The week of May 7 through 15 is National Tourism Week and Troy Director of Tourism Shelia Jackson said she has become keenly aware of the importance of what those who work in the hospitality and tourism industry do.

“From gas station attendants and waiters to restaurant owners and hotel operators, we owe a debt of gratitude to those who work behind the scenes and, in the forefront to make the tourism industry what it is,” Jackson said. “For several years, we have been working hand-in-hand with Mayor Jimmy Lunsford, city leaders and our industry partners to increase the visibility and awareness of Troy and Pike County as premier destinations for tourism and economic and community development.”

Jackson said National Tourism Week is a special time set aside to celebrate and advocate the area’s exceptional hospitality and tourism industry. “From nearly 900 employees in the tourism industry in Pike County to all of us that benefit from Alabama tourism, together we create the faces of tourism,” Jackson said. “Pike County and Alabama need tourism to create and preserve jobs and fuel economic growth. Those who visit our home county help to improve our quality of life. They help to continue to make Troy and Pike County an area especially known for its diverse culture.”

, natural resources and its wonderful people.”