McAllen is the place to be.

As we market our community to the rest of Texas and Mexico, we find more and more it’s an easy story to tell. Our culture, our people, our land, and our history are remarkable. And the explosion of what we have to offer is just as unique and exciting.

From amazing high-end retail stores to world class Broadway shows, gorgeous natural attractions, spectacular nightlife venues, national and statewide sporting events, and so much more, McAllen is certainly generating buzz.

Visitors from within our state, across our borders, and throughout the Greater Rio Grande Valley can find everything that need here – and then some.

Retail Galore

It should come as no surprise that McAllen is a retail giant with a topnotch hospitality industry. All across the city we continue to see growth and business expansion that is proving to be vital in drawing new visitors.

The Palms Crossing shopping center, with our newly built, sensational Performance Arts Center and waterfall fronted Convention Center, continues to draw in new businesses and restaurants. From Saltgrass Steak House to RGV Cupcake Factory, Embassy Suites to Cambria Hotel and Suites, ULTA Beauty to Cavender’s Boot City, the Palms Crossing is an upscale, urban area that offers the best of all amenities to locals and out-of-towners alike.

Then of course, there’s the La Plaza Mall expansion. Newly constructed wings will accommodate an 80,000-square-foot, two-level anchor, two junior anchors, 50 to 60 speciality stores and four to eight new restaurants. That doesn’t include the two-level, 500- car parking deck adjacent to Macy’s.

Let’s not forget The Shops at 29th, which is quickly developing with a Dave & Buster’s set to open in the upcoming weeks.

McAllen is where things are happening and what we are able to offer visitors is an experience that can’t be had anywhere else in South Texas.

As business owners, if you are able to better recognize the continued growth occurring in our beloved city, you will be able to provide better answers and suggestions to the clients who are coming in from out-of-town.

More Than Just Shopping

While our retail shops are a key component to the economy and growth of McAllen, it is also vital to remember that visitors to the region want an experience they cannot find elsewhere.

That’s why we are always looking for new and exciting opportunities to draw people to McAllen.

For instance, McAllen is once again set to be the home for the Texas Amatuer Athletic Federation Summer Games of 2017. This July, 8,000 of the best of Texas’ high school athletes will be competing in 15 different sports throughout McAllen and the greater Rio Grande Valley. This event will also draw 10,000 to 12,000 additional visitors for a total economic impact of ten million dollars!

The excitement is building and the crowds are coming. This is a perfect opportunity for business owners to showcase exactly what McAllen is all about.

During this upcoming major state event – and truly at all times – we should be provide outstanding customer service to all of our visitors and truly offer the best of good ol’ South Texas hospitality.

It is our responsibility as city leaders and business owners to make our guests feel welcomed, so that when they leave the area, they will remember the amazing experience they had in McAllen. This will drive their desire to return and spread the message of how inviting our community is.

And because McAllen is a regional leader, we should continue to encourage visitors to enjoy all of the amenities of the area. Introduce tourists to local hotspots as additional options to include in their vacation plans.

For instance, with South Padre Island less than an hour away, our ideal location means tourist can visit the surrounding area, and still return to McAllen for our great shops, restaurants, hotels, and cultural activities.

The Rio Grande Valley is more than just the city of McAllen and we should encourage the growth of the entire metro area. A win for the region is win for McAllen and vice versa.

Let us use our natural beauty, diverse retail expansion, and spectacular local events to continue grow as a tourist destination.

You can help us tell the story:

1. Take an active role on social media.
2. Like, comment, and share “See you in McAllen” posts and tweets.
3. Use #SeeYouInMcAllen on your own business posts and tweets.
4. Pick up “Amigos” signage and point of sale brochures at the Chamber.
5. Give your employees “Amigos” pins to wear at point of sale.
6. Continue to deliver the warm welcomes and outstanding customer experiences our visitors have always counted on when they come to McAllen!

Visit #SeeYouInMcAllen to learn more about the marketing collaboration between the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, the City of McAllen, and McAllen Economic Development Corporation.