Visit San Antonio discusses strategies to boost tourism and support local businesses

In a recent San Antonio City Council Budget Work Session held on September 2, 2025, council members engaged in discussions centered around tourism, economic development, and the arts, highlighting the city's strategic approach to enhancing its appeal as a destination.

A significant focus of the meeting was on the tourism sector, particularly the need to attract both regional and international visitors. Council members expressed interest in understanding the spending habits of these travelers, with an emphasis on the potential for international visitors to contribute more economically due to longer stays and higher expenditures. The conversation underscored a desire to shift San Antonio's marketing strategy away from its traditional image as a budget-friendly destination, often associated with the Riverwalk, towards a more diverse portrayal that includes the city's culinary and arts scenes.

Mario, a representative from Visit San Antonio, emphasized the importance of group travel in bolstering the local economy. He noted that group travelers tend to be more committed and spend more, which is crucial for the hospitality sector. The council recognized that while domestic travelers are significant, they can be unpredictable, particularly in extreme weather conditions. The discussions pointed to a strategic pivot towards securing more group bookings to stabilize and enhance tourism revenue.

The council also addressed the role of small businesses in the tourism ecosystem. Members discussed initiatives to better promote local businesses to visitors, ensuring that unique offerings are highlighted. With 80% of Visit San Antonio's members being non-hotel businesses, there is a concerted effort to market the entire destination, including local eateries and cultural spots.

In addition to tourism, the meeting highlighted the arts and culture sector's impact on the local economy. Council members praised the arts community for its substantial contributions, noting that it generates significant employment and economic activity with a relatively small portion of the city’s budget. There was a call for increased support for public art projects and a desire to explore how the hotel occupancy tax could be allocated to further benefit the arts.

The session concluded with a recognition of the need for ongoing improvements to facilities like the Alamodome to attract major events, which are vital for economic growth. Council members expressed a commitment to ensuring that San Antonio remains competitive in hosting large-scale events, which not only benefit the hospitality industry but also enhance the overall vibrancy of the city.

Overall, the discussions during the budget work session reflected a proactive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing San Antonio's tourism and arts sectors, with a clear focus on fostering economic growth and community engagement. The council's next steps will likely involve further analysis of tourism data and continued collaboration with local businesses and artists to enhance the city's appeal as a destination.