We are blessed to have such a diversified number of economic engines here on the Island. UTMB, TAMU, Galveston College, and the Port play vital roles. Of all of these, though, the Economic Engine that stands out the most is Tourism. Millions of Tourists each year, coupled with the ever-increasing number of cruise-oriented visitors, make up an economic force that fuels Property Tax, Sales Tax, Hotel Occupancy tax, and other revenue sources used primarily for the benefit of Galveston.

 

With this increase comes new challenges and the need to develop a different paradigm concerning Tourism. The days of measuring the success of the Tourism Industry based on how many visitors we can bring to the Island are over and counterproductive to maintaining the Quality of Life for those fortunate enough to live here. Bigger is not necessarily better.

 

Tourism’s new benchmark is developing for the tourist who spends multiple nights here, visits our retail shops, and eats at our restaurants. Fewer Tourists with a longer commitment.

 

To accomplish this, we must pay close attention to where we focus and what events we choose to represent our Island. In my mind, the future of Tourism lies in expanding Ecotourism, Sports Tourism, Medical Tourism, and Cultural Tourism.

 

I have supported this expansion for quite a while, and working with the Park Board, who agrees on this issue, is critical. Through their and the City’s efforts, The Tourism Industry can become an even more productive partner for the well-being of our residents.

 

Galveston has been known for years for our beaches as an attractive destination for “day trippers,” and that will always be the case to some extent. Still, we are on the verge, with proper planning, of being known for events such as FeatherFest, Artist Boat Activities, Baseball, and Soccer tournaments, families enjoying the Island as other family members choose UTMB for elective procedures, and Juneteenth activities, among many others.

 

Yes, we can be thankful for our economy’s diversification, and we owe it to everyone who calls Galveston home to set the stage so that we control our tourism experiences and not let them control us.