The City of Cedar Park has become the third community in Texas to achieve all four “Friendly Texas” certifications, including Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, Digital Media Friendly Texas, and most recently, Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.
Governor Greg Abbott praised Cedar Park for its achievement. “Congratulations to the City of Cedar Park on earning all four ‘Friendly Texas’ certified community designations for film, music, digital media, and now tourism,” said Governor Abbott. “These growing industries in our great state are essential to Texas’ booming economy. Texas partners with our communities and provides the tools and resources they need to attract new business investments, create good-paying jobs for Texans, draw visitors to every region of the state, and attract and retain a skilled workforce. I invite all Texas communities, large and small, to fully leverage the opportunities provided by our ‘Friendly Texas’ certified community programs.”
Senator Pete Flores also commented on the recognition: “I am thrilled to congratulate the City of Cedar Park on being named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. This designation is a testament to Cedar Park’s commitment to welcoming visitors, supporting local businesses, and showcasing the vibrant spirit that makes our city so special. With its beautiful parks, lively music and sports scenes, and thriving local culture, Cedar Park is a shining example of how tourism can drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen community bonds. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this recognition will bring — not just for Cedar Park, but for the entire region as we continue to share the very best of Texas with travelers from across the country and beyond.”
Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin noted that travel and tourism play an important role in supporting both cultural activity and economic growth within the city. “The travel and tourism industry plays a vital role in enhancing Cedar Park’s cultural vibrancy and economic prosperity,” he said. “Earning the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation strengthens our ability to attract visitors, stimulate local business growth, and promote Cedar Park as a destination that celebrates both its natural beauty and dynamic community spirit.”
City Manager Brenda Eivens added: “We are honored that Cedar Park has been recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. This designation reflects our ongoing efforts to create a welcoming environment for visitors while supporting local businesses and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. It’s a meaningful step forward in showcasing all that makes Cedar Park a vibrant and engaging destination.”
The new certification signals an ongoing effort by Cedar Park officials to use tourism as part of their broader strategy for economic development—encouraging job creation locally while attracting more out-of-state visitors.
The four “Friendly Texas” Certified Community Programs are managed by agencies such as the Texas Film Commission, Texas Music Office, and Travel Texas within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office. These programs offer training aimed at helping communities expand their economies through film production incentives, music initiatives, digital media projects,and promotion of tourism-related activities throughout the state.
Travel Texas works under this office with goals that include promoting travel into Texas from other states or countries; these efforts aim at generating revenue streams as well as jobs within cities like Cedar Park.
