Media Release

​ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - In celebration of the 32nd annual National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) from May 1, through May 7, 2016, the “Visit Gainesville,” (the Alachua County Visitors and Convention Bureau) has organized a program to salute the tourism industry and the partners who make this area attractive to visitors from across the globe. This nationwide event, established in 1983, celebrates the industry as a vital component to the economic stability, security and perception of the United States as a whole, and specifically Alachua County.

The goal of NTTW is to highlight the powerful economic, social and cultural impacts of travel through events and celebrations that recognize the contributions of the travel industry.

On Tuesday, May 3, Visit Gainesville sponsors the annual bed-making competition at the Wyndham Garden Hotel (2900 SW 13th Street, Gainesville). At this event, local hotel housekeeping staff compete against one another for prizes and recognition.

On Wednesday, May 4, Visit Gainesville sponsors the Hospitality Council Luncheon at Eastside High School. The luncheon includes a special catering menu designed and prepared by students of the Eastside Institute of Culinary Arts program. At the event the County’s service award winners, voted on by their peers, are announced, and guests are treated to the dessert making competition.

Additionally, several attractions in Alachua County are offering complimentary or reduced admission offers, or discounts at local restaurants. Participating organizations include: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, Historic Haile Homestead, Florida Museum of Natural History & “Butterfly Rainforest,” Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Dudley Farm Historic State Park, O’leno State Park, River Rise Preserve State Park, Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, and Kika Silva Pla Planetarium at Santa Fe College.

Specific offers and locations are available online.

Visit Gainesville is the official tourism sales and marketing organization for Gainesville and Alachua County, dedicated to the promotion of the area to visitors around the world. The Alachua County Hospitality Council is a non-profit member-based organization comprised of local and regional sales and marketing professionals in the hospitality industry.

For more information, contact Visit Gainesville Director of Marketing Mary Reichardt at 352-374-5260 or MReichardt@VisitGainesville.com.