Tourism is a major lifeline for Bolivar and the surrounding beach areas. Visitors bring money and stay a while, share memories and experiences with others, which in turn, brings new visitors…it’s a cycle that supports the peninsula and the locals that live here. Nowadays, tourism is boosted with the help of social media. Bolivar Tourism is on the rise with their new storefront and continued social media excitement. For several years now, Bolivar Tourism, created by David Harris, has connected with locals and visitors on Facebook and other social media avenues, bringing daily pictures, videos, news, and contests. And now they have opened an informational storefront in the Crystal Beach Plaza, with brochures and maps, while offering marketing assistance to local businesses, and various other services and promotions around the peninsula.

Bolivar Tourism, created by David Harris, has connected with locals and visitors on Facebook and other social media avenues, bringing daily pictures, videos, news, and contests.

David Harris is originally from the Spring Branch and Katy areas. He has always been an avid fisherman and guide and often called Bolivar “home”. He remembers Bolivar from before Ike as a small fishing town with quaint fishing cabins and local charm. David called Bolivar, “the last frontier on the water.” Since Ike though, the small cabins were washed away and business eventually rose up in a new form. David remarks, “There is a different clientele and different money than before.” David developed Bolivar Tourism on a whim two years ago beginning with social media through the Facebook site facebook/BolivarPeninsulaTexas. He noticed the decline in visitors during the winter season and wanted to stir up interest and introduce more travelers to Bolivar. David says we’ve “gotta find a way to get to the winter Texans!”

And with that, David felt the drive to market and promote Bolivar and the local businesses. As a spinoff of Coastal Outdoors Group, he developed Bolivar Peninsula Texas on Facebook and built up Bolivar Tourism through advertising in the magazine and different places online. “I had a different vision. I ran with it and it took off,” recalls David. And he needed the backing of the local businesses, understanding he couldn’t do it without the support of the community.

Bolivar Tourism Online
Bolivar Tourism began online with their site BolivarPeninsulaTexas.com. It is an informational site attracting visitors and locals to Bolivar. Anything Bolivar related can be found on the website. With its growth, they gained followers and “Friends of Bolivar Tourism”. Through the website and its affiliated site on Facebook, Bolivar Tourism keeps the attention of followers with updated news, events, and the various webcams around town. The webcams feature views of the beach, Rollover Pass, waters near Stingaree Restaurant, and Fort Travis.

Driving the beach in the Bolivar Live truck, posting a mid-day live feed. “Everything on Facebook is going to video – a lot more reach and engagement,” explains David.

Bolivar Tourism on Facebook
Social media is where it all happens these days. Social media doesn’t discriminate; it hits all areas of the world, attracting visitors from all over. Facebook is where Bolivar Tourism shares daily. Beginning with the sunrise live feed every morning, a mid-day live feed, and closing with a sunset live feed. “Everything on Facebook is going to video – a lot more reach and engagement,” explains David. Which led to the excitement of the Bolivar Live truck cruising the beach and around town. During the summer months, the Bolivar Live truck would carry “what’s free today” and hand it out to the lucky inquirers. You need to be a Facebook follower and know the key phrases to win the local business’ handout. “It was a win [for everyone],” says David. Another catch phrase is the Wednesday News at Noon live feed; a new informational piece will be featured live on Facebook about an area business or service that homeowners and travelers want to know more about. And the good thing is it’s all on Facebook, and it stays there!

Bolivar Tourism Storefront
Bolivar Tourism is now a storefront in the Crystal Beach Plaza, a subsidy of Coastal Outdoors Group. They offer services to local businesses that join Bolivar Tourism, providing the business different marketing tools including a fresh professional look, an ad on the website with a Facebook link, discussions on budget, opportunities for development and growth, and services with the various social media avenues. Bolivar Tourism will also offer advertising packages, spots on Bolivar Live, logo placement, and commercial-like exposure. David explains, “The list is endless. We cater to each business differently.”

A large high resolution wall map displays everything from the ferry landing to the High Island Bridge.

Locals and visitors alike can walk in and feel welcome, look around, and ask questions. Brochures are available and a large wall map displays everything from the ferry landing to the High Island Bridge. Inquiries are easily explained with a point and orientation on the map. There is a conference room with TV and displays, an open office with a copy service, fax service, and notary. And a sign in book to leave your email for the weekly newsletter. The Bolivar Tourism Store is a one-stop-shop for all things Bolivar.

David’s main concern is bringing visitors to this place he calls home. Tourism plays a major role in the balance of the community. He strives to continue showing the rest of the world the goodness that lies within the peninsula. David sees the niche and works daily to bring folks in, even during the winter months. He’s innovative and driven and he believes Bolivar is the key to year-round vacationing.

Check out the website BolivarPeninsulaTexas.com,
and facebook/BolivarPeninsulaTexas. And of course, stop by Bolivar Tourism in the Crystal Beach Plaza. Scan the brochures and find your favorite spots on the map.

Bolivar Tourism is now a storefront in the Crystal Beach Plaza

[1-29-2018]