the Hurricane Harvey Tourism Recovery Fund fund, designed to unite the travel industry and streamline its efforts to assist in rebuilding.
The Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund will support devastated Gulf Coast communities that welcome millions of visitors and support 170,000 tourism jobs.
“The greatest benefit will be felt in destinations like Galveston Island, Beaumont, Port Aransas, Rockport/Fulton and more,” said David Teel, president and CEO of the Texas Travel Industry Association.
“They are dependent on tourism and were also the hardest hit. They’ll need the most help to bounce back. For example, we know the Port Aransas visitor center was a total loss. There will be no shortage of projects to help these special communities recover,” Teel added.
The fund is focused on three main issues:
—The physical restoration of damaged attractions, cultural tourism nonprofits, historical monuments, beaches, visitor centers and more.
—Capacity building and support for nonprofit organizations and their facilities, systems and staff capabilities.
—Other investments based on need, including training on volunteer management, disaster mitigation and planning, plus marketing and communications support.
The fund has been created in order for the travel and tourism industry to have a significant impact on reconstruction.
“This effort is a natural complement to all the wonderful giving we’ve already seen from the travel and tourism industry,” said Mike Rea, CEO of Tourism Cares.
“We can make the greatest difference by giving together with our industry, for our industry—especially in times of crisis. We will leverage not just our donations but also our expertise and influence, and we will share our stories and lessons throughout the industry,” added Rea.
Fund distribution will be led by the Texas Travel Industry Association, which will work with local destinations to assess need, identify the appropriate response and engage with members and partners in Texas.
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