Houston Daily

The City of Kilgore has been recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas after successfully completing the required certification process. This designation highlights Visit Kilgore’s efforts to use tourism as a way to drive economic growth, increase local employment, and attract visitors from across the country and abroad.

Governor Greg Abbott commented on the importance of tourism for both state and local economies, 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.”

With this recognition, Kilgore joins other cities that have earned similar certifications, including Music Friendly Texas and Film Friendly Texas status.

Senator Bryan Hughes also offered congratulations: “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 acknowledged the city’s achievement by saying: “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 emphasized community values: “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 added: “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, noted her personal experience: “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,” she said. “We are honored to be recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.”

The program accepts applications from local governments or nonprofit organizations involved in tourism promotion or development efforts in their communities. Benefits include building relationships important for tourism development, educating leaders about tourism’s value in Texas, prioritizing locally driven strategies, and learning about opportunities available through Travel Texas programs supporting communities statewide.

Travel Texas operates under the Governor's Economic Development & Tourism Office with an aim of promoting out-of-state travel into Texas, which helps create jobs at both local levels as well as statewide.