By Heather Hughes

The word travel invokes ideas of boarding a plane or ship, packing a tent or minivan. But lately, a picture has emerged of travel as a health regimen for our bodies, minds, relationships, workplaces and economy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the U.S. travel industry recovered faster than other sectors, restoring 111 percent of the jobs lost to the recession while the rest of the economy has only recovered 90 percent.

Travel is among the top 10 employers in 49 states, directly employing about eight million people at a payroll of $209 billion. Throw in jobs supported by travel, and the number almost doubles to 15 million workers: one of every nine American jobs.

U.S. residents and international visitors now pump more than $28,000 per second into cash registers across the U.S. It adds up to $2.1 trillion, more than $130 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues.

Travelers to Colorado spent $16.2 billion in 2012 and generated $2.8 billion to federal, state and local governments, helping to fund jobs and public programs.

The 148,700 jobs created by these travelers in 2012 represent 8 percent of the state’s nonfarm employment. Without these jobs, Colorado’s 2010 unemployment rate of 8 percent would have been 14 percent. For every $1 million spent in Colorado by domestic and international travelers, nine jobs are created.

But travel doesn’t just grow our economy; it connects people, and keeps us healthy and happy.

Personal benefits of travel

Looking for lasting love? Couples that travel together are more likely to make it past the five-year mark and less likely to divorce. They’re also more likely to share goals and more easily overcome differences.

Want a closer family? More than 90 percent of kids see family vacations as a chance for “quality time” with their parents. Kids who travel are more likely to earn a college degree, and have a $5,000-higher median income as adults.

Feeling down? People who travel are less stressed and happier at work. Eight in 10 seniors say travel makes them feel energized. Studies show that into our 50s and beyond, we remember childhood trips more vividly than birthday parties or other special occasions.

What you can do

In celebration of National Travel & Tourism Week, May 3-11, Mesa Verde National Park Superintendent Cliff Spencer, will be on Denver’s 9News. Tune in May 8 at 8:30 a.m. to see Cliff promoting our beautiful area.

Show your support for tourism and its economic benefits this week by contacting Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall to encourage them to renew a program called Brand USA. Brand USA promotes the U.S. to international travelers, last year attracting an extra 1.1 million visitors to the U.S. and generating $7.4 billion in business sales at a 47-to-1 return on investment.

Second, encourage them to pass the Jobs Originated through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act. This bill would make it easier for low-risk international travelers to come to the U.S., in part by adding more countries to the very effective Visa Waiver Program. Including just 10 of the proposed countries will bring $7 billion more to our economy and support 40,000 American jobs. Third, hold time off in the esteem it deserves. Americans leave 429 million paid days off unused every year. One in three workers gives up paid leave. That culture needs to change.

So take a few minutes this week to think about how you can support and encourage travel — perhaps as an employer, a leader in your community or just for you and your family. The travel effect pays back in spades.

Heather Hughes is the Tourism Director at Mesa Verde Country.