The City of Kilgore has been named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas, following the completion of a multi-step certification process. This recognition highlights Visit Kilgore’s efforts to use tourism as a strategy for economic growth, job creation, and attracting visitors both nationally and internationally.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on the significance of tourism for Texas, stating: “Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies. 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 Kilgore and Visit Kilgore 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.”
Kilgore has previously received Music Friendly Texas and Film Friendly Texas certifications, adding to its new status as a Tourism Friendly community.
Senator Bryan Hughes also praised the achievement: “Congratulations to Visit Kilgore and the City of Kilgore on achieving this Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation. Tourism creates opportunity, drives economic growth, and shares our rich East Texas heritage with visitors from near and far. This honor simply affirms what we already know — Kilgore is a destination that welcomes every guest, strengthens our communities, and proudly shares the spirit of East Texas with the world.”
Representative Jay Dean noted: “I’m proud to see the City of Kilgore recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. Kilgore has been a shining example of what makes East Texas special — a community that honors its rich history while embracing new opportunities for growth. This certification is a testament to the city’s commitment to welcoming visitors and supporting the local economy through tourism.”
Kilgore Mayor Ronnie E. Spradlin III added: “Kilgore is proud to be recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. Our city thrives when visitors feel welcome, and this honor reflects the warmth, hospitality, and spirit of our residents.”
City Manager Rachel Rowe said: “Being a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community means creating experiences and memories for every visitor. Kilgore is committed to making everyone feel at home while exploring all we have to offer.”
Megan Payne, Visit Kilgore’s Tourism and Marketing Manager, shared her perspective: “I began as a visitor to Kilgore, and I was struck by the love and commitment this town and Visit Kilgore has to making every visitor’s experience truly special. We are honored to be recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.”
The program is open to local governments or non-profit organizations that lead tourism promotion efforts in their area. It aims at helping communities strengthen partnerships important for tourism development, educating leaders about tourism’s value in Texas’ economy, prioritizing strategies driven by local needs, and learning about resources available from Travel Texas or other state agencies.
Travel Texas operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office with goals that include promoting out-of-state travel into Texas markets in order to generate revenue for local communities statewide.
For more information on how communities can participate in this program visit gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
