Travel Industry Association of America (TIA)

www.tia.org
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Record Number Of Americans To
Take Old-Fashioned Family Road Trips This Summer
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Washington, DC � May 2003 � With the war over and consumer confidence rising, Americans are getting back to travel with 82 percent planning to take at least one trip this summer, according to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA). A record number of Americans will be staying within the U.S. and driving to their destinations. Research indicates that travelers are looking for flexible, affordable, hassle-free vacations to create their own unique memorable experiences.

TIA and the Department of Transportation have joined forces to showcase America�s Byways and All-American Roads. Officially launching this week, See America�s Byways is designed to encourage Americans and international visitors to explore America�s culture and heritage. Visitors to the non-profit www.seeamerica.org web site will find itineraries for hundreds of trips by clicking on the SeeAmerica�s Byways icon. The information will help make the traveling public aware of historic, recreational, cultural and scenic attractions throughout America.
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Itineraries are available in every state ranging from one-day trips from major gateway cities to one-week trips and more. Maps and photos are available for most trips, along with a detailed description of what to do and see along the way.

�The old-fashioned great American road trip is making a comeback,� remarked Betsy O�Rourke, senior vice president of marketing for the Travel Industry Association of America.

�People are looking to reconnect with their family and with their country�s heritage as well as explore parts of the country they haven�t seen since they were a kid on a family vacation,� O�Rourke continued. �That�s why these trips along America�s Byways are so timely. They showcase our country�s natural beauty, its culture and its heritage and give travelers the chance to pick and choose what they want to see and do within their own timeframes and budgets.�

SeeAmerica�s Byways are a two-tiered designation consisting of 20 All-American Roads and 75 National Scenic Byways. All-American Roads are America�s finest byways: the best of the best. They are destinations unto themselves and an exciting adventure for all ages. NationalScenic Byways possess outstanding qualities that exemplify the regional characteristics of America. Combined the scenic byways and all-American roads cover more than 25,000 miles of roadway in 39 states. Nine of the scenic byways pass through more than one state.

Travel Industry Association of America
TIA (www.tia.org) is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $537 billion travel industry. TIA's mission is to represent the whole of the U.S. travel industry to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States.

Contact:
Cathy Keefe (Manager, Media Relations)
202-408-8422
ckeefe@tia.org , www.tia.org

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