Introduction
The Partnership announces the designation of Downtown Galveston as an International Tax Free Shopping Zone. The establishment of the zone has been made possible through the efforts of The Partnership in partnership with Galveston’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Downtown Galveston joins other elite shopping destinations like NorthPark Center in Dallas, Galleria Dallas, Outlets at Conroe, and the Houston Galleria offering something special for international visitors and citizens who would travel abroad.
Through a statewide program, TaxFree Texas, a refund is available on a portion of the state sales tax paid on purchases made in participating Galveston shops. Refunds are processed through TaxFree Texas under state legislation that encourages international visitors to shop while visiting Texas and recognizes the enormous impact of international tourism in the state. The law also provides a refund on a portion of paid sales tax to U.S. Citizens who travel abroad and leave the merchandise in another country.
MARKETING BENEFITS FOR MERCHANT PARTICIPANTS
Increase your Retail Sales Volume through TaxFree Marketing Efforts
- Marketing Partnerships with the State of Texas and local Convention and Visitors Bureaus
- Marketing Partnership with American Airlines in Mexican Market with Spanish Brochures on 26 flights daily to DFW
- Marketing Partnership and promotions with Highland Park Village, NorthPark Center, Vista Ridge Mall, Houston - IAH George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and many Statewide Retailers.
- DFW Airport Marketing & Advertising Programs
- International Carriers with non stop flights to DFW Airport
- Refund locations at DFW Airport, Highland Park Village, & NorthPark Center
- American Express “billing mail” flyer program Mexico
- TaxFree and Saber Tour and Travel Agents Marketing Program
- Brochure distribution targeting the International traveler
- Brochure distribution “Customs Arrival Area” DFW Airport
- Internet Exposure / Internet Marketing before they arrive in Texas
- Links to Marketing Partners Websites
- TaxFree Marketing Programs, Attendance at International Trade Shows, Familiarization Trips
- International Trade Show and Sales Mission & Marketing Presence
- Training for your employees for TaxFree Merchant program
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN GALVESTON & TAX FREE SHOPPING
- Tourism is a large and important segment of Historic Downtown Galveston’s business.
- Tourists, including over 4 million international visitors, spend over 3.6 billion dollars annually in the State of Texas.
- The TaxFree program is a benefit and service for your international customer.
- At the TaxFree office located at 7 various locations throughout the state including major international airports including IAH and DFW, international customers can receive a refund of the Texas Sales Tax paid on purchases from participating stores.
- TaxFree shopping is a great incentive to drive international tourism and sales to your stores and Historic Downtown Galveston.
- Tourists from Mexico and Japan spend an average of $3,000 per person.
- Shopping for international tourism tradeshows, international marketing
- and events.
- Historic Downtown Galveston has the opportunity through TaxFree Shopping that hosts many tour groups throughout the year to educate Tourism magazines, Fashion magazines and Tour Operators about the expansion and the different programs available for tourists.
- Understanding the TaxFree incentive helps close the sale with your potential international customers. Join now and help us direct the international shoppers to your stores.