Seven Sacramento businesses will celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week May 8-16 by circulating $2 bills in a SpendTom campaign, announced California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC) President and CEO Caroline Beteta. Nearly $100,000 in $2 bills will be distributed statewide
 
The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau will deliver a briefcase filled with $2 bills to Hornblower Cruises at the dock in Old Sacramento on May 7th at 2:30pm.

 “As the rarely seen bills, bearing the portrait of Thomas Jefferson (hence “SpendTom.com”), make their way through the state, they will act as a reminder of the scope and economic impact of the tourism industry in California,” Beteta noted. “Although tourism is the second-largest export industry in the Golden State, it often gets overlooked as an economic driver.”

Tourism is big business in Sacramento, one of the destinations participating in CTTC’s public awareness campaign. “Many people don’t realize that travel and hospitality support 26,800 jobs and generate more than $156 million in state and local tax receipts and more than $2.49 billion in travel spending in our community,” said Steve Hammond, Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau president & CEO.

Those who receive a $2 bill in their change are encouraged to visit SpendTom.com and learn how they can enter for a chance to win a variety of prizes, such as weekend getaways, attraction passes and more. Entries must be posted online by Sunday, May 31.

Tourism-related businesses throughout Sacramento were invited to participate on a first-come, first-served basis, and seven have embraced the program to date, including: