Several Odessans attended the 28th Annual Texas Travel Industry Association’s (TTIA) Unity Dinner in Austin.

The event highlighted the impact that tourism and travel make on the state of Texas. George P. Bush, Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, was the featured speaker.

The March event was attended by more than 800 travel and tourism professionals from across Texas, as well as many local and state elected officials.

According to TTIA, one in 10 Texas jobs is supported by the travel industry, representing 1.1 million jobs across our state.

Also, $69 billion was spent last year in direct travel spending.

“If not for visitors to Odessa in 2016, every household would pay an additional $487.32 in taxes annually,” said Monica Tschauner, director of the Odessa Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“It’s vital for our community to understand the value and the impact visitors bring to our local economy. Please join us in our efforts of showing our West Texas hospitality to any visitor you might encounter.”