A recent study by Texas A&M University, commissioned for Visit Big Bend, has revealed that Fort Stockton and Fort Davis are the leading gateway cities for visitors traveling to the Big Bend area in 2022. This insightful analysis provides a closer look at the travel routes and behaviors of tourists, emphasizing the significance of these cities in the regional tourism landscape.
The study indicates that a substantial 90% of visitors chose to drive directly from their homes, with a smaller fraction combining flying and driving, highlighting the predominance of road travel. Significantly, 80.1% of respondents pointed out the Big Bend area as their primary trip destination, and the majority, 86.4%, were in the company of family or friends.
When delving into entry routes, Highways 385 from Fort Stockton and 118 from Fort Davis emerged as the top choices, accounting for 34% and 33% of visitor traffic respectively. These routes overshadowed other entry points such as Highway 67 from Fort Stockton, Highway 90 from Sanderson, and Highway 170 from Presidio. Moreover, Highway 90 from Marfa was identified as the least utilized entry route. Seasonal preferences also played a role in route selection, with Highway 385 from Fort Stockton being favored in most seasons, except summer, when Highway 118 from Fort Davis took precedence.
Exit routes largely mirrored the entry trends, with the same two cities – Fort Stockton and Fort Davis – serving as principal exit points. The data further revealed that many visitors (over two-thirds) prefer using the same roads for both entry and exit, suggesting a comfort with these routes and their convenience.
These findings underscore the importance of Fort Stockton and Fort Davis as critical hubs for tourists visiting the Big Bend area. Their role as primary access points to the region not only highlights their significance in the travel itinerary of visitors but also points to opportunities for local businesses and tourism authorities. Enhancing infrastructure and visitor services in these gateway cities could further enrich the overall tourist experience in the Big Bend region. As these trends continue to evolve, the insights from this study are invaluable for strategic planning and development in these key Texan cities.
