AUSTIN, Texas, April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To recognize Texas' robust travel industry and its important contributions to the state economy, Gov. Rick Perry has designated May 5-13 as Texas Travel and Tourism Week. State and local tourism entities will hold events and travel rallies marking the occasion across the state during the week. 

"The Texas travel industry is an important part of our state's economy, with travel spending supporting approximately 530,000 jobs and generating nearly $4 billion in state and local taxes in 2011," Texas Tourism Director Julie Chase said. "We encourage Texans who are planning vacations for the summer and beyond to explore and enjoy some of the exciting attractions the Lone Star State has to offer."

Texas continues to be one of the nation's leading travel destinations. Travel and tourism is one of the state's largest industries, with an estimated 208.3 million domestic travelers visiting Texas destinations in 2011. Total travel spending was more than $63 billion, a 10 percent increase over 2010.

Tuesday, May 8 is U.S. Travel Rally Day, a central part of National Travel and Tourism Week. The Governor's Division of Economic Development and Tourism, with the support of local travel industry partners, will highlight tourism's positive economic impact on the state and encourage travel in Texas at a travel rally featuring industry speakers and local performers on May 8 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Winspear Opera House in the Dallas Arts District.

For more details on Texas Travel and Tourism Week activities statewide and on the economic impact of travel in Texas, please visit www.travel.state.tx.us.

To learn more about Texas travel events and destinations, or to order a free Texas State Travel Guide, please visit www.TravelTex.com,and connect with Texas Tourism on Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE Texas Tourism