Tourism is vital to the United States and to Cayuga County, and each year during “See America Week,” our nation takes the opportunity to recognize the economic, social and cultural value of tourism.

Travel and tourism is a $64 million industry in Cayuga County. That number is impressive yet it doesn't reflect just how deep the travel and tourism dollar trickles, promoting real economic development on several levels. Just look at our hotels, motels and inns. These not only provide jobs, but spend money on services and products to run its lodging establishments. Look beyond hotels to the other places travelers like to visit in Cayuga County: museums, restaurants and parks. Like most small businesses they purchase at least some of their supplies and services locally, generating additional revenue for Cayuga County. The travel dollar creates 960 jobs in Cayuga County and generates more than $5 million in local and state taxes that is used to fund educational programs, support social and community projects and much more.

Those figures are impressive to be sure, but the impact tourism has on our quality of life is just as impressive. When a city, town or county makes the investment to preserve historic landmarks, promote cultural treasures and attract shops and restaurants, it's not only the visitor that wins but also the citizens that live in that town. The treasures that visitors enjoy in Cayuga County are the same treasures our citizens enjoy. The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse gives us first class musical theater in the Finger Lakes, but if it was supported only by Cayuga County residents, would it have expanded and renovated? Think of the visitors that come to Cayuga County to see a play - they buy gas, eat a meal, maybe shop a little. This is all good for Cayuga County's economy. Or what about the popular Bass Pro Shops? If only the local community shopped there, would they have ever come to Cayuga County? The answers are obvious. Your favorite attraction, shop or restaurant might not exist without tourists.

The best way to ensure that tourism continues to benefit Cayuga County is for each of us to become ambassadors of our local communities. Reach out to visitors, thank them for choosing your town to visit, help them with directions or point them in the direction of a favorite shop or restaurant. Our great attractions and cultural treasures might bring them here the first time, but it's the people of Cayuga County that will bring them back a second, third and fourth time.

Use “See America Week” to get out and see or do something new in Cayuga County. Here are a few ideas:

- Routes 5&20 Exhibit at the Cayuga Museum - the museum is part of a six-county (135 miles) themed exhibit highlighting the history of Routes 5 and 20, on exhibit May through October.

- “Women in the Outdoors” - seminars geared to the woman who loves the great outdoors, Saturday at Bass Pro Shops in the Fingerlakes Mall.

- Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy with Paul Mecurio at the new Auburn Public Theater on Friday and Saturday.

- Take a hike at the Sterling Lake Shore Park and Nature Center, a spectacular 1,400-acre site with nearly two miles of Lake Ontario shoreline.

- Tour New Hope Mills and stop in its country store for its well-known New Hope Mills pancake mix and other items.

- Take a scenic drive to Aurora and have lunch or dinner at the charming Pumpkin Hill Bistro featuring Cayuga Lake wines and “comfort food with a twist.”

Stop by the Cayuga County Office of Tourism, located at 131 Genesee St. in Auburn, and we'll load you up with brochures, maps and plenty of ideas for things to do. Our hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Meg Vanek is the executive director at the Cayuga County Office of Tourism