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Update: Shop & Save in Texas This Summer!

11th Annual Texas Tax-Free Weekend August 21-23, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas, July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas' annual tax-free weekend is scheduled for August 21-23, 2009. Created to help Texas families with back-to-school shopping, the annual event has become an anticipated tradition for many out-of-state visitors.

The savings begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 21 and end at midnight on Sunday, August 23. Savings apply to select clothing items and school supplies less than $100. Shoppers can save approximately $8 for every $100 spent.

Shopping is a key travel motivator and tourism attraction for the state of Texas. According to D.K. Shifflet & Associates, nearly one in five (18%) domestic travel parties visiting Texas destinations indicated that shopping was the primary activity of their stay. The U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (DOC/OTTI) reports that international shopping travelers contribute an estimated $38.6 billion to the U.S. economy annually. The DOC/OTTI also reports that 87% of the 58 million international travelers to the U.S. report shopping as their number one activity (2008 data).

"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, visitors can take advantage of the weekend by treating their families to fun-filled activities across Texas at amusement and water parks, museums, and historical attractions across the state."

For a complete list of tax-free items available during Tax-Free Weekend, August 21-23, 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, supporting 544,400 jobs across the state. In 2008, travelers spent an estimated $60.6 billion in Texas. Travel expenditures generated $2.9 billion in state taxes and $1.0 billion in local taxes. For more information on Texas travel events and vacation destinations, visit TravelTex.com or for a free Travel Guide call 1-800-8888-TEX.

SOURCE Texas Tourism