Big congratulations to the City of Sealy, the Sealy Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Discover Sealy team on earning the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation. It’s a well-deserved recognition of their work promoting Sealy and growing tourism in the community.
Travel Texas announced Sealy’s Tourism Friendly Texas certification Oct. 13, following the city’s completion of the program’s multi-step process. The designation recognizes Sealy’s commitment to developing tourism as an economic growth strategy, supporting local jobs and giving more people reasons to visit.
Sealy’s location and attractions welcome visitors
Sealy’s location near Houston gives visitors a chance to leave the city behind while remaining close enough for an easy day trip. State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst highlighted the balance Sealy offers, with convenient access to the Houston area and a quieter, rural setting suited to relaxation and exploration.
State Rep. Stan Kitzman congratulated the city and the Sealy Convention & Visitors Bureau for sharing Sealy’s hospitality with visitors from across Texas and beyond. He noted that tourism promotion can bring attention to local businesses and contribute to the community’s economy.
Sealy’s history, recreational and social opportunities, local businesses and welcoming atmosphere all help shape the visitor experience. Mayor Carolyn Bilski credited the city’s customer service and the variety of experiences available to individuals and families. The certification recognizes the dedication of city leaders and volunteers who have made tourism an important part of Sealy’s economic development efforts.
Discover Sealy Tourism Manager Charlie Wade said the goal is to give visitors reasons to stop, explore, stay awhile and support local businesses while learning about the town’s history and character. Sealy’s Tourism Friendly Texas certification recognizes work already underway and supports continued efforts to make the city a destination visitors will want to experience again.
Tourism supports Texas jobs and local economies
Tourism is a significant part of the Texas economy. Travelers to and within the state generate more than $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs, according to the Office of the Governor. Gov. Greg Abbott congratulated Sealy and encouraged communities across Texas to pursue the certification to help grow tourism and local employment.
About the Tourism Friendly Texas program
The Tourism Friendly Texas program is open to local governments and nonprofit organizations that lead tourism promotion and development in their communities. Certification can help communities strengthen relationships that support tourism, educate local leaders about tourism’s role in the state economy, identify locally driven priorities and learn about resources available through Travel Texas and other state programs.
Travel Texas is part of the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor. Its mission includes promoting Texas as a travel destination in out-of-state and international markets, attracting visitors from outside the state and supporting revenue and jobs in local communities and across Texas.
More information about the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program is available online.
