Always A Fiesta!
Brownsville, a city rich in tradition, has taken the unique border culture of the Fiesta and turned it into a year-long celebration garnering national recognition.
And, thanks to the Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau (BCVB) the word is getting out to the rest of the world that Brownsville is a great place to visit, conduct meetings and hold conventions.
“Brownsville, Always A Fiesta!” is the slogan the BCVB has adopted and is the message sent to the world. “But here, to the local community, it’s more than a promotional slogan, it’s a way of life and it’s something for everyone to enjoy,” exclaims Mr. Mariano “Bean” Ayala, President/CEO of the BCVB.
“You’ll always be entertained when you are in Brownsville.”
It’s Working!
Last year Bean and the BCVB staff undertook an exciting new program aptly named The Brownsville Tourist Ambassador Program, to help educate the local populace about all the exciting opportunities Brownsville has to offer our visitors. Covered in this program are interesting facts about attractions, the history of the area, local events and highlights, which potential tourists to the Brownsville area might be interested in, plus hotel/motel accommodations available.
“Our idea was to turn every citizen into an official ‘Ambassador’ to our city,” explained Ayala.
“That way each and every citizen becomes an integral part of helping to promote Brownsville.”
The Brownsville Tourist Ambassador Program is Catching On!
“Recently, a local businessman showed us just how effective this ambassador program can be,” explains Ayala.
State Farm Insurance agent, Mr. Rick Armendariz saw the program, thought it might work in his field and lobbied the State Farm District office and pitched Brownsville as a site for the upcoming Collegiate Player Tournament, an annual golf tournament sponsored by State Farm to raise money for charitable causes.
“Rick was up against some big players from major cities in Texas, but with the information he garnered from the Brownsville Tourist Ambassador Program developed by the BCVB staff, he was well prepared to make the pitch,” added Ayala.
Rick described the procedure as being relatively easy. “I let the BCVB staff do all the work,” explained Rick.
“The BCVB staff provided me with collateral material about Brownsville and the local highlights and amenities, and also procured competitive room rates, convention facilities and corresponding data on area golf courses to stage the event.”
“They basically did what I do for my insurance clients,” added Rick. “They did all the leg work for me. I pitched it to my District State Farm office for a potential site for the event, and it worked! The event is scheduled for July 22, 23, and 24 with players and executives from State Farm staying at a hotel property in Brownsville.”
“And, even a local charity, Teach The Children, will be the recipient of all monies raised from this event. All I had to do was call the BCVB, get the information to the office and play up the unique aspects of the Brownsville area. Information I gleaned from the Brownsville Tourist Ambassador Program presentation.”
Every citizen is a Potential Ambassador for Brownsville
“The next time a visitor asks a local from Brownsville about things to do or places to visit, or even about the history of our area, hopefully they will have seen our program and have a lot to tell,” says Ayala.
“It’s catching on and every day, more and more individuals are learning about Brownsville and all we have to offer.”
If you’re interested in learning more about this great city of ours, contact the Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau at 956/546-3721. Their competent staff will assist you in becoming an official “Ambassador to Brownsville.”
