College Station to create new tourism office

Beginning Aug. 1, the City of College Station will incorporate tourism into its overall economic development and local recovery strategies by launching a new operation that will focus specifically on the hospitality industry.

Currently, the cities of College Station and Bryan provide funds to Experience Bryan College Station -- an outside agency that works to boost overnight stays and spending via sports tourism, meetings and conventions, and leisure travel. When College Station's participation in EBCS ends Aug. 1, all marketing, sales and promotional functions for College Station will transition away from a third-party structure and exist within the city's organization.

“Hospitality is College Station's number-one industry, and this move will help align our overall strategic goals for the community. Integrating tourism into our larger economic development efforts is critical to the success of our local economy, and that’s been confirmed by the recent impacts of COVID-19,” College Station Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz said.

“The city council's goal is to focus on College Station's business community and hospitality industry, and to continue working with our many partners to champion the Brazos Valley.”

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