The City of Denison has been recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas, following the completion of a certification process aimed at supporting tourism-driven economic growth. The designation acknowledges Discover Denison’s efforts to enhance local tourism, foster job creation, and attract visitors from across the country and abroad.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on the importance of tourism to the state’s economy, 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 Denison and Discover Denison 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.”
Denison now holds three certifications: Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, and Tourism Friendly Texas.
Representative Shelley Luther said: “This certification isn’t just an accolade; it’s a powerful affirmation of the heart and hustle of our residents, who pour their passion into preserving our heritage while inviting the world to experience the magic of Denison.”
Denison Mayor Robert Crawley highlighted community involvement in achieving this recognition: “Denison’s story has always been one of resilience, hospitality, and Texas pride. Earning the Tourism Friendly Texas certification reflects the work our community puts into creating a city that people want to visit and return to time and again. From our award-winning downtown to Lake Texoma and everything in between, Denison offers something unique for everyone. This recognition affirms what we already know — Denison is a place where visitors feel welcome, our hometown spirit shines through, and tourism continues to strengthen both our community and our local economy.”
Jordan Starr, Denison Tourism Manager, added: “I’m thrilled to see Denison earn the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation. It’s a milestone that reflects our commitment to thoughtful tourism development and shows that when visitors thrive, our hometown thrives too. Denison isn’t just open for tourists — it’s ready for them, with award-winning downtown charm, outdoor adventure, and genuine local hospitality that we’re excited to share with everyone who visits us.”
The program is available for local governments or non-profit organizations leading tourism promotion efforts. Certification provides opportunities such as building partnerships important for tourism development, educating leaders about tourism’s role in the state economy, prioritizing strategies tailored by each community, and accessing resources from Travel Texas as well as other government programs.
Travel Texas operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office with a mission focused on marketing Texas as a travel destination outside its borders in order to bring non-Texan travelers into the state while generating revenue for communities.
For more information about the program requirements or application process visit gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
