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# Texas Hotel and Lodging

Texas Hotel and Lodging

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://texaslodging.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Video Marketing for Hotels - the Rise of TikTok and Instagram Reels](https://texaslodging.com/video-marketing-for-hotels-the-rise-of-tiktok-and-instagram-reels/) - Expedia predicts 82% of all internet consumer traffic in the hospitality industry will have been video focused. Here are some general best practices to make video a solid cornerstone of your marketing strategy.
- [THLA Summer Camp Success Story - Mohamed Moussaid](https://texaslodging.com/thla-summer-camp-success-story-mohamed-moussaid/) - THLA Hotel Summer Camp Success Story, meet Mohamed Moussaid!
- [Will Texas Actually Reform Property Taxes?](https://texaslodging.com/will-texas-actually-reform-property-taxes/) - Property taxes are high in Texas. With a record state budget surplus, hotel owners are asking 'What does Texas plan to do to ease their property tax burden?'
- [Daycations - How Hotels can Generate Revenue with Day Passes](https://texaslodging.com/daycations-how-hotels-can-generate-revenue-with-day-passes/) - Many hotels, resorts, and lodgings open their pools, spas, and other amenities for Daycations by offering day passes. See how Hotels can generate extra revenue with these day passes.
- [Huntsville Texas - a Charming Blend of History and Nature](https://texaslodging.com/huntsville-texas-a-charming-blend-of-history-and-nature/) - Huntsville is a captivating city nestled in the Piney Woods just 70 miles north of Houston. With a rich history, scenic landscapes, and a vibrant community, Huntsville offers visitors an extraordinary blend of charm, culture, and natural beauty.
- [Hurricane Resouces for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/hurricane-resouces-for-hotels/) - Register your property to participate in FEMA's Emergency Lodging Assistance Program (ELA). Hotels can seek direct payment for the rooms from FEMA’s agent, Corporate Lodging Consultants (CLC).
- [Taylor-Made: Experience the Heart, History, and Flavor of Central Texas](https://texaslodging.com/taylor-made-experience-the-heart-history-and-flavor-of-central-texas/) - Taylor Texas, where the progressive momentum meets the timeless charm of the Texas Blackland Prairie. Authentic Texas Hospitality.
- [THLA Receives International Award for Workforce Development Excellence 2026](https://texaslodging.com/thla-receives-international-award-for-workforce-development-excellence-2026/) - THLA Receives International Award for Workforce Development Excellence
- [Hilton Partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters to Open Doors of Opportunity Across America](https://texaslodging.com/hilton-partners-with-big-brothers-big-sisters-to-open-doors-of-opportunity-across-america/) - Hilton and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America announced a nationwide partnership to provide young people access to mentorship and exposure to career paths in hospitality.
- [THLA Honors Larry Woods with 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award](https://texaslodging.com/thla-honors-larry-woods-with-2026-lifetime-achievement-award/) - THLA proudly recognized Larry Woods, CEO of Visit Boerne, with the 2026 THLA Lifetime Achievement Award during its Board of Directors Meeting held June 9, 2026, at Horseshoe Bay Resort.
- [The Ongoing Effects of Tariffs on Texas Hotels and What Hoteliers Can Do About It](https://texaslodging.com/the-ongoing-effects-of-tariffs-on-texas-hotels-and-what-hoteliers-can-do-about-it/) - Hoteliers are navigating one of the most challenging cost environments the industry has seen in decades, but it's not one single thing causing the squeeze.
- [THLA Hosts Dallas ISD Interns to Promote Careers in the Texas Lodging Industry](https://texaslodging.com/thla-hosts-dallas-isd-interns-to-promote-careers-in-the-texas-lodging-industry/) - THLA proudly hosted six high school interns from Dallas ISD in partnership with the Work-Based Learning Alliance (WBLA) and Dallas ISD Postsecondary Partnerships & Programs.
- [Federal Employment Agency Taking Action in Religious Discrimination Cases](https://texaslodging.com/federal-employment-agency-taking-action-in-religious-discrimination-cases/) - This month in Austin, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against a Chick-Fil-A franchisee, alleging religious discrimination by the company.
- [Hurricane Preparedness for Hotels 2026](https://texaslodging.com/hurricane-preparedness-for-hotels-2026/) - Hurricane season begins June 1st. NOAA predicts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic, but preparation is essential to stay safe all season.
- [Rockwall, Rockin’ on the Lake](https://texaslodging.com/rockwall-rockin-on-the-lake/) - Good Music. Good Times. Hometown. Rockwall is situated on scenic Lake Ray Hubbard, just 22 miles east of downtown Dallas on Interstate 30. The smallest county in Texas has the distinction of being one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Known for its small-town charm and big-city amenities, Rockwall is a family-friendly community
- [Federal Per Diem Rates Maintained at FY2021 Levels](https://texaslodging.com/federal-per-diem-rates-maintained-at-fy2021-levels/) - Each year, the General Services Administration (GSA) sets a per diem rate to reimburse employees’ lodging expenses for official travel within the continental United States. Normally, GSA calculates per diems based on the average daily rate (ADR) from the previous fiscal year, less five percent. However, as a result of pandemic-related shutdowns, capacity restrictions, and
- [Converge on the Capitol 2019 - The Issues](https://texaslodging.com/converge-on-the-capitol-2019-the-issues/) - The 10th Biennial Converge on the Capitol day was Thursday, February 21st! Thank you to all our members who joined us in Austin. Converge on the Capitol was a huge success this year. We had over 400 attendees from across the state attend over 130 meetings with State Legislators. We appreciate your participation and engagement.
- [Grants available for EV Charging Stations- Deadline Approaching](https://texaslodging.com/grants-available-for-ev-charging-stations-deadline-approaching/) - 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 market. Texas ranked third in the country for sales of electric vehicles. By 2022, over 200 EV
- [Rockwall - Lakeside Charm & Vibrant Entertainment](https://texaslodging.com/rockwall-lakeside-charm-vibrant-entertainment/) - Located 20 miles east of downtown Dallas along Interstate 30, Rockwall offers the perfect blend of lakeside charm, vibrant entertainment, and modern amenities.
- [AI & the Hospitality Industry: Your Friend from the Future](https://texaslodging.com/ai-the-hospitality-industry-your-friend-from-the-future/) - As we continue to explore how AI is transforming the hospitality industry, we’ve highlighted some important considerations for utilizing it in hospitality.
- [Tariff Refund Program Kickoff](https://texaslodging.com/tariff-refund-program-kickoff/) - THLA & Adesso Tax Services partner to help Texas hotels collect Taiff refunds. In February 2026, the Supreme Court struck down all IEEPA tariffs. The Courts ordered the CBP to begin processing refunds.
- [World Cup 2026, Boom for Texas Hotels? Maybe](https://texaslodging.com/world-cup-2026-boom-for-texas-hotels-maybe/) - Texas hotels are preparing for a surge in visitors during the 2026 World Cup, as Dallas hosts nine matches and Houston hosts seven this June and July.
- [IRS Releases Rule on “No Tax on Tips” Law](https://texaslodging.com/irs-releases-rule-on-no-tax-on-tips-law/) - This month, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a final rule for implementing the “no tax on tips” provisions.
- [La Porte, Where Texas History Meets Bayside Charm](https://texaslodging.com/la-porte-where-texas-history-meets-bayside-charm/) - Nestled along the scenic shores of Galveston Bay, La Porte is one of the Texas Gulf Coast’s best-kept secrets. Just a stone's throw from the bustling heart of Houston, La Porte offers a refreshing coastal escape. Visit La Porte.
- [COVID-19 Coronavirus: Hotel Industry's Response and Economic Recovery Proposals](https://texaslodging.com/covid19-economic-recovery/) - Updated March 19, 2020 We want to bring you an update about the current economic recovery proposals being pushed by the hotel industry with Congress to address the effect of the COVID-19 coronavirus on the viability of business moving forward. The below summaries note the proposals at the federal level, which are evolving by the
- [The Paycheck Protection Program Explained](https://texaslodging.com/pppexplained/) - Updated June 18, 2020 June 5th Update: President Signs The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act By Nilesh Patel & Brian Sullivan I June 18, 2020 I News On June 5, President Trump signed The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (the “Act”). The Act provides significant changes to key provisions of the Paycheck Protection
- [12 Tips for Hotel Marketing During the Holidays](https://texaslodging.com/12-tips-for-hotel-marketing-during-the-holidays/)
- [The Hotel Occupancy Tax “Permanent Resident” Exemption](https://texaslodging.com/the-hotel-occupancy-tax-permanent-resident-exemption/)
- [Hilton Americas- Houston Recognized for Extraordinary Measures Taken to Assist Community During COVID-19 Pandemic](https://texaslodging.com/hilton-americas-houston-recognized-for-extraordinary-measures-taken-to-assist-community-during-covid-19-pandemic/) - HOUSTON, TX – August 24, 2020 – Hilton Americas-Houston has been named a 2020 honoree for Houston Business Journal’s Business Impact Award. This specific award is bestowed on businesses that have taken extraordinary measures to assist their community during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Hilton Americas-Houston is honored and humbled to be an honoree for the Business
- [Podcasts for Hotel Managers to Check Out in 2026](https://texaslodging.com/podcasts-for-hotel-managers-to-check-out-in-2026/) - Podcasts are a great resource for keeping up with the ever-changing Hospitality Industry, get practical insights and inside perspectives from industry leaders. See our list of some popular podcasts here.
- [Texas Lt. Governor Releases Senate Interim Charges Related to Hotel Tax Reporting and Project Financing Zones](https://texaslodging.com/texas-lt-governor-releases-senate-interim-charges-related-to-hotel-tax-reporting-and-project-financing-zones/) - On March 27, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced the 2026 Interim Legislative Charges.
- [March 2026 Primary Election Updates](https://texaslodging.com/march-2026-primary-election-updates/) - On March 5th, we saw record turnout from both parties (exceeding 2022 records, with Democrats showing dramatic growth); a lot of money spent and runoffs in major races.
- [Cedar Park: Grit, Growth, and a New Era of Texas Hill Country Hospitality](https://texaslodging.com/cedar-park-grit-growth-and-a-new-era-of-texas-hill-country-hospitality/) - In the heart of Texas, where the horizon meets the rugged charm of the Texas Hill Country, a new standard for travel and gathering is being written. Visit Cedar Park!
- [The Third Legislative Session Ended with a Big Win for the Texas Lodging Industry](https://texaslodging.com/the-third-called-texas-legislative-session-ended-with-a-big-win-for-the-texas-lodging-industry/)
- [Rockport-Fulton: Where the Coast Comes Alive](https://texaslodging.com/rockport-fulton-where-the-coast-comes-alive/) - Nestled along the South Texas Gulf Coast, the twin cities of Rockport and Fulton offers world-class birding, legendary fishing and savory fresh seafood and more.
- [Immigration Enforcement in 2026: What Texas Hospitality Leaders Need to Know](https://texaslodging.com/immigration-enforcement-in-2026-what-texas-hospitality-leaders-need-to-know/) - Immigration Enforcement in 2026: What Texas Hospitality Leaders Need to Know
- [THLA Groundhog Job Shadow Day 2026: A Statewide Success](https://texaslodging.com/thla-groundhog-job-shadow-day-2026-a-statewide-success/) - February 2, 2026, THLA and the Future Hotel & Tourism Professionals hosted the first Groundhog Job Shadow Day, a career awareness initiative with 200 stu7dents statewide.
- [The Law on Renting Rooms to Minors and Under-Age Guests](https://texaslodging.com/renting_rooms_to_minors_and_under-age_guests/) - Texas law on renting rooms to minors. This Q&A explains the laws and provides some best practices to avoid liability.
- [The Growth of Mid-Market Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/the-growth-of-mid-market-hotels/) - Mid-market, or 'Premium Economy' hotels are on the rise. With the growing demands and desires of travelers wanting more comfort and amenities without extravagant spending, many hotels are finding a sweet spot in the middle.
- [The Importance of Community Engagement for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/the-importance-of-community-engagement-for-hotels/) - Hospitality, by definition, involves service. But self-aware hotels don’t only serve their guests; they serve their community. Hotels play important roles in disaster relief, thwarting human trafficking and more.
- [The Woodlands—A Natural Setting for Extraordinary Events](https://texaslodging.com/the-woodlands-a-natural-setting-for-extraordinary-events/) - A quiet afternoon kayaking, a fist-pumping night of live music, a gorgeous waterfront dining experience—just a few ways you can spend a day in The Woodlands.
- [Recap of the 79th Annual Short Course](https://texaslodging.com/recap-of-the-79th-annual-short-course/) - Recap of the 79h Annual THLA Short Course!
- [Welcome Jackson Olesky to THLA](https://texaslodging.com/welcome-jackson-olesky-to-thla/) - We are excited to welcome Jackson Olesky as the newest member of our legal team, serving as Associate General Counsel for Texas Hotel & Lodging Association.
- [Governor Abbott Announces 2026 Governor’s Small Business Summit Host Cities](https://texaslodging.com/governor-abbott-announces-2026-governors-small-business-summit-host-cities/) - Governor Greg Abbott today congratulated the 15 Texas communities selected as 2026 Governor’s Small Business Summit host cities.
- [AHLA: Hotel on the Hill Event 2026](https://texaslodging.com/ahla-hotel-on-the-hill-event-2026/) - It’s Been a Tough Year for the Industry, demand has not kept up with rising costs. Showing up matters. Get in front of Congress, tell them what's on your mind.
- [Donate to Texas HotelPAC](https://texaslodging.com/donate-to-texas-hotelpac/) - Donate to Texas HotelPAC! Support our mission. THLA advocates for legislation, regulations, resources, and a business climate that will promote a strong, vibrant, and growing lodging and tourism industry within Texas. Our goal, both current and historic, is to promote and ensure the success of lodging industry operators.
