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Tourism gains lead Governor's weekly message

Delaware Public Media

Gov. Jack Markell (D) is touting the economic benefits of focusing on tourism in his latest weekly message.

Markell notes that Delaware’s economy is expanding after years of contraction during the recent recession and that businesses are looking to grow here.

 

“Part of those efforts must include realizing the full potential of our state’s high quality of life and abundant natural resources that are making Delaware an in-demand destination for visitors and we’re seeing what’s possible when we make that a priority,” Markell said.

 

He points to a recent report funded by the Delaware Tourism Office that found the industry now contributes $3 billion to the state’s economy.

 

It also accounts for 41,000 jobs and 14 percent of the total job growth in 2014.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2JecChuCNc&feature=youtu.be

 

You can read Gov. Jack Markell's weekly message transcript below:

 

We have no higher priority than ensuring good jobs are available to all Delawareans who want them. While our work is not done, the state’s expanding economy is putting more of our people to work than ever. 

 

We recently set a record for consecutive years of job growth, adding more than fifteen thousand jobs over the past two years alone. Our unemployment rate is at its lowest in more than 8 years.

 

Building on that progress means continuing to invest in a skilled workforce and foster a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship and innovation. Part of those efforts must include realizing the full potential of our state’s high quality of life and abundant natural resources that are making Delaware an in-demand destination for visitors.

 

We are seeing what’s possible when we make that a priority.

 

Last year, tourism brought a record number of people to Delaware – eight million visitors - up by five hundred thousand over the year before.  And our visitors are staying longer and spending more money here than ever before – whether it’s to enjoy pristine beaches, scenic waterways, world-class shopping throughout the state, as well as many cultural attractions, from historic sites in Dover to performances by our thriving arts community.

 

A study recently released by the Delaware Tourism Office shows that tourism now contributes three billion dollars to Delaware’s economy and generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.  The industry provides employment for forty-one thousand jobs and accounted for fourteen percent of our job growth in 2014.

 

Together with chambers of commerce and other organizations, we will continue attracting millions more people to Delaware.

 

That will help drive employment growth, create new business opportunities, and sustain our economic success. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.