Texas Travel & Tourism Week Celebrates a $201.8 Billion Industry as the State Prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

As part of National Travel and Tourism Week, Texas is highlighting its massive tourism economy—which supports over 1.3 million jobs—through statewide events in Dallas, Kerrville, and Austin.

Quick Summary

Governor Greg Abbott officially proclaimed May 3-9, 2026, as Texas Travel and Tourism Week.

The Texas tourism industry generates a staggering $201.8 billion in economic impact and supports 1.3 million jobs across the state.

In 2025, Texas welcomed 52 million out-of-state/international travelers and hosted 69 million overnight trips by local Texans.

Communities are hosting beautification and celebration events, such as the May 7 "Can-Do Spirit Day" at Dallas’s Fair Park, in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Texas is officially joining the nation in celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), an annual event dedicated to recognizing the massive economic and cultural power of the hospitality sector. Operating under this year’s theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” the week highlights the irreplaceable role that travel plays in shaping local economies.

For Texas, the 2026 celebration carries unprecedented weight. The Lone Star State is actively preparing to be the focal point of global tourism, gearing up to host matches for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup™, participating in the nationwide America 250 anniversary celebrations, and serving as a key destination for the centennial of historic Route 66.

A $201 BILLION ECONOMIC ENGINE

To mark the occasion, Governor Greg Abbott officially designated May 3-9, 2026, as Texas Travel and Tourism Week. The proclamation honors the hundreds of thousands of professionals who keep the state's hospitality engine running.

The sheer scale of the Texas travel industry was outlined in recent data released by Travel Texas. Tim Fennell, Director of Travel Texas, emphasized that tourism is not just about leisure; it is a foundational pillar of the state's financial health.

Massive Visitation: In 2025 alone, Texas welcomed 52 million global travelers, while local Texans took 69 million overnight trips within the state.
Economic Impact: The sector generates a massive $201.8 billion in total economic impact.
Job Creation: Tourism directly supports over 1.3 million jobs, spanning hospitality, retail, and entertainment.
Public Funding: Travel revenue generates approximately $9.2 billion in state and local taxes, directly funding essential public services like education, infrastructure, and public safety.

STATEWIDE CELEBRATIONS: FROM KERRVILLE TO DALLAS

To commemorate the week, cities across the state are organizing high-impact community events designed to celebrate the industry while preparing for the influx of global visitors expected later this year.

In Kerrville, the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Museum of Western Art hosted a special tourism celebration lunch on May 1st to honor local sector workers.

Meanwhile, in Dallas, civic leaders, hospitality workers, and local volunteers are preparing for "Can-Do Spirit Day" on May 7th. This collaborative event features a massive beautification project at Fair Park—a highly strategic location, as it serves as a key venue area for the upcoming FIFA World Cup™. These events showcase how tourism initiatives directly enhance community pride and local infrastructure.

TEXAS ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

The momentum generated during Texas Travel and Tourism Week is setting the stage for a historic year. The state is uniquely positioned to capture massive international market share:

2026 FIFA World Cup™: With Texas hosting several high-profile matches, thousands of international visitors will flood the state, requiring an absolute peak performance from the local hospitality sector.
America 250: The semi-quincentennial celebrations will draw domestic travelers to Texas’s rich historical sites, from the Alamo in San Antonio to the cultural hubs of Austin.
Route 66 Centennial: The iconic American highway, which stretches across the Texas Panhandle, is celebrating its 100th anniversary, drawing a unique demographic of international road-trippers.

THE FUTURE OF TEXAS TOURISM

National Travel and Tourism Week 2026 serves as a powerful reminder that travel is not just about attracting visitors; it is about sustaining livelihoods and funding community growth. From the diverse natural beauty of the Hill Country to the vibrant, booming urban centers, Texas is proving that strategic tourism investment is the key to long-term state prosperity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Governor Greg Abbott designated May 3-9, 2026 as Texas Travel and Tourism Week.
The Texas travel sector generates $201.8 billion in economic impact and provides $9.2 billion in tax revenue.
The industry currently supports over 1.3 million jobs across retail, hospitality, and entertainment.
Dallas is hosting "Can-Do Spirit Day" on May 7th to beautify Fair Park ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Texas is actively preparing for major global events, including the Route 66 Centennial and America 250.