VISIT SAN ANTONIO

An online map shows the parade route so visitors and locals alike can find places to watch the procession.

Tourism and hospitality are cornerstones of the San Antonio economy. So, are we starting to return to pre-pandemic levels?

The grand marshal of this year’s Ford Holiday River Parade will be none other than the cynical Christmas grump the Grinch.

Visit San Antonio tweeted that San Antonio was the only Texas city to make the list even though Austin was also included.

The event on Saturday, July 2 features an array of floats dedicated to people in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Visit San Antonio's new river parade debuts Saturday, but the event is not affiliated with Pride San Antonio.

The inaugural river parade will feature over 17 Pride-themed floats.

Projected to be the largest in the country

This year’s Pride Month will feature the first-ever Bud Light Pride River Parade by Visit San Antonio on June 18. Maggie Thompson, director of River Walk operations, joined this episode of the South Texas Pride Q&A series to discuss more about the parade and what visitors can expect.

The long-running event will feature mariachi performers on floating barges.

It’s the start of Fiesta season in San Antonio, and the zoo is getting in on the fun.

The Tasting Texas Food and Wine Festival will run from Oct. 27-30 in San Antonio.

San Antonio residents can kick off the Valentine’s Day weekend at the zoo for a discounted admission price.

Locals who are wanting to enjoy a nice day outdoors can spend time at the San Antonio Zoo for a discounted admission.

Locals can see holiday lights and festive animals at the San Antonio Zoo at a deep discount on Tuesday.

Locals who are wanting to take advantage of a beautiful October day can spend time at the San Antonio Zoo for half-off admission.

Five conventions planned in San Antonio this fall were canceled due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. The events would have brought in $21 million to the city.

Locals who are wanting to take advantage of a not-so-sweltering July day can spend time at the San Antonio Zoo for half-off admission.

L’Etape San Antonio sponsors announced more details about the Tour de France-affiliated cycling event coming to San Antonio in 2022.

Gatherings of dentists, bandmasters, anime fans, and more promise to inject tourism revenue after an anemic year for downtown.

The visitor and tourism industry, hobbled by the pandemic, saw a welcomed increase in the hotel occupancy rate in March thanks to NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and spring break.

Marc Anderson will be the next president and CEO of Visit San Antonio, the city’s tourism agency board of directors announced.

San Antonio may face a long haul before its tourism industry recovers from the COVID-19 downturn. But its rebuilding effort now has someone at the...

Texas is considered to be the next battleground over voting rights. Community members say they are concerned about the political fallout from a new voting rights bill entering the Texas Legislature, which could affect the Alamo City’s economy.

SAN ANTONIO – It’s been a rough year for the third-largest industry in San Antonio, but during spring break 2021, the tourist crowds started to make a comeback, said Richard Oliver, director of partner and community relations for Visit San Antonio. That sort of looks like you’re talking about the tourism hospitality industry. Pre-pandemic in 2019, 41 million leisure visitors came to San Antonio, making it the state’s largest leisure destination. Oliver said the exciting thing about the return of the crowds is the return of jobs in the hospitality industry. It’s problematic right now.”AdMore on KSAT:Downtown San Antonio sees boost in tourism during NCAA women’s tournamentMajor San Antonio tourism organizations to merge

SAN ANTONIO – If you can brave the cold temperatures on Friday, you can get into the San Antonio Zoo for half-price for locals day. Admission is regularly $17.50 for adults and $14.25 for children ages 3 to 11, but the price will drop to $8 per person on Friday. San Antonio Zoo frequently hosts locals day events for residents of San Antonio. “The deep discount will allow for even more people to learn how the zoo combines conservation, animal care, and education to secure a future for wildlife,” according to zoo officials. San Antonio Zoo hours are available here.

SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s note: This story was published through a partnership between the San Antonio Business Journal and KSAT. The San Antonio River Walk Association will become part of Visit San Antonio. Visit San Antonio is expected to bring in staff, which will help oversee that new arm of its operations. The organization’s leadership said the process of folding the River Walk association into Visit San Antonio will happen over the next several week. Read more on this story at the San Antonio Business Journal.

Thompson San Antonio, the 162-room luxury hotel that will anchor a new mixed-use development along the banks of the River Walk, has unveiled plans for a collection of restaurants and bars it will introduce to the Alamo City in early 2021. SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s note: This story was published through a partnership between the San Antonio Business Journal and KSAT. Thompson San Antonio, the 162-room luxury hotel that will anchor a new mixed-use development along the banks of the River Walk, has unveiled plans for a collection of restaurants and bars it will introduce to the Alamo City in early 2021. Thompson San Antonio General Manager Ted Knighton said the new restaurant will feature “one of San Antonio’s most celebrated chefs” as McHugh gained national acclaim for his Cured at Pearl. Read more on this story at the San Antonio Business Journal.

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.”

click to enlarge Courtesy Photo / Visit San AntonioVisit San Antonio CEO Casandra MatejCasandra Matej, a key figure in San Antonio's tourism and hospitality sector for nearly a decade, will resign as president and CEO of Visit San Antonio for a similar gig in Orlando, Florida.Matej will take over as CEO of Visit Orlando after her resignation becomes effective January 26, according to an announcement from Visit San Antonio.Matej's departure comes as the pandemic keeps tourism in the Alamo City at a near standstill. Krupinski has been with the organization since 2013.“Replacing someone of Casandra’s caliber will be difficult,” said Jeffrey Arndt,chairman of Visit San Antonio's board. Under her watch, San Antonio has enjoyed significant moments and growth that will endure as a legacy to her impact. "Matej joined Visit San Antonio in 2011, when it was organized as the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau. Visits to the Alamo City increased by 37% under her watch, hitting 41 million in 2019.

