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WHEREAS, travel and tourism are critically important to the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County's economic prosperity;
WHEREAS, travel to and within the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County provides significant economic benefits, generating $4.8 billion dollars in direct spending by travelers each year;
WHEREAS, travel is a significant contributor to employment in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, supporting nearly 40,000 jobs and creating $1.2 billion dollars in labor income;
WHEREAS, travel spending in Allegheny County directly generates $299 million in state and local taxes that support essential services and programs;
WHEREAS, leisure travel, which accounts for more than three-quarters of all trips taken, spurs creativity, cultural awareness, education, productivity, and wellness;
WHEREAS, meetings and conventions are core business functions that help companies strengthen performance, align and educate employees and customers, and reward accomplishments while promoting the City of Pittsburgh to professionals around the world;
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh is rated among National Geographic Traveler's Best of the World Places to Visit in 2012.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize VisitPittsburgh for their efforts to promote travel and tourism in the City and region; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare May 11, 2012 to be "Travel and Tourism Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.