Whereas, The National Tour Association (NTA) is an international community of nearly 4,000 tourism professionals involved in the growth and development of the packaged travel industry; and,

Whereas, Packaged travel is defined as a trip arranged by a travel professional that includes at least two travel elements, such as transportation and accommodations; and,

Whereas, NTA comprises members from 28 countries and is committed to providing business opportunities and knowledge to its members, while offering a collaborative, caring environment in which to build relationships; and,

Whereas, According to a 2001 study titled “Packaged Travel in North America,” packaged travelers spent approximately $166 billion for overnight travel to destinations worldwide in and approximately $99 billion on trips to destinations in the United States; and,

Whereas, Overall the tourism industry contributes $16 billion to Michigan’s economy annually, accounting for 182,000 jobs, and generating $853 million in state tax revenues; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of November 4, 2005, as National Tour Association Week in Michigan.