Elgin Chamber outlines 2025 visitor trends, plans to boost overnight stays

A representative of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center updated the council on tourism and marketing activity and described steps intended to increase out-of-town and overnight visits.

The speaker said the visitor center in 2025 "welcomed 42 outside Bastrop County visitors, 4 out of state visitors, and 1 out of town group," and cited signature community events — Western Days and Holiday by the Tracks — as tourism drivers. The Chamber representative described collaboration with Elgin Main Street, use of a monthly visitor-tracking system, distribution of 2,175 rack cards statewide in English and Spanish, and merchandising efforts (photo magnets, T-shirts, mugs, postcards) to enhance visitor experience and visibility.

Plans for 2026 include hosting the regional MET Summit in Elgin, increasing promotion to attract bus tours and overnight stays, reestablishing developer and realtor tours, and refreshing the visitor-center branding and signage. The speaker said Elgin has had regional and national media attention for local businesses and that the Chamber seeks to leverage that coverage to grow tourism.

"Our goal is to increase broader outreach, specifically reaching beyond day trippers and encouraging overnight stays," the Chamber representative said. The presentation closed with appreciation for the city partnership and an outlook for building momentum in 2026.