Houston Daily

The City of Arlington has received recognition as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing a certification process led by Travel Texas. The announcement was made by Governor Greg Abbott, who emphasized the economic importance of tourism to both the state and local communities.

“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 distinctions: Music Friendly, Film Friendly, and Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community status.

State Representative David Cook commented on Arlington's achievement: “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 highlighted some of Arlington’s attractions while emphasizing customer service: “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. 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 recognizes local governments or nonprofit organizations that lead efforts in promoting tourism development. Benefits include opportunities for collaboration with partners important for tourism growth; educating leaders about tourism’s role; prioritizing community-driven strategies; and learning about resources from Travel Texas or other state programs available at gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.

Travel Texas operates under the Governor's Economic Development & Tourism Office with a mission focused on marketing Texas as a travel destination outside its borders in order to bring more visitors—and revenue—to local communities throughout the state.