- [Hurricane Harvey Resources](https://texaslodging.com/hurricane-harvey-resources/) - [et_pb_section bb_built="1"][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.7.1"] Information for hotel guests: Obtaining financial assistance for lodging: Are you a Hurricane Harvey evacuee in need of financial assistance for lodging? We suggest contacting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA ) online or by phone at 800-621-3362.* Finding a hotel that accepts FEMA assistance: If you already have FEMA lodging assistance and you
- [Texas Legislature Begins 2017 Session](https://texaslodging.com/january2017legislativeupdate/) - Texas Legislature Begins 2017 Session Last month, we brought you the preview of THLA’s 2017’s legislative agenda. Here is what has been happening underneath the Capitol dome since the start of this month. During each legislative session, THLA monitors every bill that is filed at the Legislature to determine whether it would have an impact
- [March 2017 Legislative Update](https://texaslodging.com/march-2017-legislative-update/) - Texas Legislature March 2017 Update During each legislative session, THLA monitors every bill that is filed at the Legislature to determine whether it would have an impact on the Texas lodging and tourism industry. For those that have a positive or negative impact, we work to ensure that our industry’s interests are protected and promoted.
- [2015 Legislative Update- More Bills That Passed This Session](https://texaslodging.com/2015-legislative-update-more-bills-that-passed-this-session/) - Patent Troll Reform Patent Troll activity has plagued commercial businesses including hotels with frivolous lawsuits alleging patent infringement for often bogus patent claims. SB 1457 creates a state law cause of action that will allow businesses such as hotels that have been sued in a frivolous patent infringement lawsuit to counterclaim that the suit was
- [2015 Legislative Update- Bills That Were Defeated This Session](https://texaslodging.com/2015-legislative-update-bills-that-were-defeated-this-session/) - The following bills were considered by the Legislature this session and would have impacted the hotel and tourism industry, but did not pass: Facility Requirements Applicable to Residential Short Term Rentals (STRs): Defeated THLA supported efforts by certain hotel ownership groups to require that state and local government provisions that apply to traditional hotels should
- [February 2017 Legislative Update](https://texaslodging.com/february-2017-legislative-update/) - Texas Legislature February 2017 Update During each legislative session, THLA monitors every bill that is filed at the Legislature to determine whether it would have an impact on the Texas lodging and tourism industry. For those that have a positive or negative impact, we work to ensure that our industry’s interests are protected and promoted.
- [Texas Hotels Help Flood Victims and Stricken Communities 2025](https://texaslodging.com/texas-hotels-help-flood-victims-and-stricken-communities-2025/) - THLA is collecting stories from our members on how they are supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts in their communities. Read more here.
- [McKinney Texas is Leveling Up](https://texaslodging.com/mckinney-texas-is-leveling-up/) - McKinney is leveling up with bold additions in hospitality, recreation, dining and entertainment, while keeping that small-town charm. Visit McKinney.
- [Hotel Industry Trends 2026](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-industry-trends-2026/) - Hotels will continue to leverage AI for predictive personalization, bleisure travel evolves, and experiences still matter more. Read more on Hotel Trends 2026
- [THLA and FHTP Support Richardson High School Hotel Interns](https://texaslodging.com/thla-and-fhtp-support-richardson-high-school-hotel-interns/) - THLA and FHTP Support the Richardson High School Hotel Interns’ UTA Hospitality Showcase Experience.
- [Preventing Human Trafficking in January and Beyond](https://texaslodging.com/preventing-human-trafficking-in-january-and-beyond/) - January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and THLA is committed to doing all we can to safeguard our communities from being exploited by human traffickers.
- [Food and Beverage Trends for Hotels 2025](https://texaslodging.com/food-and-beverage-trends-for-hotels-2025/) - Travelers continue to seek memorable experiences. That includes drinking and dining. Experiential dining involves creating unique, appealing food and beverages.
- [THLA Fall Hotel Camp 2025, Inspires Future Leaders](https://texaslodging.com/thla-fall-hotel-camp-2025-inspires-future-leaders/) - THLA Fall Hotel Camp Inspired Future Hospitality Leaders on South Padre Island November 11–13.
- [Texas Boiler Regulations for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/texas-boiler-regulations-for-hotels/) - Hoteliers are often surprised to learn that various boilers in their hotel properties are regulated by a state agency. See the regulations here.
- [Operational Efficiency for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/operational-efficiency-for-hotels/) - Operational efficiency means delivering quality service and elevated guest experiences while optimizing resources, minimizing waste, and maximizing profits.
- [Optimize Your Hotel Website for AI Search](https://texaslodging.com/optimize-your-hotel-website-for-ai-search/) - Artificial Intelligence continues to evolve, changing how users find information. For hotels, optimizing your website for AI search is crucial for maintaining visibility and driving bookings.
- [Lubbock, Texas: Where West Texas Spirit Meets Modern Flair](https://texaslodging.com/lubbock-texas-where-west-texas-spirit-meets-modern-flair/) - Lubbock’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and deep West Texas pride, with a modern flair. It's not just cattle and cotton. Visit Lubbock!
- [Texas Legislature Adjourns Second Special Session Sine Die](https://texaslodging.com/texas-legislature-adjourns-second-special-session-sine-die/) - With several items on the Governor’s call left unresolved, it remains to be seen whether Governor Abbott will call the Legislature back for a third special session.
- [Why Hotels Should Consider Partnering with Restaurants](https://texaslodging.com/why-hotels-should-consider-partnering-with-restaurants/) - Unique partnerships can offer guests meals while keeping costs down and increasing brand awareness.
- [Sleep Tourism, the Growing Wellness Travel Trend](https://texaslodging.com/sleep-tourism-the-growing-wellness-travel-trend/) - Many travelers rate rest as their top travel goal, and sleep tourism is a fast-growing niche in the wellness travel industry.
- [The Importance of Staff Safety in Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/the-importance-of-staff-safety-in-hotels/) - Your hotel staff relies on solid safety policies and procedures to address risks from slips and falls, fires, physical strain, emergencies, and potential guest harassment. See how to create a safe workplace here.
- [Stephenville - The Cowboy Capital of the World](https://texaslodging.com/stephenville-the-cowboy-capital-of-the-world-2/) - Known as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Stephenville offers visitors an authentic Texas experience where western heritage, vibrant culture, and small-town hospitality come together. Visit Stephenville.
- [FY 2026 Per Diem Rates](https://texaslodging.com/fy-2026-per-diem-rates/) - The federal CONUS per diem rate for lodging remains flat.
- [FY 2025 Per Diem Rates](https://texaslodging.com/gsa-releases-fy-2025-per-diem-rates/) - The federal CONUS per diem rate for lodging increased by $3 to $110 per night for FY 2025 for federal government travelers.
- [How Hotels Can Play a Role in Disaster Relief](https://texaslodging.com/how-hotels-can-play-a-role-in-disaster-relief/) - Hotels can play a crucial role in natural disaster relief, providing shelter, resources, and support to affected communities, including those impacted by recent floods and other natural disasters in Texas. Read more about how to prepare your hotel.
- [League City, Where Coastal Charm Meets Texas Hospitality](https://texaslodging.com/league-city-where-coastal-charm-meets-texas-hospitality/) - Nestled between bustling Houston and coastal Galveston, League City is a hidden gem that offers visitors the best of both worlds of Texas Hospitality and Coastal Charm.
- [THLA's Membership Team Wins Again](https://texaslodging.com/thlas-membership-team-wins-again/) - The International Society of Hotel Associations recognized THLA’s City of the Month program with an Award of Excellence, highlighting Texas's character.
- [Event Marketing Strategies for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/event-marketing-strategies-for-hotels/) - Marketing your hotel around events boosts your visibility and brand awareness to potential new customers. Read more about event marketing strategies.
- [Hurricane Preparedness for Hotels 2025](https://texaslodging.com/hurricane-preparedness-for-hotels-2025/) - Hurricane season begins June 1st and will last to November 30th. The 2025 Season is predicted to be very active. Get your property prepared.
- [De Soto - The Crossroads of Culture, Nature, and Community](https://texaslodging.com/de-soto-the-crossroads-of-culture-nature-and-community/) - A short drive south of Dallas, the City of DeSoto offers a vibrant blend of urban charm and suburban tranquility. Explore DeSoto.
- [Bryan Texas -- A Legend Reborn](https://texaslodging.com/bryan-texas-a-legend-reborn/) - Bryan is conveniently located in the heart of the “Texas Triangle,” less than a 3-hour drive from the largest metro areas in the state. With converging cultures built on deep Texas roots, Bryan is legend reborn.
- [Cybersecurity and Privacy Issues for Hotels in 2025](https://texaslodging.com/cybersecurity-and-privacy-issues-for-hotels-in-2025/) - Increased information comes with increased risk. Read more about cybersecurity challenges faced by the hotel industry and strategies to protect your data and customeer privacy.
- [Spring Cleaning for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/spring-cleaning-for-hotels/) - Welcome Spring! It's that time of year to go beyond the routine deep clean and step up your freshen up. Rejuvenate your property, tighten operations, and polish up your marketing.
- [Cedar Park, Texas: Your Hill Country Spring Getaway Awaits!](https://texaslodging.com/cedar-park-texas-your-hill-country-spring-getaway-awaits/) - Ditch the city hustle and discover Cedar Park's Charm. Trade the tourist traps for genuine Texas Hospitality. Discover why locals rave about Cedar Park.
- [Mid-Session Legislative Update - 2025](https://texaslodging.com/mid-session-legislative-update-2025/) - The 88th Session of the Texas Legislature is well underway. Of the 820 plus bills being tracked by THLA, the most critical relate to short-term rentals, labor and employment, hotel occupancy tax, and property tax.
- [The Growth of the Senior Travel Market & Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/the-growth-of-the-senior-travel-market-hotels/) - Senior travel is a fast-growing market segment, and they're on the move. Don’t underestimate this market opportunity for your hotel.
- [College Station - Learn Why You'll Love it Here](https://texaslodging.com/college-station-learn-why-youll-love-it-here/) - Although football season is the most popular time to visit, College Station is a year-round destination with tons to do for all travelers.
- [Meaningful Travel](https://texaslodging.com/meaningful-travel/) - The ‘meaningful travel’ trend continues as the modern traveler is focused on personal growth, cultural immersion, and connection. These travelers seek unique experiences.
- [Recap of the 78th Annual Short Course](https://texaslodging.com/recap-of-the-78th-annual-short-course/) - Over 100 enthusiastic participants showed up eager to deepen their knowledge and sharpen their leadership skills.
- [Anthony Texas, the Gateway to Texas and the Leap Year Capital of the World!](https://texaslodging.com/anthony-texas-the-gateway-to-texas-and-the-leap-year-capital-of-the-world/) - Anthony, the Gateway to Texas and the Leap Year Capital of the World, where history, charm and adventure come together.
- [2025 Texas Legislative Session Kicks Off; New Speaker of the House Elected](https://texaslodging.com/2025-texas-legislative-session-kicks-off-new-speaker-of-the-house-elected/) - 2025 Texas Legislative Season is upon us. Read about key dates and our agenda for the 89th Texas Legislature.
- [Discover Marble Falls: A Vibrant Blend of History, Arts, and Adventure](https://texaslodging.com/discover-marble-falls-a-vibrant-blend-of-history-arts-and-adventure/) - Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Marble Falls is a dynamic destination that blends history, arts, shopping, scenery and more.
- [Hotel Industry Trends 2025](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-industry-trends-2025/) - There’s plenty of optimism in the expected growth of the hotel industry. Here is a recap and update on new and continuing trends in the hotel industry for 2025.
- [How to Keep Hotel Bookings Up in Winter 2024](https://texaslodging.com/how-to-keep-hotel-bookings-up-in-winter-2024/) - Many hotels suffer a booking slump in their shoulder seasons, here are some suggestions on how to keep bookings up in winter.
- [Redefining the Hotel Bar](https://texaslodging.com/redefining-the-hotel-bar/) - Redefine your hotel bar to delight your guests and attract locals, from elevated Happy Hours with signature drinks and hors d'oeuvres to fresh and fun mocktails.
- [Federal Judge in Sherman, Texas Throws Out DOL Overtime Rule](https://texaslodging.com/federal-judge-in-sherman-texas-throws-out-dol-overtime-rule/) - Big data is a valuable tool and helps hotels improve operations and customer service.
- [Gatesville - The Spur Capital of Texas](https://texaslodging.com/gatesville-the-spur-capital-of-texas/) - Visit Gatesville, the Spur Capital of Texas, on the edge of the Texas Triangle.
- [All Eyes are on the November Election](https://texaslodging.com/all-eyes-are-on-the-november-election/) - Just like the rest of America, Texas’s hotel industry is carefully watching and anticipating the November election.
- [Explore Bastrop County!](https://texaslodging.com/explore-bastrop-county/) - As the pine and oak forests in Central Texas, Bastrop County embodies the outdoors, with nature to share in The Lost Pines Region. Hiking, biking, watersports, art and more to explore!
- [2024 THLA Hotel Summer Camps Recap](https://texaslodging.com/2024-thla-hotel-summer-camps-recap/) - In June 2024, THLA hosted three High School Hotel Summer Camps in Houston, Fort Worth, and College Station, offering over 150 high school students a unique opportunity to explore the hotel industry.
- [THLA Prepares for 2025 Texas Legislative Session](https://texaslodging.com/thla-prepares-for-2025-texas-legislative-session/) - THLA Prepares for 2025 Legislative Session
- [Explore Pflugerville: A Pfun City with Big Charm](https://texaslodging.com/explore-pflugerville-a-pfun-city-with-big-charm/) - Have Pfun in Pflugerville with the perfect blend of natural beauty and charm!
- [How to Use Big Data in the Hotel Industry](https://texaslodging.com/how-to-use-big-data-in-the-hotel-industry/) - Big data is a valuable tool and helps hotels improve operations and customer service.
- [GSA releases FY 2024 per diem rates](https://texaslodging.com/gsa-releases-fy-2024-per-diem-rates/) - The federal General Services Agency (GSA) just announced new federal lodging per diem rates for Fiscal Year 2024
- [Paris, Texas - A Unique Blend of Charm, History, & Vibrant Culture](https://texaslodging.com/paris-texas-a-unique-blend-of-charm-history-vibrant-culture/) - Paris Texas. Charm, History & Vibrant Culture. Plan your getaway.
