Amarillo
Responses provided by Kashion Smith of the Amarillo CVC
Why is your Amarillo such a great place?
Amarillo has that one-of-a-kind West Texas hospitality! Not only is our service top-notch, groups also have many types of attractions, hotels and restaurants to choose from.
What are some of your top attractions?
The Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery and the Cadillac Ranch, both Route 66 icons; Palo Duro Canyon, which is home to “Texas,” the outdoor musical; and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
What are a couple of good annual festivals?
The Coors Cowboy Club Cattle Drive and Ranch Rodeo (first week of June) and the Route 66 Celebration (the Saturday before July 4)
What advice would you give a tour operator regarding packaging your area?
We are the perfect stop between Oklahoma City and Albuquerque. To really enjoy our area you need at least two nights.
To learn more, contact Smith or go to visitamarillo.com.
Brewster County
Responses provided by Robert Alvarez of Visit Big Bend
What makes your area great?
The Big Bend region is like no other place in the state. Groups who visit enjoy the remoteness of the area, which allows them to unplug and get back to the simple things in life, like enjoying a spectacular sunset or seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye.
What are some top nature-based options?
First is Big Bend National Park and its Fossil Discovery Exhibit. Birders from across the world come to Big Bend and go to the national park and to Post Park in Marathon.
What advice would you give a tour operator about packaging your area?
The timing of a visit is important, because we are in the Chihuahuan Desert, so summers are hot. To see the entire area takes at least three full days, but shorter visits can be done.
To learn more, contact Alvarez or go to visitbigbend.com.
Kerrville
Responses provided by Charlie McIlvain, CTP, of the Kerrville CVB
Tell us why Kerrville is such a great destination.
Visitors to the Texas Hill Country experience an exceptional quality of life. The Guadalupe River flows through downtown Kerrville, and we have two live theaters, many art galleries, excellent dining opportunities and a mild climate.
What are some of your marquee attractions?
The Coming King Prayer Sculpture Garden, ideal for the religious market; the Y.O. Ranch, with its exotic game ranch tour; Riverside Nature Center; and art galleries, including the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center
What insider knowledge would help a tour operator package your area?
Spending 14 years as a receptive tour operator, I can answer that question. Groups can easily spend three days and two nights here and make visits to nearby Texas Hill Country spots—Bandera, Fredericksburg, Luckenbach, Hunt, Ingram—before they venture to San Antonio, Austin or Dallas/Fort Worth.
To learn more, contact McIlvain or go to kerrvilletexascvb.com.
Laredo
Responses provided by Selina Villarreal of the Laredo CVB
Tell us why Laredo is such a great destination.
Laredo’s sunny skies, friendly atmosphere and cultural offerings make for an interesting adventure. Visiting groups have the opportunity to soak up Laredo’s history, enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine, and see arts and crafts.
What are three popular attractions?
San Agustin Cathedral, Fort McIntosh and the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum
What is a must-do nature experience in your area?
Make sure to pack your binoculars, because Laredo is home to some beautiful birds. You can try your luck at bird-watching at North Central Park.
What advice would you give a tour operator regarding packaging your area?
Laredo is a great weekend getaway, and the Laredo CVB staff is ready to welcome all groups and give them an unforgettable experience.
To learn more, contact Joel Vazquez of the Laredo CVB or go to visitlaredo.com.
Pearland
Responses provided by Kim Sinistore of the Pearland CVB
Why is Pearland such a great place?
Pearland is a great destination for groups. We pair more affordable Pearland hotels and local charm with Houston’s big-city attractions just minutes away.
What is a can’t-miss culinary experience?
Pearland is home to three concept restaurants—Killen’s Steakhouse, Killen’s BBQ and Killen’s Burgers—created by executive chef and Pearland native, Ronnie Killen.
What are other must-visit local spots?
BAKFISH Brewing Company and King’s Biergarten & Restaurant also are popular. Plus, you have the Sri Meenakshi temple in Pearland, which is the only Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Meenakshi off the shores of India.
What insider knowledge would help a tour operator package your area?
Plan for a three- to five-day stay in Pearland, which would allow enough time to experience our amenities and take day trips to nearby Houston attractions.
To learn more, contact Sinistore or go to visitpearland.com.
San Angelo
Responses provided by Suzanna Aguirre of the San Angelo CVB
What makes San Angelo a great destination?
San Angelo offers groups the opportunity to experience frontier history and to dive into a modern and vibrant city.
What are three popular history attractions?
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, home to the famous 10th Cavalry Regiment of Buffalo Soldiers from the Indian Wars era; The Cactus Hotel, the fourth hotel built by Conrad Hilton; and Angelo Civic Theatre, the oldest continuous community theater in Texas.
If I have friends visiting from out of town, I always take them to …
See the International Water Lily Collection
What insider knowledge would help a tour operator package your area?
San Angelo has diverse themed tours on history, arts, culture, religion and agriculture, and we also partner with surrounding cities. For example, we set up tours in Christoval (20 minutes away) at their winery, hummingbird habitat and monastery.
To learn more, contact Aguirre or go to discoversanangelo.org.
Top photo: Amarillo’s Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery
Photo by Amarillo CVB
