Ag Commissioner Todd Staples Touts Travel in Texas

A Texas officeholder is encouraging Americans to tour the Lone Star State.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples spoke of the state, saying “A picturesque landscape, a booming economy, low taxes, and affordable living are just a few of the reasons Texas is a great place to live and retire.”

This comes in honor of Texas Travel and Tourism Week, which runs from May 5^th through the 13^th.

2011 travel spending in Texas totaled more than $63 billion, which is a 10 percent increase over 2010, and is also the highest level of spending recorded so far. The Office of the Governor estimates that this supported 530,000 jobs and generated nearly $4 billion in local and state taxes.

“Once people visit Texas, they don’t want to leave,” Staples continued. “By keeping retirement and tourism dollars local, native and transplanted Texans support local businesses and keep our overall state economy thriving.”

Activities are available at www.TravelTex.com.