Tall in Texas Award

Contact: David Teel, TTIA Director of Projects and Planning Phone: (512) 476-4472 Fax: (512) 478-9177 Texas Travel Industry Association Email: [email protected] 812 San Antonio Street, Suite 401 Austin, TX 78701 www.ttia.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THIS AUGUST A SPECIAL TIME TO TRAVEL TEXAS SUMMER RAINS PROVIDE RARE SIGHTS, FUN EXPERIENCES, INSIDE AND OUT

AUSTIN, Texas (Aug. 3, 2007) - Travelers desiring a unique look at Texas should travel the Lone Star State this month.

Normally one of the hottest and driest months of the year, August is shaping up to be a great time to travel and sightsee all across the state. Thanks to bountiful summer rains, the countryside is lush and the lakes and rivers are full.

While some areas of Texas are still recovering from heavy summer rains, the vast majority of the state is open for business and offering visitors the opportunity to see some rare sights, courtesy of Mother Nature.

State Park officials report that flowing rivers and full lakes are bringing out legions of boaters and anglers. And, while storms and some flooding have damaged a few state parks, most are open with a lush and beauty not typically seen this time of year.

“Last year at this time, our state was experiencing terrible drought conditions almost everywhere,” said Walt Dabney, director of Texas state parks. “This summer, the parks are going to be the greenest and the rivers and lakes the best they’ve been in many years. It should make for an outstanding park experience.”

The rains have also provided some truly extraordinary and rare natural events. Visitors to Natural Bridge Caverns, located just north of San Antonio, can see something few people ever will — a close-up view of an aquifer. Under normal circumstances, the water level of the Glen Rose aquifer that lies beneath the Caverns is not high enough to be seen. However, due to recent rains, water has temporarily risen into the lower chambers of the Caverns providing patrons with a rare experience – an aquifer tour – in addition to other tours.

"The aquifer tour gives people a rare, hands-on look at how an aquifer recharges and how nature created these caverns,” said Brad Wuest, President of Natural Bridge Caverns.

The rains have also nourished the more than 900 golf courses located throughout the state. Gil Benard, of Play Golf Houston, a marketing alliance of 25 Houston area golf courses, says most of his member courses have remained open and playable all summer.

“We’re in great shape and open for business,” Benard beamed. “The rains have really greened things up. The courses look much better than last year.”

However, despite the fact his courses look great and have remained playable throughout the summer, Benard acknowledges frustration that attendance is lower than usual.

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Others in the Texas travel industry share Benard’s disappointment. Despite the positives, there is concern that persistent rains, along with widespread media coverage of flooded areas, are hurting the state’s peak summer travel season.

Paul Serff, President and CEO of the Texas Travel Industry Association readily acknowledges some areas of the state have suffered damage, but he is quick to add that most of the state is open for business and welcoming visitors.

“From a traveler’s perspective,” Serff observed, “the state is unbelievably beautiful and scenic. All of our top attractions, such as our world class theme and water parks, museums and zoos are open for business and offering fun and excitement for families and travelers of all ages. It’s a great time to travel in Texas.”

For family-oriented educational travel ideas in Texas, visit www.TexasEducationVacation.com.

To find even more places to see and things to do in Texas, visit www.TravelTex.com or call 1-800-8888TEX for a free copy of the Texas State Travel Guide, Official Map and Accommodations Guide.

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TTIA is a non-profit organization made up of businesses, organizations, associations and individuals dedicated to developing Texas tourism to its fullest potential. TTIA's purpose is to help ensure the most effective tourism program possible, by complementing and maximizing the results of promotional efforts of private businesses, city and regional organizations and the State of Texas. For more information about the Texas Travel Industry Association, visit www.ttia.org or contact the office in Austin at (512) 476-4472.