San Antonio, TX (February 19, 2025) – Visit San Antonio, the destination marketing organization (DMO) dedicated to promoting San Antonio as a premiere meetings and leisure destination, is proud to join Destinations international to celebrate February 19, 2025, as Destination Professionals Day, to honor the people and organizations that drive tourism, economic growth and community vitality worldwide.
The impact of San Antonio’s tourism and hospitality industry includes a historic annual economic impact of $21.5 billion and 35.6 million visitors. This led to record-breaking tax revenues of $277 million, which contributed to the overall economic vitality and safety of the city from infrastructure development to emergency services. Additionally, the industry employs nearly 150,000 industry professionals—10.5% of the city's population. This shows the impact of tourism is far-reaching and integral to San Antonio’s prosperity.
"Destination marketing professionals and the tourism and hospitality industry are the heartbeat of the San Antonio and the United States' economy, culture and global appeal,” said Marc Anderson, President and CEO, Visit San Antonio. “This industry not only fuels economic growth and job creation but also serves as a gateway to opportunity for people of all backgrounds. From frontline service to executive leadership, it offers lifelong careers that inspire passion, foster connections, and showcase the best of our communities to the world."
February 19 holds a special significance to destination organizations. In 1896, members of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce and the Detroit Manufacturers Club came together at the Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, Michigan, to form the world’s first destination organization, the Detroit Convention and Businessman’s League. With a mission of “hustling for conventions,” this group laid the foundation for an industry that has since grown into a global driver of economic and social progress.
Today, there are more than 10,000 destination organizations around the world representing a broad spectrum of entities, DMOs, convention and visitors bureaus, tourism boards, sports commissions and film offices. These organizations are a cornerstone of the travel and tourism industry, which employs almost 348 million people and is expected to contribute about 10% of global GDP – more than $11 trillion – to the global economy in 2024, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Why February 19 Matters
Recognizing February 19 as Destination Professionals Day aims to raise awareness by highlighting the vital contributions of destination professionals in enriching community life and driving economic development; celebrate the achievements and recognize the hard work and dedication of destination professionals across all roles and organizations; and inspire future destination leaders by showcasing the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available in the sector to attract the next generation of professionals.
The selection of February 19 as Destination Professionals Day pays homage to the founding of the first destination organization 129 years ago that sparked a global movement which continues to transform destinations like San Antonio into ideal places to visit, live, work, play and invest.
# # #
About Visit San Antonio
Visit San Antonio is a 501(c)6 and serves as the sales and marketing arm of San Antonio as a leading leisure and meetings destination. In 2023, San Antonio welcomed approximately 35.6 million visitors. Hospitality is one of the top five industries in the city, contributing $21.5 billion to the local economy annually and employing more than 147,000. More information about Visit San Antonio and the city’s vast offerings can be found at VisitSanAntonio.com.