- [How Hotels can Celebrate Housekeeping Week, Sept. 8th-14th 2024](https://texaslodging.com/how-hotels-can-celebrate-housekeeping-week-sept-8th-14th-2024/) - Housekeeping Week is September 8th-14th. Celebrate the unsung heroes of hospitality!
- [THLA 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award](https://texaslodging.com/thla-2024-lifetime-achievement-award/) - Texas hoteliers Paul Schultz & Theresa Elliott have demonstrated a lifetime of leadership and service within the Texas lodging industry.
- [Recognizing the Signs of Child Sex Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry](https://texaslodging.com/recognizing-the-signs-of-child-sex-trafficking-in-the-hospitality-industry/) - Recognize the signs of child sex trafficking in the Hospitality Industry and find out how to train your staff.
- [Hospitality Industry Podcasts to Check Out in 2024](https://texaslodging.com/hospitality-industry-podcasts-to-check-out-in-2024/) - Popular Hospitality Podcasts in 2024
- [Hotel Management Blogs to Read, 2020](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-management-blogs-to-read-2020/) - We’ve previously discussed the necessity for hotel managers to stay current with their industry, regarding everything from management ethics to technology upgrades. And we've recently recommended some books for deep dives and better in-depth understanding. But it’s not enough to just stay current, you need to stay curious. Hotel Management Blogs are a great place
- [Wimberley, a Hidden Gem in the Texas Hill Country!](https://texaslodging.com/wimberley-a-hidden-gem-in-the-texas-hill-country/) - Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Wimberley offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, culture, unique shopping, delectable dining, and warm hospitality.
- [Staff Retention Strategies for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/staff-retention-strategies-for-hotels/) - Maintaining optimal staffing capacity is critical for giving guests the service they expect and reducing turnover costs. See some strategies for staff retention here.
- [Hotel Industry Trends to Watch 2024](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-industry-trends-to-watch-2024/) - While the hotel industry continues to evolve, many past trends have become standard operating procedure. Sustainability, eco-friendly efforts, techno-savvy business practices, and personalization are no longer trendy, they’re expected.
- [Culinary Tourism and Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/culinary-tourism-and-hotels/) - Culinary tourism is at the top of the list for experieential travel. See how your hotel can tempt the culinary tourist.
- [Insurance Coverage for Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act Claims](https://texaslodging.com/insurance-coverage-for-trafficking-victims-protection-reauthorization-act-claims/) - The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (“TVPRA”) provides a civil cause of action against entities that perpetrate or “benefit” from human trafficking.
- [DOL Overtime Rule Lawsuit](https://texaslodging.com/dol-overtime-rule-lawsuit/) - THLA has joined AHLA and other business groups in a lawsuit against the DOL to block the rule from taking effect.
- [Hurricane Preparedness for Hotels 2024](https://texaslodging.com/hurricane-preparedness-for-hotels-2024/) - Hurricane season begins June 1st and will last to November 30th. The 2024 Season is predicted to be very active. Monitor your preparedness.
- [Storytelling and Instagram for Hotel Marketing](https://texaslodging.com/storytelling-and-instagram-for-hotel-marketing/) - Instagram Stories is a powerful marketing tool that allows you to showcase your facilities, create your unique visual identity, and reach a larger audience. Read some tips here.
- [Glen Rose Texas, You Gotta Go to Glen Rose](https://texaslodging.com/glen-rose-texas-you-gotta-go-to-glen-rose/) - You gotto go to Glen Rose! See the dinosaur tracks, the petrified wood buildings, and meet the warm-hearted people who call Glen Rose home.
- [2024- DOL Overtime Ruling](https://texaslodging.com/2024-dol-overtime-ruling/) - The new DOL rule raises the minimum salary threshold for employees exempt from overtime pay.
- [Texas Senate's interim charge on HOT-related legislation](https://texaslodging.com/texas-senates-interim-charge-on-hot-related-legislation/) - Texas Senate considers greater hotel tax transparency.
- [Hotel Pool Safety Requirements](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-pool-safety-requirements/) - Tips to minimize and prevent pool and spa-related injuries, as well as information on what Texas law requires
- [Digital Spring Cleaning- Review and Access Your Lodging Listing](https://texaslodging.com/digital-spring-cleaning-review-and-access-your-lodging-listing/) - Spring cleaning is upon us and now is the time to view and make any updates to your property listing via our website.
- [Texas Leads the Way to Court Victory on Challenging NLRB’s “Joint Employer” Rule](https://texaslodging.com/texas-leads-the-way-to-court-victory-on-challenging-nlrbs-joint-employer-rule/) - Important legal victory - a federal judge for the Eastern District of Texas blocked the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) expanded joint-employer rule
- [Kerrville Texas - Beautifully Crafted](https://texaslodging.com/kerrville-texas-beautifully-crafted/) - The past meets the present in beautifully crafted Kerrville. Learn about it's rich history, Hill Country adventures, and rich art and culture.
- [The Growing Demand for Extended Stays in Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/the-growing-demand-for-extended-stays-in-hotels/) - The post-pandemic working environment made extended stay one of the fastest-growing segments in hospitality. Read aboout demand and benefits here.
- [Exploring the Future of Hospitality: A Recap of the 2024 THLA Hotel Summer Camps](https://texaslodging.com/exploring-the-future-of-hospitality-a-recap-of-the-2024-thla-hotel-summer-camps/) - Highly anticipated Texas Hotel Summer Camps are open. Available in three vibrant cities—Houston, Fort Worth, and Bryan College Station.
- [The Corporate Transparency Act and its Implications for Hotel Owners in Texas](https://texaslodging.com/the-corporate-transparency-act-and-its-implications-for-hotel-owners-in-texas/) - A new federal law, the Corporate Transparency Act, recently went into effect as of January 1, 2024, and has serious implications for many hotel owners across Texas.
- [TABC Compliance Reports are Due Soon!](https://texaslodging.com/tabc-compliance-reports-are-due-soon/) - TABC Compliance Reports are due by March 31, 2024!
- [Texas Hotels and the Solar Eclipse 2024](https://texaslodging.com/texas-hotels-and-the-solar-eclipse-2024/) - Most models predict Texas will have almost 1.3 million visitors for the phenomenon. Get your lodging ready.
- [TABC Compliance Reporting Due](https://texaslodging.com/tabc-compliance-reporting-due/) - Reminder: Every year, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) requires all TABC alcoholic beverage permit-holders to submit a compliance report as part of the inspection process. The 2019 compliance reporting period begins on September 1, 2019 and ends on December 1, 2019. If your property holds a TABC permit, you have until December 1st to
- [Hospitality High School Highlights](https://texaslodging.com/hospitality-high-school-highlights/) - Omni Dallas Hotel and Richardson High School (RHS) have come together in an exciting collaboration to provide students with an immersive and innovative learning experience in the world of hospitality. Introducing the "Hospitality Hub."
- [Recap of the 77th Annual Short Course](https://texaslodging.com/recap-of-the-77th-annual-short-course/) - Recap of the 77th Annual THLA Short Course!
- [The lively hotel lobby, suggestions to transform your space](https://texaslodging.com/the-lively-hotel-lobby-suggestions-to-transform-your-space/) - First impressions are lasting. Your lobby sets the mood for the guest experience. Here are some suggestions for livening up your lobby
- [THLA Receives Award of Excellence for 2023 Governmental Affairs Program](https://texaslodging.com/thla-receives-award-of-excellence-for-2023-govrnmental-affairs-program/) - THLA Receives Award of Excellence for 2023 Governmental Affairs Program
- [Extreme Winter Weather Tips and Strategies for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/extreme-winter-weather-tips-and-strategies-for-hotels/) - Extreme Weather Tips - Keep your property prepared.
- [Brownsville - On the Border, by the Sea and Beyond](https://texaslodging.com/brownsville-on-the-border-by-the-sea-and-beyond/) - Brownsville, Texas is a multifaceted destination with a colorful variety of history, culture, food, and a view of the future. From the Charro Festival, to the SpaceX Starbase, to the Taco Trail, savor the border in Brownsville.
- [Do I need to collect hotel occupancy taxes on cancellation fees?](https://texaslodging.com/need-collect-hotel-occupancy-taxes-cancellation-fees/) - Do I need to collect hotel occupancy taxes on cancellation fees? We get this question all the time, and the answer is, probably not. A special rule applies to whether hotel occupancy taxes are imposed on a hotel room rental cancellation fee. A 1989 Texas Comptroller’s hearing concluded that hotel taxes are not due on
- [Seize the Bay in Baytown](https://texaslodging.com/seize-the-bay-in-baytown/) - Nestled in the Gulf Coast just 30 minutes east of Houston, Baytown, Texas, emerges as a captivating destination for both business and leisure travelers alike. Come Seize the Bay!
- [Wellness Tourism 2021](https://texaslodging.com/wellness-tourism-2021/) - 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.
- [The Benefits of Contactless Check-in](https://texaslodging.com/the-benefits-of-contactless-check-in/) - Even before the Covid pandemic, contactless check-in was a valued feature for travelers. Contactless check-in and communication allow hotels to adhere to socially distanced travel requirements, minimize touchpoints, increase staff efficiencies, enhance guest services, and offer greater opportunities for targeted marketing to guests. Contactless check-in consistently ranks at the top of customer satisfaction surveys.
- [Eco-Friendly Travel](https://texaslodging.com/eco-friendly-travel/) - Eco-friendly hotels are expected now Hotels and resorts have been going green for years, but what used to be a trend is now an expectation for eco-friendly travelers. Sustainable hospitality does less harm to the environment, lowers costs, and garners goodwill from guests.
- [End of Year Document Clean-Up 2023](https://texaslodging.com/end-of-year-document-clean-up-2023/) - At the end of the year, it is time to store away documents and get ready for the next year. But, how long do you need to keep those files?
- [End of Year Document Clean-Up 2018](https://texaslodging.com/end-of-year-document-clean-up-2018/) - End of Year Document Clean-Up 2018
- [How to Bring the Business Traveler Back to Your Hotel](https://texaslodging.com/how-to-bring-the-business-traveler-back-to-your-hotel/) - While leisure travel has almost fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, the lucrative business traveler has been slower to rebound. Recent predictions, however, promise a robust return of the business traveler in 2023.
- [Hotel Industry Trends for 2023](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-industry-trends-for-2023/) - Digital Transformation and Automation, Personalization and Sustainability will continue to trend in 2023.
- [Important Updates on the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC)](https://texaslodging.com/important-updates-on-the-employee-retention-tax-credit-ertc/) - The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a tax credit aimed to incentivize businesses to keep employees on their payroll despite revenue reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- [CARES Act Signed into Law - $2.2 trillion stimulus package](https://texaslodging.com/cares-act/) - On March 27, the federal CARES Act was signed into law This provides over $2.2 trillion in federal stimulus spending to aid the U.S. economy. The THLA legal team is still reviewing the enormous bill and all the programs it creates, but here is information on the essentials you should know.
- [10 Basic Requirements to Meet Your Hotel Guest Needs](https://texaslodging.com/10-basic-requirements-to-meet-your-hotel-guest-needs/) - 10 Basic Requirements to Meet Your Hotel Guest Needs
- [Geopolitical Turmoil's Impact on the Tourism Industry](https://texaslodging.com/geopolitical-turmoils-impact-on-the-tourism-industry/) - Geopolitical turmoil impacts the tourism industry both directly and indirectly. While Texas is relatively unaffected by recent conflicts, there are reasons to stay vigilant.
- [12 Tips for Hotel Holiday Marketing 2022](https://texaslodging.com/12-tips-for-hotel-holiday-marketing-2022/) - As the travel industry continues its rebound, pent-up wanderlust may see more travelers considering 'Hotel for the Holidays', presenting more opportunities for hotels.See our 12 Tips for Holiday Marketing.
- [The Texas Legislature Passed Property Tax Relief July 2023](https://texaslodging.com/the-texas-legislature-finally-passed-meaningful-property-tax-relief-and-reform-in-a-july-special-legislative-session/) - Property taxes are a major line-item expense for hotel owners, and the Texas legislature was primed to take up property tax relief this year.
- [THLA Released a Collection of Education Partnership Resources](https://texaslodging.com/thla-released-a-collection-of-education-partnership-resources-to-assist-texas-hoteliers-in-building-strong-partnerships-with-local-school-districts/) - THLA resources are developed to serve as a timesaving starting place for Texas hoteliers
- [Cedar Hill - Scenic City](https://texaslodging.com/cedar-hill-scenic-city/) - Cedar Hill offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, a nature enthusiast's destination for hiking, biking, boating, birding and camping, incredible shopping, and diverse dining. Visit scenic Cedar Hill, a thriving city in a picturesque park setting.
- [Chatbots and the Hospitality Industry](https://texaslodging.com/chatbots-and-the-hospitality-industry/) - Chatbots are computer programs that can help hotels improve their customer experience and reduce costs and workloads on human customer service representatives
- [Alpine Texas, the Eden of the West](https://texaslodging.com/alpine-texas-the-eden-of-the-west/) - Alpine is nestled in a valley surrounded by the foothils of the Davis and Glass Mountains, with grand vistas and stunning mountain landscapes. Explore Alpine!
- [Judging CTSO Competitions Offer Business Benefits](https://texaslodging.com/judging-ctso-competitions-offer-business-benefits/) - In Texas, there are several CTSOs that foster and develop skills that prepare students for success in the hotel industry.
- [Industry Icon Bill Kirk's Passing](https://texaslodging.com/industry-icon-bill-kirks-passing/) - We lost one of our best and our brightest, Bill Kirk, who passed away.
- [The Hotel Industry and Climate Change](https://texaslodging.com/the-hotel-industry-and-climate-change/) - The hospitality industry is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten coastal resorts and hotels, snow melt affects mountain destinations, heat, and drought are changing eco-tourism.
- [The Role Of High School Partnerships And Future Leaders](https://texaslodging.com/nurturing-tomorrows-hospitality-leaders/) - Nurturing tomorrow's leaders.
