Travel and tourism is one of Texas' most important engines for economic growth. Travelers spend hundreds of millions of dollars in communities across Texas every day, spending a projected $69 billion in 2015. Travel is Texas' second largest export industry, directly supporting 653,000 jobs within the hospitality and tourism industry. The industry is a major economic driver in every region and county of the state, urban and rural, coastal and inland.
Wise and strategic investments in travel promotion feed a cycle of economic benefits. Travel promotion programs spur interest in visiting destinations among potential travelers. Stronger travel interest generates more visitors. Additional visitors spend more at local attractions, hotels, restaurants, retail stores and other businesses. Greater travel spending supports more local jobs and generates additional tax revenue for state and local governments.