City of Temple Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week

Temple highlights growing visitor economy and recognizes tourism’s role in economic growth and community momentum

TEMPLE, TX (May 4, 2026) – The City of Temple is celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, happening May 3rd through May 9th, by recognizing the powerful impact tourism has on the local economy, small businesses, and quality of life. Established in 1983, the annual nationwide celebration honors the travel industry’s role in driving economic opportunity and creating meaningful connections across communities.

This year’s theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” reflects the idea that travel is not just memorable, but it is foundational. In Temple, that message is reflected through continued downtown revitalization, growing visitor experiences, destination events, and investments that strengthen the city’s appeal to both residents and visitors.

Tourism plays an essential role in Temple’s continued momentum. What makes Temple special is its authenticity. From our vibrant downtown and unique local businesses to our lakes, parks, and growing craft beverage scene, Temple offers experiences rooted in connection, community, and a strong sense of place.

Teresa Anderson, Convention & Tourism Division Director

Temple’s visitor economy continues to show strong performance. In 2025, the city welcomed approximately 1.3 million total trips and recorded 1.6 million visitor nights. Nearly 60 percent of trips were overnight stays, with visitors averaging three days in Temple, demonstrating the city’s ability to attract extended visits and generate sustained local spending.

Data Sources: Placer.Ai

Top drive markets, including the Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston regions, continue to fuel visitation. While visitor spending remains strongest in retail, dining, and lodging, growth in recreation and wellness travel also points to increasing demand for experience-driven destinations like Temple.

Tourism in Temple spans a wide range of sectors, including:

Health and Wellness Tourism driven by Temple’s nationally recognized medical community
Sports Tourism supported by premier venues such as Crossroads Park Athletic Complex
Meetings and Group Travel anchored by Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center
Leisure Travel centered around downtown shopping, dining, lakes, parks, and entertainment
Craft Beverage Tourism through Temple’s growing brewery and winery scene

Data Sources: Brewers Association, GlobalData Key Trends in Culinary Tourism

As Temple continues to grow, the City of Temple's Destination Marketing Team remains focused on attracting new visitors, supporting local businesses, and showcasing the community through strategic campaigns, events, and visitor resources.

Looking ahead, Temple is well-positioned to capture increasing demand for road trips and regional travel, with its central location, expanding amenities, and continued investment in quality-of-life improvements.

For more information on tourism in Temple, read Discover Temple's latest blog or visit discovertemple.com.