The City of Arlington has been recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, following the completion of a certification process led by Travel Texas. The designation highlights Arlington’s commitment to developing tourism as an economic strategy, supporting job creation, and attracting visitors from across the country and internationally.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on the importance of tourism to the state’s economy. “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 Arlington and the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau 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.”
Arlington now holds three designations: Music Friendly Texas, Film Friendly Texas, and Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.
State Representative David Cook acknowledged Arlington’s achievement, stating, “With its central location in the heart of North Texas and strong support for the arts, it’s no surprise Arlington has been named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. Arlington has now earned the trifecta: Music Friendly, Film Friendly, and Tourism Friendly. This achievement shows Arlington’s commitment to growth, creativity, and opportunity, and I’m proud to represent a city leading the way in Texas. I want to thank Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, the City of Arlington, the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau, and all those who worked diligently to earn this outstanding achievement.”
Mayor Jim Ross emphasized both attractions and hospitality as key factors in earning this recognition. “We have all the tourism assets in Arlington needed to be a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, including the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Six Flags Over Texas, the National Medal of Honor Museum, and outstanding arts and cultural amenities,” said Mayor Ross. “What truly makes us tourism friendly, however, is the outstanding customer service provided by Arlington’s thousands of tourism and hospitality workers. They create the experiences necessary for Arlington’s 16 million annual visitors to return to our city time and again.”
The program is open to local governments or non-profit organizations that lead tourism promotion efforts. Certification benefits include opportunities for relationship building important for tourism development; education for local leaders about tourism’s significance; identification of strategies tailored for each community; as well as access to resources from Travel Texas or other state programs supporting travel industry growth. More information can be found at gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
Travel Texas operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office with a mission focused on marketing Texas as a top travel destination outside state borders while generating revenue and employment for communities statewide.