- [THLA Partners with Best](https://texaslodging.com/thla-partners-with-best-alliance-to-provide-complimentary-training-in-human-trafficking-issues/)
- [Hurricane Preparedness for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/hurricane-preparedness-for-hotels-2020-2/) - Hurricane season officially began June 1st and will last to November 30th. During hurricane season you should regularly monitor your preparedness.
- [Energy Saving Tips for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/energy-saving-tips-for-hotels/) - On average, hotels spend approximately 6% of their operating costs on energy. Consider some simple, affordable, and sustainable energy-saving options, as well as long-term infrastructure considerations.
- [Llano- Living Like a Local](https://texaslodging.com/llano-living-like-a-local/) - A river runs through it. Kayak among the granite boulders on the Llano River, stroll the accredited Main Street City, enjoy the many Festivals. Live like a Local in Llano!
- [Digital Marketing for Hotels 2023 – UX, VR, AI, and Other Acronyms](https://texaslodging.com/digital-marketing-for-hotels-2023-ux-vr-ai-and-other-acronyms/) - The digital marketing landscape changes constantly and the perpetual motion of digital media can make it hard to find your footing. Here are some recommendations for how hotels can utilize better UX, VR and AI
- [Dog Days of Summer and Pet-Friendly Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/dog-days-of-summer-and-pet-friendly-hotels/) - Pandemic Pets are hitting the road (with their people of course). Pet-Welcoming Hotels are offering perks.
- [2023 End of Session Report](https://texaslodging.com/2023-end-of-session-report/) - The 2023 Legislative Session produced very important results for the Texas lodging industry, but it's not over just yet. A special session has been ordered. Read our Texas Legislature End of Session Report.
- [The Texas Legislature Finally Passes Property Tax Reform](https://texaslodging.com/the-texas-legislature-finally-passes-property-tax-reform/) - The historic $18 billion tax cut is funded from the state’s budget surplus, and it will have a substantial positive effect on Texas lodging property owners.
- [Room Pricing During an Emergency](https://texaslodging.com/room-pricing-during-an-emergency/) - For Texas 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 that level of occupancy when there is not an emergency.
- [Dalhart, Wide Open Spaces](https://texaslodging.com/dalhart-wide-open-spaces/) - Located 83 miles northwest of Amarillo in the far northwestern corner of the Texas Panhandle, Dalhart offers wide open spaces
- [Child Labor Laws - 2023](https://texaslodging.com/child-labor-laws/) - With the Texas summer season comes increased interest in hiring high school aged employees to work in hotel properties. If you are seeking to hire any employees under the age of 18, this brief guide will assist in legal consideration you should take into account.
- [Port Isabel-Deep Roots in Texas History](https://texaslodging.com/port-isabel-deep-roots-in-texas-history/)
- [Service Animals Lodging Properties](https://texaslodging.com/service-animals-lodging-properties/) - A service animal is not a pet. Read up on traveling to Texas accommodations and questions to ask a guest when you are unsure.
- [ADA Service Animals](https://texaslodging.com/ada-service-animals/) - Texas accommodations and ADA service animals: avoid potential exposure to liability by understanding the rules and common questions we receive.
- [ADA Focus: Service Animals and Lodging Properties](https://texaslodging.com/ada-focus-service-animals/) - Traveling in Texas with a service animal: Understand the rules under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) pertaining to service animals.
- [Can a Hotel Refuse to Accept Cash?](https://texaslodging.com/can-a-hotel-refuse-to-accept-cash/) - Is it lawful for a hotel to go to a "credit cards-only" policy for payment?
- [Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace](https://texaslodging.com/pregnancy-discrimination-in-the-workplace-2/) - Basic facts you should know about pergnancy discrimination. An employer must make reasonable accommodations for the employee under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978.
- [What is Hotel Occupancy Tax?](https://texaslodging.com/what-is-hotel-occupancy-tax/) - Occupancy tax is a tax on the rental of rooms that the city, county, state or country may require; it is generally owed on the price of accommodations & generally paid by the guest.
- [Is tax included with that? A hotel tax and sales guide](https://texaslodging.com/is-tax-included-with-that-a-hotel-tax-and-sales-guide/) - THLA has an easy-to-use chart that covers virtually every type of charge a hotel might charge a guest, and information about which tax (if any) applies.
- [Personalized and Purposeful Experiences](https://texaslodging.com/personalized-and-purposeful-experiences/) - Data trends confirm over 80% of consumers prefer brands offering them personalized experiences. In the post-pandemic environment, travelers seek informed and purposeful experiences. Personalization is not a perk, it’s expected.
- [10 Lessons from a Texas Tourism & Hospitality Legend:  Larry Woods](https://texaslodging.com/10-lessons-from-a-texas-tourism-hospitality-legend-larry-woods/)
- [How to Attract the Deal-Seeker to your Hotel](https://texaslodging.com/how-to-attract-the-deal-seeker-to-your-hotel/) - Travel demand is strong, but budgets are stretched. Travelers are looking for deals. From flash deals to room upgrades and discounts, find ways to attract the deal-seeker.
- [Major Issues we are Tracking](https://texaslodging.com/major-issues-we-are-tracking/) - The 88th Session of the Texas Legislature is well underway. Of the 500 plus bills being tracked by THLA, the most critical relate to short-term rentals, labor and employment, hotel occupancy tax, and property tax.
- [Child Care Scholarships- Opportunities for Hospitality Workers](https://texaslodging.com/child-care-scholarships-opportunities-for-hospitality-workers/) - 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.
- [Common Record Retention Time Periods](https://texaslodging.com/common-record-retention-time-periods-2/) - 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 keep.
- [Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Training Law Takes Effect](https://texaslodging.com/texas-human-trafficking-prevention-training-law-takes-effect/) - The Texas hotel industry, in coordination with the major hotel brands and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, advocated for the passage of the Texas human trafficking prevention training legislation.
- [Granbury Texas, Restore Yourself](https://texaslodging.com/granbury/) - There are so many ways to restore yourself in Granbury, Texas, voted the Best Historic Small Town in America by the readers of USA Today, THREE years in a row.
- [Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Training: January Update](https://texaslodging.com/texas-human-trafficking-prevention-training-january-update/) - Texas’s new human trafficking prevention training requirement for hotel employees formally took effect on January 1st. The Texas Office of the Attorney General requires to train employees on recognizing human trafficking activity.
- [Human Trafficking Prevention Training Update](https://texaslodging.com/human-trafficking-prevention-training-update/) - 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.
- [Lubbock - the "Hub City"](https://texaslodging.com/lubbock-the-hub-city/) - 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.
- [Eagle Pass - The Best Border Town in Texas](https://texaslodging.com/eagle-pass-the-best-border-town-in-texas/) - If you’re looking for a tranquil place to relax, do some shopping, play golf, and perhaps try your luck at a game of chance, Eagle Pass is the place for you.
- [Ethical Labor Practices in Hospitality](https://texaslodging.com/ethical-labor-practices-in-hospitality/) - Many hotels were understaffed in 2022 and finding new staff remains a challenge for the hospitality industry. Hotels must entice new hires with competitive pay, promising career paths and more.
- [Denison - The Gateway City](https://texaslodging.com/denison-the-gateway-city/) - There’s something for everyone is Denison. Plan your getaway and discover all Deniison has to offer!
- [New Braunfels. New Adventures.](https://texaslodging.com/new-braunfels-new-adventures/) - New Braunfels boasts an old-world heritage that combines perfectly with its small-town charm offering a diverse range of activities, attractions,& entertainment
- [TEA Listening Tour](https://texaslodging.com/tea-listening-tour/) - TEA listening tour provides industry representatives an opportunity to represent the hospitality industry and provide input to ensure that high school students are informed and prepared for the exciting occupations in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry.
- [Play...In New Braunfels](https://texaslodging.com/play-in-new-braunfels/) - Deep in the heart of the Texas Hill country lies beautiful New Braunfels. Founded in 1845 by German settlers, New Braunfels is overflowing with old-world heritage and small-town charm. Discover the city with a scenic Walking Tour or take in the great museums, historic districts, and performing arts. Catch a concert under the stars or cut a rug at Texas-style
- [AISD Hospitality Days Recap](https://texaslodging.com/aisd-tourism-career-day-recap/) - THLA Education Foundation staff partnered with Arlington ISD, Arlington Texas Live!, Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County, Gaylord Texan Resort & Spa, the Hotel Association of Tarrant County, Tarrant County College, and Travel and Sports Legacy Foundation in an Arlington ISD Career Awareness Day.
- [2023 Texas Legislative Session: Bills we are tracking](https://texaslodging.com/2023-texas-legislative-session-bills-we-are-tracking/) - Updated March 30, 2023 Update: Statistics on bills filed through the 60th Day As of the 60th Day this session, 8,276 bills were filed. In 2021, 6,927 bills were filed in total. In 2019, 7,324 bills were filed in total. We are tracking over 450 bills. In some of our more important track categories: 49
- [Video Stories for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/video-stories-for-hotels/) - Video offers hotels a great opportunity to immerse their guests in their individual stories and to showcase their amenities through their website.
- [Hotel Energy Saving Solutions](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-energy-saving-solutions/)
- [GSA releases FY 2023 per diem rates](https://texaslodging.com/gsa_releases_fy_2023_per_diem_rates/) - The federal General Services Agency (GSA) just announced new federal lodging per diem rates for Fiscal Year 2023
- [THLA Partners  with Adesso Capital](https://texaslodging.com/thla-partners-with-adesso-capital-to-help-get-hoteliers-federal-covid-recovery-funds/) - THLA is proud to announce a partnership with Adesso Capital to help Texas hoteliers access much-needed federal pandemic recovery funds.
- [Meet Mayur Patel, THLA's 2023 Chairman](https://texaslodging.com/meet-mayur-patel-thlas-2023-chairman/) - THLA is delighted to welcome Mayur Patel to the role of THLA's Chairman of the Board for 2023
- [Boerne - An Elevated Hill Country Experience](https://texaslodging.com/boerne-an-elevated-hill-country-experience/) - Boerne is the hub of the Texas Hill Country. Centrally located, one can enjoy all that Boerne offers with unique shopping, over-the-top dining, history, art, and events while making it their home base for day-tripping through the charming Hill Country.
- [Common Record Retention Time Periods](https://texaslodging.com/common-record-retention-time-periods/) - 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 keep.
- [Reserving Hotel Room Blocks for a Wedding](https://texaslodging.com/reserving-hotel-room-blocks-for-a-wedding/) - Wedding planning can be exciting...AND stressful. With COVID-related restrictions on the decline, destination weddings involving hotels and out-of-town guests for even the smallest events mean that advance planning by hotel staff is a necessity for almost every wedding. Hotels need to be prepared to answer many questions (including those of enhanced COVID protections/protocols), promote any
- [Federal news: Supreme Court blocks federal vaccine mandate for large employers; OSHA pulls down emergency rule](https://texaslodging.com/federal-news/)
- [Hotel Industry Trends 2022](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-industry-trends-2022/) - The pandemic affected the hospitality and travel industries more than most an compelled them to innovate and adapt. See top trends for 2022
- [THLA Summer Camps Recognized](https://texaslodging.com/thla-summer-camps-recognized/) - ISHA's national award given to a program or project that best demonstrates an effective training mechanism and enhances knowledge of our travel & tourism industry.
- [Recap of the 76th Annual Short Course](https://texaslodging.com/recap-of-the-76th-annual-short-course/) - THLA hosted 124 participants in the first in-person convening of the course after Covid. This professional development opportunity absolutely presents a beginning to life-long industry relationships that they can access to determine best practices and helpful resources as they progress in their careers.
- [Falfurrias - the Land of Heart's Delight](https://texaslodging.com/falfurrias-the-land-of-hearts-delight/) - Falfurrias is a popular tourist destination, known for excellent hunting and as a pit stop for travelers in the Rio Grande Valley. Visit the Land of Heart's Delight.
- [Ten Reasons You Can't Resist Garland](https://texaslodging.com/ten-reasons-you-cant-resist-garland/) - From Culture to Cowhides, here are 10 Reasons you Can't Resist Garland
- [Hotels 2022 - Spotty Recovery or Roaring Rebound?](https://texaslodging.com/hotels-2022-spotty-recovery-or-roaring-rebound/) - Some forecasters predict travelers' wanting to make up for lost time, others predict a more spotty recovery.
- [2023 Texas Legislative Session - Our Issues](https://texaslodging.com/2023-texas-legislative-session-our-issues/) - Read about hotel occupancy tax, full funding for state tourism promotion, STR preemption and other issues THLA will adddress in 2023
- [Legislative Update](https://texaslodging.com/legislative-update/) - Bill pre-filing is underway, and THLA is preparing for the 2023 Texas legislative session. As of December 21st, 1,457 bills have been filed, which is already a sharp increase from two years ago.
- [Getaway to Georgetown this Fall](https://texaslodging.com/getaway-to-georgetown-this-fall/) - Close your eyes and set the scene: a picturesque Fall stroll on 'The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas!'
- [March 2021 Texas Legislative Update](https://texaslodging.com/march-2021-texas-legislative-update/) - 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 bills to be filed. THLA attorneys are actively
- [Join us for the 11th Biennial Converge on the Capitol - Virtually](https://texaslodging.com/join-us-for-the-11th-biennial-converge-on-the-capitol-virtually/) - 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 lodging industry operators firsthand – a critical component in our ability to be successful
- [Port Aransas - Live the Island Life!](https://texaslodging.com/port-aransas-live-the-island-life/) - Proudly anchored in tradition, generations of Texans have made the laid-back coastal town their annual vacation destination. Discover 'Port A'
- [Explore Del Rio-The Oasis of Texas](https://texaslodging.com/explore-del-rio-oasis-texas/) - Del Rio is a frontier town that offers plenty of outdoor adventure and a flourishing arts community. The city is best known for being the home of Laughlin Air Force Base, known as the busiest training facility for the United States Air Force, but there is way more to see and do in the area.
