What four words will young children likely be saying the most this summer—at least those who get the privilege of traveling around Texas? Go ahead, take a guess.
Although there is no scientific study to verify it, most adults who take their children on family outings would probably agree that the most overused phrase is, “Are we there yet?” I well remember the car trips we used to take when our children were young. That question seemed to be repeated more often than any other. It’s so well used that Hollywood even made a movie recently with the phrase as the title.
Thousands of families will be traveling across the Lone Star State this weekend as our nation celebrates Independence Day. Even with gasoline prices near record levels (averaging about $2.10 per gallon—up some 30 cents above this time last year) and not projected to see much of a drop in the coming weeks, the highways are still expected to be full of people seeking to enjoy many of the things Texas offers.
From the 600 miles of coastline to the 600 varieties of birds found in the state, there is so much to do, it can boggle the mind. As the Economic Development and Tourism office proclaims, Texas IS really like a whole other country. When the kids ask, “Are we there yet?” you can answer “yes,” and stop practically anywhere to enjoy what the state has to offer.
Texans have always considered themselves a bit different from those who live in other states. Until Alaska became a part of the Union in July 1958, we could claim we were the biggest. Even though we lost that crown, there are many other areas in which we excel and about which we can boast.
One of which is the amount of business and leisure travel we experience each year. Tourism, including both travel to and within Texas, is a highly important aspect of our state economy. About one out of every 20 people employed in Texas works in the travel industry.
Nearly half of them are in the accommodations sector, with food service, arts, entertainment, and recreation providing about 21% of the jobs. Transportation segments involve nearly 15% of those employed in the travel industry, and retail sales account for a little over 14%.
During the first quarter this year, hotel/motel revenue increased 5.9% over the average amount generated for all of last year. The occupancy level in the 3,700 facilities located in the metropolitan statistical areas increased 2.2%, which reflects a 56.7% occupancy level compared to a 55.5% average in 2004.
Why do people travel in Texas? Business responsibilities generate a significant amount, but leisure activities—a trip of more than 50 miles from home—account for 71% of the trips to and within the state. Over a third travel to visit friends or relatives and another quarter get on the road just seeking a little time away from the daily grind.
Among the most popular reasons people give for traveling in Texas are dining, shopping, sightseeing, general entertainment, and beach/waterfront activities. According to a recent survey, the top spot visited by Texans is the San Marcos Outlet Mall, while for out-of-staters, it’s the Alamo.
Travelers this weekend will probably be focusing on picnics, parades, and fireworks, which seem to get the greatest amount of publicity and are among the most popular celebratory activities at this time of the year. Over the next few weeks, the tourism season will continue to blossom and soon sightseers and shop-till-you-droppers will be in full bloom all across the state.
It will be a beautiful sight, especially for our economy.