Cleburne earns Tourism Friendly Texas designation from state

Cleburne is now a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, a statewide designation presented at a recent City Council meeting. According to the Cleburne Times-Review, Madeline Phillips of Travel Texas, an arm of the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism, delivered the recognition in person. The numbers behind the honor are substantial. In 2025, Cleburne drew more than 26,000 out-of-town visitors per month, logged more than 481,000 visitor nights — up 2.4% from the prior year — and saw visitor spending climb 23.2%. Direct travel spending reached $54.8 million, producing more than $3.1 million in local tax revenue and supporting 380 jobs. Cleburne submitted 29 letters of recommendation with its application, more than any other community that had completed the process at that point. Mayor Derek Weathers followed the presentation with a proclamation crediting Visit Cleburne, the Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and community volunteers for the achievement.