- [Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Virtual Short Course](https://texaslodging.com/texas-hotel-lodging-association-virtual-short-course/) - THLA Virtual Interactive Webinar Series: Best of THLA Short Course Topic One: Sales and Marketing by Cindy Novotny Tuesday, April 27th: 2:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. Register Here THLA is excited to offer a new no-cost virtual interactive webinar series, each session featuring one of our three top rated speakers from our award winning THLA
- [Holidays Around the Bay!](https://texaslodging.com/holidays-around-the-bay/) - Bay Area Houston, a charming region nestled between the big-city allure of Houston and the beaches of Galveston, is gearing up for the Holidays!
- [Dealing with Lost and Found Property](https://texaslodging.com/dealing-with-lost-and-found-property/) - This article addresses the legal status of found property, and offers some guidance on what lodging properties should do with found property. This article addresses the legal status of found property. 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. 07
- [Updated Texas Travel Industry Recovery Program Details](https://texaslodging.com/texas-travel-industry-recovery-program-details/) - Applications begin September 1st! Applicants may now receive up to $250,000 per applicant/taxpayer ID. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.
- [Alternative Accommodations](https://texaslodging.com/alternative-accommodations/) - The characteristics of lodging is changing. Read about alternative accommodations.
- [Hurricane Resouces for Hotel Guests](https://texaslodging.com/hurricane-resources-for-guests/) - Are you a storm evacuee in need of financial assistance for lodging? We suggest contacting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA )
- [Supreme Court ruling upholds cities’ ability to regulate advertising signage](https://texaslodging.com/supreme-court-ruling-upholds-cities-ability-to-regulate-advertising-signage/) - City regulations governing business signage have a big impact on hotel construction, remodeling, and general operations.
- [Google's New Search Algorithm and How it Affects Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/8489-2/) - Google’s New Search Algorithm and How it Affects Hotels Google launched a new search engine algorithm update this August, further fine-tuning relevant high-quality content search results.
- [Palestine Texas, Where the Dogwoods Bloom](https://texaslodging.com/palestine-texas-where-the-dogwoods-bloom/) - Centrally located between Dallas and Houston, know for their Piney Woods full of blooming dogwoods,make sure Palestine is on your getaway shortlist!
- [Buda Texas, Breathe Easy Here](https://texaslodging.com/buda-texas-breathe-easy-here/) - Located 15 minutes south of Downtown Austin, Buda is known for small-town charm and homegrownroots in the midst of a metropolis.
- [Make Your Hotel Instagram Worthy](https://texaslodging.com/make-your-hotel-instagram-worthy/) - From compelling exteriors showcasing unique architecture and locations to interesting interiors, to themed rooms, noteworthy amenities, and photo-ready food and drink, hoteliers must keep a constant opportunistic eye out for experiences and visuals worth sharing.
- [Snyder Texas - Southern Hospitality at its Best](https://texaslodging.com/snyder-texas-southern-hospitality-at-its-best/) - 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.
- [Navasota – So much, so close!](https://texaslodging.com/navasota-so-much-so-close/) - Being a charming and historic community, Navasota frequently attracts visitors and residents alike that are looking for fun weekend activities.
- [Hotel Management Books to Read, Summer 2022](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-management-books-to-read-summer-2022/) - Hopefully, you have some time to lounge by a lake or a pool during this sweltering summer and read a good book. Even if you’re only camping out by your breezy AC, it’s still a good time to catch up on your hospitality knowledge.
- [Solo Travel](https://texaslodging.com/solo-travel/) - Solo Travel 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 for friends and family and are hitting the road on their own. And
- [2022 Hotel Summer Camps Recap](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-summer-camps-recap/) - The Texas Hotel and Lodging Association (THLA) is proud to present a recap of its High School Three-Day Hotel Summer camps hosted in Houston at the Hilton University of Houston and in Dallas at the Westin Galleria Dallas, during the month of June.
- [2019 Legislative Session Report](https://texaslodging.com/2019-legislative-session-report/) - By session’s end, there were 7,324 bills filed. Of those, 1,428 bills passed into law. This translates to only about one in every five bills that are filed pass into law. This passage rate is within the margin of prior sessions, which experienced the following bill passage rates: 2017 session (18%), 2015 session (21%), and
- [Coronavirus Affecting Global Travel; Hotels Must Review Health and Safety Measures](https://texaslodging.com/coronavirus2020/) - 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: Hotel industry releases "Safe Stay," national industry-wide hotel cleaning standards in response to
- [Human Trafficking Training is Important in the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://texaslodging.com/human-trafficking-training-is-important-in-the-covid-19-pandemic/) - 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 thrives on chaos and vulnerability, and the current pandemic, as well as its resulting economic effect,
- [THLA Partners with TransPecos Banks to Provide Easier Access to PPP Loans](https://texaslodging.com/thla-partners-with-transpecos-bank-to-provide-easier-access-to-ppp-loans/) - 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) loans. The Small Business Administration (SBA) opened its application portal and TransPecos is now accepting
- [Biden Administration Issues PPP Changes Aimed to Help Small Businesses](https://texaslodging.com/biden-administration-issues-ppp-changes-aimed-to-help-small-businesses/) - 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 smallest employers and those who have previously been unable to participate in the Program. The most relevant changes for lodging
- [Governor Updates Executive Order on Reopening Texas](https://texaslodging.com/governor-order-covid19/) - 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 of Texas. The March 2nd order, GA-34, available here, provides:
- [UPDATED Safe Stay: National Industry-Wide Cleaning and Safety Standards, Plus Vaccination in the Workplace FAQ](https://texaslodging.com/safestay/) - 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 employees. AHLA has released a new version of the Safe Stay protocols, which include: Updated
- [2021 Texas Legislative Session: Bills we are tracking](https://texaslodging.com/2021-texas-legislative-session-bills-we-are-tracking-2/) - 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 language. Updated: 03-22-2021 - 14:17:50
- [Longview- Your East Texas Adventure Awaits!](https://texaslodging.com/longview-your-east-texas-adventure-awaits/) - 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, to art festivals and live music, Longview has
- [Important Updates from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)](https://texaslodging.com/important-updates-from-the-texas-alcoholic-beverage-commission-tabc/) - 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 involves an altered licensing process during the July–September time frame. Hoteliers that operate with
- [THLA Helps Secure End to Federal Pandemic-Related Unemployment Benefits](https://texaslodging.com/thla-helps-secure-end-to-federal-pandemic-related-unemployment-benefits/) - 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 comes after THLA's work toward this result, including our recently joining a coalition of business groups urging him in a letter to take
- [Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation Signed by Governor Abbott](https://texaslodging.com/anti-human-trafficking-legislation-signed-by-governor-abbott/) - 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 legislation as we worked with the bill’s author and numerous stakeholders to provide an effective means under state
- [2021 Legislative Report](https://texaslodging.com/2021-legislative-report/) - 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 add new hotels to their existing districts. Without this legislation, there was not a clear and
- [THLA and BEST partnership furthers the goal of training all hotel employees to recognize human trafficking](https://texaslodging.com/thla-and-best-partnership-furthers-the-goal-of-training-all-hotel-employees-to-recognize-human-trafficking/) - 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 support, requires annual human trafficking awareness and prevention training for hotel employees. THLA and BEST supported
- [Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Training:  January Update](https://texaslodging.com/texas-human-trafficking-prevention-training-january-update-2/) - 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 all commercial lodging establishments with more than 10 rooms annually train employees on recognizing human trafficking
- [Dripping Springs - Gateway to the Hill Country](https://texaslodging.com/dripping-springs-gateway-to-the-hill-country/) - History, Arts and Culture, Shopping, Restaurants, Sports and Events, Hotels and Lodging Dripping Springs is well-known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country” and is also, recognized as the official, “Wedding Capital of Texas®. It is a premier wedding destination, plus a great place to discover new outdoor experiences, indulge in a delicious meal, or visit one of
- [THLA proposes bylaws amendment](https://texaslodging.com/thla-proposes-bylaws-amendment/) - THLA proposes bylaws amendment Texas Hotel & Lodging Association’s board of directors and THLA members in attendance will consider and vote on a minor amendment to the THLA bylaws at the October 26, 2021 annual business meeting the Hilton Palacios del Rio Hotel in San Antonio. The proposed amended bylaws add one seat to the
- [THLA Virtual Interactive Webinar Series: Best of THLA Short Course Session 3](https://texaslodging.com/thla-virtual-interactive-webinar-seriesbest-of-thla-short-course-session-3/) - THLA is excited to offer the second no-cost virtual interactive webinar series, each session featuring one of our three top-rated speakers from our award-winning THLA Short Course. Going Beyond the Brand: Personal Branding for Leaders Top Short Course Speaker Karen McCullough, Thursday, July 15th: 2pm - 3:30pm
- [Deep in the Heart of the Texas Hill Country – Blanco](https://texaslodging.com/deep-in-the-heart-of-the-texas-hill-country-blanco/) - Blanco, Texas is a unique and beautiful gem in the famous Texas Hill Country. A small town with a big heart, Blanco is the perfect place to explore all of the best aspects of this part of Texas. Not only is Blanco just an hour away from the major metropolitan areas of Austin and San
- [July 30th - Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking](https://texaslodging.com/july-30th-raise-awareness-of-human-trafficking/) - This Friday, July 30, is the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking of Persons. This day raises awareness of human trafficking, which is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel people into labor or commercial sex acts. The International Labor Organization estimates that around the world, there are more than 25 million men,
- [Monahans-the Oasis of the West Texas Desert](https://texaslodging.com/monahans-the-oasis-of-the-west-texas-desert/) - In1881, John Thomas Monahan dug the first well in the sand hills of West Texas, originally know as Monahan's Well. A few years later the town was known simply as Monahans, the Oasis of the West Texas desert. The discovery of water at the site of present-day Monahans was a breakthrough. According to an article
- [THLA & TWC Roundtable on Labor Shortages](https://texaslodging.com/thla-twc-roundtable-on-labor-shortages/) - In response to the current labor shortage, THLA hosted a virtual meeting with the Texas Work Force Commission on June 3, 2021 to discuss strategies to attract more workers to our industry. The meeting included a diverse group of representatives from the hotel industry who could explain the different issues we are facing based on
- [THLA Virtual Interactive Webinar Series: Best of THLA Short Course Session 2](https://texaslodging.com/thla-virtual-interactive-webinar-seriesbest-of-thla-short-course-session-2/) - THLA is excited to offer the second no-cost virtual interactive webinar series, each session featuring one of our three top-rated speakers from our award-winning THLA Short Course. Going Beyond the Brand: Personal Branding for Leaders Top Short Course Speaker Karen McCullough, Thursday, July 15th: 2pm - 3:30pm
- [Tyler Texas, The Rose Capital of Texas](https://texaslodging.com/tyler-texas-the-rose-capital-of-texas/) - No other town in Texas lays claim to a budding heritage quite like Tyler’s. Tucked serenely in beautiful East Texas, Tyler is home to some of the state’s most bountiful rose gardens and blooming azalea bushes—not to mention a state park right outside the city that is perfect for camping, hiking, and making a splash.
