Elizabeth (Liz) A. Taylor
Director of the Waco Convention Center:

Liz is the Director of the Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau, including the destination sales, service and marketing programs, the Waco Tourist Information Center, food service at the Cameron Park Zoo and the operation of the Waco Convention Center; with a budget of $2.7 million, the Waco CVB is an enterprise fund budget in the City of Waco.

Liz has been Director of the Waco CVB since 1993. Prior to Waco she served as Director of the Georgetown (TX) CVB, Manager of the Big Spring (TX) CVB and Cultural Affairs Council, and Administrative Assistant to the Director at the Denton (TX) CVB. Liz has a B.A. in Speech, Communication and Drama and a Master of Journalism from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM TO THE ECONOMY OF WACO AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Tourism -the State's perspective:    

Tourism is the #2 industry in the State of Texas, generating more than $39.8 billion in travel spending annually.

Spending by visitors accounts for 5.2% of the Texas economy.

Tourism supports more than 470,000 jobs statewide with earnings totaling more than $11.7 billion.

One of every 20 non-agricultural workers in Texas is directly employed by a tourism related business.

Since 1994, total travel spending has increased by over 36% in the state.

Texas residents account for more than 53% of all travel expenditures, while residents of other states account for almost 37% of all travel spending in Texas. International visitors account for approximately 10% of all travel spending in Texas.

Travel spending generates $645 million in local tax revenues (not including real estate taxes), and $2.1 billion in state tax revenues annually.

Without the local, state and federal tax revenues generated by travel spending, each Texas household would have to pay an additional $780 in taxes, to maintain existing government services.
Tourism -A Look at Waco:  

Tourism and travel spending generates more than $290.7 million annually in Waco and McLennan County.

Tourism and travel spending generates more than $21.6 million annualy in state tax receipts in Waco and McLennan County and more than $4.4 million in local tax receipts.

Tourism supports more than 3,890 jobs in Waco and McLennan County, with earnings totaling more than $59 million.

The number of person-trips to Waco is estimated to be 6 million over each two-year period.

Texans generate more than 87% of total travel to Waco.

Leisure travel represents 44% of travel to Waco.

· Vacations account for 5%

· Non-Vacation captures 39%

Visiting friends/relatives was the main reason for visiting Waco with 23% of total non-vacation.

Business travel represents 56% of travel to Waco.

· Group meetings accounts for 14%

· Transient business captures 42%

Compared to total Texas travel, Waco has a high share of business travel.

Visitors to Waco participate in the following activities:

· Culture -24%

· Nature -14%

· Touring -13%

· Attractions -13%

· Outdoor Sports -4%

Visitor Demographics

· Average Party Size -1.7 people

Average Length in Days (day & overnight) -1.8

· Day-trips -61%

· 1-3 Nights -34%

· 4-7 Nights -3%

· 8+ Nights -2%

Type of Travel

· Air Travel- 5%

· Auto Travel- 86%

· Bus Travel- 5%

· Train -less than 0.5%

· Other-4%

Average Distance Traveled from Origin -260 miles

· 250 miles or less -73%

· 251-500 miles -16%

· 501-1000 miles -7%

· 1001 miles or more -5%

Average Daily Expenditures:

· Day Trip Visitors --$65.00 per person

· Overnight Visitors -- $125.00 per person

Accommodations:

· Hotel/Motel -58%

· Bed & Breakfast -3%

· Non-Paid Accommodations -14%

Source: Governor's Office for Economic Development & Tourism
DKS&A DIRECTIONS
City of Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau