College Station, TX, October 3, 2025
News Summary
College Station has received the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation from Governor Greg Abbott, recognizing its efforts to enhance tourism and economic growth. This certification complements the city’s existing titles as Film Friendly Texas and Music Friendly Texas. Local leaders emphasize the importance of tourism in sustaining jobs and boosting the economy, while the program offers resources and networking opportunities for further development in tourism.
College Station has been recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. This designation from Travel Texas follows a rigorous multi-step certification process that College Station successfully completed. The city is now part of an initiative which aims to enhance tourism in Texas, further solidifying its commitment to becoming a prime destination for visitors.
Governor Abbott emphasized the significant impact of tourism on Texas’s economy, which generates nearly $200 billion annually and sustains around 1.3 million jobs. This certification adds to College Station’s existing titles as a Film Friendly Texas and Music Friendly Texas community, showcasing its dedication to not only supporting tourism but also to promoting the arts and culture.
State Representatives Paul Dyson (R-District 14) and Trey Wharton (R-District 12) joined in congratulating College Station, with Dyson describing the designation as a “well-deserved” recognition of the city’s initiatives to foster economic growth. Wharton noted the appealing qualities of College Station as a tourist destination, highlighting the community’s rich traditions and renowned hospitality.
The Tourism Friendly Texas program is designed for city governments and nonprofit organizations actively involved in tourism promotion. By receiving this designation, College Station underscores its strategic focus on tourism as a key component of its economic development efforts.
Mayor John Nichols pointed to the city’s historical roots and traditions, reaffirming the importance of tourism to both the economy and the identity of College Station. Cortney Philips, Chair of the Visit College Station Tourism Committee, remarked that the certification serves as recognition of the community’s persistent efforts to provide a welcoming experience for visitors.
The Tourism Friendly Texas program not only enhances tourism strategies but also provides valuable networking opportunities for local leaders. It aims to educate them on the importance of tourism and grants access to essential resources from Travel Texas. The program underscores the collaborative nature of local communities working to boost tourism and is part of a broader initiative to promote Texas as a tourist-friendly state.
For individuals interested in learning more about the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program, additional details can be found on the Texas government website dedicated to tourism initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Tourism Friendly Texas program?
What are the benefits of being a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community?
How does tourism impact Texas’s economy?
Key Features of the Tourism Friendly Texas Certification
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Certification Process | Multi-step assessment to achieve recognition from Travel Texas. |
| Existing Designations | College Station is also Film Friendly Texas and Music Friendly Texas certified. |
| Economic Impact | Tourism contributes nearly $200 billion to Texas’s economy annually. |
| Job Support | Supports approximately 1.3 million jobs in Texas. |
| Community Involvement | Encourages local governments and nonprofits to promote tourism. |
| Networking & Resources | Offers valuable networking opportunities and educational resources. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- KBTX – TV Show Plans Return to College Station
- Wikipedia: College Station, Texas
- Statesman – Texas A&M Softball SEC Schedule
- Google Search: Texas A&M Softball
- Sports Illustrated – Aggies Five-Star Target Cancels Visit
- Google Scholar: Texas A&M Football Recruiting
- Fox44 News – College Station Tourism Friendly
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Tourism
- Travel and Tour World – Destination Bryan Boosting Texas Tourism
- Google News: Texas Tourism
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
