It is with immense pride and gratitude that I share some extraordinary news about the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau. This year, we were awarded Destination Marketing Organization of the Year by the Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus. This award is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication and the strength of Abilene’s robust hospitality sector.
Having assumed the Vice President role at the ACVB just over a year ago, this accolade holds special significance for me. However, it's important to recognize that this isn't merely an individual milestone. It represents the collective spirit and dedication of the entire community.
Let's take a moment to appreciate the immense scale of what we've accomplished together. Tourism has been a pillar of strength for our economy, providing a staggering economic impact of $556 million, marking a 15.1% increase from the previous year. But beyond the financial aspect, this speaks about the jobs and well-being of our fellow Abilenians. The impressive fact that tourism sustains the livelihoods of 3,820 individuals, indicating a 7.3% growth, speaks volumes about our shared commitment.
Hotels, the cornerstone of any thriving tourist destination, have seen revenues jump by 8%. This impressive statistic is evidence of Abilene's appeal as a must-visit city and the commitment to hospitality by our hoteliers. Further adding to the momentum, the city welcomes the opening of three new hotels this year. Among the new additions, the DoubleTree Abilene Downtown Convention Center is a shining example of our growing tourism industry. These establishments will play a pivotal role in ensuring Abilene’s tourism economy continues to flourish.
The accolades did not stop with the DMO of the Year award. Our “Make History” ad campaign also secured the Meetings & Conventions Promotion of the Year. The campaign presents an engaging story that uses the city's historical charm and lively culture to make Abilene an attractive and unique choice for event planners. By framing meetings and conventions as opportunities to "make history," we have recast what could be routine events as memorable, meaningful experiences that make a lasting impression on attendees. Additionally, our achievements were capped with a 2nd place in the Public Relations category, illustrating the talent, commitment, and creativity that thrives within our team.
The foundation for this success lies in the belief and support we've received from city leadership. Your staunch faith in the transformative power of tourism and steadfast support for the ACVB is invaluable.
I'd also like to express my profound gratitude to our Chamber leadership and the ACVB Board of Directors. Your guidance, trust, and vision have been the driving force behind these accomplishments.
It's important to recognize this journey is not about any one individual or entity. It is about the combined efforts of our team, our community, and our shared vision for Abilene. Historically, Abilenians have rallied together to make our city a better place to live, work, and visit, uniting with a shared ambition of elevating Abilene's prominence. This recognition stands as a glowing testament to that continued success.