(Rockport-Fulton, Port Aransas) - Rockport-Fulton and Port Aransas have the first flock annual flight of the snowbirds. Winter Texans migrate from northern, colder locales starting this month, bringing millions of tourism dollars to local economies.

By the time the season is in full swing, more than 7,000 people are expected in Rockport-Fulton and another 7,500 are expected to land in Port Aransas.

Port Aransas tourism officials estimate that each Winter Texan spends as much as $2,800 a month while they are in town.

In neighboring Aransas County, the tourism officials say that the roughly 1,500 winter Texans that already have arrived will contribute about $450,000 a month to the local economy.

Rockport and Port Aransas use natural draws such as fishing, duck hunting and birding mixed with RV parks, dancing, water aerobics, potlucks, fish fries, bus tours and Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournaments to attract winter Texans.

“What we notice the most is they go where their friends are,” said Diane Probst, president of the Rockport-Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce. Many stay until March or early April.

That is what small tourism driven towns such as Rockport, Fulton and Port Aransas are counting on. North Padre Island, which offers condominiums to winter Texans, also is predicting a good year, said Corpus Christi Convention and Visitor’s Bureau CEO Keith Arnold.

The entire article is available at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.