Gov. Greg Abbott has dedicated a week-long celebration to commemorate the state’s tourism industry and those who work to make it successful.
“Texas is the premier travel destination in the entire United States, offering more than 250,000 square miles of unforgettable experiences,” Abbott said in a video statement. “Texas truly has something for everyone. Not only does the travel and tourism industry share the beauty of Texas with people from around the world, but the industry is paramount to the Texas economy.”
Travel Texas is an initiative created by the governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Office. It promotes all that Texas has to offer national and international tourists. According to the governor’s press release, more than 56 million tourists visited the state in 2023 alone.
“I encourage all Texans, Americans, and citizens of the world to plan a trip to one of the world’s preeminent destinations: Texas,” reads Abbott’s official proclamation about the week.
Travel and Tourism Week in Texas is recognized May 19-25, with various events across the state demonstrating tourism’s positive impact on local communities.
The City of Austin is hosting a Give Back Gig on Wednesday featuring the culinary talents of Travis Early College High School.
Visit The Woodlands Pop-Up will run simultaneously with a Spring Concert Series. On May 23, enjoy a free concert from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., snag some free merchandise and week-long discounts to help promote tourism in the city.
The City of Laredo will also offer several events throughout the week, including a content creation workshop aimed at helping tourism businesses promote their services. The workshop will culminate with the unveiling of a new gift shop, Laredo Gifts, at the Laredo International Airport on May 24.
“The travel and tourism industry is a vital contributor to the Texas economy, generating an economic impact of $193.8 billion, supporting 1.3 million Texas jobs and $72.9 billion in earnings,” a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor reads. “Travel and tourism also generated over $9 billion in state and local taxes that supported public sector jobs including firefighters, police officers, and teachers.”
