Pasadena Recognized As Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community
March 19, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release
AUSTIN – The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor today announced the City of Pasadena has been recognized by Travel Texas as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step certification process. Earning the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation shows the commitment of Visit Pasadena, Texas, to further develop tourism as an economic growth strategy, boost local job creation, and draw more visitors to their community and to Texas from across the nation and around the world.
“Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Travelers to and within Texas generate almost $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. Every region of this great state offers endless opportunities to experience the natural beauty, rich history, and true Texas hospitality that draws visitors to our communities. I congratulate Visit Pasadena, Texas, on earning this designation. All Texas communities are encouraged to apply to become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community to further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state.”
The City of Pasadena is now a Music Friendly Texas and Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.
“From the overhauled Convention Center to great local events like the Strawberry Festival and the Pasadena Rodeo, Pasadena has long been a destination,” said Senator Carol Alvarado. “This designation honors that rich heritage and the ongoing commitment of ‘Pasa-Get-Down-Dena’ to supporting tourism and economic development.”
“Pasadena is a beautiful, warm, and welcoming community, providing a wonderful variety of cuisine,” said Pasadena Mayor Thomas Shoenbein. “Tourists will come to know quickly the love shared by its community. We are honored, and our doors are open to all who wish to visit our great city.”
“Pasadena has been a destination for decades,” said Harris County Pct. 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “From seeing the wildlife at Armand Bayou Nature Center to visiting the Santa Anna capture site, I’ve loved visiting Pasadena since long before I was the Commissioner of Harris County Precinct 2. Congratulations to Pasadena for the honor and recognition.”
The Tourism Friendly Texas Community program is open to local governments or non-profit organizations that serve as the lead entity for tourism promotion and development efforts. Benefits of the designation for tourism entities seeking certification on behalf of their community include the opportunity to strengthen or establish relationships important for tourism development, educate local leaders on the importance of tourism to the state, identify and prioritize locally driven strategies, and learn more about opportunities provided by Travel Texas and other state government programs available to support both communities and the travel and tourism industry. For more information on the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program, visit: gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas
The mission of Travel Texas in the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a premier travel destination in out-of-state and international markets, generating non-Texan travel to Texas, and creating revenue and jobs for local communities and the state.
The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office (EDT) within the Office of the Governor is tasked with marketing and promoting the state of Texas across the nation and around the world as the premier business location and travel destination. EDT works closely with communities and local, regional, and statewide economic development and tourism organizations, as well as partnering state agencies, to ensure Texas remains the best place to live, work, and visit.
Media inquiries should be directed to the Governor’s Press Office at (512) 463-1826.