Galveston’s $100M Cruise Terminal & 9M Visitors Drive Tourism Amid Sea-Level Rise Battle

In a recent interview on The Building Texas Show, Galveston, Texas Mayor Craig Brown detailed the city's new $100 million cruise terminal investment, record-setting tourism and critical infrastructure efforts to combat sea-level rise and flooding on the barrier island.

$100M Cruise Terminal Expansion & 9M Annual Visitors
Galveston’s cruise industry is expanding with a new $100 million terminal, part of a strategic growth plan that positions the city as the fourth-largest cruise port in the U.S. The expansion supports an expected 2 million cruise passengers in 2026, contributing to an overall annual visitor count of 9 million people—making tourism the city’s primary economic driver.

“Tourism is really our number one economic engine,” said Brown. “We’re a city of 53,000 people, but we’ll have close to 9 million visitors this year.”

Infrastructure Battle Against Sea-Level Rise
As a barrier island, Galveston faces escalating threats from sea-level rise, high tides, and stormwater flooding. The city is implementing a stormwater master plan and investing in advanced pump stations to address “nuisance flooding” that now occurs even on sunny days.

“The future of our island from a flooding standpoint is pumps,” Brown explained. “We’re putting emphasis on developing pump stations to help drain water in different areas.”

Higher Education & Talent Retention
Galveston’s educational ecosystem—including Texas A&M University at Galveston, the University of Texas Medical Branch, and Galveston College, helps retain graduates in key sectors like healthcare, maritime sciences, and port operations, supporting the city’s long-term economic resilience.

Plan Your Visit
Learn more about events, attractions, and lodging at VisitGalveston.com.

Watch the Full Interview with Mayor Brown on The Building Texas Youtube Channel:

Why Galveston Is Booming: Inside the 9 Million Visitor Economy

About the City of Galveston, Texas:
Galveston is a historic coastal city located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, just southeast of Houston. Known for its 32 miles of beaches, Victorian architecture, and bustling downtown Strand District, Galveston serves as a major tourism and cruise destination, welcoming nearly 9 million visitors annually. Home to the University of Texas Medical Branch, Texas A&M University at Galveston, and Galveston College, the city blends rich educational opportunities with maritime, healthcare, and port-related industries. From its resilient recovery after the Great Storm of 1900 to its ongoing battle against sea-level rise, Galveston balances its heritage as Texas’s oldest port with forward-looking investments in infrastructure, tourism, and community vitality.

About The Building Texas Show:
Hosted by Justin McKenzie, The Building Texas Show features conversations with leaders and candidates shaping Texas communities. From elections to economic development, the show highlights civic engagement and local impact.

Media Contact:
Justin McKenzie
Host, The Building Texas Show
(210) 748-2312 | [email protected]
https://buildingtexasshow.com