INSIDER
San Antonio’s Hotel Emma earns rare Two Keys distinction from Michelin Guide
Read full article: San Antonio’s Hotel Emma earns rare Two Keys distinction from Michelin GuideThis week, the Michelin Guide revealed its list of outstanding hotels in the United States. A San Antonio hotel earned one of the guide’s rarest distinctions.
East Coast airline to end SA flights and exit city
Read full article: East Coast airline to end SA flights and exit cityJetBlue Airways Corp. is grounding its Alamo City operations. The Long Island-based carrier plans to exit the market, ending nonstop flights to Boston and New York City in late October.
Texas Restaurant Association says ‘it’s about time’ Michelin Guide acknowledged the state
Read full article: Texas Restaurant Association says ‘it’s about time’ Michelin Guide acknowledged the stateHaving Michelin-starred restaurants will add even more credibility to an already respected and diverse culinary scene, according to TRA Chief Public Affairs Officer Kelsey Erickson Streufert.
VOTE: Which San Antonio restaurants would you include in Michelin Guide Texas?
Read full article: VOTE: Which San Antonio restaurants would you include in Michelin Guide Texas?The first Texas edition, which will be released later this year, will include Austin Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.
SeaWorld San Antonio eyes huge 2025 expansion
Read full article: SeaWorld San Antonio eyes huge 2025 expansionUnited Parks & Resorts is pursuing the development of a new area at SeaWorld San Antonio that will span nearly 150,000 square feet and tout its animal rescue efforts, according to an initial filing with the State of Texas.
Got some Alamo memorabilia at home? The Alamo Collections team wants them
Read full article: Got some Alamo memorabilia at home? The Alamo Collections team wants themThe Alamo Collections team is looking for donations of pop culture artifacts and memorabilia related to San Antonio’s most well-known mission from the period after 1945.
One man is credited with creating the River Walk. He got fired halfway through the project.
Read full article: One man is credited with creating the River Walk. He got fired halfway through the project.Locals and tourists alike think of the River Walk when they think of downtown. Here’s how it all got started.
H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting kicks off holiday season in downtown San Antonio on Friday
Read full article: H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting kicks off holiday season in downtown San Antonio on FridayA 50-foot Nordmann Fir Christmas tree will arrive in downtown San Antonio on Tuesday ahead of the 39th annual H-E-B Tree Lighting.
Tourism-dependent towns look toward cooler weather for a boost in business
Read full article: Tourism-dependent towns look toward cooler weather for a boost in businessCities like New Braunfels are heavily dependent on summer tourism, but the extreme heat and drought have not been favorable for business.
San Antonio’s tourism, hospitality sectors generate ‘highest-ever’ economic impact in 2022
Read full article: San Antonio’s tourism, hospitality sectors generate ‘highest-ever’ economic impact in 2022San Antonio’s tourism and hospitality sectors continue to generate higher amounts of revenue post-pandemic, according to a Visit San Antonio study in conjunction with Trinity University.
El Camino de San Antonio Missions Center opens for tourists, pilgrims from around the world
Read full article: El Camino de San Antonio Missions Center opens for tourists, pilgrims from around the worldA new center aims to link all five San Antonio missions and serve as a starting point for a curated experience that also encompasses Europe.
One giant leap for tourism fun: MoonBikes now available at popular Michigan ski resort
Read full article: One giant leap for tourism fun: MoonBikes now available at popular Michigan ski resortIf you’re looking for some winter fun in snow and cold weather, this is something that might make you feel over the moon.
City Council members submit paperwork to ban horse-drawn carriages in downtown San Antonio
Read full article: City Council members submit paperwork to ban horse-drawn carriages in downtown San AntonioMembers of City Council are pushing to ban horse-drawn carriages in downtown San Antonio, citing “inhumane” treatment and the environmental impact of traffic.
Memorial Day crowd still expected at rivers despite drought, low flow river
Read full article: Memorial Day crowd still expected at rivers despite drought, low flow riverMemorial Day weekend will look a little different for visitors as the river levels remain low, but city officials still expect the traditional boom of guests.
Business owners await governor’s signature of bill that includes $180M for hospitality, tourism industries
Read full article: Business owners await governor’s signature of bill that includes $180M for hospitality, tourism industriesThousands of restaurants, theaters and other businesses in Texas impacted by the pandemic could be getting money thanks to a grant program in the works.
As more conventions cancel, San Antonio loses out on $21 million in economic impact
Read full article: As more conventions cancel, San Antonio loses out on $21 million in economic impactFive 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.
