Webb Co. Heritage Foundation director joins Texas Historical Commission heritage board

Webb County Heritage Foundation Executive Director Andrea Ordonez has been appointed to the Texas Historical Commission's Texas Tropical Trail Region advisory board, expanding Webb County's role in promoting heritage tourism across South Texas.

The Texas Tropical Trail Region is one of 10 heritage regions in the Texas Historical Commission's Heritage Trails Program. It spans 20 counties from South Texas to the Gulf Coast and works to promote tourism, historic preservation and regional partnerships.

According to the Texas Historical Commission, each heritage region "works to forge local tourism partnerships and support the region's attractions by developing its own unique blend of programs and promotions."

The Webb County Heritage Foundation announced Ordonez's appointment Monday, saying the position will help elevate the history and cultural heritage of Webb County and the border region.

"Andrea's appointment provides an opportunity to further elevate the stories, history and cultural heritage of Webb County and the border region while strengthening partnerships that support historic preservation and heritage tourism across South Texas," the foundation said.

According to the Texas Historical Commission, visitors spent more than $6.1 billion in the Texas Tropical Trail Region in 2024, contributing to the state's overall tourism economy of $97.5 billion.

Established in 1998, the Texas Heritage Trails Program grew out of the state's 10 scenic driving trails, which were created in 1968 by then-Gov. John Connally and the Texas Highway Department to promote tourism throughout Texas.

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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 11:04 PM.