Austin, TX – October 24, 2024 – The Texas Travel Alliance (TTA) proudly awarded Texas Monthly with the Heritage Award at the 39th annual Texas Travel Summit Awards Gala on October 15. This prestigious accolade recognizes Texas Monthly’s exceptional contributions to promoting and preserving the rich heritage and culture of the Lone Star State through its outstanding travel journalism.

Since its inception in 1973, Texas Monthly has been a beacon of storytelling, chronicling the vibrant life of Texas. Through its magazine, website, videos, and podcasts, Texas Monthly has provided audiences with a deep sense of place, capturing the essence of Texas’s people, land, and cultures.

Ross McCammon and David Dunham are pictured with Erika Boyd, President & CEO, Texas Travel Alliance receiving the Heritage Award on behalf of Texas Monthly at the 39th Annual Texas Travel Summit held October 14-16, 2024, in Houston, TX.

“Texas Monthly’s dedication to showcasing the diverse and rich heritage of our state is truly commendable,” said Erika Boyd, President & CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance. “Their travel writing not only highlights the beauty and uniqueness of Texas but also inspires both Texans and visitors to explore and appreciate all that our state has to offer.”

Texas Monthly’s travel writing stands out for its depth and variety. The “Where to Stay Now” series offers detailed accounts of travel experiences across Texas, while the expertly curated Travel Guides provide invaluable tips on over 50 cities and small towns. Their innovative coverage, such as “The Most Underrated Travel Experience in Texas: College Museums” and “38 Ways to Cool Off in Our State’s Springs, Lakes, and More,” which was a finalist for a National Magazine Award, showcases the publication’s commitment to uncovering hidden gems and unique experiences.

One of Texas Monthly’s most anticipated features is the Top 50 BBQ list, a quadrennial guide that helps barbecue enthusiasts navigate the state’s best smoked meat offerings. This guide has become a staple for both locals and tourists seeking the finest barbecue in Texas.

Reaching an audience of 31 million readers monthly across its print and digital platforms, Texas Monthly has significantly influenced travel and tourism within the state. Over the past year, its audience has traveled over 330 million miles on overnight trips within Texas, spending a total of 2.6 million nights away from home, according to MRI-Simmons Spring 2024 data.

Texas Monthly is one of the few journalistic publications in the country experiencing growth in subscriptions, revenue, and staff. Its editorial team has doubled over the past five years, now boasting more than 60 journalists dedicated to delivering high-quality content.

TTA’s Annual Texas Travel Summit was held in Houston, October 14-16, 2024. Around 350 Travel Industry professionals from across the state attended the 39th annual conference.

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The Texas Travel Alliance is the voice of the travel and tourism industry in Texas. We advocate for policies that help our industry grow and thrive. We provide professional development opportunities to elevate our industry’s leaders. And we create connections that will help our members flourish and succeed. For more information about the Texas Travel Alliance: www.texastravelalliance.org.