As National Travel and Tourism Week 2020 draws to a close, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) is marking the annual tradition, while also tempering the celebration in light of the realities and struggles the hospitality industry is facing in Charlotte. On Friday, May 8 the city skyline will light up purple, the international color of hospitality, and next week a new mural will be unveiled in South End.
The CRVA, in partnership with Charlotte Center City Partners, has commissioned local artist Nick Napoletano to create a mural that celebrates the hospitality industry and the important role it plays in the region’s economy. Featuring the quote “from the silence, a seed of growth is planted” the mural will be located in South End at 201 Rampart Street and 2202-2228 Hawkins Street. The art is intended to acknowledge the challenging times that hospitality professionals such as restaurant workers, small business owners and travel professionals have faced due to COVID-19, yet also illustrate a hopeful and aspirational future for these individuals in our community.
“Now, more than ever, it is crucial to support the hospitality workers who have always supported us,” said Tom Murray, CEO of the CRVA. “Hospitality is our region’s fourth-largest industry and one of the most powerful economic drivers we have. National Travel and Tourism Week is our time to celebrate those workers and businesses and, this year especially, look toward the future with optimism and hope.”
In addition to the new mural and the city skyline light tribute, earlier this week Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles shared a proclamation officially recognizing May 3 – 9 as National Travel and Tourism Week, stating “We owe so much of our growth and economic success to the tourism industry and I hope it bounces back better and stronger when this pandemic is behind us.”
The leisure and hospitality industry employs 1 in 9 residents and is the region’s fourth-largest sector. More than 29 million visitors traveled to Charlotte in 2018, spending $7.4 billion in local businesses, attractions, restaurants and hotels across the region.
