Instructions: Customize this letter for submission to your state legislator, county executive or mayor. Simply edit it to relate to your business. At the bottom of the letter, add the name of the person sending the letter (usually the chief executive officer), the organization’s name and the city/state. In the body of the letter, insert the correct information in each blank and include local economic travel data and other facts as appropriate.

[Date]

[Address]

Dear _______:

I am writing to you as a member of one of the state’s largest industries. Travel and tourism is vital to [insert name of city, county state]‘s prosperity.

We join hundreds of cities and states in an annual salute to the economic, social and cultural benefits of travel.

Tourism is diverse and wide-ranging, from small business to global corporations including sectors such as hotels, airlines, rental cars, taxis and motorcoaches, and countless community features such as restaurants, museums, zoos, parks, beaches and events.

Tourism is a growing industry. It’s a clean industry. And, at a critical point for the national economy, tourism is a demand generator for other business.

In Washington State, visitors spend $13.9 billion, generates state and local taxes of $912 million and supports 146,500 jobs. Nationally, tourism is a $1.6 trillion industry, supporting 7.5 million jobs spanning all career levels. It generates $110 billion in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments, money that reduces taxes paid by local residents, encourages entrepreneurial opportunities, and generates community pride and enthusiasm. But those impressive numbers don’t reflect the whole story. Travel and tourism is America’s front door, leading to countless measures of goodwill among travelers from near and far.

Please join us in celebrating tourism’s contributions in [insert name of city, county or state] by supporting tourism efforts.

Sincerely,

[Insert name of chief executive officer, Organization name, City, State]