Q. What is the Texas Brazos Trail Region?
The Texas Brazos Trail Region is an eighteen-county area of Central Texas which promotes heritage tourism, economic development, and historic preservation. It's not an actual trail that you walk or bike on, although there is a driving route marked out on the map. It's more than just a trail - it's a region for visitors to explore. The board of directors and the Regional Coordinator work closely with local communities to promote tourism to the area. We offer many co-operative marketing opportunities, educational workships, information about grants and funding, and provide advice and assistance.
Q. What is the Texas Heritage Trails Program?
The Texas Heritage Trails Program is a regional heritage tourism initiative designed to promote tourism visitation to historical and cultural sites. A regional board hires a regional coordinator to facilitate the efforts of the region. The THC provides technical, educational and financial assistance to selected trail regions that help community leaders and volunteers promote and enhance their heritage tourism attractions. The Texas Forts Trail Region was chosen in 1998 as the pilot project. The Texas Independence Trail Region was the second region selected for the program in 1999. In 2000, the Texas Forest Trail Region was designated for participation in the program. Depending on additional funding, other trails may be added.
Q. What are the goals of the Texas Heritage Trails Program?
The goals of the Texas Heritage Trails Program include:
- Increasing tourism at statewide cultural and historic sites
- Revitalizing local economies through regional marketing of heritage attractions
- Increasing awareness of the importance of historic preservation and its relationship to the tourism industry
- Fostering effective tourism leadership and organizational skills at the regional level
Q. How can my community and I get involved in the Texas Brazos Trail Region?
There are many ways for both individuals and communties to become involved in their Trail Region. You can become involved by attending board meetings, volunteering to work on a task force, or by encouraging your city to participate in the Brazos Trail.
Can I attend a board meeting?
Our board meetings are open to the public. We meet every other month in locations around the region (see the Calendar for more information). Meetings begin with short introductions and a 45 minute educational componant. This is followed by a hour long board meeting and then lunch.
Why is Tourism Important?
Tourism in Texas is a $44 BILLION industry, making it the 3rd largest industry in the state (behind oil & gas and agriculture). The tourism industry creates 500,000 jobs across the state and significantly reduces the tax burder for residents.
Beyond the monetary benefits of tourism, there is an incridble opporunty for communities to educate, inform, preserve, and entertain not only visitors, but locals as well. Each town's history, architecture, and citizen's are what makes that place unique. It is important to preserve and maintain that "sense of place".