BRENHAM CERTIFIED AS TOURISM FRIENDLY TEXAS COMMUNITY
The City of Brenham is officially a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.
Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday recognized the city for earning the designation from Travel Texas in the program’s first year, following a multi-step certification process. The program demonstrates Visit Brenham’s commitment to developing tourism as a way to boost economic activity, create jobs and bring in visitors from across the country and the world.
Abbott congratulated the city and Visit Brenham on the new designation, saying tourism is critical to local and state economies. Travel Texas Director Tim Fennell said, “Rolling hills, historic landmarks, and a thriving small-town cultural scene make Brenham a must-visit destination.”
The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program was created to encourage communities across Texas to pursue tourism as an economic development strategy and provide resources and recognition for those efforts. It is open to local governments or non-profit organizations that serve as the lead entity for tourism promotion and development efforts.
Benefits include the opportunity to strengthen or establish relationships important for tourism development, educate local leaders on the importance of tourism to the state, identify and prioritize locally driven strategies, and learn more about opportunities provided by Travel Texas and other state government programs available to support both communities and the travel and tourism industry.
State Senator Lois Kolkhorst said the designation “will boost local businesses and encourage more Texans to experience the warmth and charm of Brenham and Washington County.” State Representative Trey Wharton said it is “a testament to the community’s commitment to fostering growth and enhancing the experience for visitors while preserving its unique heritage and charm.”
Local leaders also remarked on the designation, with City of Brenham Tourism and Marketing Director Jennifer Eckermann saying local tourism contributes over $120 million in travel spending and creates more than 900 jobs across the county. Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura said tourism serves as “a vital economic engine” for the city and “helps preserve the heritage and character of Brenham.”
Communities that are interested in the designation are required to send a letter of intent, then complete a self-assessment and go through online training before undergoing a final interview.