There's no doubt that the American Dream City has tourism in its DNA. From bringing Major League Baseball here 44 years ago to the opening of AT&T Stadium in 2009, tourism has had an impact on our City.
Arlington, the 7th largest city in Texas, is home to Six Flags Over Texas/Hurricane Harbor, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Wings and other entertainment and shopping destinations. About 10 million tourists visit each year, according to the latest data.
"Tourism is invaluable to our great city. Travel is a job creator, economic engine, educator, pro-family and pro-health. Travel is a primary industry that works for Arlington and helps provide valuable revenue to strengthen our neighborhoods,' Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams said.
Across Arlington, travel employs a prosperous and diverse workforce, from airline and hotel employees, to restaurant, attraction and retail workers, and supports related sectors such as construction, manufacturing and finance.
Overall, Arlington has 11,000 tourism-supported jobs. And positions in that industry continue to grow, climbing 13.4 percent since 2010.
"Travel and tourism supports one in nine American jobs, including 5.4 percent of private employment right here in Arlington,' said Ron Price, President & CEO of the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau.
In 2014, the City's 10 million visitors spent $669 million in Arlington, up 1.1 percent from the previous year. That spending generated more than $91 million in state and local tax revenue.
That sales tax revenue helps the City pay for core services that benefit both citizens and visitors, such as police, fire, parks and libraries, as well as to build infrastructure and amenities that improve the community's quality of life and make Arlington attractive for businesses and families.
The City celebrates its strong tourism industry and its impact to the local economy this week as part of National Travel and Tourism Week, which runs through May 7.
"This week, we are celebrating what travel means to our community, and we call on everyone to join us in saluting this important industry,' Price said.
The Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau is holding a Facebook contest that ends at 5 p.m. Friday, May 6. The winner and an out-of-town friend will win a travel package that includes Rangers and Six Flags tickets, a tour of AT&T Stadium and food vouchers.
Click here to enter.
AT&T Stadium, Economic Development, Globe Life Park, Six Flags Over Texas
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