Arlington has joined an elite group of Texas destinations after securing a key tourism certification, marking what officials call a “trifecta” of state designations that could further boost its visitor economy.
Governor Greg Abbott announced the city has been designated as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas, adding to Arlington’s existing designations as both a Music Friendly Texas and Film Friendly Texas community. The recognition highlights tourism’s critical role in economic development and job creation across the state.
Economic Engine
“Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” said Governor Abbott in a statement. “Travelers to and within Texas generate almost $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state.” The governor also encouraged other Texas communities to pursue the designation to “further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state,” his office noted.
Why does this matter for Arlington? With an estimated 16 million annual visitors already flocking to the city’s attractions, the certification could provide additional resources and visibility to strengthen its tourism sector.
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross pointed to the city’s impressive roster of attractions that made it a natural fit for the designation. “We have all the tourism assets in Arlington needed to be a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, including the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Six Flags Over Texas, the National Medal of Honor Museum, and outstanding arts and cultural amenities,” Ross said.
But the mayor emphasized that infrastructure alone doesn’t create a tourism-friendly environment. “What truly makes us tourism friendly, however, is the outstanding customer service provided by Arlington’s thousands of tourism and hospitality workers. They create the experiences necessary for Arlington’s 16 million annual visitors to return to our city time and again.”
The Tourism Trifecta
State Representative David Cook celebrated Arlington’s achievement of what he called the “trifecta” of tourism-related certifications. “With its central location in the heart of North Texas and strong support for the arts, it’s no surprise Arlington has been named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community,” Cook remarked.
The Tourism Friendly Texas program isn’t just about recognition — it comes with tangible benefits. The initiative targets local governments or nonprofit organizations leading tourism promotion efforts and offers opportunities to strengthen relationships critical for tourism development. It also helps communities educate local leaders on tourism’s economic importance and identify locally-driven strategies for growth.
Communities that receive the designation gain access to additional resources from Travel Texas and other state government programs designed to support both communities and the travel industry.
The certification comes at a time when tourism continues to recover from pandemic-era disruptions, with destinations increasingly competing for visitors’ attention and dollars.
For Arlington — a city that has steadily built its reputation as an entertainment destination — the latest accolade might just be another step toward cementing its status as one of Texas’s premier tourism powerhouses, with the credentials now to prove it.
