SAN ANTONIO, TX (March 20, 2026)—A new 2026 River Walk Royal Court has been crowned, marking a milestone with more than $150,000 raised for the San Antonio Hospitality Foundation, surpassing last year’s fundraising total. Proceeds from the Royal Court’s efforts support academic scholarships for tourism and hospitality students at St. Philip’s College and The University of Texas at San Antonio, as well as program grants that strengthen the local hospitality workforce pipeline.
Here is the 2026 River Walk Royal Court:
Queen Monica Ortiz Felán
King Ricardo Ramirez
Princess Yesenia Frade
Prince Jonathan Colemere
Duchess Erica Valadez
Duke George Garnica
Countess Stacey Mazuca
Count Francisco Venegas
Viscount Taylor Abbott
Serving as ambassadors for both the San Antonio River Walk and the San Antonio Hospitality Foundation, the Royal Court plays a vital role in raising awareness of the city’s hard-working hospitality community. Throughout their reign, they champion the impact of hospitality professionals while helping invest in the next generation of leaders who will shape San Antonio’s tourism and culinary landscape.
“This is the second year the River Walk Royal Court has had record-breaking fundraising for the San Antonio Hospitality Foundation,” said Mario Bass, President and CEO of Visit San Antonio. “San Antonio residents recognize the significant impact the hospitality industry has on the local economy. By providing scholarships to hospitality students and investing in programs, we are shaping the future of an industry that plays such a vital role in our city’s success.”
About the San Antonio Hospitality Foundation
The San Antonio Hospitality Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to growing, investing in and accelerating the hospitality industry in San Antonio by supporting the development of local students pursuing careers in the field. It provides financial assistance to educational institutions and community programs that help build a strong pipeline of talent for the industry.
This year, endowments at St. Philip’s College and UT San Antonio will be fully funded, in part due to record-breaking fundraising efforts by the 2025 and 2026 River Walk Royal Courts. The Foundation also launched a grant initiative for local culinary programs, providing funding for program development and enhancements, such as equipment to strengthen hands-on learning opportunities.
Since its establishment, the Foundation has awarded scholarships to 18 students, supporting their educational journeys and future careers in hospitality. For more information about the San Antonio Hospitality Foundation, go to the Visit San Antonio website.