A reception, sunset cruise and presentation of a hospitality award will mark Texas Tourism Week in Port Aransas.

Gov. Rick Perry declared May 12- 20 as Texas Tourism week.

The Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce Tourist Bureau will kick off the celebration by distributing "Welcome to Port A" stickers to members and their employees who are asked to wear them through the week. Stickers that read "We love Port A" also will be distributed to members to give to tourists who visit their businesses.

"In recognition of the people who make our island lifestyle possible, we want you to join us in saluting our tourists and hospitality partners (chamber members) and celebrate with us," wrote Ann Bracher Vaughan, executive director of the tourist bureau, in her newsletter to members.

Chamber members and tourists are invited to an all-day reception at the visitor center, 403 W. Cotter, on Monday, May 14.

A sunset cruise aboard the Mustang docked at Woody's Sports Center will be available for all who reserve a space at $10 per person. Call the tourist bureau at 749-5919 to reserve a space on the cruise.

Chamber members also are asked to nominate someone in the hospitality industry in Port Arnasas who exhibits the kind of "Port A" hospitality "that we should all emulate" for a hospitality award. The name of the nominee and a brief description of the reasons the nominee is being submitted for consideration may be sent to info@portaransas.org. The person selected will be recognized during National Tourism Week.

"Please let our tourists know about the reception when you are handing out the visitor stickers, and don't forget to stop by on Monday; then plan to cruise with us on Wednesday. Let's enjoy Texas Tourism Week, island style," Vaughan said.