Regional Tourism Alliance Secures Funding for Heritage Site Restoration
Largest Public-Private Partnership in Region’s History Will Preserve 12 Historic Landmarks and Create 200+ Jobs
AUSTIN, Texas – December 1, 2025 – The Central Texas Regional Tourism Alliance (CTRTA) announced today it has secured $2.5 million in combined funding to launch a comprehensive heritage site restoration program across its 15-county region. The initiative, which represents the largest heritage preservation investment in the alliance’s history, will restore 12 critically endangered historic properties and is projected to generate more than $8 million in annual tourism revenue upon completion.
The funding package comprises $1.5 million from the Texas Historical Commission’s Heritage Tourism Program, $750,000 from regional hotel occupancy tax revenues, and a $250,000 matching commitment from private sector partners, including the Cultural Heritage Finance Alliance. The program targets sites that have been identified as “tourism-critical” in the region’s 2024-2029 strategic tourism plan, which found that heritage tourism visitors spend 2.3 times more than leisure travelers and stay 40% longer.
According to research from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, heritage tourism contributes more than $194 billion annually to the U.S. economy while creating one out of every 97 American jobs. The CTRTA’s initiative directly addresses findings from the Texas Historical Commission’s 2025 visitor survey, which revealed that 68% of out-of-state tourists prioritize historic destinations when planning Texas itineraries.
“This investment transforms preservation from a cost center into an economic driver,” said Jennifer Martinez, CEO of the Central Texas Regional Tourism Alliance. “These restored sites will serve as anchor attractions that extend visitor stays, increase per-capita spending, and differentiate our region in an increasingly competitive tourism marketplace. We’re not just saving buildings—we’re securing our economic future.”
The program follows a rigorous selection process modeled after the Austin Heritage Preservation Grant program, which has awarded over $2.3 million since 2021 to restore sites like the Neill-Cochran House Museum and Paramount Theatre East Wall. Properties selected for restoration must demonstrate documented historic significance, structural urgency, and proven tourism potential. Projects will begin in March 2026 with a 24-month completion timeline.
Initial sites include the 1878 Caldwell County Courthouse, the WPA-era Bastrop State Park cabins, and the recently closed Elgin Depot Museum, which collectively attracted more than 150,000 visitors annually before deteriorating conditions forced restricted access. The restoration of the Elgin Depot alone is expected to create 35 construction jobs and 12 permanent tourism positions while adding $1.2 million in direct visitor spending.
Market data from the U.S. Travel Association shows heritage tourism rebounded 23% faster than general leisure travel post-pandemic, driven by demand for authentic, educational experiences. The National Trust for Historic Preservation reports that every $1 million invested in historic preservation creates 14.8 jobs and generates $1.4 million in economic activity—a multiplier effect that outpaces most other industries. Additionally, restored heritage sites increase adjacent property values by an average of 11%, according to the Texas Historical Commission’s economic impact study.
The initiative includes a workforce development component, partnering with Texas State University’s Historic Preservation program to provide apprenticeships for 45 students in building trades, archaeology, and heritage interpretation. This addresses critical skilled labor shortages while ensuring restoration work meets Secretary of Interior Standards for historic preservation.
Funding distribution prioritizes rural counties, with 60% of awarded funds targeting communities with populations under 50,000. This approach aligns with the Texas Historical Commission’s strategic plan emphasizing equitable distribution of tourism benefits. The program also requires grant recipients to maintain five-year public access agreements and implement visitor data tracking systems.
About Central Texas Regional Tourism Alliance
The Central Texas Regional Tourism Alliance is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization representing 15 counties and 200+ tourism stakeholders across Central Texas. Established in 2018, the alliance coordinates regional marketing, destination development, and policy advocacy. In 2024, the region welcomed 12.3 million visitors who generated $4.8 billion in economic impact. The Heritage Preservation Division administers grant programs, technical assistance, and workforce training initiatives.
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