Rallying for Travel

In conjunction with the nation’s Travel and Tourism week (May 1-7), Texas also is celebrating its thriving travel and tourism industry, one of the strongest drivers of Texas’ economy. Helping to highlight the diversity and beauty of the state are Texas Department of Transportation’s Texas Travel Information Centers, two of which are planning special Travel Rally Day events.

For this year’s special Travel Rally Day, the travel counselors at the Texas Travel Information Centers in Gainesville and Langtry are planning special activities to make the stop even more enjoyable to visitors.

Friday, May 6

Along with dispensing information about state places and attractions, the Gainesville Travel Information Center is hosting live music, fun activities and offering refreshments from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 6. Also in attendance will be representatives from various communities offering even more information, including Denton, Frisco, Grapevine, Arlington, City of Southlake, Weatherford, CWhitesboro, as well as attractions such as the Morton Museum, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Frank Buck Zoo, Grand Prairie Tourist Information Center,

Friday, May 7

On May 7, the Texas Travel Information Center in Langtry is hosting the West of the Pecos Historical/Travel Fair from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This Travel Information Center, featuring historic buildings, will offer an enhanced experience with historic characters relating stories of the past, ranching and living history demonstrations, old west reenactments and prehistoric Native American artifacts. Representatives from chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus and attractions from the surrounding area also will be on hand to share more information.

Economic Impact of Travel

The Texas travel and tourism industry is responsible for generating an estimated $69 billion in spending in the state in 2015, which directly supported 653,000 jobs across a variety industries, including leisure and hospitality, transportation, retail, trade services, finance, real estate, construction, insurance and others.

Additionally, domestic leisure travel to Texas destinations continued to increase in 2015, accounting for nearly three out of every four travel days across the state and roughly 60 percent of travel spending. From sandy beaches and picturesque mountains, to guest ranches and urban centers, Texas offers a multitude of incredible leisure experiences for visitors of all ages, palates and interests.

All Texans and those who have visited Texas are invited to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #TexasToDo throughout Texas Travel and Tourism week.