As we wrap up National Travel and Tourism Week, it’s essential to consider what travel and tourism mean to College Station and our great state.
Our hotels, restaurants, and attractions suffered in 2020, but as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy will rebound. Last year, tourism still managed a local economic impact of $255.9 million. As things continue to open up, we expect those numbers to rise even beyond the pre-pandemic numbers.
Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation ahead of Travel and Tourism week announcing that the leisure and hospitality sector added 23,100 jobs to the state economy in March. Since April 2020, 380,000 jobs have returned to the industry as travel demand returned.
Visit College Station is working with the Parks and Recreation Department to ensure that conferences and sports tournaments continue to attract their business. Seven events come town in June, including the State 7on7 Championships and a trio of softball tournaments.
In all, Compete College Station estimates that nearly 1,000 teams will compete in College Station in June alone.
Our conventions staff has been making and scheduling sales trips to Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio while preparing for several conferences this summer. On May 15, we partner with Century Square for Dine Around Century Square, and event where guests can sample food from eateries in the premier retail development center.
Tourism is a powerful economic resource, and we’re delighted to celebrate that impact through National Travel and Tourism Week. Remember, life is always better in a state of travel, and we can’t wait to welcome many more visitors to the Heart of Aggieland.
By Zach Tigert, Visit College Station Marketing Coordinator
