Texas Border Business
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce announces the departure of the Chamber’s Vice President of Visit McAllen Robert Lopez. Robert will continue his career as the Vice President of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau in March 2022. Robert joined the Chamber in 2012 as Director of Sales before being named VP in October 2019. “Although the McAllen Chamber staff and I will be sad to see Rob go, we are proud of his accomplishments during his leadership in the Visit McAllen CVB department,” said Blanca Cardenas, McAllen Chamber Interim President.
This past year, McAllen’s tourism industry reported record-breaking numbers in hotel occupancy of 75% with an average daily rate of $92.69, and hotel revenues at $99,703,759. Robert helped to sign a 4-year agreement to host Copa Amistad International youth soccer tournament for 2022-2025, which will generate more than $12.2 million for the economy and 17,750 hotel room nights for McAllen hotels. Robert also booked the Texas Football All Star Showcase, which is the largest youth football tournament in Texas with more than 100 teams from 16 regions participating. He launched the McAllenExperience.com website, targeting Mexico leisure travelers, which is the leading resource for information on McAllen in Mexico. He launched the Safe Stay Commitment program, ensuring travelers that McAllen is committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Robert also helped to generate $324,110 in media value by hosting national and international journalists and other media.
The Chamber wishes Robert much continued success in his career endeavors and knows that he will be a great asset to Abilene as he was to the city of McAllen.
