Many organizations and individuals are available to help with community tourism planning. They can be a valuable tool in deciding if tourism is what your community needs, how to plan for tourism, how to prepare for your visitors, and how to attract visitors.   Below is a listing of some of these organizations and the ways they can be of special help to you
and your community.

State Organizations

Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Division: is dedicated to promoting Texas in both national and international markets.  The Tourism Division works with public and private sectors to increase cooperative relationships to expand tourism to Texas.  The Texas Economic Development Division created the theme: Texas.  It’s Like a Whole Other Country.®  The Tourism Division is responsible for the marketing, research and tourism development, and travel trade of Texas. For more information, visit http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev

Texas Department of Transportation, Travel Division: operates the 12 Travel Information Centers at major entrances to Texas, and it publishes and/or disseminates literature including Texas Highways and the Texas State Travel Guide.  The department also answers the 1-800 information number supplying information about points of interest and road conditions.  For more information, visit http://www.dot.state.tx.us/travel/

Texas Parks And Wildlife Department: is the primary state agency charged by the legislature to provide visitors and Texans with opportunities to experience Texas’ natural and cultural resources by operating and maintaining a system of State parks and State Wildlife Management Areas; monitoring, preserving, and enhancing the quality of lakes, rivers, streams, public and private lands, coastal marshes, bays, beaches, and Gulf waters; and assisting public and private entities in providing quality outdoor recreational opportunities.  For more information, visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/

Texas Historical Commission: is the official state agency for historic preservation, encouraging the restoration and development of landmarks, historic structures, archaeological sites, and museum collections so visitors may experience the unique heritage of Texas.  The agency administers a historical marker program; coordinates the work of local heritage organizations; and coordinates the Texas Main Street Program.  For more information, visit http://www.thc.state.tx.us/

Public, Private & Non-Profit Associations

Texas Travel Industry Association:  is a non-profit organization made up of businesses, organizations, and individuals dedicated to developing Texas tourism.  For more information, visit http://www.ttia.org

Texas Nature Tourism Council: is organized for education, research and information exchange to encourage the environmentally sound use of the natural landscape of Texas including the land, water, plant and animal resources for tourism.  For more information, visit http://www.ttia.org/tntc

A listing of these associations and others is provided in the “Sources of Assistance for Tourism in Texas” publication which lists key members of the tourism system and the products and services they offer.  This publication is available though the Texas Cooperative Extension Office at http://www.texasextension.tamu.edu