Texarkana, the city that straddles the border of Texas and Arkansas, has recently been honored with a significant certification, as announced by Governor Greg Abbott. The Governor congratulated the city for securing a spot as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, recognizing Texarkana's dedication to leveraging tourism as a key economic driver. According to the official statement, this title reflects both a commitment to promote local job creation and a strategic initiative to draw visitors from far and wide.
Noting the substantial influence that tourism holds over Texas's economy—with travelers contributing almost $200 billion annually and supporting around 1.3 million jobs—Governor Abbott encouraged other communities throughout the state to pursue this prestigious certification. "I congratulate the City of Texarkana and Visit Texarkana on earning this designation," he remarked, emphasizing the potential for tourism to bolster local jobs and economies. Travel Texas offers opportunities for communities seeking to strengthen or establish key relationships for tourism development, as well as to identify and act upon locally driven strategies.
In a response beaming with local pride, Texarkana Mayor Bob Bruggeman stated, "This honor underscores the importance of tourism in driving our local economy and strengthening the regional partnerships that make our city thrive." Mayor Pro Tem Jean Matlock echoed these sentiments, saying Texarkana has always had much to offer—ranging from unique attractions to its vibrant local culture. "This certification is a reflection of Texarkana's commitment to hospitality, collaboration, and community pride," she explained. Travel Texas's mission, within the Governor's Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, is fundamentally designed to market Texas as a prime travel destination, ostensibly aiming to bring in revenue and create jobs at a local level and for the state overall.
