SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Canadians love South Texas island life, and they’re spreading the word.
South Padre Island was named a top 2018 beach vacation destination by magazine Canadian Traveller. It earned the prestigious title thanks to its affordability, eateries, entertainment and nature attractions.
Keith Arnold, director of South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Canada along with the Midwest are the island’s biggest source of visitors. His office works hard to attract visitors from the United States’ neighbor to the north.
“Canadians are a very important part of Winter Texans and visitors all year round,” he said.
The number of QueenIsabellaMemorialBridge crossings leapt to 605,351 in January 2017, an increase of more than 26,000 from January 2016, according to visitors bureau data. Hotel occupancy tax revenue increased by nearly $251,000 from 2016 and 2017.
A more complete version of this story is available on www.myBrownsvilleHerald.com.