COMPASS
West South Central U.S.
COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON
A Texas six-step
NTA has more than 25 DMO members across Texas, giving tour operators plenty of colleagues they can turn to for itinerary
assistance. The following six Lone Star State destinations provide unique experiences, and representatives from the local DMOs
offer advice on what groups should see and do.
Kerrville
Responses provided by Kashion
Smith of the Amarillo CVC Responses provided by Charlie
McIlvain, CTP, of the Kerrville CVB
Why is your Amarillo such a
great place? Tell us why Kerrville is such a
great destination.
Amarillo has that one-of-a-kind
West Texas hospitality! Not
only is our service top-notch,
groups also have many types of
attractions, hotels and restau-
rants to choose from. Visitors to the Texas Hill Country
experience an exceptional quality
of life. The Guadalupe River flows
through downtown Kerrville, and
we have two live theaters, many art galleries, excellent dining
opportunities and a mild climate.
Y.O. Ranch
What are some of your top attractions? What are some of your marquee attractions?
The Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery and the Cadillac Ranch,
both Route 66 icons; Palo Duro Canyon, which is home to “Texas,”
the outdoor musical; and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum The Coming King Prayer Sculpture Garden, ideal for the religious mar-
ket; the Y.O. Ranch, with its exotic game ranch tour; Riverside Nature
Center; and art galleries, including the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center
What are a couple of good annual festivals? What insider knowledge would help a tour operator
package your area?
The Coors Cowboy Club Cattle Drive and Ranch Rodeo (first
week of June) and the Route 66 Celebration (the Saturday
before July 4)
Spending 14 years as a receptive tour operator, I can answer that
question. Groups can easily spend three days and two nights here
and make visits to nearby Texas Hill Country spots—Bandera,
Fredericksburg, Luckenbach, Hunt, Ingram—before they venture
to San Antonio, Austin or Dallas/Fort Worth.
What advice would you give a tour operator regarding
packaging your area?
We are the perfect stop between Oklahoma City and Albuquerque.
To really enjoy our area you need at least two nights.
To learn more, contact McIlvain at [email protected]
or go to kerrvilletexascvb.com.
To learn more, contact Smith at [email protected] or go
to visitamarillo.com.
Laredo
Responses provided by Selina
Villarreal of the Laredo CVB
Brewster County
Responses provided by Robert
Alvarez of Visit Big Bend
San Agustin
Cathedral
Tell us why Laredo is such a great
destination.
What makes your area great?
Santa Elena Canyon
in Big Bend National Park
First is Big Bend National Park
and its Fossil Discovery Exhibit. Birders from across the world
come to Big Bend and go to the national park and to Post Park in
Marathon.
What are three popular
attractions?
San Agustin Cathedral, Fort McIntosh
and the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum
What is a must-do nature experience in your area?
Make sure to pack your binoculars, because Laredo is home to
some beautiful birds. You can try your luck at bird-watching at
North Central Park.
What advice would you give a tour operator about
packaging your area? What advice would you give a tour operator regarding
packaging your area?
The timing of a visit is important, because we are in the
Chihuahuan Desert, so summers are hot. To see the entire area
takes at least three full days, but shorter visits can be done. Laredo is a great weekend getaway, and the Laredo CVB staff
is ready to welcome all groups and give them an unforgettable
experience.
To learn more, contact Alvarez at [email protected] or go
to visitbigbend.com. To learn more, contact Joel Vazquez of the Laredo CVB at
[email protected] or go to visitlaredo.com.
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April/May 2018
Laredo’s sunny skies, friendly atmo-
sphere and cultural offerings make
for an interesting adventure. Visiting
groups have the opportunity to soak
up Laredo’s history, enjoy traditional
Mexican cuisine, and see arts and crafts.
The Big Bend region is like no
other place in the state. Groups
who visit enjoy the remoteness
of the area, which allows them to
unplug and get back to the sim-
ple things in life, like enjoying a
spectacular sunset or seeing the
Milky Way with the naked eye.
What are some top nature-
based options?
Amarillo