May 13, 2024 | Travel Texas
Travel and Tourism Week is May 19-25
Travel industry workers across the country will celebrate the annualNational Travel and Tourism Week(NTTW) from May 19-25.
Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed May 19-25 as Travel and Tourism week in Texas. This year's NTTW theme is "Travel. Powering the Economy. Connecting America," which celebrates how the travel industry powers the economy, connects our people, creates quality job opportunities, and supports our communities.
Travelers to and within Texas spent $94.8 billion while exploring destinations across the state in 2023. This spending created an economic impact of $193.8 billion, which supported 1.3 million Texas jobs and $72.9 billion in travel generated earnings. Roughly 1 in 11 jobs statewide was created by travel.
Spending by travelers generated $9.0 billion in state and local taxes or roughly the equivalent of $836 in taxes saved per Texas household. Taxes generated by travel support public sector jobs like fire fighters, police officers or teachers.
More than 56 million travelers visited Texas fron across the country and around the world in 2023 alongside 66.4 million Texan travelers visiting destinations within the state on overnight trips.
During National Travel and Tourism Week, communities across the state will promote specific content to demonstrate how much travel and tourism benefits the state. We recommend you participate in these National Travel and Tourism themed events showcasing the significance of the travel industry in the Lone Star State!
It's hard not to get excited about National Travel and Tourism week when you have so much to show off! May your travels this season be thrilling and Texas based. #LetsTexas #TexasToDo
Austin
Give Back Gig: Wednesday, May 22 from 4:30 - 8:30pm
This year’s Give Back Gig will celebrate Austin’s culinary industry, bringing together some of Austin’shottest chefs with up-and-coming talent from our local Travis Early College High School culinary programfor a unique tasting experience. Highlights include a special tasting menu, developed in collaborationwith the chefs and students, specialty co*cktails and beverages, live music and amazing raffle items.
Chefs include:
- Chef Jakub Czyszczon | The Garrison, Fairmont Austin
- Chef Allie McMillan | ATX Cocina
- Chef Amanda Turner | Olamaie, as seen on Top Chef
- Chef Paul Wensel | Hestia
- With special guests 2017 Bocuse d’Or Gold winner, Mathew Peters of Prélude and Lorin Peters of CookieRich.
Win incredible prizes including: Made In Cookware, Private Band Performance, F1 Ultimate Experience,HAAM 1 year Pearl Society membership, Delta Airline tickets, ACL Live tickets, Austin FC tickets, Hot Lucktickets, and more! Raffle tickets will be sold at the event. Cash or Card accepted. Proceeds from theevent will support the Visit Austin Foundation as well as the Les Dames d’Escoffier - Austin Chapter.
Bandera
Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week "Reception/Wine Share/ Live Music Event: May 21, 5pm
Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau is hosting a Reception/Wine Share commemorating the 41st Anniversary of National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW). Raise your glass and enjoy great conversation and fun! The National Tourism Week is May 19-25. Look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate promoting tourism in Bandera!
Beaumont
National Travel and Tourism Week will focus on Beaumont's newest mascots: the Beaumonsters!Each day, the monsters will be at Beaumont's best attractions giving away free swag and highlightingthings to do and see. Each day, you can take a selfie with the cutout at the attraction and once you get all9, you get a Beaumonster prize.
- Monday (5/20): Gators and Beau at Gator Country | Cattail Marsh Monday with Marsha.Guests who mention NTTW receive a 12% discount on tickets
- Tuesday (5/21): Breakfast with the Beaumonsters (life-size cutouts to showcase the monsters) |Eugene's Eats
- Wednesday (5/22): Artie giving free bike rides and mural guides | Omar in the Art Museum ofSoutheast Texas
- Thursday (5/23): A Sunset Gusher with Usher at Spindletop Boomtown | Nora in a New Light at theMcFaddin-Ward House
- Friday (5/24): Monster Mash Splash at the World's Largest Working Fire Hydrant with Ellie | Todd'sadventures at the Beaumont Children's Museum
Galveston
North American Travel Journalists Association Annual Conference (NATJA): May 14-17
Galveston will host more than 50 travel writers and contentcreators plus 30 DMOs are expected to attend the event. Galveston will showcase its historic sites,family attractions, museums and outdoor experiences. Post FAMs will occur throughout the state.
