Travel Texas, the state's tourism marketing entity within the Governor's Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, has recognized the City of College Station with the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation, an accolade that praises the city's dedicated venture into tourism as a strategy for economic growth. According to an announcement by Governor Greg Abbott, this designation reflects College Station's commitment to enhancing tourism, creating local jobs, and attracting visitors from across the nation and the globe.
In his commendation, Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the significance of tourism, noting that travelers within Texas contribute nearly $200 billion annually to the economic impact and support about 1.3 million jobs statewide. He also took the opportunity to encourage all Texas communities to pursue the Tourism Friendly Texas certification, to grow local tourism and create additional jobs across the state. “All Texas communities are encouraged to apply to become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community to further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state,” Abbott stated.
Alongside this new title, College Station also prides itself on previously earned designations as a Film Friendly Texas and a Music Friendly Texas community. State Representative Paul Dyson acknowledged the achievement, “This latest designation is a well-deserved recognition and serves as a true testament to the commitment shown by the City of College Station and Visit College Station, a commitment that serves as a foundation for sustained economic growth and a robust quality of life for our community,” as quoted in the Governor Greg Abbott press release.
Representative Trey Wharton also expressed pride in the city's reputation for hospitality and tradition, "From our traditions to our hospitality, the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation reaffirms the pride we have in our community and the bright future ahead," he said in the statement. Meanwhile, Mayor John Nichols spoke of College Station's vibrant appeal and shared ambitions to maintain tourism as a core element of the city's economy and identity. Visit College Station Tourism Committee Chair Cortney Philips underlined the dedicated efforts of the team and community in fostering an environment that resonates with visitors, "Whether visitors are here for a conference, sports tournament, epic concert, or iconic attraction, they’ll feel the energy, warmth, and unmistakable Aggie spirit that sets College Station apart." Philips told the Governor Greg Abbott office.
The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program, open to local governments or non-profit entities responsible for tourism promotion and development, offers a multitude of benefits. These include vital relationship-building opportunities, strategic priority settings, educational insights for local leaders about tourism's statewide importance, and details on supporting programs offered by Travel Texas and other state government agencies.
