Explore RGV will also include website, publication to highlight Rio Grande Valley gems
By RGVision Media
WESLACO — The places that make the Rio Grande Valley special don’t necessarily end at each city limit.
“We have all these hidden treasures all throughout the Valley,” said Ron Garza, executive director of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council.
That’s where Explore RGV comes in.
“What we’ve essentially created is kind of a one-stop shop so not only people that live here can better plan what they want to do, but when people are looking to visit from outside the region, they have one place to go to start their trip,” Garza said.
Explore RGV, which includes a map-based smartphone app, website, and print publication, highlights nearly 800 Valley gems, promoting tourism in the region as a whole.
“Everybody’s going to explore it a different way,” Garza said regarding how Explore RGV works. “If you’re an outdoor buff, it’ll take you one way. If you love culture, museums, or history — or even shopping — there’s going to be a navigation for that. It’s really cool because it speaks to everybody.”
The LRGVDC, RGV Partnership and RGVision Media will host an Explore RGV launch party at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14. Free to the public, attendees will be able to preview the app and website. The reception, held at the LRGVDC main offices at 301 W. Railroad St. in Weslaco, will also include presentations on some of the Explore RGV featured destinations.
“They’re going to offer coupons, talk about their asset — what they bring to the community,” Garza said. “I’m sure they’re going to bring some surprises. We’ve already heard Valley Nature Center is going to bring some animals. There will be some other interactive things, so we really want to spotlight part of what there is to do in the Valley.”
RGVision Media helped develop the federal grant-funded app, website, and publication alongside the LRGVDC and RGV Partnership. RGVision CEO Gabriel Puente invited the public to the launch party so they could start experiencing the benefits of Explore RGV.
“Come in and check it out because this tool is going to be for everyone from the Rio Grande Valley to share,” he said. “We want people to just take pride in the Rio Grande Valley and also take pride in what you’ve developed and what you’ve built. We hope to see you there.”