The Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce is facing a critical failure in its duty to effectively use the hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds intended to bolster tourism and economic growth in Fort Davis. With more than $100,000 at its disposal annually, the Chamber’s persistent neglect of its website, FortDavis.com, is not just disappointing—it’s detrimental to our community.
Since August 2023, Big Bend Times has extended multiple offers to redesign the Chamber’s website at no cost. Despite these proposals, repeated in December 2023 and April 2024, each has been inexplicably ignored. This refusal has left our town with a digital presence that is woefully inadequate, riddled with outdated information, broken links, and a layout that fails to serve or attract potential visitors effectively.
The importance of a robust, engaging, and informative website cannot be overstated in this digital age. Most travelers rely on online resources to plan their visits, and a first impression via a well-designed website can significantly influence their decisions. Fort Davis, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, deserves to be showcased through a digital portal that mirrors its unique appeal.
The Chamber’s inaction is a glaring oversight in stewardship of the HOT funds, which are meant to promote tourism and enhance the economic vitality of the region. As the publisher of Big Bend Times, a local business with professional web development capabilities, our ongoing offer to help reflects not just a service, but a commitment to our community’s growth and prosperity. Big Bend Times has already proven it can create a better guide for tourists interested in Fort Davis than the chamber’s website.
It is disheartening to see such potential for positive impact squandered. The Chamber’s current digital strategy—or lack thereof—does not only fail to promote Fort Davis effectively but also impacts local businesses that rely on tourism. These businesses are the backbone of our community, investing their resources and passions into services and products that deserve recognition beyond our local borders.
We urge the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce to reconsider their current stance and accept the help offered. It is time to revamp the outdated FortDavis.com into a portal that truly represents what our town has to offer. The local Fort Davis businesses and the broader community deserve a functional, attractive website that will drive tourism and celebrate Fort Davis as a premier destination in Texas.
Let’s not let another day or dollar go to waste. The Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce must take action now to fulfill its responsibilities. Our community is watching and waiting for change. Let us harness the full potential of our collective resources to ensure a thriving future for Fort Davis.
