The City of College Station has been named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas, following the completion of a multi-step certification process. The designation recognizes Visit College Station’s efforts to promote tourism as a strategy for economic growth, job creation, and attracting visitors from across the country and internationally.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on the significance of tourism for the state and local economies. “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 College Station and Visit College Station 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.”
College Station now holds three certifications: Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, and Tourism Friendly Texas.
Representative Paul Dyson highlighted the achievement: “As a Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, and now Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, College Station continues to set itself apart. This latest designation is a well-deserved recognition and serves as a true testament to the commitment shown by the City of College Station and Visit College Station, a commitment that serves as a foundation for sustained economic growth and a robust quality of life for our community.”
Representative Trey Wharton added: “This recognition celebrates what we already know — College Station is a place people want to visit, stay, and come back to again and again. From our traditions to our hospitality, the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation reaffirms the pride we have in our community and the bright future ahead.”
Mayor John Nichols emphasized tourism’s role in shaping College Station’s identity: “College Station is known for its history, rich traditions, spirited energy, and unforgettable experiences; we take great pride in sharing that with travelers from Texas and beyond. Tourism is a cornerstone of our economy and identity, and being recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas destination reinforces its powerful role in shaping our city’s future.”
Cortney Philips, Chair of the Visit College Station Tourism Committee, noted: “Receiving the state’s Tourism Friendly Texas certification is an exciting and meaningful milestone for Visit College Station. It recognizes the intentional work our team and the community puts into making College Station a welcoming destination. Whether visitors are here for a conference, sports tournament, epic concert, or iconic attraction, they’ll feel the energy, warmth, and unmistakable Aggie spirit that sets College Station apart.”
The certification program is available to local governments or non-profit organizations leading tourism promotion efforts. The benefits include building relationships important for tourism development, educating leaders about tourism’s value to Texas’ economy, identifying strategies driven by local priorities, and learning about opportunities offered by Travel Texas or other state programs.
Travel Texas operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office with a mission focused on marketing Texas as an attractive travel destination outside state borders—helping generate revenue through increased visitor numbers while supporting job creation at both local community levels as well as statewide.