SAN ANTONIO – Several significant events have been canceled since the COVID-19 pandemic started earlier this year, but the Rock-n-Roll Marathon and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo are expected to go on as scheduled. The marathon, scheduled for Dec. 5-6, is expected to have several modifications if organizers are indeed able to hold the event, according to Richard Oliver, with Visit San Antonio. They’ll separate out in groups as they go through the starting line,” Oliver said regarding the marathon. The rodeo, too, will make adjustments to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community. READ MORE: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo announces plans for 2021

SAN ANTONIO – You don’t need an excuse to visit the San Antonio Zoo but if you did, a big discount on admission is a pretty good reason. You can head to the zoo for half-off the normal price of admission on Tuesday, Sept. 22, for locals day. San Antonio Zoo frequently hosts locals day events for residents of San Antonio. “The deep discount will allow for even more people to learn how the zoo combines conservation, animal care, and education to secure a future for wildlife,” according to zoo officials. San Antonio Zoo hours are available here.

SAN ANTONIO – You don’t need an excuse to visit the San Antonio Zoo but if you did - a steep discount on admission is a pretty good reason. You can head to the zoo for half-off the normal price of admission on Thursday for locals day. San Antonio Zoo frequently hosts locals day events for residents of San Antonio. The next Locals Day is scheduled for Dec. 14 which is a Monday. San Antonio Zoo hours are available here.

SAN ANTONIO Lions, and tigers and discounts - its true, and its all available at San Antonio Zoo. You can head to the zoo for half-off the normal price of admission on Friday for locals day. San Antonio Zoo frequently hosts locals day events for residents of San Antonio. The deep discount will allow for even more people to learn how the zoo combines conservation, animal care, and education to secure a future for wildlife, according to zoo officials. San Antonio Zoo hours are available here.

SAN ANTONIO With COVID-19 cases surging in San Antonio, one convention scheduled in the city this year has officially pulled out. The Texas High School Coaches Association Convention and Coaching School is going to an all-virtual event. The THSCA convention was scheduled for July 19 to July 21 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Visit San Antonio reports that 36 conventions in San Antonio have been canceled this year with an economic impact of $140 million lost. There are still more than 130 conventions and off-site meetings scheduled in the Alamo City, according to Visit San Antonio officials.

SAN ANTONIO With COVID-19 cases surging in San Antonio, the only remaining convention scheduled in the city this year has officially pulled out. The Texas High School Coaches Association Convention and Coaching School is going to an all-virtual event. The THSCA convention was scheduled for July 19 to July 21 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. It was the only remaining convention scheduled in San Antonio after all of the others scrapped their plans months ago due to the pandemic. Visit San Antonio reports that 36 conventions in San Antonio have been canceled this year with an economic impact of $140 million lost.

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.

SAN ANTONIO The Texas High School Coaches Association announced this week that it will hold its annual convention in July in San Antonio. Visit San Antonio President and CEO Cassandra Matej said her organization is going over safety protocols in anticipation of the convention. "Coaches recognize and value great preparation, and thats what theyre going to enjoy when they return to San Antonio.There is no better opportunity of bringing Texas back together than through our Coaches and the Miracle of the Huddle, Texas High School Coaches Association Executive Director Joe Martin said in a news release. What thats going to tell the world is San Antonio is open for business and for conventions. We can do it and we can do it safely.Visit San Antonio reports that 36 conventions in San Antonio have been canceled this year with an economic impact of $140 million lost.

SAN ANTONIO The first test of how the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center would host large gatherings in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdown remains in limbo. Visit San Antonio has two conventions, Herbalife and the Texas High School Coaches Association, set for July. Greg Abbott to announce guidelines for convention centers to safely reopen. We can do so with conventions, just like we have begun to open up malls, by following safe strategies, Abbott said. They can manage the flow of attendees.Matej said thankfully the massive convention facility was expanded and renovated several years ago.

A conference the size of AWPs has a $4 million economic impact on the city, said the Visit San Antonio spokesman. Outside of evacuees who were quarantined at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland after being repatriated from coronavirus-stricken areas, to date, no coronavirus cases have been identified within the general San Antonio population. We have been assured by officials that the risk to the general public in San Antonio is very low. The head of one major hotel group in San Antonio said Monday no group cancellations have occurred, but its too soon to tell if its San Antonio hotels will see a dropoff in hotel stays as coronavirus spreads. But while public health experts are saying the public health risk is low, groups from Twitter, Intel, and Facebook have already pulled out of participating in the March 13-22 assembly of the film, media, and music industry.

Visit San Antonio, the public-private nonprofit that markets the City of San Antonio to tourists and business visitors, has added an LGBTQ page touting the citys appeal to queer tourists. The new web page was added in the past few days. An announcement on Facebook by Mayor Ron Nirenberg explains the page was a collaboration by Visit San Antonio and local activists. I want to thank the Mayors LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee for working with Visit San Antonio to ensure that visitors and residents alike know that our community is welcoming and inclusive, the mayor wrote in the post. The photos will be used in domestic and international marketing materials.Those interested in participating in the photoshoot can contact Francisco Gallegos or Alyssa Bailey of Visit San Antonio.