Blanco Visitors Bureau to receive review to assist in increasing tourism. On July 25th and 26th the City of Blanco, Texas Visitors Bureau will host representatives from Governor Abbott’s Texas Community Tourism Assessment Committee. Every year the Governors’ office for Economic Development and Tourism selects rural communities to be interviewed and reviewed regarding their tourism efforts, to assist those rural communities with tourism, planning and development.
The committee looks at tourism assets such as lodging, restaurants, business development and diversification, tourist attractions, venue locations, historical preservation activities, arts, transportation, agricultural, and parks & wildlife, all with respect to tourism generating capabilities. Presentations by Blanco organizations, tours of selected business and lodging locations and samplings of the local flavor are planned for the two-day event. Blanco is largely dependent on tourists that pass through on U.S. Hwy 281, an increasingly busy highway that runs through the city.
Blanco is developing an integrated plan that will leverage tourism to promote and preserve their Texas Hill Country heritage and provide meaningful jobs for its residents. An important element of the City’s mission in attracting tourists is the Hotel Occupancy Tax that is collected on lodging. The Community Tourism Assessment that is provided by the Governors’ office will significantly assist the city in carrying out its mission effectively, and to help allocate resources that will attract tourism, assist local lodging entities and the entire community.
Facing encroachment from both Austin to the east and San Antonio to the south, Blanco is committed to preserving its’ rural country heritage and small town charm. Without a plan for tourist development, Blanco could become just another bedroom community of these larger cities. The key to the effort to preserve Blanco as a small town in the Hill country is to leverage our scenic, historical and cultural attributes into a comprehensive plan of development focused on tourism. The city of Blanco is very appreciative of the Governor and his offices efforts to provide guidance and assistance. We appreciate any coverage that you can provide to ensure the overall success of this assessment.