Celebrated in May, National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate theeconomic power of travel in the U.S. This year marks the 41st anniversary of NTTW with the theme “Travel is Essential”. Travel plays an essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating job opportunities, inspiring new businesses, and elevating quality of life. 

Bedford County Tourism (Destination Bedford) works diligently to continue the trend of bringing increased tax revenues through promoting Bedford as an attractive destination for visitors. The latest figures from the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Tourism Economics show that direct travel expenditures by visitors to Bedford grew to $71.4 million dollars in 2022, the highest on record. Travel to and within Bedford County has made a substantial contribution to Bedford’s tourism-related industry, business and attractions, supporting more than 500 jobs and generating more than $2.7 million dollars in local taxes. 

“My daily work is devoted to ensuring a strong and successful tourism program for Bedford County,” said Nicole Johnson, Director of Tourism for Bedford County. “Bedford boasts a tremendous portfolio of tourism attractions that bring people to our community. We’re home to the Peaks of Otter and have more mileage of Blue Ridge Parkway than any other county in Virginia. We have Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, the National D-Day Memorial, Smith Mountain Lake, the Bottled in Bedford Craft Beverage Trail, world-class disc golf, and dozens of other attractions.”

Residents are encouraged to participate in National Travel & Tourism Week, May 19-25, by enjoying the area’s many scenic, historic, recreational, and leisure attractions, as well as activities and events. 

Visit www.DestinationBedfordVA.com or stop by the Bedford Area Welcome Center at 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford, to find out more.