The Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is recognizing National Travel and Tourism Week with a celebration from May 1 through May 7. The week will highlight contributions by the United States travel industry to the Greater Fayetteville area communities.

This year's theme is Future of Travel, emphasizing the role travel plays in driving economic growth and community building. 

With the efforts of the FACVB and the community, Cumberland County Tourism is a strong economic driver for the state, with the impact ranking the county 10th among all North Carolina counties. 

To connect travelers with the Greater Fayetteville area, the FACVB recently initiated a tourism research project that will serve as the foundation for strategic marketing and media planning for 2022 and beyond. 

"The information gathered from our research will help optimize community assets and the community tourism brand," said Randy Fiveash, interim president and CEO of FACVB. "We want to strengthen the tourism industry and reinvigorate our contribution to the local community. The FACVB also encourages everyone in the community to aid in the continuation of the area's growth and assist in shaping tourism in the greater Fayetteville area."

Tourism in Cumberland County generates more than $600 million for the local economy, creating additional income-generating opportunities for local businesses.