It's a big weekend in Dallas; the Stars are facing off with the Colorado Avalanche in a Stanley Cup playoff game; the GTE Byron Nelson Golf Classic is in full "swing"; numerous area high schools and colleges are celebrating their first graduation ceremony of the new decade; and of course, it's Mother's Day.

It's a big weekend in the city -- and the eyes of the world are on Dallas.

International Pow Wow_® , the Travel Industry of America-sponsored annual international travel show is breaking in the new millennium in North Texas. From May 13-17, more than 5,000 attendees from 74 countries, including international and domestic travel media, domestic travel suppliers, and international buyers will gather in Dallas for the world's largest international trade show.

"This is the most important 'Visit the USA' trade show concept in the world, " said Dave Whitney, President and CEO of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Dallas last hosted Pow Wow in 1988 and our direct results were immediate and dramatic," Whitney added.

"Where we were averaging 26 international programs before [the 1988] Pow Wow, we now work over 340 trackable, traceable programs. The largest growth market in the world is foreign tourists and Pow Wow represents the decision-makers who influence where people go, what will be promoted and which cities will make their catalogue of tours. It is so very important to Dallas that these people see our city first-hand," explained Whitney.

While residents of Dallas may not think of the city as a "tourism destination," nothing could be further from the truth, especially where international visitors are concerned. "Hosting Pow Wow is consistent with our efforts to promote Dallas as a new, popular international destination," said Jorge Herrera, Senior Vice President of Tourism for the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Herrerra added, "By hosting Pow Wow, Texas gains access to the world's largest industry, which generates trillions of dollars. Few cities are even able to handle an event like Pow Wow, but because of our convention center space, hotel rooms, international airport, and experience in hosting major industry events, Dallas was chosen to host Pow Wow during this millennial year." Other host cities have included San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and, most recently, Miami.

In just a few business-packed days, leading tour operators and wholesalers from all over the world meet to learn about and negotiate tour and travel business with USA suppliers of travel services. International "delegates" to Pow Wow come on an invitation-only basis determined by their past proven ability to sell the United States as a travel destination.

As the host city, Dallas receives extra attention as delegates, and particularly international media, are exposed to the city at its very best. A Western-themed party at Old City Park on Sunday and a closed-block gathering in the West End next Wednesday will be among the highlights of the week.

This year the State of Texas and its sponsorship partners are offering the opportunity for Pow Wow participants to select from seven pre-tours and eight post-tours of state highlights, ranging from the Alamo to the Chisholm Trail, from oil country to the Gulf Coast ... and all of these tours are being provided free of charge. The tours are designed to acquaint these important visitors with all that Texas has to offer travelers.

During Pow Wow, the visiting media will also be exposed to several optional local tours, including stops at Fair Park, the Sixth Floor Museum, the Mesquite Rodeo, Yahoo! Broadcast and EDS, Southfork, Texas Stadium, the Ballpark in Arlington, and various malls, shopping centers and other attractions. Dallas legend Raymond Nasher is graciously hosting the media for a Sunday luncheon on the grounds of his home, where visitors will also have opportunity to see many of the pieces that will make up the future Nasher Sculpture Garden downtown.

International Pow Wow has generated more than $3 billion for U.S. businesses related to the tour and travel industry. The projected tourism revenue for Dallas and Texas is more than $300 million. Pow Wow is also credited with generating 17 million visitors to the U.S. over a two-year period.

Have a good weekend, Dallas -- but remember, the world is watching you!

Mick Doherty is a freelance writer and editor living in Dallas, and a frequent contributor to the About.com Dallas section

IMAGE BY DEBI JENKINS FOR ABOUT.COM