EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso has been recognized by Travel Texas as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing a multi-step certification process, according to an announcement from the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor.
State officials said the designation signals Visit El Paso’s commitment to developing tourism as an economic growth strategy, boosting local job creation and drawing more visitors to El Paso and Texas from across the nation and around the world.
Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “Travelers to and within Texas generate almost $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. Every region of this great state offers endless opportunities to experience the natural beauty, rich history, and true Texas hospitality that draws visitors to our communities. I congratulate the City of El Paso 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.
El Paso is now both a Music Friendly Texas and Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.
“I congratulate the City of El Paso and Visit El Paso on earning this designation, which reflects the culture, history, and people that make our region so special,” Sen. César J. Blanco said. “From our unique border heritage to our natural landscape, El Paso offers an experience rooted in community, resilience, and pride. This recognition helps ensure those qualities continue to be shared and preserved for generations to come.”
“There’s nothing I enjoy more than bringing people to El Paso and showing them everything we have to offer,” Rep. Joe Moody said. “This is a rich community with sights and sounds and experiences people won’t get anywhere else, and we’re eager to share it all. I’m very excited and proud of this recognition.”
“El Paso’s rich history, magnificent countryside, friendly neighbors, and flavorful cuisine make our city a must-see destination,” Rep. Claudia Ordaz said. “We’re proud to host visitors from all over the world and show them all we have to offer. They’ll see for themselves why El Paso is the corazón of Texas.”
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“From the Franklin Mountains to our historic neighborhoods and growing downtown, El Paso offers experiences you cannot find anywhere else,” El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said. “This Tourism Friendly Texas designation highlights the work we are doing to elevate our city as top destination for visitors across Texas and beyond.”
“This certification validates the work already underway and positions El Paso to continue growing our tourism economy,” Visit El Paso Executive Director Brooke Underwood said. “It’s not just recognition—it’s a tool we will use to further strengthen our partnerships and visibility statewide.”
The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program is open to local governments or nonprofit organizations that serve as the lead entity for tourism promotion and development efforts. State officials said benefits include opportunities to strengthen or establish relationships important for tourism development, educate local leaders on the importance of tourism to the state, identify and prioritize locally driven strategies, and learn more about opportunities provided by Travel Texas and other state government programs.
More information about the program is available at gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
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