TEMPLE, TX (October 22, 2025) – The City of Temple was presented with its designation as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community during the city’s inaugural Oktoberfest on October 18. The designation, awarded in September 2025 by Travel Texas, recognizes Temple’s dedication to strengthening tourism as a key driver of economic growth, creating local jobs, and attracting visitors from across the state and beyond.
With this certification, Temple joins an elite group of Texas cities recognized for their dedication to advancing tourism and community engagement. The City of Temple is now a Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, and Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, underscoring its dedication to cultural growth, creativity, and economic vitality.
Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies. Travelers to and within Texas generate almost $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. I congratulate the City of Temple and Discover Temple on earning this designation. All Texas communities are encouraged to apply to become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community to further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott
A certificate recognizing Temple’s Tourism Friendly Texas Certification, presented by Madeline Phillips during the City’s Oktoberfest celebration.
Temple continues to showcase its vibrant community spirit through events and initiatives that draw residents and visitors alike. Most recently, on October 18, Discover Temple hosted the inaugural Oktoberfest in downtown Temple, which saw a fantastic turnout and community engagement. Events like this embody the city’s mission to create experiences that celebrate Temple’s culture, strengthen community pride, and drive tourism throughout Central Texas.
Oktoberfest Down at The Yard event on October 18
The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program is open to local governments or nonprofit organizations that serve as the lead entity for tourism promotion and development efforts. Certification benefits include strengthening tourism partnerships, educating local leaders on tourism’s economic impact, identifying locally driven strategies, and gaining access to Travel Texas and other state resources that support community and tourism development.
For more information about the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program, visit gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
To learn more about Discover Temple visit discovertemple.com.