Texas Wows 'Em In Vancouver

with B.A.

Instinctively, guests knew they were in the right place right off the bat – the chaps walking around in Stetsons were a dead giveaway.

In a private function room at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Texas Tourism (represented by VoX International in Canada) was set to wow Vancouver. We were met by VoX’s Peter Nowicki who greeted us with “How y’all doing?” in a convincing cowboy drawl. The “Picture Yourself In Texas” themed event included representatives from Forth Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Premium Outlets.

Guests immediately gravitated to the made-in-Dallas black cowboy hats placed on everyone’s chairs. Many were game enough to wear the hats for the entire event. The lunch menu included some Texan favourites including corn bread and BBQ beef brisket.

Contrary to popular belief, Texas isn’t entirely made up of dude ranches. San Antonio, for instance, reflects its Spanish and Mexican history and features the largest collection of Catholic missions in the country. “Texans like to vacation here to experience things related to Mexico without having to go there physically,” said Sal Garza from San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau. The city is also home to Morgan’s Wonderland, a theme park specially designed for children who are physically challenged or disabled. San Antonio is offering agents a passport to gain free entry into attractions. “Let us know when you’re coming,” Garza said.

At Fort Worth, a new tribute to John F. Kennedy will be unveiled shortly in remembrance of the last nights he spent there. A bronze statue, standing over 2 m. high, will be erected in the same venue where Kennedy gave his last public speech.

Last year, Canadian arrivals to Texas grew by 12%, reaching 419,000, making Canada the 2nd largest source market for Texas after Mexico.