From 10:15 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Niagara Falls will be illuminated red — the official color of the travel industry — in support of National Travel and Tourism Week.

Celebrated annually in May, the week spotlights the industry’s role in powering the nation’s economy, cultivating vibrant communities and forging connections. Travel stimulates economic growth and creates quality jobs.

A study by Tourism Economics revealed that in 2022, traveler expenditure in Niagara County totaled $969 million, with 23% of the county’s workforce engaged in tourism-related occupations. This led to more than $54 million in local taxes attributed to tourism. Notably, without these tourism-generated taxes, households in Niagara County would need to contribute an additional $1,100 to uphold current government revenue levels.

“National Travel and Tourism Week provides a chance to underscore the remarkable contributions that travel and tourism make to our community and economy, for both visitors and residents alike,” John Percy, president & CEO of Destination Niagara USA, said.