Wednesday, July 10, 1996

Governor travels around state promoting nature tourism

By ANNA M. TINSLEY
Harte-Hanks Austin Bureau

AUSTIN - For Gov. George W. Bush and his family, it's time to get back to nature.

This week, the governor, his wife and twin daughters will travel through Texas promoting nature tourism - the fastest growing area of Texas' $23 billion tourism industry.

From Matagorda Island State Park to South Padre Island, the first family will fish, bird watch, swim, hike and ride horses.

"This is a chance for (Bush) to spend time with his family outside of Austin and to enjoy Texas parks and wildlife," spokesman Ray Sullivan said. "It's also an opportunity for the governor to highlight nature tourism and the great wide open spaces in Texas.

"He probably will be doing similar events in the future," Sullivan said. "This is the first big push."
Texas is internationally known as a destination for nature tourists - from hunters and campers to fishers and bird watchers.

Tourism officials estimate that by 2000, 18 million Texans will participate in nature tourism, also known as ecotourism.

Nationally, more people participate in outdoor recreation than the combined total of those who own a pet, tend a garden or attend professional sports events, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.

And more people photograph wildlife than play golf.

"As a whole, people are wanting to participate more than spectate - and that's what is getting them out to do things," said David Holder, product development specialist with the state Tourism Division in the Texas Department of Commerce.

"Nature-related activities are on the top of people's minds simply because it's a natural environment," he said. "Things are very resource-based and you're learning stuff at the same time."

A nature tourism task force was established in 1993 under former Gov. Ann Richards to study the economic opportunities of nature tourism.

Such activities include wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, outdoor photography, wildflower tours, beachcombing, geological tours, backpacking and rock climbing.

Task force members recommended conservation, education, legislation and promotion action - from providing incentives to private landowners for preserving natural habitats to developing a nature tourism handbook.

Nature tourism has averaged a 30 percent increase each year since 1987, according to the commerce department. Worldwide, nature tourism sales were expected to total $238 billion in 1994.

In 1993, visitors to Texas state parks spent $179 million, with a total estimated economic impact of $477 million. Also, an estimated $3.6 billion was spent on fishing, hunting and wildlife associated recreation in Texas, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife's most recent statistics.

"We have seen through the studies done the incredible importance that ecotourism is playing in today's travel and tourism industry," said Jef Russell, chairman of Texas' Nature Tourism Association.

Bush and his family will visit six top tourist sites in Southeast and South Texas during a three-day whirlwind nature trip.

Today they'll travel to the Brazos Bend State Park and Matagorda Island State Park. On Thursday, they'll journey to the Rio Paisano Ranch, south of Kingsville, and the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park.

On Friday, they'll wind up their trip at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville and South Padre Island.

"The governor's trip is part tourism promotion and part family getaway," Sullivan said. "He will highlight parts of the Gulf Coast in South Texas where families can hike, bird-watch and swim.

"He wants to focus on Texas parks and nature areas that have a lot to offer tourists and particularly families."