Visit Dallas recently hosted its annual meeting, convening city leaders, tourism stakeholders and community members to celebrate a record-breaking year for Dallas tourism and to offer a glimpse at 2025 and beyond. The event highlighted Dallas’ growth as a top travel destination, the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26, the city’s new “Maverick, Can-Do Spirit” brand identity and the winners of the Can-Do Spirit Awards. Michael Lockwood of Populous was the event's keynote speaker. (Earlier this year, Populous was awarded architectural, engineering and design services for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas.)
According to a recent study by Tourism Economics, in 2023, Dallas welcomed more than 27 million visitors, resulting in a $10.5 billion in economic impact. The hospitality and tourism industry is one of the 10 largest industries in Dallas, supporting over 59,000 jobs and generating over $625 million in state and local tax revenues. In fiscal year 2024, the Visit Dallas team booked over 2.4 million room nights, resulting in over $2 billion in economic impact.
To date, the Visit Dallas sales team has already booked 59 definite conventions, representing $1.56 billion in future economic impact, for 2029 and beyond. Another highlight of the meeting was the recognition of the winners of the inaugural Can-Do Spirit Awards.
The Can-Do Spirit Awards awards build on the success of the new destination brand and each of the five brand pillars: A diverse community of people – a rich tapestry of cultures; Creative culinary influence – our unique recipe; Arts and entertainment – an unwavering commitment; Future-facing innovative audacity – a bold city that takes big swings; and Iconic sports culture – locally revered, globally recognized.
The following Can-Do Spirit Award winners were recognized at the annual meeting:
- Anga L. Sanders, FEED Oak Cliff
- Chef Amber Williams, Le Rouge Cuisine Food Co.
- Jess Garland, performing artist
- Elizabeth Wattley, Forest Forward
- The Neil Family, Dallas Trinity FC
For more information, visit www.visitdallas.com.
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