Destination Bryan's Chris Riggins Named 2026 Texas Trailblazer by Destinations Texas
Chris Riggins, Director of Marketing & Communications at Destination Bryan, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Texas Trailblazer Award by Destinations Texas, the statewide association representing destination marketing organizations across Texas. The award was presented at the Destinations Texas Annual Conference, held September 2-4 in Plano.
The Texas Trailblazer Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Texas tourism industry in a short amount of time, demonstrating innovation, strategic thinking, service, and leadership. Recipients are professionals whose breakout achievements have shaped their organizations and whom Destinations Texas relies on to help shape the industry's future. Past recipients include tourism leaders from Visit Plano, South Padre Island, Grapevine CVB, Seguin CVB, Amarillo CVC, and Visit The Woodlands.
“Chris has built Destination Bryan's marketing and communications program from the ground up, and this recognition reflects the impact he's had not just here locally, but across the state," said John Friebele, Executive Director of Destination Bryan. "We're proud to see his leadership recognized by his peers in the industry.”
Chris Riggins began his tourism career as an intern at Experience Bryan-College Station while he pursued a degree in Recreation, Park & Tourism Science, now Arch H. Aplin III ’80 Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism, at Texas A&M University. From there, Chris built and launched Destination Bryan's Marketing & Communications Department, leading the organization's original branding efforts, developed its website from scratch, launched social media, content, and public relations initiatives, and established Destination Bryan's advertising strategy. He now leads the marketing department, a team of four.
His impact reaches beyond Bryan. Chris served as Co-Chair of the Destinations Texas Young Professionals Committee, where he launched new initiatives to grow engagement, and now serves as Chair of the organization's Education Committee. He previously served on the board of the Texas Brazos Trail. Chris is a Destinations International 30 Under 30 recipient. He has been a panel speaker at destination marketing conferences and educational events across the state and country. Colleagues across the industry also know him as a mentor to other young tourism professionals.
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About Destination Bryan:
Destination Bryan, a 501c(6) non-profit, is a destination marketing organization whose mission is to strengthen our community by inspiring people to spend time and money in Bryan, Texas. The organization drives economic growth through tourism marketing and destination development to improve quality of life for Bryan’s residents.
Media Contact:
Destination Bryan
marketing@destinationbryan.com
(979) 721-9506