by Justin Bragiel | May 19, 2022 | Blog
Hospitality businesses are seeing an increase in guests requesting accommodation for services animals, and members continue to contact us with questions regarding allowing dogs in lodging properties. To help avoid potential exposure to liability, it is important...
by Garrett Coppedge | Apr 26, 2022 | Blog, News
City regulations governing business signage have a big impact on hotel construction, remodeling, and general operations. A case recently came before the United States Supreme Court which had the potential to affect a city’s ability to regulate commercial signage...
by THLA Staff | Mar 29, 2022 | Blog
Hurricane season officially begins June 1st. Last season, NOAA updated the statistics used to determine when hurricane seasons are above, near, or below average relative to the latest climate record. Based on this update, an average hurricane season produces 14 named...
by THLA Staff | Jan 28, 2022 | News
Following a January 13, 2022 U.S. Supreme Court blocking OSHA’s vaccine emergency temporary standard (ETS) from taking effect for employers with 100 or more employees, OSHA formally withdrew the ETS on January 25th. The Supreme Court decision and OSHA’s...
by THLA Staff | Jan 28, 2022 | Human Trafficking Prevention, News
Training Programs: As THLA previously reported, Texas’s new human trafficking prevention training requirement for hotel employees formally took effect on January 1st. The new law is administered by the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and it requires...
by THLA Staff | Jan 25, 2022 | Blog
Texas Hotel & Lodging Association is very excited to welcome to its staff Debbie Wieland as the THLA Educational Outreach & Foundation Director! In this newly created position, Debbie will focus on increasing the number of Texas high schools and colleges that...
by Justin Bragiel | Dec 28, 2021 | Human Trafficking Prevention, News
As we previously reported, a new law requiring annual human trafficking prevention training for commercial lodging industry employees takes effect on January 1, 2022. The Texas hotel industry, in coordination with the major hotel brands and the American Hotel...
by Justin Bragiel | Dec 21, 2021 | Blog
Updated 2021 How long do I need to keep this file? It is a common question we receive. Even in the era of electronic records, it is good practice to establish a policy of how long documents should be retained. This guide covers the most common records that hoteliers...
by THLA Staff | Nov 30, 2021 | News
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is providing extra help to the service industry, which was hit hard by the pandemic, by providing 12 months of free child care to low-income parents who are employed in the service industry. TWC has an existing child care...
by THLA Staff | Oct 28, 2021 | Getaway
Port Isabel Lighthouse-A Texas Historical Commission State Site. Port Isabel is nestled in extreme south Texas just 2 1/2 miles from the pristine beaches of South Padre Island and all the amenities of a coastal adventure. Port Isabel’s deep roots in Texas...
by Justin Bragiel | Oct 27, 2021 | Blog, News
We are pleased to report that in Section 2 of SB 8, the Texas Legislature appropriated $180 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Governor’s office on Economic Development and Tourism for the purpose of funding grants to tourism, travel, and...
by THLA Staff | Oct 27, 2021 | Blog
As travel and economic conditions continue to recover from the global pandemic, this holiday season presents opportunities for hotels to capitalize on what has traditionally been the most lucrative time of the year for many properties. Make your list and check it...
by Justin Bragiel | Sep 27, 2021 | News
October 11th Update: Governor’s Executive Order On October 11th, Governor Abbott issued an executive order that states, “No entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine by any individual, including an employee or a customer, who objects to such...
by THLA Staff | Aug 27, 2021 | Blog, News
We are excited to inform you about a state and federal grant/tax credit opportunity for hotels that are interested in installing “charging stations” for electric vehicles. Electric Vehicles (EV’s) are rapidly becoming a significant share of the new car...
by THLA Staff | Jul 29, 2021 | Blog
Wellness tourism has been a growing trend for several years, but as we emerge cautiously from our shared pandemic stress, loss, and anxiety, the focus on self-care is keen. As global restrictions ease, the demand for wellness travel continues to swell. Whether...
by Monica Whitlock | Jun 14, 2021 | Human Trafficking Prevention
Austin, Texas The Texas Hotel and Lodging Association (THLA) and Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) are pleased to announce that Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed House Bill 390 into law. The legislation, which passed with nearly unanimous...
by Justin Bragiel | Jun 7, 2021 | News
June 2021 Overview The 2021 Legislative Session produced very important results for the Texas lodging industry. THLA offered and passed tourism public improvement district (TPID) legislation that provided much needed clarity on how Texas cities with a TPID can...
by THLA Staff | May 27, 2021 | Blog, Human Trafficking Prevention, News
THLA is pleased to announce that Governor Abbott has signed into law House Bill 390 (authored by Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston) relating to annual human trafficking awareness and prevention training for hotel employees. THLA supported this important...
by THLA Staff | May 26, 2021 | Blog, News
Earlier this month, Governor Abbott announced that Texas will opt out of additional federal pandemic-related unemployment compensation, namely the $300 weekly supplement from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program. The Governor’s announcement...
by THLA Staff | Apr 29, 2021 | Blog
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) recently distributed the below news about the American Rescue Plan’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This new program, authorized by Congress and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration...
by THLA Staff | Apr 29, 2021 | Blog
Since February 2021, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has engaged in an active email campaign informing stakeholders of major reforms the agency will be implementing this year. Most of these changes go into effect on September 1, 2021, but implementation...
