The City of College Station has been named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas, following the completion of a multi-step certification process. The recognition highlights Visit College Station’s commitment to using tourism as a strategy for economic growth, job creation, and attracting visitors from across the country and abroad.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on the significance of tourism for Texas, stating, “Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies. Travelers to and within Texas generate almost $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. I congratulate the City of College Station and Visit College Station on earning this designation. 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.”
With this new designation, College Station now holds certifications as a Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, and Tourism Friendly Texas community.
Representative Paul Dyson noted the city’s achievements: “As a Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, and now Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, College Station continues to set itself apart. 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.”
Representative Trey Wharton added: “This recognition celebrates what we already know — College Station is a place people want to visit, stay, and come back to again and again. 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.”
College Station Mayor John Nichols emphasized tourism’s role in shaping the city’s identity: “College Station is known for its history, rich traditions, spirited energy, and unforgettable experiences; we take great pride in sharing that with travelers from Texas and beyond. Tourism is a cornerstone of our economy and identity, and being recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas destination reinforces its powerful role in shaping our city’s future.”
Visit College Station Tourism Committee Chair Cortney Philips said: “Receiving the state’s Tourism Friendly Texas certification is an exciting and meaningful milestone for Visit College Station. It recognizes the intentional work our team and the community puts into making College Station a welcoming destination. 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.”
The program is open to local governments or non-profit organizations responsible for tourism promotion efforts. Benefits include building relationships important for tourism development, educating leaders about tourism’s importance in Texas’ economy (which generates nearly $200 billion annually), identifying locally driven strategies for growth, and learning about opportunities provided by Travel Texas programs.
Travel Texas operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office with goals focused on marketing Texas as an attractive travel destination outside of state borders while supporting local economies through increased visitation.
For more information about becoming certified under this program visit gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
