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L E A V E T H E R O A D t a k e t h e t r a i l s !

T a k e a w a l k t h i s S p r i n g i n h i s t o r i c d o w n t o w n L u f k i n a n d e x p l o r e t r e n d y b o u t i q u e s , o n e o f a k i n d a n t i q u e f i n d s , a n d a r t g a l l e r i e s f i l l e d w i t h l o c a l t r e a s u r e s

Tourismis vital for the success of our local economy. The benefits of tourism include a boost to the revenue of our economy, the creation of jobs, the development of infrastructure, and the planting of a sense of cultural exchange between visitors and residents. Tourism as an economic development strategy can result in significant economic returns, while also providing amenities that improve both travel experiences and the quality of life for residents. Traveler spending contributes significant tax revenue to both state and local governments. Taxes generated by travel support public sector jobs like firefighters, police officers, or teachers. Traveler spending impacts many sectors of the economy. In 2021 Lufkin saw a Total Direct Travel Spending of 118.5 million which stimulated our economy, increased tourism-related jobs by 14.3 %, and increased tax revenues by 42.9 %. Tourism is a sector that is all about people - and as such is an incredible driver of job creation from big cities to small local communities. The 1.1K jobs created in Lufkin by tourism in 2021 are significant. These jobs are not only a part of the tourism sector but may also include agriculture, communication, health, and education. Though sometimes unseen by the communities it serves, travel helps create a sense of place and is inextricably linked to economic development. As a job creator, tax revenue generator, and destination storyteller, travel has ripple effects that touch the lives of millions of Texans.

2023 will bring new and exciting #TexasToDos for every type of traveler. Below are 3 travel trends for 2023 and how Lufkin | Angelina County checks the box for each.

Staying Stateside

Though international travel may look affordable, the reality is many travelers will stay stateside. An Expedia survey found that 59% of respondents expect to plan travel within the U.S. and 58% of those travelers will travel by car. Close to 50 percent of Travelzoo’s respondents said they plan to take two to three leisure trips within the U.S. in 2023. Inflation is hitting everyone’s bottom line but so far, that’s not enough to deter anyone from skipping their travel plans. The U.S. Travel Foundation is forecasting an increase in travel spending in 2023 compared to 2022. While the country is vast, traveler mindsets are not. The most-searched destinations all had warm climates in common. Southern Living Magazine declared 2023 the Year of the Small Town. Southerners are happy to trade in the huge crowds and popular attractions of bigger cities for the quiet charm and slower pace of small towns. So how does the City of Lufkin benefit from these statistics? Lufkin | Angelina County offers a bit of everything: an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor family fun in the beautiful Angelina and Davy Crockett National Forests, galleries, and visual art spaces bringing energy, color, and a unique identity to the ever-changing cultural mix of Downtown. With great venues, great shows, and a great performing arts theater, visitors and residents alike are sure to stay entertained.

Family Vacations are a Priority

Family and small group travel and tourism is one of the largest sub-sectors within the travel industry. This is especially true as more people realize the importance of spending quality time and experiencing new things with family and friends. This could be in the form of a nuclear family or a multi-generational trip. For families with teenagers and more mature children, the family adventure is getting a whole lot bolder, where travel is again seen as an important rite of passage. For these adventurous families, it’s about pioneering a destination and uncovering parts of a locale that others haven’t seen. Lufkin | Angelina County is proud to offer bicycle routes for riders of all experience levels who wish to stay fit while enjoying the East Texas countryside. We also offer two Backpacking Trips through Angelina County that traverse over 20 miles of wilderness. The Trail Between The Lakes extends over 28 miles between Toledo Bend Reservoir and Lake Sam Rayburn. Whether riding horses, exploring the city, paddling the rivers, or cruising across the lake, Lufkin | Angelina County offers vacations that your family will remember for all the right reasons.

Unique Experiences are on the Rise

Travel has always been about new and exciting experiences. Whether it involves different destinations, cultures, or activities, there is no shortage of opportunities to develop truly inspirational trips that create unforgettable memories. 2023 is seeing more travelers going to great lengths and making significant investments to curate once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Visitors want to try the food, hear the language, meet the people, and see the faces behind the experience they’re having. Lufkin’s amazing museums and hands-on learning centers such as the Texas Forestry Museum offers numerous interactive exhibits from pre-school through senior adult, about the heritage of forestry and sound forestry practices in Texas. Acclaimed as one of the finest small city zoos in the nation, Ellen Trout Zoo provides homes to nearly 800 wild and exotic creatures from around the world. When you walk up to Stringer’s Lufkin Bar BQ, you know you’re about to experience something special. There are layers upon layers of hidden gems on the walls, on the tables, and even on the ceiling beams. Relics from times past – some from over 70 years ago when the Stringer Family first opened. There are an infinite number of trips to Lufkin | Angelina County, but the only one that matters is yours.

The positive impact of travel touches every community in Texas. In an increasingly competitive space, Visit Lufkin is working hard to showcase Lufkin’s distinctive offerings, manage our image, and create brand affinity. With the support of policymakers and local officials, ongoing investment in tourism promotion, and destination marketing organizations, like Visit Lufkin, we are able to deliver essential economic benefits in the form of tax revenues and improved communities. Investing in travel promotion is a long-term investment in economic development. A strong destination brand is essential to stand out in a crowded, competitive, and diverse marketplace. Arts, history, and culture come together to form the perfect concoction of spirit-enriching substance for your Lufkin, Texas experience. Whether it is the food and wine trail, wild and free outdoors trail, or the art and history trail, Lufkin goes the distance by sharing its long list of diverse attractions for every preference. Invite your friends and family to town and show them why they will #LoveLufkin!

The 2022 travel spending numbers from the Governor’s office should be available in mid-March and we will share those once they are posted to the Travel Texas website.