When many people think of tourism, they think of vacations to Las Vegas, New York, the beach or the lake. Mike Baxter, Marketing Director for the City of Tomball, says that tourism is much more involved than that.

“If you can get people to come into your town for just a few hours and spend some money, that is tourism too,” he said.

With a down economy and competition for tourism dollars stiff, the city hired Baxter earlier this year as the city’s first marketing director. His duties include marketing Tomball’s uniqueness and flavor to tourists and residents alike.

“There is more in this town than people think,” Baxter said. “Even many people who live here.”

Baxter began his duties by expanding the city’s presence on social media sites like Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.

“When I got here there was a Facebook site but it had not been updated in six weeks,” Baxter said. “It was geared toward giving residents city information, which is good, but it gave no reason for others to want to come and visit.”

Baxter began using the site to promote city events, like 2^nd Saturday and the Tomball Art Walk, as well as what was happening at area businesses, like specials and concerts. He also posts photos of events like a recent Bugs, Brew and BBQ which was a Volkswagen car show combined with a tasting of area barbeque joints and Texas-made beer. Recently the city’s page went over 600 likes.

“That’s 600 people who have opted in to find out what fun things there are to see and do in Tomball,” he said. “I wanted to establish a presence that interests not only residents, but others who would see that there are things to do and see here.”

Baxter explained that tourism is an important revenue stream for cities−in essence a source of free money.

“It has a trickle down effect that most don’t realize,” Baxter said. “They come for an event and then they buy gas, or eat at a local restaurant. That brings money in the city wasn’t necessarily expecting.”

He has expanded the 2^nd Saturday events to include downtown businesses and has advertised the events locally.

“(Advertising) immediately bumps the numbers up and it’s also benefitted the shops and businesses downtown,” he said.

The city has also joined the Texas Travel Industry Association and the Texas Festival and Events Association, the latter an organization which Baxter was elected to serve on the board of directors.

“It gives access to professionals all over the state who are willing to help,” he said.

Baxter is focusing on the 2012 calendar, looking at when other local entities are having events, and planning new events for Tomball.

“We are planning a variety of festivals and events next year from music events to food events,” Baxter said. “We want to appeal to a wide range of folks.”

While Baxter has been busy and many local business owners credit him with raising the city’s profile, Baxter said it’s a reflection of city workers as a whole.

‘Everyone involved with the city, the police department, public works, the fire department, they have all worked as a team,” he said. “It’s a great environment.”

Photo by Caleb Harris

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