San Angelo Recognized As Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community

SAN ANGELO, TX – The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor today announced the City of San Angelo has been recognized by Travel Texas as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step certification process. 

Earning the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation shows the commitment of Discover San Angelo to further develop tourism as an economic growth strategy, boost local job creation, and draw more visitors to their community and to Texas from across the nation and around the world.

“Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Travelers to and within Texas generate almost $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. Every region of this great state offers endless opportunities to experience the natural beauty, rich history, and true Texas hospitality that draws visitors to our communities. I congratulate the City of San Angelo 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.”

San Angelo is now a Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, and Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.

“San Angelo represents the very best of Texas hospitality, heritage, and opportunity, and this designation is a well-earned recognition of the community’s hard work and vision,” said Senator Charles Perry. “Tourism plays an important role in supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and showcasing the unique culture and character of West Texas to visitors from across the state and nation.”

“As a lifelong San Angelo native and local business owner, I know firsthand what makes this city special: the people, the history, and the West Texas hospitality you cannot find anywhere else,” said Representative Drew Darby. “From Fort Concho to our art galleries, ranching heritage, and the stock show, we always give visitors a reason to come back.  

Earning the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation is well-deserved, and my congratulations go to Discover San Angelo, Mayor Thompson, and every local leader who made it happen. Every visitor dollar supports a local job, a local family, a local business, and there is no better place to experience real Texas than right here in San Angelo.”

“This recognition reinforces that San Angelo is open for opportunity and growth,” said San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson. “Visitors who come here for our events, arts, history, outdoor recreation, and authentic West Texas hospitality often discover much more — a strong business climate, a welcoming community, and a city investing in its future. Tourism is often the first handshake in long-term economic development, and this certification helps us share the San Angelo story with a wider audience.”

“San Angelo holds a special place in my heart as a lifelong resident, and to receive the designation as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community is truly an honor,” said Discover San Angelo Vice President Jeremy Bartz. “With the support of all residents, travel industry stakeholders and city leadership, San Angelo sets itself apart from many cities our size by extending a genuine Texas welcome to any and all who make their way to us.  It's been said that you can leave San Angelo, but San Angelo never truly leaves you, and we are positioning ourselves to make sure that is still true for generations to come.”

The Tourism Friendly Texas Community program is open to local governments or non-profit organizations that serve as the lead entity for tourism promotion and development efforts. Benefits of the designation for tourism entities seeking certification on behalf of their community include the opportunity to strengthen or establish relationships important for tourism development, educate local leaders on the importance of tourism to the state, identify and prioritize locally driven strategies, and learn more about opportunities provided by Travel Texas and other state government programs available to support both communities and the travel and tourism industry. For more information, visit: gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas

The mission of Travel Texas in the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a premier travel destination in out-of-state and international markets, generating non-Texan travel to Texas, and creating revenue and jobs for local communities and the state

The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office (EDT) within the Office of the Governor is tasked with marketing and promoting the state of Texas across the nation and around the world as the premier business location and travel destination. EDT works closely with communities and local, regional, and statewide economic development and tourism organizations, as well as partnering state agencies, to ensure Texas remains the best place to live, work, and visit.