• According to National Restaurant Association research, more than two-thirds of tableservice restaurant operators reported that tourists are important to their business.

• The trend is even more prevalent among operators of establishments with higher check sizes, with approximately 40 percent of revenues at fine-dining restaurants coming from tourists.

• Spending by travelers and visitors accounts for roughly 25 percent of revenues at family- and casual-dining restaurants.

According to the Travel Industry Association of America:

• Roughly half of all travelers report that they dine out out when they travel, and that dining out is the most popular activity planned after tourists arrive at a destination.

• The travel-and-tourism industry is the first-, second- or third-largest employer in 29 states.

• 52 million international visitors are expected to travel to the United States in 2006

• The U.S. travel industry is projected to receive more than $662 billion from travelers in 2006.

Check out these sites for more information:

• Travel Industry Association of America: A wealth of tourism data, National Tourism Week information, more.

• U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Tourism Industries: Federal agency that studies and promotes international travel to the U.S.

• Travel Business Roundtable: Hospitality-industry leaders educating legislative leaders on the importance of the industry to the nation's economy.

• World Tourism Organization: U.N.-chartered organization to help countries develop tourism and tourism policy.

• World Travel & Tourism Council: A forum for glocal business leaders to raise awareness of the economic impact of travel and tourism worldwide.

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