Travel Counselors Discover Vacation Paradise in South Texas
Winter Texans say, "I told you so."
HARLINGEN, Texas, Oct. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- There's big money in being a popular vacation hotspot, and this weekend some of the most important players in the Texas travel industry are gathering in Harlingen, Texas to witness firsthand the increasing allure of the region as a travel destination. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Tourism Industry and Association (TTIA) Study Tour 2011 are bringing travel counselors from across the state to tour Harlingen this weekend, followed by other cities in the Rio Grande Valley over the rest of the week.
"These visitors are like no other," says Hope Davo, Executive Director of the Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau. "They are the front line ambassadors for the state of Texas, advising millions of visitors each year in their Travel Information Centers located all across the state."
In 2010, Texas Travel Information Centers across the state served around two and a half million visitors, leading to over $126 million in direct visitor spending in Texas. By having the opportunity to experience Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley firsthand, these travel advisors will be much better prepared to articulate to vacationers the positive features offered by south Texas. Nature tourism alone already generates more than $300 million annually in southern Texas, according to a study just released by Texas A&M University.
The recent census reported that the area's population has surpassed one million residents for the first time in history. The Rio Grand Valley has experienced explosive growth in both the number of people living here, and the amount of business investments during the past decade. Travelers are finding much more to enjoy.
"Our region is genuinely unique, and we offer the vacation traveler a myriad of vacation attractions," adds Davo. "The beautiful beach, fantastic fishing, 500 species of birds, the zoo, the original Iwo Jima Monument, and world class shopping like the new Bass Pro Shops opening here in Harlingen all add up to offer a truly exceptional and memorable vacation experience."
After their tour of the region, the travel counselors will share their findings with all of the TxDOT Information Centers across the state to bring more tourists, and their dollars, to south Texas.
For more information, contact Hope Davo
Executive Director, Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau
311 E. Tyler
Harlingen, Texas 78550
(956) 423-5565 Ext: 219
[email protected]
SOURCE Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau
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