“It’s not about living in the past – but thinking about everything this city has accomplished. Our past excites me about the future.“
| Last month marked 40 years since Anne and I moved to Fort Worth and started a new life here. Working at the Worthington Hotel, known then as the Americana, gave me a front row seat for the tourism story unfolding in our city. I was very fortunate to lead the hotel as we hosted signature events and VIP guests – from heads of state to contestants in the Cliburn International Piano Competition. About the time we moved here in 1985, massive cornerstones were put into place on which our future was built. Ed Bass opened the legendary nightclub, Caravan of Dreams, in Sundance Square as part of the redevelopment of the central city. Today, our downtown is still a model for urban renewal. Ted Pillsbury became director of the Kimbell Art Museum and acquired many of the masterpieces they are known for. Today, our Cultural District is an art mecca between the coasts. In the Stockyards, Holt Hickman was getting involved in preserving the historic area and hired Pam and Billy Minick to run Billy Bob’s. Today, the Stockyards is one of the most visited heritage sites in the country. The Fort Worth Zoological Association assumed management of the Zoo from the City. Today, the Zoo is the best in the nation and preparing to open its new Forests and Jungles of the World next year. Look how far we’ve come. Just in the past decade, the impact of tourism has doubled, to $3.5 billion a year. (Some say this is because I left the Worthington, joined Visit Fort Worth and stopped protesting the development of new hotels.) With this growth, the number of hospitality jobs has doubled, to more than 30,000. But we cannot dwell in the past. The past propels us forward. The year ahead is critical for Fort Worth. The decisions we make in 2025 will affect our future for generations to come. Think about it. In 2025: The design of the Convention Center will take shape and with that our ability to welcome business and events to our city. The Convention Center is a hub for economic development. It’s also a hub that will connect to downtown, the Near Southside, the Stockyards and the Cultural District. Our plans for the 2026 World Cup are taking shape. How will we welcome the world in 2026 when the FIFA World Cup hosts nine games just 20 minutes down the road in Arlington? The most World Cup matches than in any other city. Other important projects will take shape, laying new cornerstones for the next generation. This includes Phase II of the Stockyards development, renovations of Will Rogers Memorial Center, enhancements to the Botanic Garden, expansion of the Cowgirl Museum and a potential youth sports complex. |
| We are ALL a part of the visitor economy. If you think about it, you can see yourself in tourism. That’s why we need your support. From hotels and restaurants to banking and insurance. From hospitality education to festivals and events. Support comes in many forms. Support local business. Bring a meeting to our hotels. Buy tickets to a sporting event like the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships at Dickies Arena or the FEI World Cup. Buy tickets to hear local music. Tip those who prepare and serve your meals. Thank our City Council for supporting economic development. You are a big part of MY story. And together we have made our city better. And that’s why I love tourism. |
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