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Visit McKinney certified as Tourism Friendly Texas community; state highlights visitor spending and projects
Summary
The Office of the Governor presented Visit McKinney with a Tourism Friendly Texas designation; state staff cited over $31 million in direct travel spending and noted upcoming projects including a 20,000-seat amphitheater and Cannon Beach Surf and Adventure Park.
McKINNEY, Texas — The Office of the Governor’s economic development and tourism office formally certified Visit McKinney as a Tourism Friendly Texas community at the City Council meeting.
A Travel Texas representative, Madeline Phillips, presented the certificate, noting that McKinney was among the state's first 40 communities to receive the designation. Phillips said that last year McKinney generated more than $31 million in direct travel spending and highlighted that visitor tax revenues reduce pressure on local property taxes.
Officials and Visit McKinney staff cited local attractions and ongoing projects they expect to draw visitors, including downtown historic sites, Heard Natural Science Museum, public art installations, annual events (Arts in Bloom, Oktoberfest, Red White & Boom, Home for the Holidays), and larger capital projects under development: a 20,000-seat amphitheater, Cannon Beach Surf and Adventure Park (expected to draw up to 750,000 visitors annually when complete), and new sports and meeting facilities. The Visit McKinney team thanked city leadership and staff for collaboration on tourism strategy.
Council members and the governor’s office representative said tourism contributes to the local economy by supporting small businesses and generating sales tax revenue. The designation is intended to help McKinney promote the city to outside markets and to support a data-driven tourism strategy.
No formal council action was required; the presentation was ceremonial and informational.
