AUSTIN,
TX – Wednesday evening nearly 1,100 travel industry
professionals from throughout the state gathered at
the Texas Travel Industry Association’s (TTIA) annual
Unity Dinner to celebrate Texas tourism and honor Texas
State Representative Vilma Luna. Representative Luna
was presented the Silver Spur Award by TTIA on behalf
of the entire travel industry.
"I
am honored to receive this award from an organization
that ensures Texas' travel industry remains competitive,”
said Representative Vilma Luna. The Silver Spur Award
is presented annually to honor state and public officials
who demonstrate continuing and extraordinary support
for Texas’ travel and tourism industry. Representative
Luna is a strong advocate for Texas tourism and was
instrumental in supporting the industry during the past
legislative session.
In
2002 the Texas travel and tourism industry contributed
$41.4 billion to the Texas economy and directly employed
more than 451,000 Texans. In Nueces County alone, direct
travel spending in 2002 reached $606.1 million.
"From
planning a quick getaway over a three day weekend to
deciding where to spend summer vacation, tourism truly
affects the lives of every family in Texas,” said Representative
Luna. “A healthy tourism industry provides jobs, stimulates
the economy and improves the quality of life for all
Texans and is especially important to the entire Coastal
Bend region."
For
more information about the Silver Spur Award, Unity
Dinner or the Texas Travel Industry Association, visit
www.ttia.org or contact Erin Kerley at (512) 476-4472.
TTIA
is a non-profit organization made up of businesses,
organizations, associations and individuals dedicated
to developing Texas tourism to its fullest potential.
TTIA's purpose is to help ensure the most effective
tourism program possible, by complementing and maximizing
the results of promotional efforts of private businesses,
city and regional organizations and the State of Texas.
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