Texas Celebrates Travel and Tourism Industry During 2016 Texas Travel and Tourism Week
AUSTIN, Texas, April 28, 2016 -- In recognition of the state's thriving travel and tourism industry, Governor Greg Abbott announced the designation of May 1, 2016-7 as Texas Travel and Tourism Week, in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week. The travel and tourism industry is one of the strongest drivers of Texas' economy and highlights the diversity and beauty of the Lone Star State.
The Texas travel and tourism industry is responsible for generating an estimated $69 billion in spending in the state in 2015, which directly supported 653,000 jobs across a variety industries, including leisure and hospitality, transportation, retail, trade services, finance, real estate, construction, insurance and others.
Additionally, domestic leisure travel to Texas destinations continued to increase in 2015, accounting for nearly three out of every four travel days across the state and roughly 60 percent of travel spending. From sandy beaches and picturesque mountains, to guest ranches and urban centers, Texas offers a multitude of incredible leisure experiences for visitors of all ages, palates and interests.
"Visiting Texas is an experience unlike any other, and the millions of tourists who visit each year are a testament to our unique appeal across the country and around the globe," said Governor Abbott. "Texas' expanding tourism and travel industry provides not only vital economic activity, but also allows us to showcase Texas' diverse traditions, history and attractions. I invite everyone to share their favorite parts of Texas on social media this week as we celebrate all the Lone Star State has to offer."
The Governor is encouraging all Texans and those who have visited Texas to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #TexasToDo throughout Texas Travel and Tourism week.
In February 2016, Texas Tourism launched a new advertising campaign utilizing the popular state tagline, "Texas. It's Like A Whole Other Country." The new campaign transitions the traveler from the big picture to a more in-depth focus on the unique individual experiences waiting to be discovered. The new campaign includes three television ads focusing on family fun, cuisine and traveling like a local, immersing prospective travelers in the sights, sounds and flavors to be experienced in the Lone Star State.
For more details about Texas Travel and Tourism Week and about the economic impact of travel in Texas, please visit www.travel.texas.gov.
To learn more about Texas travel events and destinations, or to order a free Texas State Travel Guide, please visit www.TravelTexas.com, and connect with Texas Tourism on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
About Texas Tourism: Texas Tourism's mission is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a premier travel destination in out-of-state domestic and international markets, generating non-Texan travel to the state. Travel and tourism are vital to the Texas economy, with an estimated $69 billion spent at destinations across the state in 2015. Travel spending directly supported 653,000 jobs across a variety of Texas industries.
SOURCE Texas Tourism
CONTACT: Amber Reaver, Edelman, Amber.Reaver@edelman.com, 512-634-3672
RELATED LINKShttps://www.traveltexas.com
