EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A long-time leader and executive at Destination El Paso has received a statewide award.
Veronica Castro, director of Tourism Development and Strategic Alliances at Destination El Paso, has been selected as one of just 25 recipeints to receive the inaugural Texas Latino Legacy Award, presented by the Concilio in celebration of the organization’s 45th anniversary of strengthening Latino families across Texas.
Castro was selected by a statewide committee as a member of the inaugural class
of Texas Latino Legacy Award honorees, recognizing individuals whose lifelong service has helped build institutions, create opportunities, strengthen communities and leave a legacy across the State of Texas, Destination El Paso said.
“This recognition reflects Veronica’s extraordinary dedication to serving El Paso and the entire state of Texas through tourism, collaboration and community leadership,” said Brooke Underwood, president and CEO of Destination El Paso.
“For more than two decades, she has built meaningful partnerships, elevated our region’s profile nationally and internationally, and created opportunities that continue to benefit our
residents, businesses and visitors. Veronica leads with humility, integrity and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed, making her exceptionally deserving of this historic honor,” Underwood added.
For more than 23 years, Castro has dedicated her career to strengthening communities through tourism development, economic growth, strategic partnerships and public service, Destination El Paso.
Her leadership has transformed how El Paso is viewed as a visitor destination and an important economic driver for Texas, Destination El Paso added.
Throughout her tenure with Destination El Paso, Castro has cultivated lasting partnerships with government agencies, military leadership, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, hospitality businesses, international travel organizations and regional economic development partners, Destination El Paso said.
Her work has expanded El Paso’s tourism presence throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada while fostering regional collaborations with Las Cruces, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua City and the Big Bend region.
These efforts have increased visitation, strengthened regional cooperation and generated long-term economic opportunities for local businesses, Destination El Paso said.
Among her many accomplishments, Castro secured and led implementation of a $150,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) tourism grant to revitalize the historic Mission Trail, established Destination El Paso’s first Visitor Center in Chihuahua City, reopened and revitalized the Downtown Visitor Center and created the Fort Bliss Liaison position to strengthen military partnerships.
She also played a pivotal role in helping El Paso earn designation as both a Texas Music Friendly Community and a Texas Tourism Friendly Community, while leading initiatives that celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage, Destination El Paso said.
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