10/16/2026
Congratulations to the Elgin Main Street Program on this well-deserved recognition! 👏💜
The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor has announced the City of Elgin has been recognized by Travel Texas as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step certification process.
Earning the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation shows the commitment of Elgin Main Street to further develop tourism as an economic growth strategy, boost local job creation, and draw more visitors to their community and to Texas from across the nation and around the world.
“Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Travelers to and within Texas generate more than $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. Every region of this great state offers endless opportunities to experience the natural beauty, rich history and true Texas hospitality that draws visitors to our communities. I congratulate the City of Elgin and Elgin Main Street on earning this designation. All Texas communities are encouraged to apply to become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community to further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state.”
Elgin is now a Film Friendly Texas and Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.
“This designation recognizes Elgin’s commitment to making tourism a growing part of its local economy,” said Senator Charles Schwertner. “The community’s continued investment in its people, small businesses, and traditions makes it a welcoming destination for visitors.”
“Congratulations to the City of Elgin for this recognition,” said Senator Sarah Eckhardt. “Our region sits at a crossroads of culture and progress that I’m excited more people will enjoy in the years to come, as Elgin Main Street attracts new visitors and inspires others to set down roots here.”
“Elgin represents the very best of Texas, from its people and their hospitality to their food culture and rich history,” said Representative Stan Gerdes. “Earning designations as both a Tourism Friendly Texas and Film Friendly Texas Community proves what we in House District 17 have always known: Elgin is a premier destination. From its historic downtown to its world-famous barbecue, this recognition is a testament to the hard work of Elgin Main Street and our local leaders. I congratulate the entire community on this well-deserved milestone and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience everything Elgin has to offer.”
“We are proud to be the Sausage Capital of Texas, but that is only one part of Elgin’s story,” said Mayor Theresa McShan. “Our historic downtown, local businesses, festivals, arts, music and community traditions all give visitors a reason to discover Elgin. This designation recognizes the work our community has done together to create a welcoming place that we are proud to share with others.”
“Tourism in Elgin is about connecting visitors with the people, businesses, and experiences that make our community unique,” said Elgin Main Street Manager Kristina Alvarez. “When someone comes for a festival, enjoys our famous sausage, shops downtown, attends a local event, or discovers our history, that visit supports our small businesses and local economy. This designation gives us new opportunities to strengthen those connections and share Elgin’s story with more people across Texas and beyond.”
The Tourism Friendly Texas Community program is open to local governments or non-profit organizations that serve as the lead entity for tourism promotion and development efforts. Benefits of the designation for tourism entities seeking certification on behalf of their community include the opportunity to strengthen or establish relationships important for tourism development, educate local leaders on the importance of tourism to the state, identify and prioritize locally driven strategies, and learn more about opportunities provided by Travel Texas and other state government programs available to support both communities and the travel and tourism industry. For more information on the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program, visit: gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas
The mission of Travel Texas in the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a premier travel destination in out-of-state and international markets, generating non-Texan travel to Texas, and creating revenue and jobs for local communities and the state.
The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor is tasked with marketing and promoting the state of Texas across the nation and around the world as the premier business location and travel destination. EDT works closely with communities and local, regional and statewide economic development and tourism organizations, as well as partnering state agencies, to ensure Texas remains the best place to live, work and visit.
Pictured: Elgin City Council, Interim City Manager Beau Perry, members of Travel Texas and Elgin Main Street Manager Kristina Alvarez
