Houston Daily

The City of Cedar Park has become the third community in Texas to achieve all four “Friendly Texas” certifications, which include Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, Digital Media Friendly Texas, and Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.

Governor Greg Abbott acknowledged the city’s accomplishment, stating: "Congratulations to the City of Cedar Park on earning all four ‘Friendly Texas’ certified community designations for film, music, digital media, and now tourism. These growing industries in our great state are essential to Texas’ booming economy. Texas partners with our communities and provides the tools and resources they need to attract new business investments, create good-paying jobs for Texans, draw visitors to every region of the state, and attract and retain a skilled workforce. I invite all Texas communities, large and small, to fully leverage the opportunities provided by our ‘Friendly Texas’ certified community programs.”

Senator Pete Flores also commented on Cedar Park’s recent designation as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community: "I am thrilled to congratulate the City of Cedar Park on being named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. This designation is a testament to Cedar Park’s commitment to welcoming visitors, supporting local businesses, and showcasing the vibrant spirit that makes our city so special. With its beautiful parks, lively music and sports scenes, and thriving local culture, Cedar Park is a shining example of how tourism can drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen community bonds. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this recognition will bring — not just for Cedar Park, but for the entire region as we continue to share the very best of Texas with travelers from across the country and beyond."

Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin highlighted tourism’s role in supporting both cultural life and economic prosperity: “The travel and tourism industry plays a vital role in enhancing Cedar Park’s cultural vibrancy and economic prosperity. Earning the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation strengthens our ability to attract visitors, stimulate local business growth, and promote Cedar Park as a destination that celebrates both its natural beauty and dynamic community spirit.”

City Manager Brenda Eivens added: “We are honored that Cedar Park has been recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. This designation reflects our ongoing efforts to create a welcoming environment for visitors while supporting local businesses and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. It’s a meaningful step forward in showcasing all that makes Cedar Park a vibrant and engaging destination.”

The new certification underscores Cedar Park's focus on using tourism as an economic strategy by encouraging job creation locally while drawing more visitors from across the country.

These certifications are managed by agencies within Governor Abbott's Economic Development & Tourism Office—specifically Travel Texas (https://travel.texas.gov/), along with the Texas Film Commission (https://gov.texas.gov/film) and Texas Music Office (https://gov.texas.gov/music). The programs provide training designed to help communities expand their economies through promoting film production (https://gov.texas.gov/film), music industry development (https://gov.texas.gov/music), digital media initiatives (no direct link provided), as well as travel-related activities.

Travel Texas works with communities statewide by marketing them outside of state borders in order to generate non-Texan travel revenue while helping create jobs at both local levels throughout Texas.