South Padre Island reports strong March and April hotel tax collections

The South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Advisory Board meeting on June 2, 2025, focused on the positive trends in hotel occupancy and tax collections, indicating a successful start to the summer season. The board discussed the performance of the hotel occupancy tax (HOT) collections for March and April, noting that they not only met budget expectations but also surpassed last year's figures despite the absence of the Semana Santa holiday in March.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that the overall performance remained strong, with online travel agencies (OTAs) showing an upward trend in bookings. The board members expressed optimism about future growth as they continue to strengthen relationships with these agencies.

Lori, a board member, confirmed that the numbers for April were also promising, contributing to a successful fiscal year. However, there were discussions about the timing of tax payments, as some collections were reported in arrears, which could affect the clarity of monthly performance indicators.

The board acknowledged the need for improved communication regarding outstanding payments to better understand the financial landscape. They also reviewed STAR data, which showed increases in revenue, revenue per available room (RevPAR), and occupancy rates for April, further solidifying South Padre Island's competitive position in the market.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored a positive outlook for South Padre Island's tourism sector, with expectations for continued growth as the summer progresses. The board plans to keep monitoring these trends closely and will provide updates on the upcoming winter Texan season.