May 10-18 Marks the Silver Anniversary of National Tourism Week

 Fairfax County, VA - Fairfax County joins hundreds of cities, states and businesses nationwide in celebrating National Tourism Week this May 10-18, 2008. In support of this year's Tourism Week, Visit Fairfax and the Travel Industry of America urge vacationers to ‘Discover Great American Traditions' and in so doing, enjoy traveling as a means of making many lasting and vivid memories with friends and family.

"Where in America is there a more varied landscape in which to shop, hike, walk or swim, a more exciting place to hear big name bands?" said Dan Mobley, Interim President and CEO of Visit Fairfax. "I think travelers would be hard-pressed to find a more delicious roster of restaurants owned by renowned chefs or a more comprehensive list of hotels from comfortable to luxury - we have it all here in Fairfax County."

Virginia tourism generates nearly $18 billion in visitor spending, supports more than 200,000 jobs and provides over $1 billion in state and local taxes to Virginia's communities. Fairfax County, with a population that exceeds that of seven states, is an enormous contributor to the thriving tourism industry and is excited to continue to grow in it. This summer, Fairfax County will also give vacationers further incentive to travel by their work with several area hotels and restaurants to promote specialized money-saving offers.

"Now more than ever, support of the tourism industry is crucial," said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. "Tourism has proven to be vital in supporting Virginia's economy, in good financial times and in bad. We invite Virginians to consider the many positive ways that tourism touches their lives - from providing jobs, generating taxes for their communities and preserving our history and culture."

Visit Fairfax is a non-profit organization in charge of Fairfax County's tourism promotion and is directed by many of the County's top tourism and hospitality leaders. For more information, please visit www.fxva.com.