The Texas Historical Commission (THC) held its quarterly meeting on January 31, 2025, focusing on the economic impact of heritage tourism in the state. The meeting featured a presentation by Mike Devine from G and A Gallagher Associates, who discussed a comprehensive report analyzing the financial contributions of THC sites.

Devine emphasized the importance of updated data for discussions with state officials, noting that the economic development of heritage tourism is crucial for Texas. He explained the methodology used in the report, which involved a software system called Implan. This system aggregates data from various industries to assess the economic impact of THC sites, including direct, indirect, and induced effects.

The analysis covered approximately 30 THC sites, revealing a staggering economic output of nearly $20 billion over five years. This output is attributed to various factors, including tourism, construction, and operational activities. The report highlighted that THC sites attract around 3.4 million visitors annually, with a significant portion being out-of-state tourists, which contributes to local economies through spending on hotels and dining.

The findings also indicated that the THC sites support over 33,000 jobs and generate approximately $120 million in state tax revenues, primarily from sales taxes linked to tourism. Devine pointed out that about 80% of the economic output stems from tourism-related activities, underscoring the sector's vital role in Texas's economy.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions and further discussions on the detailed findings, which are expected to inform future strategies for promoting heritage tourism in Texas. The THC aims to leverage this data to enhance the visibility and impact of its sites, ensuring continued support from state leadership and stakeholders.