Apr. 18--ARLINGTON, Texas--Kay Webb, one of the state's top tourism officials, is taking over as director of tourism for the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau. 

Webb has spent the past 10 years as director of marketing and public relations for Classic Attractions, which owns Ripley's Believe It or Not and the Palace of Wax in Grand Prairie. 

"Kay is a phenomenal addition to the staff," said Robert Rivera, chairman of the bureau's board of directors. "She will fit in perfectly with the aggressive marketing strategies that we are undertaking." 

Marla Wills, executive vice president of the bureau, said Webb's first duty will be to get a handle on the bureau's partnerships with Six Flags Over Texas and the Texas Rangers baseball club and the bureau's military program, Destination Arlington. "She's been a partner in those programs already," Wills said. "She knows the programs, and she knows the players out there." 

Webb is active in statewide travel and tourism programs and has been honored for her work in promoting travel to Texas. Less than two years ago, she won the Tall in Texas Award from the Texas Travel Industry Association. The award is given annually to someone who has made outstanding contributions to the travel industry. 

"I just think it's a great opportunity," Webb said. "I know them so well. They're kind of like my second family. We've been so closely involved with them. The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau has probably been our best marketing partner." 

Webb will have to give up her seat on the bureau's board of directors, which she has held since September 2001. She will start her new job May 20; her annual salary will be $62,000. 

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