- [Call to congress to Pass 'Save Hotel Jobs Act' to Help Hotel Workers](https://texaslodging.com/call-to-congress-to-pass-save-hotel-jobs-act-to-help-hotel-workers/) - WASHINGTON (April 28, 2021) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and UNITE HERE, the largest hospitality workers union in North America, today joined forces to call on Congress to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act. The bill, introduced by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-Fla.), provides a lifeline
- [Hotel Industry Supports Bills to Prevent Taxes on PPP Loans](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-industry-supports-bills-to-prevent-taxes-on-ppp-loans/) - HB 1195 and SB 372 offer relief for employers at critical time Texas Hotel & Lodging Association is grateful to Rep. Charlie Geren, Sen. Kelly Hancock, Gov. Greg Abbott and Comptroller Glenn Hegar for championing legislation to prevent an unexpected tax increase on businesses at a time when many are still struggling to keep their
- [Orange County- A Southeast Texas Destination](https://texaslodging.com/orange-county-a-southeast-texas-destination/) - From museums to historical sites, nature trails to festivals, there is something in Orange County for everyone to enjoy. Through the joint efforts and support of residents, city and county leaders, and local organizations, Orange County has become the premier cultural destination of Southeast Texas. The renowned Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts is a
- [Congress Passes Additional COVID Relief Bill](https://texaslodging.com/congress-passes-additional-covid-relief-bill/) - We are pleased to report that Congress has officially passed into law its latest form of COVID-19 relief legislation, the Coronavirus Response And Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (the “Act”). This $900 billon relief bill represents months of negotiation by Congressional leaders, with its impacts sure to be felt nationwide almost immediately. Of the many items
- [San Marcos- Your SMTXperience Awaits](https://texaslodging.com/san-marcos-your-smtxperience-awaits/) - Placed on the banks of the beautiful San Marcos River and saturated with all the charm of the Texas Hill Country, San Marcos is one of the top getaways in the Lone Star State. Dip your toes or paddle in the crystal-clear San Marcos River. Shop big or small by indulging in retail therapy the San
- [Flu Vaccine Materials for your staff](https://texaslodging.com/flu-vaccine-materials-for-your-staff/) - With both flu and COVID-19 circulating this season, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever. To keep your employees and customers healthy, you can play an important role in stopping the spread of contagious seasonal flu by encouraging your staff to get their flu shot. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
- [Conroe- 7 Adventures For Outdoor Fun All Year Round](https://texaslodging.com/conroe-7-adventures-for-outdoor-fun-all-year-round/) - From a fall foliage hike, to a dip in the lake to cool off during the summer, Conroe has outdoor activities that will make you fall in love with Texas all year round. Here are some of our top seven favorite outdoor activities for fun in every season. 1. Outdoor fun at Margaritaville Lake Resort
- [THLA's Town Hall Efforts Win an ISHA Award](https://texaslodging.com/thla-wins-again/) - For the second consecutive year THLA's Membership Team has won the 2020 International Society of Hotel Associations (ISHA) Award for Excellence for Membership. This marks the seventh time in the past seventeen years that THLA has won this prestigious award for outstanding member services. ISHA presents its annual Awards of Excellence for the best lodging
- [Texas Election Recap](https://texaslodging.com/texas-election-recap/) - Written summary from Texas Lobby Partners: A lot of money was spent, and the status quo remains for the most part (assuming 2 recounts do not change the election night winner). The blue wave that was suspected did not hit Texas shores. The Texas House of Representatives remained at its current makeup (83 Republicans, 67
- [Give The Gift of Texas - Campaign Toolkit](https://texaslodging.com/give-the-gift-of-texas-campaign-toolkit/) - THLA is proud to support our friends at the Governor's office in their effort to promote travel in our state. This holiday season, Travel Texas is encouraging Texans and future travelers to gift Texas getaways in the form of hotel bookings, gift cards to local restaurants, reservations for beloved Texas activities and more. 'Give The Gift
- [Lindale- Home to Country Music Superstar Miranda Lambert](https://texaslodging.com/lindale-home-to-country-music-superstar-miranda-lambert/) - Written by Jessie Prestridge Who could imagine a world without country music? Who in their right mind would want to! Country Music Superstar Miranda Lambert certainly never has, and she never will. WELCOME to LINDALE, Y'ALL. It was in our little 75771 corner of the world that Miranda heard her first country tune, wrote her
- [State of the Industry Webinar](https://texaslodging.com/state-of-the-industry-webinar/) - On September 29, local hotel associations representing Texas’ major metro areas hosted a “State of the Industry” webinar. The event featured three prominent presenters: Mike Toomey (Chief Operating Officer of Governor Abbott’s Strike Force to Open Texas), Scott Joslove (President and CEO of the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association), and Chip Rogers (President and CEO
- [Baycations are Better!](https://texaslodging.com/baycations-are-better/) - Bay Area Houston is a charming bayside region nestled midway between the big-city allure of Houston and the wide-open beaches of Galveston. It also serves as the third largest marina base in the United States. Encompassing four distinct cities, the region touches more than 35 miles of waterfront. Kemah- "Kemah" is an Indian word meaning
- [U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Proposes Rule Addressing Independent Contractor Status](https://texaslodging.com/u-s-department-of-labor-dol-proposes-rule-addressing-independent-contractor-status/) - On September 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule offering clarity to determine whether a worker is an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or an independent contractor. In the proposed rule, the DOL would: Adopt an “economic reality” test to determine a worker’s status as an FLSA
- [Stephenville--The Cowboy Capital of the World](https://texaslodging.com/stephenville-the-cowboy-capital-of-the-world/) - Come see why Stephenville has been listed among “The 100 Best Small Towns in America!” Stephenville is the Erath County seat and is located about 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Texas. Agriculture is Stephenville’s leading industry and Erath County is the state’s leading milk producer with approximately $140 million in production. Our downtown historic
- [Lost Wage Assistance (LWA) program provides temporary $300 benefit to unemployed Texans](https://texaslodging.com/lost-wage-assistance-lwa-program-provides-temporary-300-benefit-to-unemployed-texans/) - Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order directing funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to a create a temporary $300 weekly federal unemployment benefit for unemployment benefits claimants impacted by COVID-19. Texas is one of many states that have applied to and are now participating in the new program. The Lost
- [Hurricane Laura Sheltering Information](https://texaslodging.com/laurashelter/) - Updated: August 26, 2020 Evacuees making their own travel reservations: Click here for telephone and website contact information for hotel brands with hotels located in Texas. Evacuees needing sheltering assistance: State of Texas "Hub" Reception Center for Evacuees: The State of Texas has established the following centers for evacuees needing assistance finding shelter and other
- [Meet Zach Glenn, THLA's Chairman of the Board, 2020](https://texaslodging.com/meet-zach-glen-thlas-chairman-board-2020/) - THLA is delighted to welcome Zach Glenn to the role of THLA’s Chairman of the Board for 2020. Zach has served on the THLA board since 2016. As an instrumental part of THLA’s board of directors, we are excited and proud to welcome Zach as our Chairman of the Board. Zach graduated from Texas A&M
- [Hurricane Laura](https://texaslodging.com/laura/) - Hurricane Evacuees making their own travel reservations: Click here for telephone and website contact information for hotel brands with hotels located in Texas. Updated: August 27, 2020 Hurricane Laura update: Hurricane Laura came ashore in Southeast Texas overnight Wednesday and in the early morning hours of Thursday. Laura's eye came ashore just east of the
- [Victoria - Explore the Rich History](https://texaslodging.com/victoria-where-texas-history-began/) - Explore Victoria In Victoria you’ll discover a captivating town with a deep history, vibrant culture, amazing food, and live music – all just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Gulf Coast. Nestled on the bank of the Guadalupe River halfway between Houston and Corpus Christi, Victoria is an ideal place to get away for a
- [New Supreme Court case holds federal law protects employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity](https://texaslodging.com/new-supreme-court-case-holds-federal-law-protects-employees-from-discrimination-based-on-sexual-orientation-gender-identity/) - The United States Supreme Court ruled last month in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia that a hallmark civil rights law protects gay and transgender workers from workplace discrimination. Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for the majority in the Court’s 6-3 decision, plainly stated: “An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies
- [Main Street Lending Program Explained](https://texaslodging.com/main-street-lending-program-explained/) - By Nilesh Patel & Brian Sullivan Updated: July 8, 2020 On June 8, the Federal Reserve announced several changes to the Main Street Lending Program to allow more small to medium-sized businesses to be eligible for financial assistance. Additionally, the Federal Reserve began accepting applications from lenders to participate in this program. The Main Street
- [Pearland- PrePEAR to Love it!](https://texaslodging.com/pearland-prepear-to-love-it/) - A trip to Pearland isn’t complete without stopping by for art, culture, food, and fun in this Texas Gulf Coast city. Discover the many things to do in Pearland situated just south of Houston. Pearland is both a destination all its own and the ultimate starting point to exploring the Texas Gulf Coast. Visit the
- [Hurricane Preparedness for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/hurricane-preparedness-for-hotels-2020/) - Hurricane season officially began June 1st.While initial forecasts predict an ‘average’ season this year, with an outlook of 13 to 19 named storms, we well know it only takes one to spell disaster. Hotels often provide shelter from the storm in a crisis and a safe haven for evacuees, as many Texas hotels did after
- [Employment Law Posters](https://texaslodging.com/employmentposters/) - Updated June 8, 2020 All employers are required by law to post certain federal and state employment law posters in a prominent location at the place of business. A hotel employer can choose to buy employment posters from a vendor, or download and print the posters him or herself. If you would like to download
- [Texas Workforce Commission answers questions about unemployment benefits](https://texaslodging.com/twc/) - Updated April 29, 2020 Webinar On April 13, THLA hosted a webinar with experts at the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). We asked the TWC questions about applying for unemployment benefits, employee eligibility, employer unemployment tax liability, partial benefits, and more in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis. View a video recording of the webinar here,
- [Local Governments Issuing Shelter-in-Place Orders](https://texaslodging.com/local-shelter-in-place/) - June 2020 update: Note that the below information is no longer up-to-date. Governor Abbott's statewide emergency orders have largely superseded many of the local stay-at-home orders, and many local orders have been allowed to expire. This webpage remains active for historical documentation purposes, but the information on this webpage should not be relied upon as
- [Managing Covid-19 Coronavirus at Your Hotel](https://texaslodging.com/managing-covid-19-coronavirus-at-your-hotel/) - Travel has ground to a stop while many cities have mandated shelter in place restrictions due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic. Many hotels are contracting with state governments due to the shortage of hospital beds, or for health workers and first responders in need of temporary housing. And some guests, whether they are unable to
- [COVID-19 Coronavirus: Texas hotel industry occupancy agreement survey](https://texaslodging.com/covid19-lease-survey/) - Updated March 18, 2020 Texas Hotel & Lodging Association is in communication with the State of Texas and with local governments regarding the possibility of hotels entering into a lease or other occupancy agreement with the government during the response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. We are maintaining a list of hotel properties that be
- [What is the "COVID-19 coronavirus", how is it spread, and how is it affecting travel?](https://texaslodging.com/what-is-covid-19/) - What is the "COVID-19 coronavirus?" The term “coronavirus” refers to a common family of viruses. According to the CDC, most people get infected with a coronavirus at some point in their lives. The recent outbreak of coronavirus was first detected in Central China in December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) has given this coronavirus
- [How hotels can prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus](https://texaslodging.com/how-hotels-can-prevent-the-spread-of-the-covid-19/) - What steps can a hotel take to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus? Hotels can help reduce the spread of the virus by taking these steps: Require your staff to stay home if they show flu or cold-like symptoms. Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness should stay home and not come to
- [Reminder: If Your Company Does Not Provide Workers’ Compensation Coverage, It is Time to File Your Annual Report to TDI ](https://texaslodging.com/reminder-if-your-company-does-not-provide-workers-compensation-coverage-it-is-time-to-file-your-annual-report-to-tdi/) - Texas is the only state that does not require employers to obtain workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. This practice is known as “going bare,” and employers who do not obtain workers’ comp coverage are referred to as “nonsubscribers.” If your business is a workers’ comp nonsubscriber, you must file an annual report with
- [Fredericksburg Texas - Hill Country Charm in the Heart of Texas](https://texaslodging.com/fredericksburg-texas-hill-country-charm-in-the-heart-of-texas/) - Fredericksburg, centrally located in the heart of Texas, boasts a small-town feel with the restaurants, accommodations, shops, and attractions usually reserved for a much larger destination. Main Street Founded by German settlers in 1846, the town’s roots are evident today in its charming historic Main Street, which offers some 150 shops, art galleries, museums, bakeries
- [2020 Short Course Recap](https://texaslodging.com/2020-short-course-recap/) - The 75th Annual Short Course and the 14th Annual Advanced Short Course hosted the “superstars” of our industry from January 6–10, 2020, at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management in Houston. This one-of a-kind, all-in-one hospitality training event – recognized by the International Society of Hotel Association Executives – proved once
- [The Importance of Hotel Reputation Management](https://texaslodging.com/the-importance-of-hotel-reputation-management/) - http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles/26025/5-ways-to-maximize-your-hotels-reputation https://mention.com/blog/reputation-management-for-hotels/ https://blog.guestrevu.com/back-to-basics-what-is-online-reputation-management-and-why-does-it-matter-to-hotels
- [Plano - The Land of Plenty](https://texaslodging.com/plano-the-land-of-plenty/) - Plano beckons both leisure and business travelers with a rich assortment of attractions, hotels and more! This North Texas City is the Place to Eat, Stay, Shop, Play and Meet Plano, Texas is truly the land of plenty. Blending historic charm with modern luxury, the city brims with attractions and amenities that make it perfect
- [Most Popular Hotel Booking Websites and What Hotels Should Know About Them](https://texaslodging.com/most-popular-hotel-booking-websites-and-what-hotels-should-know-about-them/) - https://upgradedpoints.com/best-websites-for-booking-cheap-hotels https://santorinidave.com/best-hotel-booking-site https://www.uponarriving.com/Hotel-Booking-Sites https://templatic.com/wp/best-online-booking-sites/
- [Best Hotel Booking Apps and What Hotels Should Know About Them](https://texaslodging.com/best-hotel-booking-apps-and-what-hotels-should-know-about-them/) - As travelers jump between desktop, mobile, and apps to plan and book their travels, marketers suggest it’s time for hotels to “embrace the omnichannel shoppers.” Mobile usage is growing in all industries, but the travel industry is one of the fastest-growing. In addition to the convenience of booking rooms directly from their mobile device, mobile
- [THLA Launches Property Listing Admin Tool for Members](https://texaslodging.com/thla-launches-property-listing-admin-tool-for-members/) - THLA has been developing our own Property Listing tool to give our Members direct control over their listing on THLA's website. This admin feature will allow you to access your account at any time through your THLA Member Portal where you can: Change/update your listing information Add or remove AmenitiesAdd or remove your hotel images This new feature
- [THLA Receives Award of Excellence from ISHA](https://texaslodging.com/thla-receives-award-of-excellence-from-isha/) - ISHA, the International Society of Hotel Associations, bestowed the Award of Excellence in Member Programs to THLA for its ongoing program with BEST Training to prevent human trafficking. The Awards were announced at the ISHA Winter Conference 2019in the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandtin Austin, Texas. THLA was honored to receive the award for this important
- [San Antonio Paid Sick Leave Blocked](https://texaslodging.com/san-antonio-paid-sick-leave-blocked/) - On November 22nd, 2019 a federal district judge blocked the City of San Antonio’s paid sick leave ordinance from taking effect as scheduled on December 1, 2019. The injunction issued is part of a lawsuit brought against the City by a broad coalition of business groups who are seeking to have the ordinance permanently overturned.The San Antonio
- [Hotel Management Books to Read](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-management-books-to-read/) - When you curl up by the fire this holiday season with a good book, consider reading something to hone your skills in, and gain a deeper understanding of, the hospitality industry you’ve chosen for your career. We’ve compiled a list of five books to consider, based on aggregated reviews ratings and relevance. Our recommended books
- [The Woodlands - a Place of Ideal Paradox](https://texaslodging.com/the-woodlands-a-place-of-ideal-paradox/) - Spend a day, a week or a weekend in The Woodlands, and you’ll find this is far from the ordinary destination. With all of the amenities of a larger city, neighboring proximity to major Houston airports, and one of the region’s top shopping, dining and entertainment areas, The Woodlands is a place of ideal paradox
- [5 Ways Hotels Can Increase Food and Beverage Revenue](https://texaslodging.com/5-ways-hotels-can-increase-food-and-beverage-revenue/) - While location and price are the two biggest determining factors in where travelers book their stay, a hotel’s food and beverage often ranks third. When room rates and bookings flatten or even decline, unique or quality dining and drinking experiences can beef up your hotel revenue. Increasing the quality of your food or variety of
- [Texas Workforce Commission - Occupational Employment Statistics Letter and Report](https://texaslodging.com/texas-workforce-commission-occupational-employment-statistics-letter-and-report/) - The hotel industry is facing a critical labor shortage, Texas hoteliers should pay close attention to your U.S. mailbox in November for a letter from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regarding the completion of an Occupational Employment Survey (OES). The OES is used to develop information regarding current and projected employment needs and job
- [Brenham/Washington County - Authentic, Entertaining and Full of Small-Town Ambience](https://texaslodging.com/brenham-washington-county-authentic-entertaining-and-full-of-small-town-ambience/) - Halfway between Austin and Houston is a place filled with Texas history and unexpected discoveries. You can two-step into the past, pet an alpaca, enjoy the local wines and get a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor at Blue Bell Creameries. In Brenham, you’ll experience just about everything, except boredom. Brenham is the county
- [Hotel Market Performance Highlights 2018, Statewide](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-market-performance-highlights-2018-statewide/) - The Texas Hotel Performance Research 2018 Annual Report, a publication created by JLL Hotels & Hospitality and commissioned by Travel Texas, notes the state’s highest level of hotel room revenue on record, which was buoyed by robust corporate travel, solid demand for group and conventions business, and leisure travel. The report depicts hotel performance analysis
- [November Election 2019 - The 10 Texas Constitutional Amendments](https://texaslodging.com/november-election-2019-the-10-texas-constitutional-amendments/) - Halloween is here, heralding a few signs of Fall--it’s finally getting a bit cooler outside, the Holidays will be here soon, and for those attuned to the political scene, November elections are upon us. This November, you won’t see any state or federal candidates for office on the ballot, but you will see ten state
- [Big Bend - The Last Frontier in Texas](https://texaslodging.com/big-bend-the-last-frontier-in-texas/) - Mount up! Pack your bags and plan a trip to the Big Bend Region. It’s Texas’ last frontier with over 1 million acres of combined public land for you to explore. With two International Dark Sky Parks, you’re sure to be star struck. Wake up to scenic vistas, wildlife, and your renewed sense of adventure.
