The demographics of Winter Texans are changing and professionals in the tourism and hospitality industries are calling for more frequent studies and research into this vital group of visitors with deep connections to the Rio Grande Valley. Leah Woolridge, the vice president of Visit McAllen, sees an age shift among Winter Texans. Retirees are younger, more active and looking for things to do, she said. “You use to be able…
It all started with a coupon book. Kristi Collier in those early years of the 2000s had worked for the Red Cross. It gave her entry to RV parks across the Rio Grande Valley in seeking Winter Texans who could volunteer for Red Cross activities. Her second job with a title company ended in 2007 due to the housing bubble crash of the Great Recession. By then, Collier had started a…
Kristi Collier, president/CEO of Welcome Home RGV has been appointed to the board of directors of the Texas Travel Alliance. The Texas Travel Alliance is the primary advocate and voice for the Texas travel industry. It is a diverse membership of Texas travel destinations, accommodations, attractions, transportation and support businesses. “We are excited to welcome Kristi to the Texas Travel Alliance Board of Directors,” said Erika Boyd, Texas Travel Alliance…