A resolution naming the month of December as Nashville Hospitality Month, in recognition of the "Let Freedom Sing" campaign to encourage Nashvillians and visitors to Nashville to enjoy the Hospitality of Nashville and Davidson County.

WHEREAS, the Hospitality industry of Davidson County has been dealt a serious blow by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, as a direct result of those terrorist attacks, Nashville hotels suffered 68 group cancellations for a total loss of 15,600 room nights; and

WHEREAS, hotels in Davidson County thereby lost revenue in the two weeks following September 11 of more than $8,000,000.00; and

WHEREAS, the result of these impacts in the hospitality and tourism industry alone have been a decrease in economic activity in Davidson County of more than $35,000,000.00 from September 11 to October 11; and

WHEREAS, passenger boardings at Nashville's International Airport have been down more than thirty percent over the same period in previous years; and

WHEREAS, business travel was already down fifteen percent prior to the events of September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, the September hotel tax collections have suffered so significantly as to result in the reduction in the Convention and Visitor Bureau's marketing budget of as much as $200,000.00 in that single month as well as a reduction in the General Fund of at least $500,000, and

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Council of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County;

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby designates the month of December of 2001, as Nashville Hospitality Month in recognition of the "Let Freedom Sing" campaign and encourages Nashville's Hospitality industry and the Government of Nashville to make every effort to encourage Nashvillians and visitors to Nashville to enjoy the hospitality of Nashville's attractions, hotels, restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Leo Waters

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Substitute Introduced:	November 20, 2001
Adopted:	November 20, 2001
Approved:	November 21, 2001
By: