Domestic and international visitation continues post-pandemic growth, supporting 153,000 local jobs and generating more than $280 million in revenue for the City of San Antonio; strong hotel performance signals continued momentum in 2026
SAN ANTONIO, TX (November 12, 2026) – San Antonio's tourism industry continues its steady post-pandemic growth, welcoming more than 40.2 million domestic and international visitors in 2025 and generating $23.7 billion in economic impact, according to new tourism research published today by Visit San Antonio. The latest figures reflect sustained demand for the destination while reinforcing tourism's vital role in supporting local businesses, jobs and essential City services.
Total visitation increased 2.7% over 2024, representing more than one million additional visits to San Antonio. Domestic visitation reached 37.7 million, a 2.4% increase over the previous year, according to MMGY Travel Intelligence. International visitation also demonstrated encouraging growth, increasing 5.9% to 2.51 million visitors in 2025, according to Tourism Economics.
The continued growth in visitation contributed to a $23.7 billion economic impact in 2025, an increase from $23.4 billion in 2024. The tourism and hospitality industry also supported approximately 153,000 local jobs, up from 150,000 the previous year, and generated more than $280 million in tax revenues for the City of San Antonio, helping fund services and investments that benefit residents throughout the community.
"Surpassing 40 million visitors is an important milestone for San Antonio, but the true significance of these numbers is what tourism delivers for our community," said Mario Bass, President & CEO of Visit San Antonio. "Our industry supports more than 153,000 jobs, strengthens local businesses and generates hundreds of millions of dollars that help fund essential City services. As visitation continues to grow, so does tourism's contribution to San Antonio's economy and the quality of life of our residents."
The latest figures continue a multiyear trend of recovery and growth following the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating San Antonio's enduring appeal to domestic and international leisure travelers, convention attendees and meeting professionals.
Strong Hotel Performance Signals Continued Growth in 2026
San Antonio's positive tourism trajectory has carried into 2026, with hotel performance providing additional reasons for optimism.
According to Smith Travel Research (STR) data, San Antonio hotel room demand increased 4.8% from January through September 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, while hotel occupancy improved 4.1%. Demand growth outpaced the modest 0.6% increase in available hotel room supply, signaling continued strength in the local lodging market.
Recent monthly performance has been particularly encouraging, with room demand increasing 5.3% in June, 4.1% in July and 7.6% in August. September delivered especially strong results, with room demand increasing 20.2% compared with September 2025.
"We're particularly encouraged by what we're seeing in hotel performance this year," Bass added. "The continued increase in room nights sold, particularly during the summer and into September, gives us confidence in the direction of our tourism economy. While we recognize that the travel industry continues to face economic headwinds and increasing competition, San Antonio remains a compelling destination for visitors. Our focus is on building upon this momentum, attracting new audiences and ensuring tourism continues delivering meaningful economic benefits to our community."
With its rich cultural heritage, celebrated culinary scene, iconic attractions and expanding collection of hotels and visitor experiences, San Antonio continues to strengthen its position as a leading leisure and meetings destination.
Visit San Antonio remains focused on driving visitation through strategic sales and marketing initiatives, growing convention and meeting business, and showcasing the authentic experiences that make the destination Unmistakably San Antonio.
# # #
About Visit San Antonio
Visit San Antonio is the official destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting San Antonio as a premier leisure and meetings destination. Through strategic marketing, sales and partnerships, Visit San Antonio works to strengthen the city's tourism economy, support local businesses and generate economic benefits for the San Antonio community. For more information, visit www.VisitSanAntonio.com.