Island Residents Invited to Local Days: May 17-23
Galveston residents are encouraged to discover the attractions in their back yard during Local Days, May17-23. During the week, they can visit participating attractions at a free or discounted rate.
Laredo
- Monday(5/20):10:00 a.m. - Proclamation of the Travel and Tourism Week and Visit Laredo will be launching the theme #TealForTourism, inviting the local businesses/ celebs to wear teal during the week and support the industry.
- Thursday (5/23):9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - StorySavvy Workshop: Crafting Captivating Instagram Content- The StorySavvyworkshop is tailored to equip businesses in the hospitality and service sectors with the essential skills to master Instagram storytelling. FREE by invitation.
- Friday (5/24):10:30 am - Unveil the newest gem at Laredo International Airport – Laredo Gifts. Nestled within the bustling concourse, our boutique-style shop invites travelers to embark on a sensory voyage through theheart of Laredo's rich heritage.
During the week some local coffee shops will be offering a promotion to celebrate the National Traveland Tourism Week:
1. Moon Lane Coffee - Like and Follow us on Instagram/Facebook and get 15% off your first Frappeorder – For New Customers All Week.
2. Dosis Coffee – 15% off all week and will be offering a special coffee “Atardecer” it’s a JamaicaOrange Cold Brew Coffee Soda.
3. El Amigo Coffee – Will offer a coffee called "LAREDO-PARCERO" with a special price of $2.75Hot or Iced.
4. Organic Man Coffee Trike – Free 160z Cold Brew with the purchase of any 2 Artisan Ice Creams.
5. Wonderland Coffee – 25% off on May 25th only
6. Aroma De Café – Buy one get one 50% off all week
Nacogdoches
NTTW Nacogdoches Historic Scavenger Hunt: May 19 - 23
Visit Nacogdoches will be hosting their first ever Historic Scavenger Hunt in celebration of NTTW! Jointhe excitement on the Visit Nacogdoches Facebook page, where clues will be posted to lead you touncover navy envelopes filled with fantastic prizes!
Port Aransas
Tourism Rally & Hospitality Heroes Celebration: Wednesday, May 22 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week in Port A at our 4th annual Tourism Rally! We will host acelebration of our island's Hospitality Heroes with drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and island jams! This week is agreat opportunity for us to honor the hospitality workers who play a vital role in our amazing beachtown.
Texas Historical Commission
Texas Living History Week: May 19 - 25
The Texas Historical Commission invites you to step back into history during Texas Living History Week from May 19-25, hosted in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW). As part of this celebration, select Texas state historic sites will offer tours and hands-on activities demonstrating how Texans of the past spent their daily lives. Many of these sites are located near historic downtown districts, providing opportunities to dine or shop at local businesses that make their communities unique. Explore the list of participating sites in the link.
Visit the Woodlands
Visit The Woodlands Pop-Up: May 23
Visit The Woodlands will be at Market Street’s Central Park during a free concert on Thursday, May 23rd. Attendees are invited to come by Visit The Woodlands’ booth to learn about tourism in The Woodlands and pick up complimentary collateral, including folding fans, sunglasses, and stress-ball trolleys.
Visit The Woodlands Month-Long Discounts: May 1 - 31
Visitors are encouraged to celebrate National Travel and Tourism with 5% off tickets to Texas Tree Ventures and rentals at Lake’s Edge and Riva Row Boat House. It’s a perfect month to explore The Woodlands!
Travel matters to everyone who calls Texas home.
- Link toUS Travel National Travel and Tourism Week Toolkit
- Check out theTravel Texas Research Pagefor the latest tourism economic data.
