Cleburne earns Tourism Friendly Texas designation from state

Cleburne is now officially a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. According to the Cleburne Wire's review of the city council presentation, Madeline Phillips of Travel Texas — part of the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism — delivered the designation at a recent council meeting. The numbers behind the award are substantial. In 2025, Cleburne drew more than 26,000 out-of-town visitors per month, logged more than 481,000 visitor nights, and saw visitor spending climb 23.2% year over year. Direct travel spending reached $54.8 million, supporting 380 local jobs and generating more than $3.1 million in local tax revenue. 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. Visit Cleburne Tourism and Marketing Director Heather Juarez received specific recognition from Phillips for promoting the city and advocating for smaller tourism destinations statewide.