San Angelo wins Tourism Friendly Texas designation; state official cites $261 million in visitor spending

San Angelo received a Tourism Friendly Texas certification as the City Council recognized the designation at its meeting. "In 2025, visitors generated $261,100,000 in direct travel spending throughout San Angelo," Madeline Phillips of the Office of the Governor—'0Economic Development and Tourism said, adding that visitor activity produced about $8.3 million in local tax revenue.

Phillips, who identified herself as representing Travel Texas, told the council the certification recognizes communities that show long-term commitment to strengthening the visitor economy through collaboration, planning and destination stewardship. She singled out Discover San Angelo and downtown partners for leading the application and thanked local supporters who submitted letters of recommendation.

Mayor Tom Thompson presented the proclamation for the Tourism Friendly Texas designation and also read a separate proclamation honoring the 100th anniversary of the San Angelo Association of Realtors. Tiffany Sellers, president of the San Angelo Association of Realtors, thanked the council and announced a Centennial Ribbon Cutting and a landlord-tenant forum for July.

Phillips said the designation is intended to underscore tourism—'s role beyond hotels and attractions, noting its economic and community benefits. Council members did not take additional action beyond the recognition.

The item was presented during the proclamations portion of the meeting; no vote beyond adoption of the proclamations was required. The council recessed briefly afterward for a reception and photo opportunity.