San Antonio is one of the best destination cities in the US, travel magazine says
Read full article: San Antonio is one of the best destination cities in the US, travel magazine saysThe city of San Antonio is becoming a top tourist destination, especially after being named one of the top 15 U.S. cities by Travel + Leisure magazine.
‘People are coming back and they’re happy to be here’: More tourists seek adventure at Natural Bridge Caverns
Read full article: ‘People are coming back and they’re happy to be here’: More tourists seek adventure at Natural Bridge CavernsThe natural attraction Natural Bridge Caverns remained open over the course of the pandemic but saw a dip in the number of tourists.
San Antonio tourism leaders say they have high hopes for the summer
Read full article: San Antonio tourism leaders say they have high hopes for the summerThe 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.
Proposed River Walk hotel could be the start of $400M mixed-use development
Read full article: Proposed River Walk hotel could be the start of $400M mixed-use developmentA team of investors, including the co-developer of the recently completed luxury tower in San Antonio’s skyline, has proposed big plans along the River Walk that could rival those from other big players downtown such as Weston Urban and GrayStreet Ventures.
Hospitality industry welcomes tourists back to San Antonio with open arms
Read full article: Hospitality industry welcomes tourists back to San Antonio with open armsSAN 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
Volunteers spend hours daily delivering food, other items to NCAA teams confined to hotel rooms in San Antonio
Read full article: Volunteers spend hours daily delivering food, other items to NCAA teams confined to hotel rooms in San AntonioSAN ANTONIO - – They have jobs, families, and lives, but they’re taking the extra time to show just how hospitable San Antonio can be. A group of unpaid volunteers is assigned to every NCAA women’s basketball team in town, bringing them food and supplies while teams adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols. The volunteers signed up through the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee and San Antonio Sports. RELATED: Downtown San Antonio sees boost in tourism during NCAA women’s tournamentAdThe volunteers pick up whatever food, laundry, pharmacy necessities, and any other items and drop the bags onto a table outside the hotel. Williams is a star player who graduated from Wagner High School in San Antonio.
20-story luxury hotel with ‘jaw-dropping views’ of San Antonio opens near the River Walk
Read full article: 20-story luxury hotel with ‘jaw-dropping views’ of San Antonio opens near the River WalkThe Thompson San Antonio, located near the River Walk, will open in early 2021. SAN ANTONIO – A 20-story hotel at a luxury mixed-use development on the River Walk is now open. “A modern-day interpretation of the River City, Thompson San Antonio offers sophisticated experiences inspired by the rich history and culture of the area. Landrace and another hotel restaurant, The Moon’s Daughters, overlook the River Walk. Thompson San Antonio joins the downtown area’s platter of luxury stays like Hotel Emma, the Grand Hyatt and the St. Anthony.
San Antonio hotels saw revenue drop more than $700M in 2020
Read full article: San Antonio hotels saw revenue drop more than $700M in 2020San Antonio hotels saw a revenue drop of more than $700M in 2020. SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s note: This story was published through a partnership between the San Antonio Business Journal and KSAT. There was no fourth-quarter hail Mary to spare San Antonio hotels from a devastating loss in 2020 as the market saw overall revenue drop nearly 50% compared to the previous year. In 2019, metro San Antonio hotels generated more than $1.4 billion in revenue. San Antonio hotels, which booked about 37% fewer room nights in 2020 than in the previous year, charged an average daily rate of nearly $93 in 2020.
Kayak the San Antonio River Walk business district in 2 minutes with time-lapse video
Read full article: Kayak the San Antonio River Walk business district in 2 minutes with time-lapse videoSAN ANTONIO – Kayakers were able to take advantage of a rare opportunity in 2020 - paddling through the business district portion of the famed San Antonio River Walk. His skinny jeans were quickly soaked.”She said she was excited to see a new side of San Antonio and had walked along the river the night before to take in the Christmas lights. Take a look at the time-lapse in the video player above and tour the San Antonio River Walk from O’Hanlon’s kayak. She told KSAT her favorite part “was getting a better look at the architectural details I’ve missed when I visit the River Walk just to have a drink.”Related:View vintage photos of San Antonians paddling down the San Antonio River Walk in the 1940sHistorical photos show famed San Antonio River Walk in different lightYouTuber’s San Antonio River Walk video cut short after failing to obtain permitDid you like the tour? If so, drop a comment below and let us know what other San Antonio-area tour you’d like to take in two minutes.
San Antonio Airport System lands coveted air service conference in 2022
Read full article: San Antonio Airport System lands coveted air service conference in 2022SAN ANTONIO – During a year where San Antonio and other cities saw plenty of canceled and postponed conferences, the San Antonio Airport System is celebrating landing one of the largest air-service conferences in the region. The 2022 Routes Americas Conference will be one of the first major air service development conferences scheduled to be in-person, post-pandemic, airport officials said. It’s expected to bring in more than 1,000 delegates. “Air service development is a key priority for the city and SAAS. I know attendees will be thrilled to return to in-person meetings in February 2022,” said Jesus H. Saenz, Jr., Director of Airports, San Antonio Airport System.
