AUSTIN - When the world comes to Texas, we roll out the welcome mat with a friendly wave, a warm smile and a reminder to look out for one another.
As Texas prepares to host World Cup matches, TxDOT is welcoming visitors from around the globe with a new Drive like a Texan public service announcement.
The World Cup-themed PSA showcases iconic Texas sights from across the state, including wide-open highways, big skies, bustling cities and small-town charm, paired with a simple message: "Welcome to Texas." Those words appear in multiple languages, representing the countries whose teams will play matches in Texas during the tournament.
"Texas is proud to host teams and fans from around the globe, and saying ‘Welcome to Texas’ in multiple languages was a simple but meaningful way to show that hospitality," said Elliot Mayen, TxDOT Creative Services Director and lead of the Drive Like a Texan safety initiative. "No matter where you’re from or what language you speak, when you’re on Texas roads, we’re all Texans. That means being kind, courteous and safe."
People are also reading…
Beginning June 1, the PSA will play at Dallas-area airports, greeting international visitors the moment they arrive. The goal is to reinforce the values Texans are known for — respect, patience and looking out for your neighbor — right as fans head for rental cars and road trips across the state.
A global moment meets Texas values
With millions of visitors expected for the World Cup, Texas roadways will be busier than ever. The World Cup PSA taps into the excitement of this international event while reminding drivers that courtesy goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.
Whether it is letting someone merge, slowing down in unfamiliar areas or staying focused on the road, driving like a Texan means remembering there is a person, and a family, in every vehicle around you.
"It truly is a team effort to save lives on Texas roads and that’s what we’re trying to do," Mayen said. "This PSA is about welcoming the world while reminding everyone that kindness, courtesy and looking out for one another are values that everyone can support."
A welcome that goes beyond words
By featuring "Welcome to Texas" in multiple languages, the PSA reflects the international spirit of the World Cup and Texas’ role as a global host. It also reinforces a core message of the Drive like a Texan safety initiative: that it does not matter how long you have lived here, or where you are from, what matters is how we treat each other.
So enjoy the matches. Explore the state. Take in the sights.
