The task of showcasing Boerne to the world and bringing the world to Boerne might seem daunting, but for Visit Boerne Marketing Specialist Tori Bellos, it’s all the easier with just how much our slice of the Hill Country has to offer.
“Our job is to make people feel welcome, cared for, and to help them find their best Boerne adventure,” Bellos said.
As the City’s destination marketing organization, Visit Boerne exists to tell our story to potential visitors and help them discover everything our community has to offer. For her part, Tori manages tourism marketing, digital content, social media, event promotion, and support for our local tourism partners.
“We sell Boerne as a destination,” Bellos said. “Without our retailers, restaurateurs, or attractions, we are nothing. It’s very important that we keep an active relationship with them and a regular line of communication.”
With so much to offer, it’s understandable to think Boerne’s story would write itself. But someone has to tell that story and, more importantly, make sure the right people see it.
“A lot of people think the Visitors Center just passes out maps, but there really is a lot more to what we do,” Bellos said. “We analyze vast amounts of data on all kinds of things to make intentional choices.”
Visit Boerne’s strategic planning includes carefully targeted advertising campaigns and content built on the latest visitor trends – all designed to boost tourism and support the local economy.
The department’s success has led Visit Boerne to be regularly recognized as one of the best destination marketing organizations in the state and win several awards over the years. Most recently, Visit Boerne was named the Best Destination Social Media Account in the annual Texas Travel Awards.
Career Growth at the City of Boerne
Tori started her career at the City of Boerne in the Parks and Recreation Department, first as an intern and then as the special events coordinator and marketing specialist. After eight years at Parks, she made the move to what was then called the Convention and Visitors Bureau, now Visit Boerne, where she has been for the last 10 years.
“It’s especially meaningful to serve the community I grew up in and contribute to its continued growth,” Bellos said. “I also appreciate working with such a supportive and passionate team across departments.”
As the department has evolved over that time, including a move to the new Visitors Center on Main Street, Tori continues to keep Visit Boerne’s marketing on the leading edge of the industry.
She recently completed a three-year certification program to become a Certified Tourism Executive through the Texas Travel Alliance’s Tourism College – an investment in professional growth that will contribute to the continued excellence of Visit Boerne.
“I love that Boerne still feels like home after all these years,” Bellos said. “The people, the traditions, and the natural beauty make it a special place to live, work, and raise a family. There’s a real sense of pride and connection here.”
Tori and her husband are proud to be raising their daughters in the Boerne area that she has called home for so long.
