10/24/2026
PRESS RELEASE - ROCKPORT HITS A GRAND SLAM!
One of Only Seven Texas Communities to Earn All Four “Friendly Texas” Certifications — and the ONLY One on the Gulf Coast!
Governor Greg Abbott Recognizes Rockport as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.
Rockport has hit it out of the park! Governor Greg Abbott announced today, October 20, 2026, that Rockport has been recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, completing an extraordinary achievement known as the “Grand Slam” of Friendly Texas Certifications.
Rockport-Fulton is one of only SEVEN Grand Slam communities in the entire State of Texas and currently the ONLY one along the Gulf Coast!
This recognition places Rockport among a select group of Texas communities that have demonstrated a commitment to tourism, creative industries, economic development, and welcoming visitors, artists, productions, and businesses.
What Is the “Grand Slam” of Friendly Texas Certifications?
The Governor's Office refers to communities earning all four of its Friendly Texas designations as achieving the “Grand Slam.”
With the formal presentation of its Tourism Friendly certification, Rockport will hold all four prestigious designations:
• Film Friendly Texas – Recognizes communities prepared to welcome film, television, commercial, and media productions while supporting local businesses and production opportunities.
• Music Friendly Texas – Recognizes communities committed to supporting musicians, live music venues, festivals, and the music industry.
• Digital Media Friendly Texas – Positions communities to attract digital media industries, including video game development, animation, visual effects, and emerging creative technologies.
• Tourism Friendly Texas – Recognizes communities that prioritize tourism as an economic driver through partnerships, destination management, visitor experiences, and sustainable tourism development.
Together, these four designations demonstrate that Rockport is more than a beautiful coastal destination. It is a community ready to welcome new ideas, new industries, and new economic opportunities.
What Does This Mean for Rockport?
These certifications are more than titles. They are valuable economic-development tools that can help Rockport strengthen its local economy, build statewide relationships, and create new opportunities for residents and businesses.
Statewide Recognition and Visibility
Being one of only seven Grand Slam communities in Texas, and the only one on the Gulf Coast, sets Rockport apart. These designations strengthen the City's credibility and visibility among visitors, creative professionals, businesses, and potential investors.
Direct Connections to State Resources
The certifications provide opportunities to work directly with the Texas Music Office, Texas Film Commission, Travel Texas, and the Governor's Office of Economic Development & Tourism. These relationships offer access to industry contacts, educational resources, technical assistance, and potential promotional partnerships.
More Opportunities for Local Businesses
Tourism, film productions, music events, and digital media projects can generate additional business for local hotels, restaurants, retailers, transportation providers, and service companies. Increased activity can help support local jobs and encourage new investment.
Support for Artists, Musicians, and Creative Industries
Rockport's vibrant arts and music community is part of what makes the area special. These certifications create additional opportunities to connect local artists, musicians, venues, educators, entrepreneurs, and media professionals with statewide industry networks.
Economic Development and Workforce Opportunities
The four designations provide another tool for attracting visitors, projects, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers while supporting the growth of creative industries and diversifying Rockport's economy.
Tourism Is More Than Visitors — It's an Investment in Our Community
The Tourism Friendly Texas designation also reinforces Rockport's ongoing commitment to treating tourism as an important part of its economic-development strategy.
Maintaining this recognition means continuing to strengthen partnerships with local businesses and tourism stakeholders, pursuing responsible destination-management practices, participating in Travel Texas programs, and demonstrating tourism's value to the community.
While the certification does not automatically provide funding, it strengthens Rockport's statewide relationships, credibility, and opportunities to participate in cooperative tourism and economic-development initiatives.
For a coastal community that welcomes thousands of visitors throughout the year, tourism supports local businesses, jobs, and the overall economic vitality of Rockport.
Small Coastal Town. Big Texas Recognition.
Known as the Redfish Capital of Texas, Rockport is celebrated for its coastal beauty, world-class fishing, birdwatching, arts, music, shopping, dining, and welcoming atmosphere.
From Rockport Beach to its galleries, festivals, and waterfront experiences, the community offers a unique blend of coastal recreation, creativity, and Texas hospitality.
Achieving the Grand Slam demonstrates that Rockport is committed not only to preserving what makes the community special but also to building opportunities for future generations.
This accomplishment reflects the dedication of local businesses, tourism partners, artists, musicians, community organizations, and City leadership who continue to make Rockport a destination worth visiting and a community worth investing in.
Four Certifications. Seven Grand Slam Communities Statewide. One Gulf Coast Standout.
ROCKPORT HAS HIT A GRAND SLAM — AND THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT!
For more information about the City of Rockport Designations and Tourism contact Nannette Eiland, Tourism Manager at 361-729-2213 ext. 120 or by email at [email protected].
