The City of Denison has been recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas, following the completion of a certification process aimed at promoting tourism and economic growth. The designation acknowledges Discover Denison’s efforts to use tourism as a strategy for local job creation and attracting visitors from across the country and internationally.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on the importance of tourism for 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 Denison and Discover Denison 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.”
Denison now holds three certifications: Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, and Tourism Friendly Texas.
Representative Shelley Luther praised the achievement, stating, “This certification isn’t just an accolade; it’s a powerful affirmation of the heart and hustle of our residents, who pour their passion into preserving our heritage while inviting the world to experience the magic of Denison.”
Mayor Robert Crawley highlighted what makes Denison attractive for visitors: “Denison’s story has always been one of resilience, hospitality, and Texas pride. Earning the Tourism Friendly Texas certification reflects the work our community puts into creating a city that people want to visit and return to time and again. From our award-winning downtown to Lake Texoma and everything in between, Denison offers something unique for everyone. This recognition affirms what we already know — Denison is a place where visitors feel welcome, our hometown spirit shines through, and tourism continues to strengthen both our community and our local economy.”
Denison Tourism Manager Jordan Starr added, “I’m thrilled to see Denison earn the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation. It’s a milestone that reflects our commitment to thoughtful tourism development and shows that when visitors thrive, our hometown thrives too. Denison isn’t just open for tourists — it’s ready for them, with award-winning downtown charm, outdoor adventure, and genuine local hospitality that we’re excited to share with everyone who visits us.”
The program is available for local governments or non-profit organizations leading tourism promotion efforts in their communities. Benefits include building partnerships important for developing tourism strategies, educating leaders about its significance for Texas’ economy, prioritizing locally driven plans, and accessing opportunities provided by Travel Texas as well as other government programs supporting travel-related industries. More information can be found at gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
Travel Texas operates under the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office with a mission focused on marketing Texas as a travel destination outside state borders in order to drive revenue generation through increased visitation.
