How Abilene Competes: Robert Lopez on Tourism Dollars, Big Events, and What Comes Next

Описание: Our guest on the Abilene People podcast is Robert Lopez, Vice President of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau. Originally from the Texas Valley, Robert is a graduate of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he earned a degree in broadcast journalism. He brings more than 21 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry to his role in Abilene.

In this conversation, Robert explains what his work looks like day to day and how those efforts show up in real, strategic ways for our city. Cities across Texas and the region are competing fiercely for the same events, tourism dollars, and attention, and Robert walks us through how Abilene competes in that crowded field. He also speaks about the biggest challenges we face, and what he believes Abilene needs to do to be more attractive, more realistic, and more ambitious as a destination.

We talk about perception, too. What do people outside of West Texas think about Abilene? What do they often get wrong? And what does Robert, and the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, wish more people understood about our city?

Robert also discusses the types of events and visitors that create the greatest economic impact for Abilene, including some that residents may not realize have a meaningful ripple effect for local businesses and the broader economy. He shares the CVB’s track record, highlights projects he’s especially proud of, and reflects on what it takes to successfully bring major events to town.

Finally, Robert looks ahead, offering a hopeful vision for Abilene as a destination over the next five to ten years, and what needs to happen for us to get there.

Enjoy this thoughtful and informative conversation with Robert Lopez for an insider’s view of what it really takes to promote our city and bring tourism and travel dollars home to Abilene.