This program is aimed at local governments or non-profit organizations that promote and develop tourism.
MENARD, Texas — The City of Menard has completed a multi-step certification process and has been designated a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas in the program’s first year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Friday. .
This designation recognizes the Menard County Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to further develop tourism as an economic growth strategy, foster local job creation, and attract more visitors from across the country and around the world to our community and the state of Texas. It shows.
Here’s what state and local officials have said about this designation:
“Tourism is critical to both the local and state economies, supporting one in 11 jobs across Texas,” Abbott said in a release from his office. “Travelers to and within Texas generated more than $193.8 billion in economic impact in 2023 and supported 1.3 million jobs across the state, in every region of our great state. Endless opportunities are offered to experience the natural beauty, rich history, and true Texas hospitality that attracts visitors to our community. Congratulations to the City of Menard and the Menard County Chamber of Commerce on achieving this designation. All communities in Texas are encouraged to apply to become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community to further expand local tourism and jobs across our great state. “Menards is where Texas history and natural beauty come together to create a hidden gem destination,” said Travel Texas Director Tim Fennell. “From exploring the Presidio San Saba to outdoor adventures along the San Saba River, visitors can enjoy a growing number of unique vacation rentals, live music and delicious dining options that enhance the Menards experience. “Menards embodies everything we love about Texas: a rich history, warm people, and endless opportunities for adventure,” Sen. Charles Perry said in the release. said. “We congratulate Menard on this great achievement as a tourism-friendly Texas community,” said Menard Mayor Barbara Hooten. “We offer something for everyone, from accommodation to wedding venues.” “Menards has always been a great place to live and work, and this certification brings attention to why we want people to come to us,” Menard County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cherry Swindoll said in a release. We can collect it.” “While our community has a lot of history, we also have exciting new businesses opening and a rapidly growing live music scene. Our goal is for Menard to be known as a great place to live, work, play and stay.”
The Tourism Friendly Texas Communities Program is designed for local governments or nonprofit organizations that are responsible for tourism promotion and development efforts. The benefits of this designation for tourism entities seeking certification on behalf of their communities include the opportunity to strengthen or establish relationships important to tourism development, the opportunity to educate local leaders about the importance of tourism to the state, and the opportunity to These include identifying and prioritizing leadership strategies and learning more about opportunities. Provided by Travel Texas and other state government programs available to support both local communities and the travel and tourism industry. For more information about the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program, visit gov.texas.gov/tourism-friends-texas.
The mission of Travel Texas, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, is to market Texas as a leading travel destination in out-of-state and international markets, generate non-Texas travelers to Texas, and strengthen and expand regional economic development efforts. is. It generates income and jobs for our communities and state.
