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’s the sort of 70s-degree January day that draws Winter Texans to the Rio Grande Valley as Cathy Sutton stands on a riverside pavilion at one of the two RV parks she manages in Mission. It’s the weekly hamburger lunch day at the Chimney Park RV Resort, a Wednesday treat that features live music played by Winter Texans from area parks. Sutton calls it “coming up with ideas on what…
The roughly 100,000 Winter Texans in the Rio Grande Valley do more than enjoy each other’s company at social events and spend their dollars at local restaurants and stores. They also give back to Valley communities. Winter Texans do so through their volunteerism benefitting hospitals, schools and nonprofit organizations. Many provide financial donations as well in supporting a wide variety of worthwhile efforts and projects in the RGV. Kristi Collier…
Kristi Collier had an upfront message recently when addressing a luncheon attended by several hundred community and industry leaders connected to tourism in the Rio Grande Valley. “The number of Winter Texans isn’t growing,” said the president and CEO of Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley. “It’s on the decline.” The message was delivered during a luncheon on April 22 at the Victoria Palms RV Resort in Donna. Collier presented highlights…
The annual migration is underway as Winter Texans make the trek south to escape cold northern winters. During the 2015-2016 season these visitors from the north contributed $760 million to the Rio Grande Valley economy, and this year could be even stronger. “We’re looking for a good season,” said Kristie Collier, president and CEO of Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley. “A lot of new people are coming to Texas this…