Temple, Texas has earned a prestigious new designation that officials say will boost the city’s visibility on the state’s tourism map and potentially pump millions into the local economy.
Governor Greg Abbott announced this week that Temple has officially become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, adding to its existing Film Friendly Texas and Music Friendly Texas certifications. The triple-crown of tourism designations confirms what locals have long believed — that their city has something special to offer visitors.
“Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” Abbott stated in his announcement. “Travelers to and within Texas generate almost $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. I congratulate the City of Temple and Discover Temple on earning this designation.”
More Than Just a Title
What exactly does it take to become tourism-friendly in the eyes of the state? It’s not just a matter of filling out a simple form. The certification requires communities to complete a multi-step process including self-assessment, online training, and submission of letters of recommendation and tourism proclamations — all within a single calendar year.
For Temple, the designation represents years of strategic planning to position the city as a destination rather than just a place to pass through. City Manager Brynn Myers emphasized that “this achievement is a testament to the passion and dedication our team has poured into making Temple a destination that welcomes all with open arms. Tourism is not only a driver of economic growth, it’s also a reflection of our community’s spirit.”
State Senator Pete Flores echoed these sentiments, noting that the recognition “highlights Temple’s commitment to leveraging tourism to boost economic growth and create jobs. By attracting visitors, Temple strengthens its local businesses and enhances the quality of life for its residents.”
A Personal Victory
For some city officials, the certification hits close to home. Temple Councilmember Jessica Walker, who submitted the application on behalf of the city, described the moment as particularly meaningful: “This certification holds a very special place in my heart. I’ve witnessed the hard work and heart Discover Temple puts into promoting our community day in and day out. To see our efforts formally recognized at the state level is both exciting and humbling.”
But what does tourism-friendly really mean for the average Temple resident? Beyond the prestige, the designation is expected to bring tangible benefits.
The program helps tourism entities strengthen important relationships, educate local leaders on tourism’s economic impact, and prioritize strategies to attract more visitors. It also provides information on state programs that can support tourism development.
Representative Brad Buckley praised Temple’s unique blend of history and modernity as key to its appeal. “From its charming historic downtown to its growing and thriving neighborhoods, it is wonderful to see Temple recognized in this way,” he remarked. “I am thrilled that more people will be able to experience what the community has to offer.”
Part of a Bigger Picture
Temple’s certification aligns with broader state tourism initiatives led by Travel Texas, part of the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office. The organization’s mission is to market Texas as a premier travel destination specifically to out-of-state and international markets — efforts that generate revenue and jobs throughout Texas communities.
Governor Abbott has encouraged other Texas communities to apply for the designation “to further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state.”
For Temple, a city that many Texans might once have known only as a highway stop between larger destinations, the certification represents something transformative — recognition that this central Texas community has successfully rewritten its own story into one worth traveling to experience.
