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What is Travel Texas (TX Tourism)?

Updated 2026-05-28

Travel Texas is the tourism and travel division operating under the Texas Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism. Its primary mission is to promote Texas as a leading travel destination for leisure and business travelers.

The organization is responsible for executing large-scale advertising and marketing campaigns, managing the official state tourism website (TravelTexas.com), and providing resources to support local tourism entities across the state. These efforts are designed to increase visitor numbers and spending, which in turn supports jobs and strengthens the state's economy.

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How it works

Travel Texas functions by creating and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies that highlight the state's diverse attractions and experiences. This involves national and international advertising campaigns, public relations efforts, social media outreach, and content creation.

The division collaborates closely with local Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs), chambers of commerce, and private-sector tourism partners to ensure a cohesive promotional message. It also participates in travel industry trade shows and media events to connect with tour operators and press, furthering the reach of its marketing efforts.

Why it matters

For vacation rental owners and property managers in Texas, Travel Texas is a crucial engine for demand. By marketing the state globally, the organization helps attract a broad audience of potential guests, increasing occupancy rates for rental properties.

Its marketing can highlight lesser-known regions, driving traffic beyond major cities. Aligning your property's marketing with Travel Texas campaigns can boost visibility and attract travelers already interested in what your area has to offer.

Examples

  • A vacation rental owner in the Texas Hill Country aligns their spring promotions with Travel Texas's marketing of the bluebonnet season to attract nature-loving tourists.
  • A host with a beachfront condo in Galveston uses imagery and a tone consistent with Travel Texas's 'Texas Beaches' campaigns in their listing to appeal to travelers researching coastal getaways.
  • The manager of several cabins near Big Bend National Park leverages content from Travel Texas about astrotourism to create a 'Stargazer's Package' for guests.
  • A Dallas host reads a Travel Texas industry report on culinary travel trends and decides to create a welcome basket featuring local artisanal foods.

Frequently asked questions

How can I get my vacation rental listed on TravelTexas.com?+
TravelTexas.com does not list individual vacation rentals directly. It typically promotes destinations by linking to local Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) or Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). To gain visibility, ensure your property is registered with your local CVB and that you maintain a professional online presence with a bookable website. Having a site created with a vacation rental website builder can help you capture bookings from traffic generated by state and local tourism marketing.
Is Travel Texas a government agency?+
Yes, Travel Texas is the official tourism division within the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, which is part of the Office of the Governor. It serves as the state's designated public-sector organization for tourism marketing.
What resources does Travel Texas provide for tourism businesses?+
Travel Texas offers a variety of resources, including market research, travel trend data, cooperative marketing programs, and educational materials. These tools are available to help Texas-based tourism businesses, including vacation rental operators, make informed decisions, improve their marketing, and grow their operations.
Does Travel Texas only promote major cities like Austin and Houston?+
No, while major cities are a key part of its marketing, Travel Texas promotes all seven distinct regions of the state. Its campaigns often feature a wide range of destinations, including state parks, historic towns, coastal areas, and rural landscapes, aiming to disperse travelers and economic benefits throughout Texas.
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