Inaugural Tourism Cares for America Project Helped Clean up America's Front Yard



Hundreds of tourism officials and employees weathered skepticism and rain in effort to clean up Ellis Island

On June 13, 2003, amid skepticism and rain, more than 300 members of the tourism industry responded to President Bush’s call for volunteerism and provided a combined 1120 hours in a single day toward cleaning up the south side of Ellis Island. Tons of debris were removed from the island during the inaugural event of Tourism Cares for America.

"Tourism - Caring for America is exactly the kind of volunteer service President Bush envisioned when he asked all Americans to take time and give back to their communities and country," said John Bridgeland, assistant to the President and director of the USA Freedom Corps. "This program is helping to maintain one of America's treasures – the gateway to America – as Ellis Island was the first stop on American soil for so many of our ancestors." Bridgeland attended the event and recognized the tourism industry for its dedication to preserving and protecting our national landmarks, as well as its help in creating safe and meaningful experiences for visitors to enjoy these treasures.

Transportation executives, hoteliers, tour operators, travel agents, presidents of convention and visitors bureaus and other industry professionals raked leaves, painted and cleaned up the rundown areas on the south-side of the island where the hospital and the contagious disease wards still stand. These areas, which were in deplorable condition, are visible to tourists visiting Ellis Island and the nearby Statue of Liberty Island, as well as to passengers on passing cruise ships and sightseeing boats.

"We selected Ellis Island as our first project because, as the front door to America, it stands as the most symbolic site and the most in need of repair," said Bruce Beckham, executive director of the Travelers Conservation Foundation. "We had high expectations for the event, but were elated by the results. Even the National Park Service was stunned by the amount of work accomplished in one day."

Skeptics didn’t believe an event of this size and scope could be held on the island. "I was one of the skeptics," said David Luchsinger, deputy superintendent of the National Park Service. "But seeing the work you all put in today brought tears to my eyes."

Many prominent tourism organizations and individuals participated as volunteers and sponsors of this event. They included: American Bus Association, American Express, Amtrak, Aramark, Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, B&H Photo-Video, Case & Mann, Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, Collette Vacations, Edelman Public Relations, Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Freeman Decorating, Globus and Cosmos, Gray Line New York Sightseeing, Group Photo, Inc., Home Depot, Innes Communications, J.M. Huber Corporation, Ma Cher, Main Attractions, Marriott Hotels, Maupintour, National Tour Association, New York University, Novotel New York, NYC&Co Convention and Visitors Bureau, Smithsonian Magazine, Spirit Cruises, Starwood Hotels, Student & Youth Travel Association Foundation, Tauck World Discovery, the United States Tour Operators Association, and Worldstrides.