Go Shopping & Save in Texas This Summer!

    AUSTIN, Texas, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- In what has become a Texas
 tradition for visitors to the Lone Star State, Texas' annual tax-free
 weekend is scheduled for August 15-17, 2008. During tax-free weekend, the
 State of Texas grants shoppers a break from state and local sales tax,
 allowing lower prices on back-to-school shopping.
 
     The savings begin at 12:01 a.m., Friday, August 15, and end at midnight
 on Sunday, August 17. Savings apply to individual clothing items costing
 less than $100, including athletic shoes, hiking boots, dresses, shirts,
 jeans, pajamas, sports jerseys, and school uniforms. Shoppers can save
 approximately $8 for every $100 spent. Lay-away plans can be used again
 this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday.
 
     "Tax-free weekend is an opportunity for Texans and visitors alike to
 experience significant savings," said Julie Chase, Chief Marketing Officer,
 Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism. "In addition to the
 excellent shopping opportunities, travelers can take advantage of the
 weekend by treating their families to fun-filled activities that our Texas
 cities offer -- from rivers and dude ranches to theme parks and museums."
 
     Attractions and hotels across the state are also offering special deals
 this summer to help visitors offset the cost of gas. Specials range from
 free hotel nights to discounts on admissions in such cities as Houston, San
 Antonio, Corpus Christi, Austin and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. For
 more information on travel discounts in Texas this summer, visit
 http://www.TravelTex.com and click on Travel Packages.
 
     And for a complete list of tax-free items available during Tax-Free
 Weekend, August 15-17, visit
 http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html.
 
     About Tourism In Texas
 
     Tourism is one of the largest industries in Texas, employing 521,000
 Texans. In 2006, travelers spent almost $54 billion in Texas. Travel
 expenditures generated $2.7 billion in state taxes and $930 million in
 local taxes. For more information on Texas travel events and vacation
 destinations, visit http://www.TravelTex.com or for a free Texas State
 Travel Guide call 1-800-8888-TEX.
 
 
 

SOURCE Texas Tourism