- [10 Hotel Marketing Strategies 2019](https://texaslodging.com/10-hotel-marketing-strategies-2019/) - Most hoteliers understand the importance of marketing and the need for an actionable strategy, but prioritizing your efforts and implementing your plan can be challenging. The current climate of offline and online opportunities can make this task feel overwhelming. We’ve outlined 11 hotel marketing ideas that should be included in your strategic plan. 1. Revisit
- [Massage therapist licensing:  Fingerprinting, other new requirements are taking effect - January 2020 update](https://texaslodging.com/massage-fingerprinting-2019/) - Several new laws passed during the 2019 Legislative Session affecting the regulation of massage therapist licensing have taken effect. Here are the important changes that hotel spa managers should be aware of. Fingerprinting for massage therapists (updated January 21, 2020): Effective September 1, 2019, Texas state law now requires that all licensed massage therapists submit
- [Addison is at the Center of it All](https://texaslodging.com/addison-is-at-the-center-of-it-all/) - Fun, Food and Fashion Located in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Addison puts you at the center of dining, upscale shopping, sporting events, live theatre, music and more! A Plate for Every Palate With a renowned culinary scene, Addison offers the best of both casual and upscale dining choices, plus some of the
- [How Digital Concierge is Assisting the Hotel Industry](https://texaslodging.com/how-digital-concierge-is-assisting-the-hotel-industry/) - The desktop computer remains the most popular device for travel bookings, but smartphones are catching up. Either way, digital devices drive travel planning, and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) still lead the market for hotel bookings. Hotels still seek incentives for direct booking, but there are other opportunities to engage with potential guests. While OTAs may
- [Dealing with your hotel’s insurance after a disaster:  Do you have a plan?](https://texaslodging.com/insurance-disaster-plan/) - Handling insurance claims while undertaking cleanup and repair efforts after a disaster strikes your hotel property is the last thing an owner or manager wants to deal with. However, how you handle that claim will directly affect how much coverage you can get from your various insurance policies. THLA’s legal staff sat down with THLA
- [Paid Sick Leave Ordinances Update:  Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio](https://texaslodging.com/paid-sick-leave-ordinances-update-dallas-austin-and-san-antonio/) - Austin, San Antonio ordinances temporarily blocked by courts; Dallas litigation pending. In 2018, the City of Austin passed a paid sick leave ordinance requiring private employers with 15 or more employees to provide 8 days of paid sick leave per year and requiring private employers with fewer than 15 employees to provide 6 days of
- [Focus on Wage Deductions in Texas](https://texaslodging.com/focus-on-wage-deductions-in-texas/) - By: Riley Richardson Employers often have reason to deduct various costs or expenses from an employee’s paycheck for uniforms, employee housing, repayment of an employee loan, or food purchased by the employee. If you are an employer who is considering making a deduction from an employee’s paycheck, you must ensure you are complying with Texas
- [Google's Hotel Booking Update and its Impact on Online Booking Sites](https://texaslodging.com/googles-hotel-booking-update-and-its-impact-on-online-booking-sites/) - Google continues its fast foray into the travel industry, expanding existing features and rolling out new user tools for booking flights, hotels, entertainment, business conferences and more. When you consider all the data Google has access to, from user-generated travel photos and reviews to aggregated air travel and hotel pricing information to Google Maps, and
- [Stay & Play in Georgetown](https://texaslodging.com/stay-play-in-georgetown/) - There’s nothing better than a summer getaway in Georgetown, Texas. Located 30-miles outside of Austin, with plenty of hustle but less of the bustle. The City, fondly known as, The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas, offers small-town charm mixed with big-city tastes. Pack your tastebuds, Georgetown serves up the good stuff. Local foodie favorites,
- [I-9 Immigration Audits On the Rise](https://texaslodging.com/2019-ice-audits/) - June 29, 2019 Justin Bragiel, THLA General Counsel In the last week, the Trump Administration's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stepped up I-9 audits of businesses across the U.S., and a number of Texas hotels have reported receiving notices that ICE officials intend to inspect records in the coming month. If you have a
- [Galveston - It's Island Time](https://texaslodging.com/galveston-its-island-time/) - Galveston Island, Texas may be well known for its 32 miles of beaches, but there’s so much more to do and see in this charming historic beach town. Home to family attractions, historic sites, a bustling cruise terminal, a thriving culinary scene and a full slate of special events, there’s always a good time to
- [How to Make a Virtual Tour for Your Hotel](https://texaslodging.com/how-to-make-a-virtual-tour-for-your-hotel/) - With so many hotels competing for business, virtual tours can help yours stand out. Virtual tours increase user engagement and offer unique insight and perspective into your accommodations. Travelers rely on digital media throughout the booking process and offering this feature may determine if a guest will book directly or not. We have recommendations on
- [2019 Regular Legislative Session, End of Session Preview](https://texaslodging.com/2019-regular-legislative-session-end-of-session-preview/) - May 2019 The 2019 Regular Legislative Session wrapped up as a very positive one for the Texas hotel and lodging association. This session, we offered tourism public improvement district (TPID) legislation for all Texas cities; targeted TPID legislation for six Texas cities in the event the primary bill for all cities did not pass;
- [Hotel Overbooking -- A Basic Guide for Hoteliers](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-overbooking-a-basic-guide-for-hoteliers/) - Many hotels overbook rooms as part of their revenue management strategy. While advantages in overselling rooms include increasing revenue and mitigating loss, there are pros and cons in balancing your profits from this strategy with the guest experience. We’ve put together a basic guide of best practices for hotel overbooking. Many suggestions are common sense
- [Mount Pleasant -- a Sweet Surprise](https://texaslodging.com/mount-pleasant-a-sweet-surprise/) - By Cara Smith Want a charming weekend escape? Head out to the sweet surprise of Mount Pleasant, a cozy city of around 15,000 people, just under a 2-hour drive east of the bright lights of Dallas. This might be Texas’s best-hidden gem, packed with relaxing family fun and old world charm. Mount Pleasant isn't the
- [ADA Pool Requirements 2019](https://texaslodging.com/ada-pool-requirements-2019/) - Summer is coming. It’s time to get your pools fun and sun-ready, and ADA compliant. We’ve outlined a checklist of what is required for ADA compliant swimming pools and spas, including definitions and descriptions of different types of lifts, and rail requirements. We also discuss tax credits and deductions to help hotels comply, and your
- [Legislative Update: End of April 2019](https://texaslodging.com/legislative-update-end-of-april-2019/) - We’re in the final stretch of the 2019 Texas Legislative Session, with only four short weeks to adjournment on May 27. This is also the busiest time of the Session, with legislators, lobbyists, and interested constituents scrambling to pass, block, or amend bills they care about. Legislative deadlines will begin taking effect in the
- [Department of Labor Proposes New Overtime Rules -- Again](https://texaslodging.com/department-of-labor-proposes-new-overtime-rules-again/) - For the second time in three years, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released new salary requirements for employees to be classified as exempt from overtime. The DOL released its long-awaited proposed rule which, if adopted, would set the minimum salary threshold at $679 per week, annualizing to $35,308 per year. For now, the proposed
- [Abilene - The Storybook Capital](https://texaslodging.com/abilene-the-storybook-capital/) - Plot your Adventure! Known for its cowboy charm, Abilene has an endless list of fun things to do with friends and family. Hand feed a giraffe, explore the ruins of a frontier army fort, play on one of the best golf courses in Texas, and go on a scavenger hunt for eccentric characters from classic
- [March 2019 Legislative Update](https://texaslodging.com/march-2019-legislative-update/) - It's been another busy month in the 2019 session. We've organized the important legislation into these categories: Short-term rentals. Local hotel occupancy tax proposals: New uses of tax revenue, and new county hotel tax proposals. (We've listed the communities with local legislation on our site). Tourism public improvement districts. Convention center hotels. State tourism funding. School
- [2019 Texas Legislative Session - Important Hotel Industry Legislation](https://texaslodging.com/2019-legislature-important-bills/) - Below is a summary of some of the most important legislation THLA is working on during the 2019 Texas Legislative Session. We encourage hotel operators, hotel owners, and tourism industry professionals to review this list of legislation to become familiar with how the legislation would affect you if enacted. We are providing our staff summaries
- [Baytown -- Art & Industry](https://texaslodging.com/baytown-art-industry/) - A Quick Look Back In 1908, an oil boom spurred the rapid development of the Goose Creek community among others (Wooster, Pelly, and Bay Town) that later became one community known as Baytown in January 1948. The Goose Creek oilfield became famous as the first offshore drilling operation in Texas and second in the nation.
- [Spring Break Destinations in Texas](https://texaslodging.com/spring-break-destinations-in-texas/) - The mass migration of spring breakers is just around the corner. They’ll be headed to the hundreds of miles of Texas beaches, to the hill country rivers and hiking trails, to city parks and festivals. We have a line up of some of the more highly-trafficked hot spots, and some of the most sought after
- [February 2019 Legislative Update](https://texaslodging.com/february-2019-legislative-update/) - We are about seven weeks into the 2019 Texas Legislative Session, and the action is heating up. Fast approaching is Friday, March 8, the 60th day of 2019 Session. This is the deadline for most bills to be filed, and it also marks the date when the Legislature can begin passing non-emergency legislation. That also
- [2019 Texas Legislative Session: February hotel tax bills](https://texaslodging.com/2019-texas-legislative-hot-bills/) - We pay particularly close attention to hotel occupancy tax bills that filed. Here is the list of what we are tracking. Updated 2/27/2019. Texas Hotel & Lodging Assn.Bill Status Report 02-27-2019 - 15:31:22 - Action in the date range - Link to Related Information ( ) - Priority Tax - Hotel Occupancy HB 1195
- [January 2019 Legislative Update](https://texaslodging.com/january-2019-legislative-update/) - 86th Legislative Session Kicks Off The 86th Legislative Session opened at the Texas Capitol on this month as lawmakers took their oaths of office, selected new leaders, and began to work on major priorities for the new session like school finance reform and property tax reform. The House of Representatives unanimously chose Rep. Dennis Bonnen,
- [Short Course Recap 2019](https://texaslodging.com/short-course-recap-2019/) - The 74th Annual Short Course and the 13th Annual Advanced Short Course hosted the “superstars” of our industry from January 7–11, 2019, at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management in Houston. This one-of a-kind, all-in-one hospitality training event – recognized by the International Society of Hotel Association Executives – proved once
- [THLA Partners with Class Action Capital](https://texaslodging.com/thla-partners-with-class-action-capital/) - Texas Hotel & Lodging Association is excited to announce a partnership with Class Action Capital, a market leader in class action settlement claims management. THLA is offering this program as a resource for Texas hotels to maximize their knowledge and access to potential class action settlement funds that apply to the lodging industry and to
- [2019 Texas Legislative Session - Our Issues](https://texaslodging.com/2019-legislature-thla-issues/) - Over the past decade, THLA has expanded its legislative program from being primarily defensive to being a strong and proactive agenda of legislation that our trade association initiates. The proactive legislation has resulted in THLA passing the following state initiatives: Record Levels of state tourism funding to promote Texas for tourism and hotel activity. Over
- [2019 Texas Legislative Session: Bills we are tracking](https://texaslodging.com/2019-texas-legislative-session-bills-we-are-tracking/) - 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 language. Updated 3/28/2019. Texas
- [Short Course 2019 - Friday's Class Materials](https://texaslodging.com/short-course-2019-friday/) - Friday's Agenda Rock Star Employees - Mel Kleiman Final exam - Good Luck! Evaluations - Friday 2019 Short Course Home
- [Short Course 2019 - Thursday's Class Materials](https://texaslodging.com/short-course-2019-thursday/) - Thursday's Agenda Accounting - Agnes DeFranco Conflict Resolution - Juan Madera Hotel Law - Scott Joslove Positive Leadership - Steve Barth Evaluations - Thursday Short Course Home
- [Short Course 2019 - Wednesday's Class Materials](https://texaslodging.com/short-course-2019-wednesday/) - Wednesday's Agenda Customer Service - Doug Horn Diverse Communication - Dawson Madera Power & Influence - Jeanna Abbott The Balancing Act - Dr. Marc Clark Evaluations - Wednesday Short Course Home
- [Short Course 2019 - Tuesday's Class Materials](https://texaslodging.com/short-course-2019-tuesday/) - Tuesday's Agenda Employment Law - Justin Bragiel Food & Beverage - Garvin O'Neil Housekeeping - Cathy Cheatham Revenue Management - Steve Cunningham Evaluations - Tuesday Short Course Home
- [Short Course 2019 - Monday's Class Materials](https://texaslodging.com/short-course-2019-monday/) - Monday's Agenda Breck Hamrock Bio Dennis Reynolds Bio Fernando Cuellar Bio Going Beyond the Brand - Karen McCullough Sales-Marketing, Cindy Novotny Will Tarrant Bio Sweating the Small Stuff - Will Tarrant Evaluations - Monday 2019 Short Course Home
- [Short Course 2019 - Maps, Aquarium Info, and Code of Conduct](https://texaslodging.com/short-course-2019-maps-aquarium-info-and-code-of-conduct/) - 2019 Short Course Code of Conduct Hilton University of Houston Floor Plan Rice Village Map 2019 Downtown Aquarium Info: The Downtown Aquarium is located at 410 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002. 2019 Short Course Home
- [Short Course 2019 - Student Materials Homepage](https://texaslodging.com/shortcourse/) - 2019 Short Course Students - Click on the links below to access the materials and information Full Agenda Maps, Aquarium Info, and Code of Conduct Monday's class materials Tuesday's class materials Wednesday's class materials Thursday's class materials Friday's class materials
- [SHORT COURSE – A Personal Passion](https://texaslodging.com/short-course-a-personal-passion/) - by Barb Machado, former Executive Director San Antonio Hotel Association and Lifetime Short Course volunteer Short Course is just around the corner – have you sent in your list of students? There is something quite magical about Short Course! It has been a part of my hospitality life for over 30 years. Pushing aside retirement
- [Human Trafficking Awareness Training](https://texaslodging.com/human-trafficking-awareness-training/) - By Trusha Patel Texas Hotelier, AAHOA Member What makes hotels attractive to guests? For some, it’s the amenities, the perks awarded for frequent stays, the privacy, the comfort, and the anonymity that are all inherent to accommodations that can make guests feel at home or provide them with a bit of an escape. Unfortunately, some
- [Odessa - Spirit of Discovery!](https://texaslodging.com/odessa-spirit-of-discovery/) - When you visualize Odessa Texas you might picture dusty plains populated with oil rigs and colored with cowboy culture. Or you might think Friday Night Lights--the book, movie, and television drama based on Odessa’s Permian Panther's football team which tells a story that captures more than the heart of a sport, but the grit of
- [November 2018 Election Update](https://texaslodging.com/november-2018-election-update/) - This November’s midterm elections set new records for the State of Texas and reflects a new shift in direction for Texas politics. Over 8.3 million Texans turned out to vote in this midterm, nearly doubling the 4.6 million who turned out in the 2014 midterm election. While Republicans remain in control of the Texas Legislature
- [Top Hospitality Trends in 2018](https://texaslodging.com/top-hospitality-trends-in-2018/) - The hospitality industry changes constantly, and these changes happen faster all the time. As the industry grows alongside technical advances, so grows the diversity of consumer needs. The latest hotel industry trends highlight the need to build effective strategies to respond to that diversity. Here’s a recap of the top hospitality trends for 2018.
