Southeast Texas officers look to strengthen tourism, spending

Travel expenses in Texas fell 31.5% in 2020, and yet the city of Beaumont saw only a slight 10% decrease.

BEAUMONT, Texas – Southeast Texas has been back in business for a while and it turns out that this past weekend was all about Riverfest in Port Neches and soon the crowd will be packing Ford Park for the YMBL South Texas State Fair.

It’s a big deal for business and our region as tourism is a huge part of our economy and everyone has suffered a blow during the pandemic.

Travel expenses in Texas fell 31.5% in 2020, and yet the city of Beaumont saw only a slight 10% decrease.

Tourism still contributed $ 310 million to the local economy, according to the city of Beaumont.

Executives have a plan to increase those numbers even further, and developers in the city are making it easier to find fun activities for everyone.

The aim is to attract more people to Beaumont.

“We’re trying to get away from Beaumont, it’s boring, there’s nothing to do here,” says Lauren Monitz of the Beaumont Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

This idea led to a new visitor guide.

She wants to improve Beaumont’s travel expenses, which fell 10% in 2020 during the pandemic.

“Open your eyes, there is a lot to do. Tons of ideas on our website or in the visitor guide, ”she says.

It’s a guide full of works of art that will take you to standout places in Beaumont.

“We have a brewery trail, a beautiful Cattail Marsh kayaking on the Big Thicket paddle trail, the Janis Joplin car from the Gulf Coast Museum. Our favorite Gator country, ”she says.

Speaking of favorites … the YMBL South Texas State Fair returns on May 20, 2021.

“It’s a good time to have a great time at the fair. It’s time for people to get out, ”says YMBL President Harvey Zernial.

He can’t wait for the “rescheduled fair” to begin after being postponed from March to May.

“Oh, we’re really excited because one thing is what we’re doing and it’s our annual fundraiser for the Young Men’s Business League,” he said.

Zernial expects at least 250,000 people to be present this year.

“We are also careful. We will have the safest environment we can, according to the guidelines that are currently being released. And it’s really exciting to bring back activity and action to what we do every year, ”he said.

People with the city say it’s a step in the right direction.

“Our aim is to turn the tide on this negative energy and bring Beaumont good times in every possible form,” said Monitz.

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