The City of Brownsville has been recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas, following the completion of a multi-step certification process. The designation highlights Visit Brownsville’s efforts to promote tourism as a means for economic growth, job creation, and attracting more visitors to both the city and the state.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on the importance of tourism in 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 Brownsville and Visit Brownsville 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.”
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr. expressed appreciation for the recognition: “We are honored to receive the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation from Travel Texas. This recognition resonates with our commitment to creating warm and memorable experiences for those who choose to make Brownsville their vacation spot in South Texas. Visitors to our city can enjoy the launch of Starship rockets at SpaceX to our world-renowned Gladys Porter Zoo and unique Mexican cuisine. And Brownsville remains the gateway to South Padre Island — right on the Gulf.”
City Manager Helen Ramirez noted collaborative efforts behind Brownsville’s growing tourism sector: “Brownsville’s growing tourism industry is driven by strong collaboration between our local businesses, hospitality partners, and cultural institutions. We are all united by a shared goal of creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. Our Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) plays a vital role in showcasing the rich diversity of attractions that define our city. I congratulate our CVB team for helping us achieve the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation.”
Malinalli Montesam, Assistant Director at Brownsville CVB, said: “We are thrilled to receive the Tourism Friendly Texas certification, which recognizes Brownsville’s commitment to creating a welcoming, engaging, and accessible destination for all visitors. This certification is a reflection of our city’s efforts to invest in tourism, elevate visitor experiences, and highlight the unique culture, nature, and history that make Brownsville a standout destination in Texas and the U.S.”
The program is available for local governments or non-profit organizations leading tourism promotion initiatives. It provides opportunities such as building partnerships crucial for tourism development; educating community leaders about tourism’s significance; prioritizing locally-driven strategies; and accessing resources from Travel Texas along with other state government programs designed to support travel industry growth at both community and statewide levels.
More details about becoming a certified community can be found at gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
Travel Texas operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office with an aim of promoting out-of-state travel into Texas markets—supporting local economic development through marketing efforts intended not only to increase revenue but also create jobs throughout communities statewide.
