The City of Laredo has been named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas, following the completion of a multi-step certification process. This designation is intended to highlight Laredo’s commitment to promoting tourism as an economic development strategy and attracting more visitors from across the country and internationally.
Governor Greg Abbott recognized the city for its achievement, stating, “Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies. 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 Laredo and the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau 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.”
Senator Judith Zaffirini also commented on the recognition: “Congratulations to the City of Laredo for earning this well-deserved recognition and for personifying the motto, ‘where friendliness is a custom.’ Becoming a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community is a testament to our beloved hometown’s vibrant culture, rich history, and welcoming spirit. This designation will help showcase all our city has to offer Texans and visitors from across the globe.”
Representative Don McLaughlin added, “This designation is a win for Laredo and for our region. As the number one international trade port in the United States, Laredo has long been a hub of commerce and culture, and being recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community highlights the city’s dedication to sharing that unique story with the world. I applaud the City of Laredo and the Convention & Visitors Bureau for their leadership. I look forward to the positive impact this recognition will bring as more visitors experience everything that makes Laredo the gateway to Texas and the Americas.”
Aileen Ramos, Director of the City of Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau, said, “Being recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community is an incredible honor for Laredo. This certification reaffirms our commitment to elevating tourism as a key driver of economic growth and community pride. It reflects the strong partnerships between our local leaders, businesses, and residents who work together to showcase Laredo’s unique culture, history, and hospitality. With this designation from Travel Texas, we are proud to stand among Texas’ leading destinations and invite travelers to ‘Find Your Sense of Adventure’ right here in Laredo.”
The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program allows local governments or non-profit organizations responsible for tourism promotion efforts in their area to apply for certification. The benefits include opportunities for relationship-building important for tourism development; educating local leaders about tourism’s significance; identifying strategies tailored locally; and learning about resources available through Travel Texas or other state programs supporting communities as well as travel industry stakeholders.
More information about this program can be found at gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
Travel Texas operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office with its mission focused on marketing Texas outside state borders—both nationally and internationally—to drive non-Texan travel into communities statewide while generating revenue growth at both local community levels as well as statewide.
