Highlighted by the tagline “Travel Matters,” the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, kicked off Tourism Makes Me Smile/National Travel and Tourism Week with a rally at the Downtown Orlando Visitors Center to show firsthand how travel benefits Central Florida. “Travel and tourism plays a key role in the Central Florida economy, to the tune of over $30 billion a year,” said Gary Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando/Orange County CVB. “Our community relies on travel for tax revenue and jobs and the benefits these bring to our economy. With today’s event we hope to raise awareness and showcase why travel matters to Central Florida.” Pictured above, iconic characters from Orlando area attractions including Pirate's Dinner Adventure, Gatorland, Medieval Times, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort, joined Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (center) and Orlando CVB President & CEO Gary Sain (right) at a rally on May 12th in downtown Orlando celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week.