The West Central Texas region celebrates its history and unique cultural and environmental habitats through a myriad of events and fairs. Professional rodeos, rattlesnake roundups, “Old West” events, hunting, fishing, outdoor sports, art festivals, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, the National Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) WWII Museum, state parks, multiple art centers, Frontier Texas!, the Paramount Theatre, antique shopping, Historic Downtowns, and the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum draw tourists from around the globe to the region. The Abilene Convention and Visitor’s Bureau estimates that travel and tourism employ approximately 3,700 persons in the area, generate $400 million yearly in visitor spending and generate the equivalent of $890 of taxes per area resident paid by tourism.
Economic Development expansion in the form of tourism benefits the majority of cities and towns in the region and provides a viable form of income. Potential marketing as a center for “winter Texans”, residents of recreational vehicles who winter in warmer climates may provide additional revenues to the region.
Economic Development expansion in the form of tourism benefits the majority of cities and towns in the region and provides a viable form of income. Potential marketing as a center for “winter Texans”, residents of recreational vehicles who winter in warmer climates may provide additional revenues to the region.