In a Texas State of Mind

A group of Texas tourism officials are in Toronto this week to help keep the Lone Star State and all of its unique offerings front of mind with Canadian travel agents.

One key message for agents and their clients is just how close Texas is, something most Canadians are probably not aware of. For instance, new direct flights aboard Air Canada to San Antonio can get travellers from Toronto to the famous River Walk in just 3.5 hours, perfect, say officials, for a long weekend getaway.

Texas is growing in popularity with Canadians and last year surpassed the 500,000 visitor mark for the first time.

Destinations represented during the Toronto visit included San Antonio, Fredericksburg, known for its “Texas heart and German soul,” Corpus Christi with its 150 miles of coastline and beaches, and Forth Worth, home to a daily cattle drive and where visitors can still get that old-time cowboy experience.

News from Fort Worth includes TEX Rail, a 27-mile commuter rail line that will open in January and connect Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with downtown Fort Worth.

For those visiting San Antonio – which will soon host its annual Holiday of Lights Festival – both Fredericksburg and Corpus Christi are just a few hours drive away, making for an ideal multi-destination visit.

Pictured (l-r) are Rosalyn Hunter, director of communications, Travel Texas (represented in Canada by VoX International), Sana Keller, public relations account director, Canada, Visit San Antonio, Debra Bustos, international marketing specialist, Canada, Travel Texas, Teresa Rodriguez Bartlett, Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Karyn Mayo, Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau.