WACO, TX — During National Travel and Tourism week, the City of Waco is celebrating the economic boost tourism has brought in recent years.
According to the Waco Convention Center and Visitor's Bureau Director Todd Bertka, 2.6 million people visited Waco attractions last year, generating $56 million in tax revenue.
The Magnolia Silos, Cameron Park Zoo, the Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Dr. Pepper Museum were some of the most popular attracts for visitors.
Nancy and James Wolf who live in California visited Waco on Monday with their family members from Clifton.
They group first went to the Magnolia Silos and later visited historical landmarks in the city, including the Waco Suspension Bridge.
"We want to see how Waco has grown. They suggested coming to the Chisholm Trail. We are all cowboy enthusiasts, ranchers. We love that. They brought us out here and I'm very impressed," Nancy Wolf said.
On Tuesday, the city will host a National Travel and Tourism Week "Travel Matters" celebration from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Brazos Ballroom of the Waco Convention Center to honor those in the front lines of the hospitality industry, including staff at hotels, restaurants and retail shops.
"They are the ones at the heart of creating the experience and delivering on the expectation of our visitors. We have people coming from all around the country and all around the world to Waco. We want them to recognize the value of this group of folks," Bertka said.
While the city celebrates the economic boost visitors have brought to Waco, officials say local support is critical to the success of all businesses.
"We know folks are coming from out of town but we want our local residents to reach out and rediscover what Waco has to offer and be a tourist in your own hometown and not just this week, you can take the next 52 weeks if you ask me," Bertka said.
National Travel and Tourism week has been celebrated for 36 years. It aims to highlight the importance of travel as being important for personal well-being, businesses and the economy.