New luxury hotel near River Walk brings glitz, glamour, much needed economic impact
Read full article: New luxury hotel near River Walk brings glitz, glamour, much needed economic impactSAN ANTONIO – The City of San Antonio is growing so fast and you might now notice a new sight on the city’s skyline. The brand new Thompson San Antonio hotel is full of glitz and glamour and economic impact for the Alamo City. Photos show 20-story luxury hotel opening up near the River WalkFull Screen 1 / 14 The Thompson San Antonio, located near the River Walk, will open in early 2021. So, the Thompson Hotel could help our market because there appears to be a need. “The Thompson hotel is going to be a big destination for folks.
Photos show 20-story luxury hotel opening up near the River Walk
Read full article: Photos show 20-story luxury hotel opening up near the River WalkThe Thompson San Antonio, located near the River Walk, will open in early 2021. SAN ANTONIO – A 20-story hotel at a luxury mixed-use development on the River Walk is preparing to open in early 2021. Thompson San Antonio, near the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, is accepting reservations for March 1 and beyond, according to a news release. The “lifestyle hotel” features 162 guestrooms, including 33 suites and a penthouse suite, starting at $349 a night. Thompson San Antonio joins the downtown area’s platter of luxury stays like Hotel Emma, the Grand Hyatt and the St. Anthony.
Visit San Antonio launches new campaign to assist hospitality industry
Read full article: Visit San Antonio launches new campaign to assist hospitality industryVisit San Antonio launches new campaign to assist hospitality industryPublished: June 10, 2020, 5:30 pmVisit San Antonio President & CEO Cassandra Matej said many hotels are still in phase one of their reopening process.
AMC movie theater at Shops at Rivercenter opening in July
Read full article: AMC movie theater at Shops at Rivercenter opening in JulySAN ANTONIO AMCs movie theater in downtown San Antonio wont sit empty for long. The movie theater chain announced Wednesday that it expects to have all of its theaters open in July as businesses begin to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. AMC has one theater in San Antonio, AMC Rivercenter 11, located at the Shops at Rivercenter. Regal Cinemas, which has six locations in the San Antonio area, has not announced when its theaters will reopen. Greg Abbott has allowed movie theaters to operate at 50% capacity under social distancing guidelines.
Which international destinations are reopening to tourists?
Read full article: Which international destinations are reopening to tourists?(CNN) -- Although most governments are still advising against “nonessential” international travel, a host of popular destinations are beginning to ease their Covid-19 lockdown measures and border restrictions and are moving toward welcoming tourists back. "We have to guarantee, when international tourism opens, that the person who comes to Spain is a safe person," Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto recently told local newspaper El Pais. Although the prospect of reopening to international tourists appears to be a little while off, officials are putting measures in place to ensure foreign travelers will feel confident to return once they're able to. Eager to revive its tourism sector, the country's government says it plans to reopen to international travelers on July 1. The decision, which is to be reviewed every three weeks, has quashed any hopes of rescuing international tourism here in the coming weeks.
Port Aransas prepares to welcome beach-goers back for Memorial Day weekend
Read full article: Port Aransas prepares to welcome beach-goers back for Memorial Day weekendPort Aransas prepares to welcome beach-goers back for Memorial Day weekendPublished: May 20, 2020, 10:18 pmThe community of Port Aransas is hoping for a successful Memorial Day weekend. Businesses took a major hit after they were forced to close due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Here’s when San Antonio’s tourism spots are reopening
Read full article: Here’s when San Antonio’s tourism spots are reopeningSAN ANTONIO – Tourism spots around San Antonio are reopening after being forced to close amid the coronavirus pandemic. Here is a list of tourism destinations in the San Antonio area with their plans for reopening while implementing new health and safety protocols. For more information, click hereNatural Bridge CavernsNatural Bridge Caverns will reopen cavern tours May 8. San Antonio ZooThe San Antonio Zoo is reopening and offering a “once-in-a-lifetime drive-thru zoo experience." The first case confirmed in the U.S. was in mid-January and the first case confirmed in San Antonio was in mid-February.
