The City of Kilgore has been recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas, following the completion of a multi-step certification process. This designation highlights Visit Kilgore’s commitment to using tourism as a strategy for economic growth, job creation, and attracting visitors from across the United States and abroad.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on the importance of tourism to the state’s economy. “Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” said Governor Abbott. “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 Kilgore and Visit Kilgore 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.”
With this new recognition, Kilgore now holds certifications as a Music Friendly Texas, Film Friendly Texas, and Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.
Senator Bryan Hughes also praised the achievement: “Congratulations to Visit Kilgore and the City of Kilgore on achieving this Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation. Tourism creates opportunity, drives economic growth, and shares our rich East Texas heritage with visitors from near and far. This honor simply affirms what we already know — Kilgore is a destination that welcomes every guest, strengthens our communities, and proudly shares the spirit of East Texas with the world.”
Representative Jay Dean noted Kilgore’s longstanding role in promoting regional values: “I’m proud to see the City of Kilgore recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. Kilgore has been a shining example of what makes East Texas special — a community that honors its rich history while embracing new opportunities for growth. This certification is a testament to the city’s commitment to welcoming visitors and supporting the local economy through tourism.”
Kilgore Mayor Ronnie E. Spradlin III expressed appreciation for the recognition: “Kilgore is proud to be recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. Our city thrives when visitors feel welcome, and this honor reflects the warmth, hospitality, and spirit of our residents.”
City Manager Rachel Rowe added: “Being a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community means creating experiences and memories for every visitor. Kilgore is committed to making everyone feel at home while exploring all we have to offer.”
Visit Kilgore’s Tourism and Marketing Manager Megan Payne reflected on her personal experience: “I began as a visitor to Kilgore, and I was struck by the love and commitment this town and Visit Kilgore has to making every visitor’s experience truly special. We are honored to be recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.”
The certification program is open to local governments or non-profit organizations leading tourism promotion efforts in their communities. It offers benefits such as building partnerships important for tourism development, educating leaders about tourism’s impact on local economies, identifying strategies tailored by each community, and learning about resources available from Travel Texas or other state programs supporting travel-related initiatives.
Travel Texas operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office with an aim to market Texas as an attractive destination outside its borders in order to bring more out-of-state travelers into local areas—generating revenue streams for both municipalities like Kilgore and for statewide economic growth.
