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Discover Austin reports growing visitor numbers, new marketing pieces and events in annual update
Summary
Nancy, executive director of Discover Austin, told the council that tourism and events generated roughly $730,000 in local impact over two years for certain tournaments, reported growth in podcast downloads to 6,500+, and previewed new visitor guides, a 2025 mascot/hat and several upcoming events.
Nancy (speaker 9), introduced for a Discover Austin report, briefed the council on the destination-marketing organization's annual report and 2025 plans.
She said the organization continued core events (beer, bacon and beignet; the Gopher State Baseball Tournament) and new attractions that are bringing visitors to Austin. Nancy said the American Junior Golf Association event and other activities accounted for roughly $730,000 in economic impact across two years in the local community and noted the Gopher State event generated an estimated $57,000 last year, with higher impacts expected in 2025 now that room blocks are in place.
Discover Austin’s visitor guide distribution and promotional work remain central to marketing efforts: Nancy said 20,000 guides were distributed, 1,300 mailed, and more than 3,000 welcome bags produced. She noted a podcast launched in 2024 has grown from about 5,600 downloads to more than 6,500 and highlighted outreach such as a 30-second in-flight video on American Airlines that runs through June 2025.
Upcoming plans include a film-backdrop project and new events at the Mower County Fairgrounds. Nancy asked council members to refer groups to Discover Austin when appropriate; council thanked her for the update.
The report was informational and did not require council action.