List: Here are the San Antonio tourism spots reopening this weekend
Read full article: List: Here are the San Antonio tourism spots reopening this weekendSAN ANTONIO If youre looking to venture out of the house, beginning this weekend, several tourism spots in San Antonio have reopened for business amid the coronavirus pandemic. Whats open:San Antonio ZooThe San Antonio Zoo is reopening and offering a once-in-a-lifetime drive-thru zoo experience." For more information, click hereSan Antonio Botanical GardenThe San Antonio Botanical Gardens is set to reopen its doors Sunday, May 3. Topgolf San AntonioTopgolf San Antonio will reopen its doors at 10 a.m., Monday, June 8. For more information, visit the museums website hereSan Antonio Museum of Art Although you may not be able to visit the San Antonio Museum of Art in-person, you can still enjoy the artworks it has to offer, all on its website.
WATCH: Iconic San Antonio landmarks now ghost towns amid coronavirus pandemic
Read full article: WATCH: Iconic San Antonio landmarks now ghost towns amid coronavirus pandemicSAN ANTONIO – Downtown streets that are normally packed with tourists have become deserted as San Antonians and Americans social distance in an effort to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19. Mayor Ron Nirenberg issued "Stay Home, Work Safe” order earlier this month and it runs through mid-April. To see what these streets normally look like, check out these Throwback Thursday segments from KSAT News @ Nine. COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019. MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE FROM KSAT:
Historic Alamo area hotel closes indefinitely because of pandemic
Read full article: Historic Alamo area hotel closes indefinitely because of pandemicSAN ANTONIO – The Crockett Hotel is closing its doors indefinitely as a result of a significant drop in visitation due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. It was not sustainable, and not enough expense cuts are possible to operate,” longtime Crockett Hotel General Manager Bill Brendel told me. The city of San Antonio and Bexar County have issued stay-at-home orders restricting travel within San Antonio and many businesses in the area, including museums, theme parks and other attractions, have temporarily closed. That had significant bearing on the decision to close the hotel as of 5 p.m. on Friday. Read the full story at the San Antonio Business Journal.
San Antonio hotels averaging 10% occupancy due to coronavirus, city says
Read full article: San Antonio hotels averaging 10% occupancy due to coronavirus, city saysSAN ANTONIO – San Antonio’s tourism scene is taking a major hit due to the effects of the novel coronavirus. River Walk hotels 'consolidate’ due to coronavirus; other SA hotels still operatingThis week, Mokara Hotel & Spa, located on the San Antonio River Walk, said it will be consolidating operations with Omni La Mansion del Rio. The San Antonio International Airport, where travelers usually bring in about $105 million per year, had a decrease of nearly 70% in passengers on Wednesday. Several places that are still allowed to operate under the emergency declaration include grocery stores, gas stations, places of worship, funeral homes, schools or child care facilities and the San Antonio International Airport. The number of coronavirus cases in San Antonio climbed to 29, including six from community spread, on Thursday afternoon.
River Walk hotels 'consolidate’ due to coronavirus; other SA hotels still operating
Read full article: River Walk hotels 'consolidate’ due to coronavirus; other SA hotels still operatingSAN ANTONIO – A luxury San Antonio hotel has decided to temporarily shut its doors to guests due to the coronavirus, as others in the area have yet to announce closures. 25 COVID-19 cases reported in San Antonio, officials sayMokara said the effects of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry are “unprecedented." San Antonio mayor orders bars, restaurant dining rooms to close amid coronavirus pandemicDeputy City Manager María Villagómez told City Council on Thursday that several San Antonio hotels are reporting occupancy rates under 10%. It is not immediately clear if employees in the San Antonio area will be laid off due to the effects. Amazon delivery contractor on North Side to close doorsCOVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019.
Closure list: Tourist spots, entertainment venues, movies, museums & more
Read full article: Closure list: Tourist spots, entertainment venues, movies, museums & moreSAN ANTONIO – As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the nation, the city of San Antonio and all of its tourist spots are taking extra precautions to limit the spread of the virus. Here’s a consolidated list of attractions in San Antonio that are currently open or closed due to coronavirus concerns:UPDATED March 19th @ 2:30p.m. The City of San Antonio will re-evaluate in seven days. The Public Theater will be diligent with its mission and vision to create professional theater in San Antonio and Bexar County. With that recommendation, The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is suspending all performances for the near future- Our Town will be postponed to a future date.
Top SA chef asks locals to keep dining out to prevent ‘casualties’ in hospitality industry
Read full article: Top SA chef asks locals to keep dining out to prevent ‘casualties’ in hospitality industrySAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio chef is expecting the local hospitality industry to take a hit due to rising concerns about the new coronavirus. Jason Dady wrote to the San Antonio Restaurants group on Facebook Wednesday night, asking people to keep dining out or carrying out to support local eateries. “There will be many many casualties in the hospitality industry. Support LOCAL when you can," he said. This weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities and the Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair are still taking place.