Partner Program
WE PINE FOR EAST TEXAS
Together We Are Stronger
Than The Sum Of Our Trees
The Texas Forest Trail Region is a network of partners working together to foster regional economic development by promoting heritage tourism and the preservation of cultural and historic resources.
Our Partnership program is the financial backbone of our non-profit organization.
Every dollar you contribute supports the diverse programs we provide across the region in the form of education, advertising, and outreach to the traveling public.
BENEFIT SUMMARY
Partner Memberships Are Available To Organizations and Individuals Who Are Interested In Furthering Our Mission
We are a non-profit group that helps bring tax dollars and travelers to every county in East Texas, and provide communities with the tools, training, and professional support they need to preserve their history and successfully market their tourism sites and attractions. To find out more about who we are, click here.
Partner Appreciation
Our greatest strength is the mutually beneficial relationships we have developed with our expanding network of heritage tourism and economic development partners. Our benefits program offers online and public recognition; special member rates and discounts; a complimentary subscription to “The Medallion,” the Texas Historical Commission magazine; and “Services Credits” to be used like cash towards Trail services, like workshop registration fees or brochure advertising.
Education & Networking
We provide our partners and communities with educational opportunities, including heritage tourism and marketing workshops, and online resources and training tools. The Training Library provides online access to the Destination Development Association’s (DDA) resource center created by destination marketing expert Roger Brooks. DDA provides monthly webinars, case histories, videos and how-to guides on 60+ topics including, branding, funding development, and marketing.
Marketing & Advertising
We use our marketing dollars to showcase the best of East Texas. We support heritage tourism in East Texas and promote our partners’ sites, communities and events through statewide advertising campaigns, event brochures, contests, tradeshow appearances, and featured press and blog articles. We introduce our partners’ content to new audiences, making their information available online and at the most popular tourist destinations across the state.
Resources & Research
Our greatest strength is the mutually beneficial relationships we have developed with our expanding network of heritage tourism and economic development partners. Our benefits program offers online and public recognition; special member rates and discounts; a complimentary subscription to “The Medallion,” the Texas Historical Commission magazine; and “Services Credits” to be used like cash towards Trail services, like workshop registration fees or brochure advertising.
New Media Promotions
We actively engage online travelers using Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Blogger, YouTube and Tumblr. We bring state and national attention to historic sites, preservation initiatives and regional attractions in East Texas. On average, our media posts reach 40,000 viewers and 1,500 active users weekly. We constantly analyze trends and methods for keeping our engagement high.
Add On Services
One size doesn’t always fit all. We offer additional “Add-On” services tailored to fit your organization, including tourism, marketing & preservation consultations and assessments, workshops and one-on-one training, social media training and takeovers, copywriting & content development, photography, advertising, and professional graphic design. Contact us for more information or to propose something new.
Find Out Our Economic Impact On The Region
2024 MARKETING CAMPAIGN
Celebrating Traveling &
Exploring The Region
Come explore everything that East Texas has to offer.
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Partners
Say About Us
“The Forest Trail is an essential resource in our tourism development and regional networking. Being a member of the TFTR has made it possible to reach a market previously unavailable to us. All this plus great workshops! We love the Texas Forest Trail Region!”
CAROLYN TEAGUE
The Mount Vernon Main Street Alliance
“Partnering with the Forest Region has been a boon for Kilgore. Our marketing efforts have amplified greatly with the consultation support and also the exposure that Kilgore receives on the Region’s social media channels. We are the richer for being a part of the Texas Forest Trail Region!”
RYAN POLK
Kilgore Chamber & Visitors Bureau
“The Texas Forest Trail provides a partnership for our community like no other in Texas. The support and services that are available to our staff and community have proven to be invaluable as we continue to evolve in this competitive environment. Having a partner that takes time to research and promote what we have to offer helps us keep Palestine on the map.”
MARY RAUM
Palestine Texas Tourism
“Tyler loves partnering with the Forest Region. It really is the best way to combine all of our marketing efforts to get the biggest bang for our buck. When one of us wins, we all win!”
HOLLI FOURNIQUET
Visit Tyler
Mission Statement
The Texas Forest Trail Region is a network of partners working together to foster regional economic development by promoting heritage tourism and the preservation of cultural and historic resources.
