Texas Governor Greg Abbott has congratulated the City of Abilene for becoming the second Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, as announced by Travel Texas. This recognition follows Abilene's completion of a thorough certification process and highlights the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau's commitment to promoting tourism and supporting local economic growth and jobs.
According to the Office of the Texas Governor, tourism is a major part of the Texas economy, supporting one in every 11 jobs statewide. In 2023, tourism generated over $193.8 billion in economic impact and supported more than 1.3 million jobs. The Governor commended the City of Abilene for its achievement and encouraged local communities across Texas to participate in the program to promote growth in tourism and job opportunities throughout the state. Travel Texas Director Tim Fennell, who views the city as key to attracting travelers. Senator Charles Perry praised Abilene's unique cultural and recreational offerings.
Representative Stan Lambert highlighted Abilene's rising status as a Texas tourism destination, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of local groups. "Abilene is quickly becoming the ‘unhidden gem’ in Texas tourism with its rich history and West Texas values of kindness and hospitality creating a travel destination that is second to none," he said. Mayor Weldon Hurt emphasized attractions like the Abilene Zoo and Frontier Texas, as well as events like the Children's Art and Literacy Festival that draw thousands. Robert Lopez, Vice President of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, expressed pride in the city's designation and noted the ongoing collaboration to enhance Abilene's tourism sector, as per the Office of the Texas Governor website.
The Tourism Friendly Texas Community program invites local government or non-profit organizations that lead tourism promotion to seek certification, providing them with opportunities to foster key relationships and strategies for tourism development. The overall aim of Travel Texas aligns with economic enhancement by promoting the state as a premier destination and tapping into out-of-state and international markets to boost the economy on both local and state levels.
