Aransas Pass earns Tourism Friendly Texas certification from state

The Office of the Governor's Travel Texas program presented the Tourism Friendly Texas certification to the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce during the Aransas Pass City Council meeting on June 16, 2025.

Travel Texas representative Madeline Phillips said the certification recognizes communities that have strengthened tourism planning and marketing. “Travel Texas is the state's official tourism office. Our mission is to promote Texas as a premier travel destination in both the domestic and international markets,” Phillips said.

The award marks Aransas Pass as one of the first 40 communities in Texas to receive the designation. Phillips said the city drew $37,200,000 in direct travel spending in 2024 and generated about $1.4 million in local tax revenue. “This money that supports public safety, infrastructure, parks, and services that directly benefit your residents,” she said.

Phillips credited leadership by Rosemary Vega, president and CEO of the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce, and the chamber's visitor center for leading the certification effort. The presentation highlighted local visitor assets — Redfish Bay, the Lighthouse Lakes Trail, the Seaman Memorial Tower and signature events such as Shrimperie — and noted work to align planning, data tools and marketing to attract visitors.

Chamber and city leaders said the certification is intended to support local businesses and jobs by boosting tourism-related economic activity and by helping the city compete for grants and marketing opportunities. The city council received the certificate during the presentations portion of the meeting; no formal vote was required for the presentation.

City officials and chamber leaders said the designation will be a tool for future planning and promotion in support of Aransas Pass’s economic development goals.