Freeways and airports across the U.S. are filling up as more people make their Memorial Day weekend getaways.

SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s note: This story was published through a partnership between the San Antonio Business Journal and KSAT. “It’s about recovery, recovery, recovery.”Visit San Antonio has a proposed budget and a strategic plan for recovery in place, which will give interim CEO Dave Krupinski something to work with. However, the fate of the nonprofit marketing group will ultimately be up to San Antonio City Council. The city approved in late 2016 a five-year management agreement, which transformed the municipally-run San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau into Visit San Antonio. Read more on this story at the San Antonio Business Journal.

SAN ANTONIO – Visit San Antonio President and CEO Casandra Matej, who has overseen the local tourism and hospitality industry for nearly 10 years, has resigned after accepting a similar position in Orlando, Florida. “Replacing someone of Casandra’s caliber will be difficult,” said Jeffrey Arndt, chairman of the Visit San Antonio board. “Her influence on the tourism and hospitality industry over the past decade has been remarkable. Under her watch, San Antonio has enjoyed significant moments and growth that will endure as a legacy to her impact.”Matej this week was named President & CEO of Visit Orlando in Florida. “As I reflect on my tenure with Visit San Antonio, I am proud of the accomplishments that we have worked together to achieve, making a difference for Visit San Antonio and the travel and hospitality community.”

SAN ANTONIO Editors note: This story was published through a partnership between the San Antonio Business Journal and KSAT. What scares me the most is the unknown, Visit San Antonio President and CEO Casandra Matej said. Through May, San Antonio hotel room revenue was down 47% compared to the same period in 2019. April was especially brutal as local hotel operators saw overall revenue decrease by 86% as occupancy declined by 68%. Read more on this story at the San Antonio Business Journal.

Visit San Antonio launched its new initiative, Si San Antonio, to give locals and tourists a change of scenery while still staying safe in the wake of the pandemic. Si San Antonio includes 150 individual offers from hotels, local attractions, museums and restaurants for families to enjoy. The tax provides millions for the city, and funds not only Visit San Antonio, but convention facilities, arts and culture and historical preservation. There are so many people that are furloughed or laid off in the industry sector, said Casandra Matej, CEO and president of Visit San Antonio. For those who stay in one of the hotels participating in the Si San Antonio campaign, 10% of the rates for those using the promotion will go to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank.