Profile: San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association

We are without a doubt, the "oldest kid" on the block! For over 70 years, the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association has been the voice of the Hospitality Industry in this community.  The organization currently serves over 290 members companies - lodging establishments and vendors who provide products and services to the industry. Honorary memberships are granted to various educational institutions, city departments and tourism organizations that share a common interest and mission within the industry.

Impact of our Industry
The most recent study devoted solely to local tourism indicates that in 2006 over 26 million visitors came to San Antonio. Of these, 11 million were overnight leisure guests - making San Antonio the #1 destination in Texas!  From our point of view, over $125 million was paid in taxes and fees to the city and over $222 million to all local government agencies.  By end of 2006, 100,294 local citizens were employed in our local industry - which translates to 1 in every 8 workers in this community is a hospitality colleague.  And, if that isn't enough to get your attention, the numbers indicate that the industry's overall impact on this city has more than doubled in the past ten years.  To review this impressive report, click here IMPACT.  

Keeping our finger on the pulseThe Association is actively involved in matters of legislation at all levels of government. A governmental affairs committee maintains a one-on-one approach to keep our elected officials informed on issues affecting our industry.  Our monthly luncheons provide a constant forum for our members and guests to network and share information and learn from one another on issues affecting their companies.  

The correct answer: Education!
The primary focus of the organization is expressed in our efforts to provide educational opportunities for industry employees who have the desire to advance into management positions and to offer financial support to San Antonio high school graduates and college students who want to be a part of our industry. Periodic Job Fairs are held to introduce our local citizens to the hospitality industry and to provide an awareness of the opportunities and benefits of a career in the tourism field.

Giving back to this communityThe Association and its individual members are proud of our commitment and involvement in the community by providing volunteer hours and funding to many charities and groups across the city.  The guiding priniciple of this organization is to promote projects and programs that will improve the quality of life for our citizens, while preserving and protecting that which make San Antonio so unique.