National Travel & Tourism Week With Discover Temple

May 3-9

Established in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual tradition that celebrates the travel community across the United States, recognizing its powerful role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and sparking new business opportunities.

This year’s theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” underscores the idea that travel is not just meaningful, it’s foundational. In Temple, that message comes to life through the continued momentum of downtown development, revitalized public spaces, and authentic visitor experiences that leave a lasting impression long after the trip is over.

Throughout the week, we celebrate the travel and tourism industry for delivering moments that matter, from welcoming families, supporting local businesses, and shaping the stories people take home with them. It’s also a time to recognize the front-line professionals whose dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to service ensure every visit is not only memorable, but truly essential.

In anticipation of National Travel and Tourism Week, the City of Temple’s Destination Marketing Team leaned into what makes this community stand out: its people, its places, and the authentic stories that shape the visitor experience.

The team recognizes that travel and tourism are more than just experiences. Travel and tourism are vital to the community’s well-being and growth.

In Temple, travel:

• Supports personal well-being by encouraging moments of rest, exploration, and connection through meaningful leisure experiences.
• Drives the local economy, sustaining restaurants, hotels, shops, and attractions that keep the city vibrant and thriving.
• Showcases culture and identity, giving the community a platform to share its art, heritage, and local pride with visitors from near and far.

Tourism plays an essential role in Temple’s continued momentum. While it may not have oceanfront views or mountain peaks, what it offers is something just as impactful, distinctive, high-quality experiences rooted in authenticity, connection, and a strong sense of place.

Tourism in Temple remains a steady economic driver, with approximately 1.3 million total trips and 1.6 million visitor nights recorded in 2025.

While visitation saw a slight year-over-year dip, visitor behavior points to strong opportunity. Overnight stays account for nearly 60% of trips, with an average stay of three days—demonstrating Temple’s ability to convert travelers into extended visits.

Top drive markets including Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston continue to fuel visitation, reinforcing Temple’s regional appeal.

Spending remains strongest in retail, dining, and lodging, while growth in recreation and wellness highlights increasing demand for experiences. Notably, more than 270,000 visitor nights are lost to nearby communities, presenting a clear opportunity to capture additional overnight stays and economic impact.

Overall, the data underscores Temple’s strength as a growing destination with continued potential to expand its tourism footprint.

Thousands of visitors come to Temple from all over the country for medical treatments and appointments. They stay in hotels, dine and drink at restaurants and nightspots, and shop for gifts, groceries, gas, and an endless variety of items and services. Through overnight stays, visits by family members undergoing treatment, or visitors receiving treatment, Temple has a major positive impact on the local economy.  

“Our medical community is big and has a great impact on our destination, but people aren’t just coming to Temple for health reasons,” Teresa Anderson, Destination Marketing Division Director for Discover Temple. “We have much to offer – the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center, the Cultural Activities Center, Crossroads Park, museums, and a distinctive and growing downtown.”  

“The city is investing in development, and they are focusing on the quality-of-life improvements that attract new people. Some come to visit, while others come to live. With all of the construction, renovations, and new developments, the next 18 to 24 months will bring a lot of change,” said Anderson. 

In 2024, Temple joined the Texas Craft Brewers Guild's new program, Brew City, Texas. The program aimed to emphasize craft breweries, draw attention to communities with or developing breweries, and create opportunities for those interested in starting breweries to learn about locations that would be perfect fits for them. The craft brew industry contributes $5.3 billion annually to the Texas economy. Since becoming a Brew City, Temple has seen an increase in focus and experiences catered to the brew-friendly scene. 

Sports tourism continues to be a driving force behind Temple’s visitor economy, bringing athletes, families, and fans from across the region and beyond. From weekend tournaments to multi-day competitions, these events fill hotel rooms, energize local restaurants, and create a steady flow of activity throughout the city.

Temple’s growing reputation as a sports destination is anchored by premier facilities like Crossroads Park Athletic Complex, along with a network of well-maintained fields, courts, and recreational spaces. These venues not only support large-scale events but also offer a welcoming environment for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Aligned with this year’s theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” sports tourism highlights the essential role these events play in connecting people, supporting local businesses, and showcasing Temple as a place built for both competition and community. Beyond the games themselves, visitors can explore downtown, experience local dining, and discover the unique character that keeps them coming back.