Visit Fort Worth

Visit Fort Worth
Name	Visit Fort Worth
Type	Convention and visitors bureau
Founded	1970s
Location	Fort Worth, Texas
Headquarters	Fort Worth Convention Center
Area served	Tarrant County, North Texas
Key people	CEO

Visit Fort Worth is the official destination marketing organization promoting Fort Worth, Texas, the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex city known for its Western heritage and cultural institutions. The organization partners with local stakeholders such as the Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Kimbell Art Museum, and Amon Carter Museum of American Art to attract leisure and business travelers. It coordinates with entities including Tarrant County, Downtown Fort Worth Inc., Greater Fort Worth Inc., Texas Tourism, and regional hospitality associations to develop tourism strategies, event recruitment, and hospitality training.

History

The bureau traces roots to postwar civic boosterism in Fort Worth, Texas and mid-20th century initiatives tied to the expansion of the Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport and the growth of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway. Early civic boosters worked with institutions such as Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, North Texas State University (now University of North Texas), and later with state-level actors like the Texas Travel Industry Association and Texas Department of Transportation's tourism programs. During the 1970s and 1980s the organization collaborated with cultural anchors including the Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth Zoo, Trinity River Vision Authority, and the Cultural District to position Fort Worth as an arts and heritage destination. Partnerships with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and economic development groups such as Economic Development Administration helped shape downtown redevelopment anchored by projects at the Fort Worth Convention Center and Sundance Square. In the 21st century the bureau expanded into digital marketing linking with brands like MeetingsNet, Skift, U.S. Travel Association, and technology platforms including Expedia, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor while working with regional airports such as Fort Worth Meacham International Airport and DFW Airport.

Attractions and Landmarks

Visit Fort Worth highlights landmarks across the city: the historic Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District and Stockyards Championship Rodeo, the architecture of the Kimbell Art Museum by Louis Kahn, the collections of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and the exhibition spaces at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Other promoted sites include the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the Fort Worth Zoo, the performing arts center Bass Performance Hall, and heritage sites like Thistle Hill and Log Cabin Village. The bureau features venues such as the Will Rogers Memorial Center, the Fort Worth Water Gardens, and civic spaces like Sundance Square and the Trinity Trails. It also showcases regional attractions reachable via partner routing: the Cultural District, Historic Stockyards, Near Southside, and nearby institutions such as Southwest Airlines Headquarters, Keller Lake Park, Eagle Mountain Lake, and Benbrook Lake.

Arts and Culture

Fort Worth’s cultural profile is a focus, linking museums and performing arts: the Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, and Sid Richardson Museum. Performing arts partners include Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Lyric Stage, and Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The bureau promotes educational collaborations with Texas Christian University, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Tarrant County College, and arts funders like the National Endowment for the Arts, NEA, and Texas Commission on the Arts. It supports public art initiatives with organizations such as Fort Worth Public Art Collection and festivals coordinated with presenters like Fort Worth Opera and Jubilee Theatre.

Events and Festivals

Visit Fort Worth markets annual events including the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival, Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival, and seasonal programming in Sundance Square. It works with major conventions and trade shows at the Fort Worth Convention Center and event producers such as Live Nation, Revention Music Center, CMA Fest-affiliated promoters, and local organizers behind events like Dia de los Muertos Fort Worth and Mayfest. The bureau liaises with sports event stakeholders such as Texas Motor Speedway, collegiate athletics at TCU Horned Frogs, and professional teams historically tied to the market. Special initiatives tie into statewide events like South by Southwest satellite activities and national observances promoted by U.S. Travel Association.

Outdoor Recreation and Parks

Promotion includes the Trinity River Vision, the Trinity Trails, and green spaces like the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Gateway Park, Arlington Heights Park, and lakefronts at Benbrook Lake and Eagle Mountain Lake. The organization highlights outdoor attractions managed by partners such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and local parks departments in Tarrant County Park systems. Recreational offerings include birding sites at Tandy Hills Natural Area, kayaking and paddleboarding on the Trinity River, and trail networks linking to Grapevine Lake and the River Legacy Park system.

Dining and Nightlife

Culinary promotion covers neighborhoods and venues: dining corridors in Stockyards, West 7th, Cultural District, and the Near Southside. Visit Fort Worth showcases restaurants by notable chefs and establishments recognized by James Beard Foundation, listings on Michelin Guide-adjacent platforms, and popular venues like historic saloons in the Stockyards and modern gastropubs in Sundance Square. Nightlife partnerships include clubs and live-music venues such as Billy Bob’s Texas, The Kessler Theater, Prophet Bar, and concert promoters including AXS and Ticketmaster.

Transportation and Accessibility

The bureau coordinates travel accessibility via Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Dallas Love Field, Fort Worth Meacham International Airport, and regional ground transport providers such as Trinity Metro, DART, and intercity rail like Amtrak Texas Eagle. It works with rental companies including Avis Budget Group, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and rideshare platforms Uber and Lyft to ensure visitor mobility. Partnerships with highway authorities like Texas Department of Transportation support wayfinding, while collaboration with Fort Worth Police Department and Tarrant County agencies addresses safety and large-event logistics.

Visitor Information and Accommodations

Visit Fort Worth maintains visitor centers near Fort Worth Convention Center and Stockyards and partners with hospitality members including major hotel brands like Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group, and boutique operators. The organization provides services for meeting planners working with venues such as the Fort Worth Convention Center, Bass Performance Hall, and convention hotels, while coordinating with local tourism partners like Greater Fort Worth Hospitality Association and Hospitality Fort Worth. It publishes travel guides and works with media outlets including VisitDallas counterparts, national outlets such as USA Today, The New York Times, and trade publications to promote lodging, tours, and visitor itineraries.

Category:Tourism in Fort Worth, Texas