Heritage Corridor Destinations Celebrates the Impact of Tourism During 42nd Annual National Travel and Tourism Week

Heritage Corridor Destinations (HCD) proudly joins U.S. Travel Association’s nationwide celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) May 3-9, 2026, recognizing the profound impact travel has on our economy, workforce, and communities. 

As the U.S. Travel Association highlights, the travel industry remains a critical driver of economic prosperity. In 2025 alone, it generated $3 trillion in economic output and supported over 15 million American jobs, representing 2.4% of the nation’s GDP.  

“The World Cup is weeks away. America's 250th birthday is right behind it. Tens of millions of visitors are coming, and the travel industry is what makes that possible. National Travel and Tourism Week is our moment to make sure every policymaker, every community leader, and every American understands what is at stake and what this industry delivers,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “The numbers speak for themselves: $3 trillion, 15 million jobs, and a decade of global events about to arrive on our doorstep.” 

Across the six Heritage Corridor counties, visitor spending reached more than $1.6 billion in 2024, according to research from Tourism Economics and the Illinois Office of Tourism.  More than 12,300 people are employed in tourism jobs across the region. Visitors are generating nearly $56 million in local taxes, which are used to fund and improve the communities and counties along the historic I&M Canal National Heritage Area, Starved Rock Country, and The First Hundred Miles of Route 66. 

Heritage Corridor Destinations staff will be celebrating the impact of travel and tourism at a variety of events and festivities during National Travel and Tourism Week, including:  

• Champions of Change Awards Night – On Wednesday, May 6, HCD tourism coordinator Donna Nordstrom will be honored with the Community Cornerstone Award from the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce for her 14 years of dedication to serving the visitors and communities in the Heritage Corridor region. The Community Cornerstone Award highlights community leaders who champion innovation, service, and commitment to growing the Illinois Valley. 

• Run Starved Rock Country - On Saturday, May 9, LaSalle County will welcome running enthusiasts and spectators for a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon race series. For more than 10 years, runners have had the opportunity to experience the majestic scenery along the Illinois River and throughout Starved Rock State Park, and to celebrate their athletic achievements with medals and local libations. HCD will be staffing a hydration station to support this year’s athletes. 

• Travels with Darley - On Saturday, May 9 - Sunday, May 10, Darley Newman’s award-winning PBS travel program, Travels with Darley, will film its 100th episode at locations throughout The First Hundred Miles of Route 66, including the new Joliet City Square and the iconic Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket. HCD staff will host Newman and her team as they document the region’s attractions and interview key business owners. 

• Hospitality Happy Hour – In 2025, Heritage Corridor Festivals recognized 28 key tourism partners and their staff with Hospitality Happy Hours (HHH). These events celebrated honorees with refreshments, snacks, and HCD swag. During NTTW, HCD staff will visit the HHH honorees to wish them a happy National Travel and Tourism Week and a successful tourism season.  

“Travel drives economic opportunity and strengthens and shapes our communities,” said Robert Navarro, President and CEO of Heritage Corridor Destinations. “Participating in National Travel and Tourism Week allows us to celebrate our partners and the businesses and individuals who make our community a vibrant destination for domestic and internation visitors.”