by THLA Staff | Apr 29, 2021 | Getaway
If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you live nearby or are planning an overnight trip, there are activities to please every member of your party. From museums and live theatre to craft beer and artisan coffee,...
by THLA Staff | Mar 30, 2021 | Blog, News
By: Nilesh Patel, Brian Sullivan & Justin Bragiel We are now more than halfway into the 2021 Texas Legislative Session, committee hearings are in full swing and the action is heating up. March 12 marked the 60th day of the 2021 Session, the deadline for most...
by THLA Staff | Mar 23, 2021 | Blog
Every legislative session, THLA tracks hundreds of bills that may affect the hotel industry. We want you to see what we see. Here is the list of bills we are following. We update this list as often as possible. You can click on the bill number to see the bill’s...
by Justin Bragiel | Mar 12, 2021 | News
Updated March 29, 2021 The American hotel industry released national protocols for industry-wide hotel cleaning and safety standards in response to COVID-19 last year. One year into the pandemic, safety and cleanliness remain the top concerns for hotel guests and...
by THLA Staff | Mar 4, 2021 | Blog, News
Virtual Converge on the Capitol is an opportunity for you and your colleagues to participate in the legislative process. Your virtual visit with your legislative leaders and their staff lets them see the faces and hear the priorities of the tourism and...
by Justin Bragiel | Mar 2, 2021 | Blog, News
Updated March 2, 2021 March 2, 2021 update: Governor Issues GA-34 Full opening of Texas businesses; repeal of statewide mask mandate: GA-34 takes effect at 12:01 am on March 10, 2021. On March 2, 2021, Governor Abbott issued a new emergency order affecting the opening...
by THLA Staff | Feb 26, 2021 | News
The Biden Administration recently announced several changes to PPP intended to help small businesses, including lodging operators, and further promote equitable access to economic relief. Specifically, the administration is targeting PPP access to the country’s...
by THLA Staff | Jan 20, 2021 | Blog
Apply Now Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (THLA) has partnered with TransPecos Banks, a Texas state savings bank headquartered in San Antonio, to be the endorsed source for hotel owners to obtain First and Second draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)...
by THLA Staff | Nov 13, 2020 | Blog
By: Katie Amodei Within the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been another crisis brewing. While hotels have been grappling with budget shortfalls, staff furloughs, and social distancing guidelines—human traffickers have not taken a break. Human trafficking is a crime that...
by THLA Staff | Oct 26, 2020 | Blog, News
THLA members often contact us with questions about how to handle items that are found on the hotel property. This article addresses the legal status of found property, and offers some guidance on what lodging properties should do with found property. Found...
by Justin Bragiel | Mar 13, 2020 | Blog
Room Pricing During a Disaster If the Governor declares a disaster, certain limitations are in effect for the private sector. For lodging operators, we advise that a hotel not raise its rates to levels that are higher than the rates the hotel would normally charge for...
by Justin Bragiel | Mar 1, 2020 | News
Updated March 2, 2021 March 2: Governor Updates Executive Order on Reopening Texas. Read more here. THLA partner Fisher & Phillips provides guidance on whether to require employees to obtain a coronavirus vaccine when they become available. Read more here. May 1:...
by THLA Staff | May 27, 2022 | Getaway
Home to world-renowned artists, iconic musicians, a state-of-the-art theater, award-winning wineries, and a diverse selection of cuisine, Lubbock, Texas holds an unexpected find around every corner. Today, we celebrate the genesis of Lubbock’s West Texas charm and way...
by THLA Staff | May 26, 2022 | Blog
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer travel, and while high gas prices, rising airfare, and inflation may cause travelers to adjust their plans, they will travel this summer. After two years of missed weddings, graduations, reunions, outbound adventures,...
by THLA Staff | May 25, 2022 | Blog
Being a member of the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (THLA) provides you with limitless ways to save significant time and financial resources on a daily basis. As one of the thousands of hotel owners, general managers, franchisees, vendors, suppliers,...
by THLA Staff | Apr 28, 2022 | Blog
While overall travel continues its rebound, traveling solo is one of the biggest post-pandemic travel trends. Whether it’s the pent-up yen for adventure, the hunger to expand their cloistered world, or the need for self-reflection, many travelers aren’t waiting around...
by THLA Staff | Apr 27, 2022 | Getaway
Nestled deep in the heart of West Texas, Snyder is named for merchant and buffalo hunter William Henry (Pete) Snyder, who built a trading post on Deep Creek in 1878. The post attracted fellow hunters and a small settlement grew around it. With dwellings made mostly of...
by THLA Staff | Apr 26, 2022 | Human Trafficking Prevention
BEST and Marriott and ECPAT programs approved by the State In the 2021 Legislative Session, the State Legislature passed HB 390, requiring all employees at hotels with more than 10 rooms receive annual training on preventing human trafficking activity. The...
by THLA Staff | Mar 31, 2022 | Blog
Instagram started out as a photography app, but is now a very valuable marketing tool for businesses with Instagram-Worthy content. From compelling exteriors showcasing unique architecture and locations to interesting interiors, to themed rooms, noteworthy amenities,...
by THLA Staff | Mar 30, 2022 | Getaway
Buda, Texas is located 15 minutes south of Downtown Austin on IH-35. It is known for its ability to offer a taste of small-town charm, holding true to its homegrown roots while in the midst of a growing metropolis. As you drive into town down Main Street, you will...
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