Visitors of various Welcome Centers throughout Tennessee will find giveaways such as samples of top Tennessee products and free passes to top attractions during the 21st Annual National Tourism Week, May 8-16.

"National Tourism Week is a chance to introduce travelers to the excellent travel and tourism opportunities that we have in Tennessee," said Ray Page, Director of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development's 13 Welcome Centers. "We'll have fantastic freebies throughout the week, from food and snacks to vacations for the entire family."

Coupons for complimentary lodging, meals and entertainment, including admission to many of Tennessee's top tourism attractions, will be offered to travelers throughout the week.

Tourism organizations from across the state participating in the weeklong event, include: the Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau; Cocke County Tourism; the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau; Lookout Mountain Attractions, the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Nashville Attractions Coalition; the Northwest Tennessee Tourism Organization; the City of Pigeon Forge; the Tourism Association of Southwest Tennessee; the City of Vonore; the Chambers of Commerce in Bristol, Crossville, Giles County, Greeneville, Kingsport, Portland, Scott County, Smith County, Smithville; and others.

National Tourism Week is designed to showcase the impact tourism has on the nation's economy and to show appreciation to tourists. It is supported in Tennessee by Chambers of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureaus, individual attractions, and Tennessee's Department of Tourist Development, one of the most progressive state tourism agencies.

In April, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development launched an innovative, technology-driven news bureau to take the state's tourism industry news to local, regional, national and international media. The Department also created a new statewide tourism marketing campaign, "Tennessee. The stage is set for you!", featuring entertainment legends Dolly Parton and Isaac Hayes as promoters of their home state's tourism opportunities.

Tourism is one of Tennessee's largest industries, employing more than 173,000 workers and generating nearly $10.3 billion in direct revenues last year. The state is home to numerous international attractions, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Grand Ole Opry, the National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, the Jack Daniel Distillery, The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Dolly Parton's Dollywood theme park, the Memphis Zoo, the Bristol Motor Speedway, and more.

Welcome Centers recognizing National Tourism Week, including dates of participation, include:

Ardmore Welcome Center, (May 10)
I-65 south of Nashville on the AL line
Phone: (931) 468-2654

Bristol Welcome Center (May 10-14)
I-81 northeast of Knoxville on the VA line
Phone: (423) 764-5821

Chattanooga I-75 Welcome Center (May 11-14)
South of Chattanooga on the GA line
(423) 894-6399

Clarksville Welcome Center (May 10)
I-24, northwest of Nashville on the KY line
Phone: (931) 648-5510

Dyersburg Welcome Center (May 14)
I-155 east, four miles west of Dyersburg
Phone: (731) 286-8323

Hartford I-40 (May 8, 10, 13-16)
Southeast of Newport on the NC line
Phone: (423) 487-3258

Jellico Welcome Center (May 11-14)
I-75 north of Knoxville on the KY line
Phone: (423) 784-7738

Memphis I-55 Welcome Center (May 13)
On the Mississippi line
Phone: (901) 543-7628

Memphis I-40 Welcome Center (May 8-16)
119 North Riverside Drive, just off I-40
Phone: (901) 543-6757

Mitchellville Welcome Center, (May 10)
I-65 north of Nashville on the KY line
Phone: (615) 325-4721

Nickajack Welcome Center (May 12-13)
I-24 West of Chattanooga on the AL line
Phone: (423) 942-0933

Smith County Welcome Center (May 8-14)
I-40 East of Nashville
Phone: (615) 683-6410

Tiftonia Welcome Center (May 11-14)
I-24 in Chattanooga on the AL/GA/TN line
Phone: (423) 821-2628