The city of McAllen has grown and developed from an agricultural based economy to a strong retail, manufacturing and trade center and that has always enjoyed a strong economic impact from tourism that comes in the winter. McAllen was named an “All America City” in 1996 and the FM named the new airport terminal the 1996 Texas Airport of the Year. McAllen is a top 20 city in Texas, 17th in population, 17th in retail sales, 5th in per capita sales tax collections and 2nd in percentage change in population. The growth rate in McAllen is 4.2% annually, and, at this rate, the MSA population will double in 18 years. The city population is expected to grow to 151,000 in the next five years.

McAllen is the retail center of South Texas and Northern Mexico, drawing from a consumer base of over ten million people in a 200-mile radius. In the bi-national metro area, McAllen retailers serve a market population of over 1.5 million. La Plaza Mall is one of the highest grossing malls in the United States, with sales of over $400 per square foot. McAllen is home to 24 of America’s top 100 retail outlets, many of which are among the most profitable stores in their chains. It has over 550 restaurants that represent 47% of Hidalgo County’s $299 million in restaurant sales. The City of McAllen ranks 7th in total restaurant sales and 3rd in per capita restaurant sales in the state, and is home to many major chains, including Denny’s, Olive Garden, Luby’s, Chili’s, Tony Roma’s and T.G.I. Friday’s.

There are many hotels to choose from the in McAllen and Convention Center vicinity. Please call the following hotel's and ask for discounts for PALMFEST INTERNATIONAL FOLKLIFE CELEBRATION!

SpringHill Suites in McAllen, TX