As hundreds of cities, states and businesses across the country continue to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, the City of Arlington wants everyone to understand the economic benefits of travel and tourism in our wonderful city.

Arlington is home to some of the best attractions in the region - Six Flags Over Texas, Cowboys Stadium, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, International Bowling Museum, and many other top-flight attractions.

Based on the 2008-2010 City Tourism Impact Study, here are few Arlington area travel and tourism facts, as estimated by Experience Arlington:

• More than 6.5 million travelers - those who made an overnight trip or traveled in excess of 50 miles for a day-trip - visit the city each year.
• In 2010, visitor spending in Arlington totaled $593 million. Tourism accounts for a $6.3 billion in economic impact and another $1.8 billion in indirect economic impact.
• Tourism spending supports 10,500 jobs within Arlington, making up 8.8% of all private employment. Of these, 7,800 were directly supported by tourism spending. Tourism generated an additional 1,400 indirect jobs and 1,250 induced jobs.
• Travelers spent $168 million in restaurants, $160.3 million for entertainment, $103.3 million for lodging, and $161.1 million for a broad range of services including transportation and shopping.
• In 2010, spending by travelers in Arlington generated $55.1 million in state and local taxes, and $65.9 in federal taxes.

(Source: City Tourism Impact Study - 2008-2010)

According to the study, food & beverage as well as entertainment comprise the two largest spending categories for visitors to Arlington. Spending on dining options in Arlington represents 28.3% of all travel and tourism spending, while entertainment consumes 27.1 cents of every tourist dollar spent in 2010.