As the Vice President of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, I am proud to share with you the monumental effort your ACVB team has put forth in bringing the 2024 Texas Travel Counselors Conference & Expo to our city from April 14-18. This event is more than a conference; it's a golden opportunity to showcase the spirit of Abilene's hospitality, culture, and attractions through a collaboration between the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Travel Alliance. The conference brings together key players in Texas' tourism industry, including professionals from the TXDOT Travel Information Centers, city visitor centers, Texas State Parks, and Texas Highways magazine.
Our city has been chosen to serve as a shining example of Texas tourism, welcoming key tourism industry professionals from across the state who influence more than 2 million travelers through Texas each year. Their insights and recommendations amplify the unique beauty and diversity our state has to offer, and now, they're turning their attention to Abilene.
Your ACVB team has meticulously organized four days of adventures in Abilene that highlight our city's top attractions and hidden gems. Our esteemed guests will explore the Abilene Zoo, Frontier Texas, Grace Museum, Buffalo Gap Historic Village, Abilene State Park, Swenson House, Museum of Military Models, Dyess Memorial Museum, 12th Armored Museum, the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, the historic Paramount Theatre, and more. But that's not all. We've planned an exhilarating scavenger hunt in downtown Abilene, ensuring a captivating journey through the heart of the city, revealing its charm and dynamic spirit at every turn.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the attractions, venues, businesses, and restaurants partnering with us to ensure this event is an enriching experience for all. Your collaboration is pivotal in making this conference memorable and showcasing the best of Abilene's warm hospitality and rich heritage.
More than just an event, this conference serves as an economic boon to our community, generating 560 room nights at local hotels and contributing an estimated economic impact of $142,250 to the local economy while spotlighting Abilene as a top destination in Texas tourism. It emphasizes the ACVB’s commitment to promoting tourism and drawing visitors to experience all that makes this place extraordinary. Through initiatives like this, we continue to elevate Abilene's profile as a premier destination, ensuring our city remains a vital part of Texas's tourism landscape.
Thank you to everyone involved in making this event a reality. Your hard work, partnership, and participation epitomize the collaborative spirit of our community. The ACVB remains dedicated to enhancing tourism in Abilene, ensuring that every visitor's experience is memorable. Together, let's welcome our guests with open arms and take this opportunity to shine on the statewide stage by demonstrating the hospitality, charm, and diversity that make Abilene a special place.