Texas Highways, the official travel magazine of Texas, proudly announces the release of its July/August 2025 edition: The Big Issue. This ambitious installment is a sweeping celebration of everything that makes Texas bold, beloved, and unforgettable: from its legendary landscapes and iconic landmarks to its towering sports heroes, grand culinary traditions, and fierce state spirit.
More than just a collection of stunning visuals and captivating stories, The Big Issue serves as a reflection of what Texans treasure most, and an invitation for both visitors and residents alike to experience the cultural richness of the Lone Star State. The release also marks one year since the magazine’s brand redesign, created to engage the next generation of Texas travelers.
“This issue is both a mirror and a megaphone,” says Andrea Lin, Publisher of Texas Highways. “We’re reflecting what makes Texas extraordinary while inspiring people to get out and experience it for themselves.”
That inspiration comes at a critical time. While 2024 saw a record $97.5 billion in tourism spending in Texas—supporting 1.3 million jobs and generating $9.2 billion in tax revenue—recent indicators show softening travel across parts of the state. Houston, for example, reported a 5% decline in international arrivals through February, and partners across the industry have noted quieter-than-expected spring travel.
As the only editorial brand solely dedicated to Texas travel, Texas Highways has long played a steady role in supporting local economies and guiding visitor interest. A recent reader survey revealed that more than 60% of subscribers researched a destination after reading about it in the magazine, and nearly half visited a place directly because of its inclusion in the publication.
“Storytelling like this isn’t just cultural,” Lin says. “It’s economic. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to support local tourism, and we’re proud to be part of the Texas Department of Transportation’s mission to connect people with Texas. This issue is a celebration, but it’s also a call to explore—and to support the communities that make Texas what it is.”
The Big Issue will arrive in subscribers’ mailboxes beginning 7/1 and will be available on newsstands statewide early July.
