Dear Valued Partners:
Happy Pride Month! June marks a celebration of the people, culture and traditions that make San Antonio such a welcoming and vibrant destination. This year is especially meaningful as our community commemorates 50 years of Pride history in San Antonio—a milestone that reflects decades of progress, visibility and inclusion.
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the River Walk Events team for their outstanding execution of this year's Pride River Parades and Celebration. Your dedication helped create an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike. I also want to thank our partners, nonprofit organizations, local vendors, artists, volunteers and community leaders whose participation brought the celebration to life and showcased the spirit of collaboration that defines our city.
At Visit San Antonio, we remain committed to uplifting the values and principles of Pride Month by fostering a destination where all people feel welcomed, celebrated and connected. Through events, partnerships and storytelling, we will continue to highlight the diverse voices and experiences that contribute to San Antonio's unique character and global appeal.
Here are some highlights from the month of May.
Pride Media FAM - Visit San Antonio hosted eight journalists and two guests during Pride River Parade weekend, welcoming LGBTQ+ journalists representing both regional and national LGBTQ+ media outlets (Queerty, Gay Cities, Out, Instinct and others). The itinerary highlighted San Antonio's vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ+ community through experiences such as a river barge tour and tasting of the new "Sip Around the Rainbow" cocktail trail. Journalists also enjoyed an LGBTQ+-focused city tour with MOV Tours, an LGBTQ+-owned local business, and a special partnership tour at the San Antonio Museum of Art showcasing LGBTQ+ artists and stories. Throughout the weekend, attendees repeatedly expressed surprise at how welcoming, fun, and LGBTQ+ friendly San Antonio was. Returning journalists remarked that it was the most fun Pride celebration they had experienced in San Antonio.
Air Canada Inaugural Flight – Non-stop air service to and from Canada is back in San Antonio. The inaugural flight took off in early May for Pearson International Airport in Ontario. Canada is one of San Antonio’s key international markets. This flight represents a meaningful connection between San Antonio and Canada, one that opens doors to new opportunities for tourism, hospitality and cultural exchange.
Consular Corps Days – Visit San Antonio participated in the San Antonio Consular Corps Days, a two-day program hosted by the City of San Antonio's Economic Development Department, which welcomed diplomatic representatives from more than two dozen countries. The program showcased San Antonio's economic strengths, international trade opportunities, cultural assets and innovation sectors. During the Economic Overview Session, local leaders and industry experts shared insights on the city's strategic growth and global business opportunities. The event provided a valuable platform to strengthen international relationships and position San Antonio as a premier destination for investment, business and cultural exchange.
As we look ahead to the summer travel season, there is a tremendous opportunity for our hospitality community to showcase the experiences that make San Antonio a must-visit destination. From family-friendly attractions and cultural celebrations like Juneteenth (June 19) to culinary offerings and seasonal promotions, our city is well-positioned to welcome visitors seeking memorable summer getaways. I encourage all members to submit their summer-themed packages, special offers, events and experiences for consideration in Visit San Antonio's summer marketing campaign, Endless. Refreshing. Unmistakably San Antonio. More details about this campaign can be found in the marketing section below.
I look forward to our continued partnership. Now, let's cheer on our Spurs all the way to an NBA Championship. Go Spurs Go!
With warm regards,
Mario J. Bass
President & CEO
Visit San Antonio