The City of Kilgore has been named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas, following the completion of a multi-step certification process. This recognition highlights Visit Kilgore’s efforts to use tourism as a way to encourage economic growth, create jobs, and attract visitors from across the United States and abroad.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on the significance of tourism for Texas: “Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” said Governor Abbott. “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 Kilgore and Visit Kilgore 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, Kilgore now holds three recognitions: Music Friendly Texas, Film Friendly Texas, and Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.
Senator Bryan Hughes stated, “Congratulations to Visit Kilgore and the City of Kilgore on achieving this Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation. Tourism creates opportunity, drives economic growth, and shares our rich East Texas heritage with visitors from near and far. This honor simply affirms what we already know — Kilgore is a destination that welcomes every guest, strengthens our communities, and proudly shares the spirit of East Texas with the world.”
Representative Jay Dean added, “I’m proud to see the City of Kilgore recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. Kilgore has been a shining example of what makes East Texas special — a community that honors its rich history while embracing new opportunities for growth. This certification is a testament to the city’s commitment to welcoming visitors and supporting the local economy through tourism.”
Kilgore Mayor Ronnie E. Spradlin III noted, “Kilgore is proud to be recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. Our city thrives when visitors feel welcome, and this honor reflects the warmth, hospitality, and spirit of our residents.”
Kilgore City Manager Rachel Rowe remarked on what the certification means for visitors: “Being a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community means creating experiences and memories for every visitor. Kilgore is committed to making everyone feel at home while exploring all we have to offer.”
Visit Kilgore’s Tourism and Marketing Manager Megan Payne reflected on her personal experience: “I began as a visitor to Kilgore, and I was struck by the love and commitment this town and Visit Kilgore has to making every visitor’s experience truly special. We are honored to be recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.”
The program is open to local governments or nonprofit organizations responsible for leading tourism promotion in their areas. Those who achieve certification can build important relationships for tourism development, inform local leaders about tourism’s value in Texas, prioritize locally focused strategies, and learn about resources offered by Travel Texas as well as other state government programs aimed at supporting communities alongside travel industry partners. Additional information about this initiative can be found at gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
Travel Texas operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office with an aim to boost local economies by promoting out-of-state travel into Texas markets.
