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Travel Texas names Texarkana a 'Tourism Friendly Texas' certified community
Summary
A Travel Texas representative presented a Tourism Friendly Texas certification to Texarkana, citing $181.4 million in 2024 direct travel spending, more than $3.6 million in local tax receipts and over 1,000 tourism jobs; city leaders and Visit TKX were recognized for the effort.
Maddie Phillips of the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism presented Texarkana with a Tourism Friendly Texas certification during the City Council meeting on Jan. 12, 2026, praising local collaboration and the Visit TKX team for efforts to grow events, public art and marketing.
"On behalf of Travel Texas and the office of the governor's economic development and tourism, I'm honored to officially recognize Texarkana as a tourism friendly Texas certified community," Phillips said, and cited 2024 figures she said showed $181,400,000 in direct travel spending, more than $3,600,000 in local tax receipts and support for over 1,000 tourism jobs.
The tourism-friendly designation recognizes municipalities that prioritize visitor experience alongside quality-of-life improvements for residents, Phillips said, and she specifically thanked local leaders and the Visit TKX team. City Manager David Orr and a list of local staff and partners were invited forward for recognition and a photograph.
The mayor and council welcomed the designation and highlighted the role of festivals, events and downtown attractions in economic development. The council did not take formal action on the presentation; it was a ceremonial recognition placed on the record.
City officials said the designation is intended to be part of an ongoing partnership with the state and a platform for Texarkana to continue building tourism-related jobs and events.
