FORT WORTH, TEXAS - The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau (FWCVB) announced today that more than 170 international and domestic tour operators, media and over 280 destination suppliers from the Western U.S. will spend four days experiencing the attractions, arts, cuisine and Western heritage that Fort Worth offers visitors. The Go West Summit (GWS) will make its Texas debut at the Fort Worth Convention Center January 28-31, 2013.GWS is the premier business-oriented travel tradeshow selling the American West. Representatives from a 14-state region of the Western U.S. will convene in Fort Worth to meet with international travel buyers and tour operators from around the world.


"We couldn't be more excited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Go West Summit in Fort Worth, Texas," said Mary Motsenbocker, president of GWS. "We're breaking GWS records in Fort Worth with the highest buyer attendance in history and over 11,000 individual meetings scheduled among attendees. It's about time we came to Texas and Fort Worth has created a huge element of excitement with our guests."


GWS reports that in the 18 months following the 2012 meeting, buyers will bring 9,796,700 visitors to the U.S. and $240,000,000 in business as a result of the conference.


"We are honored to be the first Texas-city to host Go West Summit," said Bob Jameson, president and CEO of the FWCVB. "This is an excellent opportunity for us to further showcase Fort Worth to the international market. We are rolling out the red carpet to welcome Go West attendees and give them a true taste of what Fort Worth is known for, being one of the friendliest cities in the world and having the best preserved Western heritage."


The FWCVB is partnering with local attractions, restaurants and surrounding cities to offer conference goers the opportunity to experience Fort Worth and Texas. "Adventure Days" and evening activities will include events such as the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, arts and culture excursions, Cowtown Coliseum and the Stockyards National Historic District, Texas cuisine and the most premier shopping in North Texas.

About the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau: The FWCVB is the official destination marketing organization of the 16th-largest city in the United States. The organization is dedicated to promoting Fort Worth as a premier business and leisure destination, with thriving centers of culture and commerce. For more information, visit www.FortWorth.com.

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