FORT WORTH, Texas (February 3, 2016) - The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau (FWCVB) announced new economic impact numbers for tourism and new marketing initiatives at its third annual meeting and breakfast this morning at the Hilton Fort Worth. The sold-out event highlighted also honored the five anchor museums of the Cultural District.
New economic impact research shows significant growth in visitation, spending and jobs directly related to the Fort Worth tourism and hospitality industry.
- 8.5 million visitors
- $1.9 billion in direct spending
- 19,350 jobs supported by tourism
- $111 million in local tax revenue
- 400,000 international visitors
- $597 tax savings per household
Meeting and convention bookings are strong. The FWCVB sales team has booked a quarter-million hotel room nights for 2017-2019, the same years. Top meetings booked included:
- The Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies 2017 National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE)
- AcuSport Corporation 2018-19 Business Conference
- Texas FFA Association 2019 Annual Convention and Trade Show
"More business and leisure visitors are coming to Fort Worth, enough to fill AT&T Stadium more than 100 times a year. This means more support for local business and jobs in Fort Worth," says Bob Jameson, FWCVB president and CEO.
The 2016 FWCVB Hospitality Award was presented to board members and directors from the five anchor museums of the Fort Worth Cultural District:
- Amon Carter Museum of American Art
- Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
- Kimbell Art Museum
- Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
- National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
The annual award honors a person, company or organization that has made significant contributions to developing, marketing and delivering visitor experiences to Fort Worth's travel, tourism and hospitality industry. The award is a unique bronze sculpture of a man presenting a Shady Oak hat, a legendary sign of Fort Worth hospitality begun by the late Amon G. Carter.
"The continuous investment in art and architecture in the Cultural District is remarkable. Individually and collectively, these five museums have created an identity that has become a beacon to visitors from Fort Worth," says Randy Gideon, chairman of the FWCVB Board of Directors.
The Cultural District tribute video can be viewed here.
The meetings theme, "all in" paid homage to the collaboration among Fort Worth neighborhoods and districts, industry partners, attractions and even neighboring cities to provide visitors a great experience and shape future plans.
International marketing efforts have expanded to include a joint public relations and trade representation agreement with the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau in the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and China. Top international markets to Fort Worth include:
- Mexico
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Germany
- China
Sports and film marketing are the newest initiatives for the FWCVB in 2016. In 2015, the FWCVB hosted the first of two consecutive NCAA championships and received national recognition by T.E.A.M.S. for the national women's gymnastics event.
In response to demand, the FWCVB created a Sports Marketing Department and will launch a semi-annual sports speakers' forum this spring. The first forum will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) and feature TMS President Eddie Gossage Jr.
Last October, in partnership with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, City of Fort Worth and private sector partners the FWCVB launched the Fort Worth Film Commission. The purpose of the commission is to:
- Attract film, television, commercial, gaming, animation and emerging media to Fort Worth
- Boost economic development, tourism and awareness
- Build on the city's reputation as a leader in the arts
The FWCVB presented their new brand image known as Westropolitan, built on the visitor experience in a modern city with western flair. The branding has Western appeal with modern style to showcase more of Fort Worth. Updated elements include:
- New logo
- Updated photography and video
- Advertising campaigns
The keynote address was given by Doug Lansky, an international expert on the future of travel and tourism. Lansky's address touched on how cities can nurture their tourism industry in ways compatible with responsible growth and sound urban planning.
For a full recap of the 2016 FWCVB annual meeting and to view the downloadable annual report, visit www.FortWorth.com/annual.
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About the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau
The FWCVB is the official destination marketing organization of the 16th-largest city in the United States, dedicated to promoting Fort Worth as a premier business and leisure destination with thriving centers of culture and commerce. Known as the "City of Cowboys and Culture," Fort Worth is a destination with a rich Western heritage and a dedication to urban renewal. The city is home to the famed Stockyards Historic District, the lively downtown Sundance Square, a renowned Cultural District and many neighborhoods, attractions and sporting events. For more information, visit www.FortWorth.com.