ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) -National travel and tourism week is in full swing.

Discover Odessa is celebrating it by having pop-up events and giveaways.

Through pop up events Discover Odessa can show West Texans upcoming attractions in Odessa and the role travel plays in the economy.

“It brings dollars to the area which further allows us to invest in the community and allows us to bring places like the basin sports complex that is coming to the area.” said Discover Odessa Director of Communications Ashley Flores.

Discover Odessa is one hundred percent funded by hotel occupancy taxes.

From April 2023 to March 2024, Discover Odessa’s efforts brought a significant economic impact of forty-five million dollars.

They plan on using the money to bring events to Odessa.

“Our job is to bring events into the city.  a group sales specialist brings in groups, conferences, and meetings. We have a sales team specialist who helps bring sporting events. Our team traveled to Portland to a sports event, and they met a gentleman from the American Cornhole Association, and we are looking to bring a national tournament to our city.” said Director of Discover Odessa Laura Marts

Discover Odessa believes the city will be able to expand its tourism industry with the renovation of the Ellen Noel Arts museum.

“With the museum being open. They will be able to bring in larger exhibits so that brings more art enthusiasts to the area and right now that is something that is top of mind to our area.” said Ashley Flores.

It’s not just arts Discover Odessa also hopes the new sports complex in Odessa will increase sports tourism

“It’s going to allow us to be very competitive with other cities. Our city to the east of us has a big venue where they can host volleyball tournaments and we will be able to do that with a sports complex. we will be able to compete with Lubbock and other big cities around and also in the surrounding states.” said Laura Marts.

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