The City of Brownsville has received recognition as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community from Travel Texas. The announcement was made after the city completed a multi-step certification process aimed at boosting tourism and supporting economic growth.
Governor Greg Abbott acknowledged the achievement, 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 Brownsville and Visit Brownsville 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.”
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr. commented on the designation, saying, “We are honored to receive the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation from Travel Texas. This recognition resonates with our commitment to creating warm and memorable experiences for those who choose to make Brownsville their vacation spot in South Texas. Visitors to our city can enjoy the launch of Starship rockets at SpaceX to our world-renowned Gladys Porter Zoo and unique Mexican cuisine. And Brownsville remains the gateway to South Padre Island — right on the Gulf.”
City Manager Helen Ramirez emphasized collaboration in developing local tourism: “Brownsville’s growing tourism industry is driven by strong collaboration between our local businesses, hospitality partners, and cultural institutions. We are all united by a shared goal of creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. Our Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) plays a vital role in showcasing the rich diversity of attractions that define our city. I congratulate our CVB team for helping us achieve the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation.”
Malinalli Montesam, Assistant Director of Brownsville CVB, added: “We are thrilled to receive the Tourism Friendly Texas certification, which recognizes Brownsville’s commitment to creating a welcoming, engaging, and accessible destination for all visitors. This certification is a reflection of our city’s efforts to invest in tourism, elevate visitor experiences, and highlight the unique culture, nature, and history that make Brownsville a standout destination in Texas and the U.S.”
The program is open to local governments or nonprofit organizations leading tourism promotion efforts. It provides opportunities such as building relationships important for tourism development, educating leaders about its importance for the state economy, identifying strategies tailored locally, and accessing resources from Travel Texas or other state programs designed for community support in travel-related industries. Additional information about this initiative can be found at https://gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
Travel Texas operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office with a mission focused on marketing Texas as an attractive travel destination outside its borders while supporting revenue generation and job creation statewide.