- [Are You Being Audited? These Tips Can Turn the Experience into a Strength](https://texaslodging.com/are-you-being-audited-these-tips-can-turn-the-experience-into-a-strength/) - by Jonathan Gerth, Avenu Insights Tax compliance audits tend to conjure up scenarios of anxiety, endless paper chases, potentially unknown compliance issues, tax deficiencies, late fees, and fines. But there are many upsides to the experience that can actually serve your hotel business well. The process puts you in a position to see and take
- [Google Hotel Search and How it will Affect Your Holiday Season](https://texaslodging.com/google-hotel-search-and-how-it-will-affect-your-holiday-season/) - Google has been very busy in the travel and tourism industry, launching and updating many travel-planning tools this year. Around the end of August 2018, Google officially rolled out a guide for Price Insights for Hotels, allowing prospective guests to see how the price of your hotel changes during certain travel periods. Price Insights for
- [Midland Texas, The Tall City](https://texaslodging.com/midland-texas-the-tall-city/) - Midland, nicknamed The Tall City, stands high on the West Texas horizon and offers experiences with presidents, petroleum, art, and history. Located on Interstate 20 halfway between Dallas and El Paso, Midland is the business headquarters of the Permian Basin, the largest oil-producing region in the country. In recent years, Forbes Magazine named Midland #1
- [Employment Practice Risks for Small Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/employment-practice-risks-for-small-hotels/) - by David Pihlgren, Hospitality Resource Group Texas led the nation in EEOC claims against employers in 2017. Half of those claims were against small business employers with 100 employees or less. While claims are typically brought for age, race, religious, and disability discrimination, or for harassment, the EEOC has seen a 40% spike over the
- [November Midterm Pre-Election Update 2018](https://texaslodging.com/november-midterm-pre-election-update-2018/) - By Texas Lobby Group, THLA’s lobby team Fueled by the hotly contested race between Senator Ted Cruz and Democrat Beto O’Rourke, turnout for this year’s midterm election in Texas is set to dwarf that of the 2016 presidential election. About 15.8 million Texans are registered to vote this year, a 12% increase since 2014’s midterm
- [Short-Term Rental (STR) Update 2018](https://texaslodging.com/short-term-rental-str-update-2018/) - Short-term rental (STR) regulations in Texas are a hot topic among city governments around the nation. An increasing number of Texas communities have ordinances in place to manage local STRs in terms of registration, location, property inspection, the collection of applicable hotel occupancy taxes, and other matters. While some communities have ordinances with moderate regulations
- [City of Austin Issues Boil Water Notice](https://texaslodging.com/city-of-austin-issues-boil-water-notice/) - October 22, 2018 Today, the City of Austin issued a city-wide boil water notice after flooding overwhelmed the City's water treatment capacity. Hotels should take precautions to ensure guest safety is maintained. Be sure to provide bottled water for guests to use, disable and properly sanitize ice machines until the order has been lifted, and
- [Privacy Policy & Terms of Service](https://texaslodging.com/privacy-policy-2/) - We respect and are committed to protecting your privacy. We may receive and store any information you enter on our Web site or give us in any other way. We may also automatically receive and record information on our server logs from your browser including your IP address, cookie information and the page(s) you visited.
- [ADA Bathroom Guidelines 2018](https://texaslodging.com/ada-bathroom-guidlines-2018/) - Do your bathrooms meet all the ADA requirements? The ADA (The American with Disabilities Act) outlines very specific ADA bathroom guidelines concerning the construction and compliance of accessible (handicap) bathrooms. We’ve compiled an overview of ADA bathroom requirements from wheelchair rotating space, grab bars and door weight, to lavatory, hand dryer, and mirror height requirements,
- [Revenue Management Strategy](https://texaslodging.com/revenue-management-strategy/) - Revenue management is the application of analytics that predicts consumer behavior to secure maximum revenue for a business. In the lodging industry, implementing Revenue Management Strategies (“RMS”) for hotel and lodging growth is a must. Our industry requires sound RMS in a variety of ways to ensure optimal hotel revenue. Techniques that lodging operators use
- [Federal Agency Proposes Formal Change to Joint-Employer Standard](https://texaslodging.com/federal-agency-proposes-formal-change-to-joint-employer-standard/) - On September 13, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced intent to propose agency regulations to formally change the joint-employer standard. This is good news for employers, as the proposed rule contains language that would limit the application of a “joint-employer” relationship to the traditional standard. Under the NLRB’s proposed rule, a company would
- [Corpus Christi & the Coastal Bend - Miles & Miles of Sand and Sun](https://texaslodging.com/corpus-christi-the-coastal-bend-miles-miles-of-sand-and-sun/) - This month's featured city proves: A Texas weekend getaway won't get better than this! Bask in over 70 miles of sand, sun, food, and culture on the beautiful Padre Island National Seashore. You can build a beach bonfire, bike on the water's edge, and unwind in the culture of Corpus! A weekend away doesn’t get any better
- [Scott Joslove, Today's Hotelier](https://texaslodging.com/scott-joslove-todays-hotelier/) - Tourism Public Improvement Districts: The next frontier excerpt from Today's Hotelier, August 2018 For many years, hoteliers across the country have fought to keep local hotel occupancy taxes low and to ensure that the hotel occupancy taxes are only used for the purposes outlined under state law. However, achieving success in either of these areas is
- [Court Blocks Austin’s Paid Sick Leave Ordinance from Taking Effect as Scheduled](https://texaslodging.com/court-blocks-austins-paid-sick-leave-ordinance-from-taking-effect-as-scheduled/) - On August 17th, a state appeals court enjoined the City of Austin’s paid sick leave ordinance from taking effect as scheduled on October 1st. Austin was the first Texas city to pass a paid sick-leave ordinance, requiring all private employers operating in the city to provide paid sick leave for their employees. The City of
- [THLA Tax Tip:  Don’t Forget to Collect State (but not local) Hotel Taxes on Attached Meeting Room Rentals](https://texaslodging.com/thla-tax-tip-dont-forget-to-collect-state-but-not-local-hotel-taxes-on-attached-meeting-room-rentals/) - It is easy to get confused about which taxes to collect on the rental of a meeting room or banquet room. Unfortunately, the law on point is itself confusing: For example, did you realize that state hotel taxes are due on the rental of a meeting room, but local city and county hotel taxes are
- [THLA Welcomes Christy Spradling - Associate Membership Director](https://texaslodging.com/thla-welcomes-christy-spradling-associate-membership-director/) - Texas Hotel & Lodging Association is excited to welcome Christy Spradling on board as Associate Membership Director! Along with Carolyn McCall-Squires, Christy will be handling all facets of membership sales and retention. As a fifth generation Texan, raised in the DFW area Christy is a wonderful addition to the THLA team. She has a Bachelor
- [Tara Energy hosting Construction/Renovation Guidelines Town Hall in Dallas](https://texaslodging.com/tara-energy-hosting-construction-renovation-guidelines-town-hall-in-dallas/) - Tara Energy is arranging a Town Hall in Dallas for hoteliers along with Oncor the Utility provider in North Texas covering the topic New Construction / Renovation Guidelines-Procedures. This is a free informative session very beneficial for hoteliers who are into new construction and renovations. Oncor will discuss the procedures that need to
- [San Antonio Considers Following in Austin’s Footsteps with Paid Sick Leave Ordinance](https://texaslodging.com/san-antonio-considers-following-in-austins-footsteps-with-paid-sick-leave-ordinance/) - This week, the San Antonio city clerk’s office verified that proponents of a mandatory sick leave ordinance have gathered a sufficient number of signatures on a petition for the City Council to consider the measure. Now, the San Antonio City Council will decide whether to adopt such an ordinance or put it to the voters
- [6 Ways to Reduce Water Consumption in Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/6-ways-to-reduce-water-consumption-in-hotels/) - Summer heat reminds us of the importance of one of our most precious resources--water. From swimming pools to sprinklers to kitchen sinks, in our rapidly growing tourism sector hotels are big water consumers. Population growth and climate change are making water scarcity a growing global concern. Hotels have both a commercial and moral interest in
- [Are you looking for staff to hire?](https://texaslodging.com/are-you-looking-for-staff-to-hire/) - Consider attending the State of Texas’s DiverseAbility Forum in Frisco, Texas on August 30th. The forum is hosted by the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, TWC Office of the Commissioner Representing Employers, Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and the University of North Texas. This conference is ideal for employers, business leaders, HR
- [THLA Tax Tip - Sales Taxes on Housekeeping and Data Processing](https://texaslodging.com/thla-tax-tip-sales-taxes-on-housekeeping-and-data-processing/) - A reminder that sales taxes are likely due on housekeeping services and data processing services Do you utilize a third-party housekeeping or janitorial service to clean your lodging property? If so, be aware that these third-party charges are typically subject to Texas sales tax, and the lodging property should be prepared to remit sales taxes
- [Employing Minors at Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/2018employingminors/) - Employing Minors at Texas Hotels During the summer months, many hotels turn to high-school students to fill seasonal positions. If you are considering employing a minor at your hotel, this guide will help make sure you are complying with state and federal laws. It is important to note that, as with all legal issues, it
- [Remembering Ron Sanders - Big Bend Visionary and Tourism Advocate](https://texaslodging.com/remembering-ron-sanders-big-bend-visionary-and-tourism-advocate/) - On June 9, the Texas lodging industry lost Ron Sanders, an inspirational leader for hoteliers and the tourism industry. Rondell “Ron” Sanders, CHA, served on THLA’s board of directors for 20 years as an advocate for the hotel industry, hospitality education, and promoting the Big Bend region as a major tourism destination. Ron was
- [Round Rock, Sports Capital of Texas Hits a Home Run!](https://texaslodging.com/round-rock-sports-capital-texas-hits-home-run/) - Round Rock has made a name for itself as the Sports Capital of Texas, playing host to the biggest youth and recreational sports tournaments for athletes from all over the world. Toasted popcorn wafting through the bleachers of Dell Diamond stadium, the brisk ping of a titanium driver striking against plastic-coated golf balls, oiled leather
- [Federal Circuit Court of Appeals Rules that Transgender Discrimination Violates Federal Anti-Bias Law](https://texaslodging.com/federal-circuit-court-appeals-rules-transgender-discrimination-violates-federal-anti-bias-law/) - In March, a federal appeals court extended the nation’s primary federal employment discrimination statute to cover transgender and transitioning employees. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that employers cannot discriminate against such employees without violating Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals includes Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio,
- [Supreme Court Holds Employment Arbitration Clauses are Valid](https://texaslodging.com/supreme-court-holds-employment-arbitration-clauses-valid/) - On May 21, 2018, the Supreme Court released a ruling on class action lawsuits that is very favorable to employers. In May, the Supreme Court ruled that class action waivers in employment arbitration agreements do not violate the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935 and are enforceable. The decision, known as, Epic Systems
- [Music Licensing: ASCAP, BMI, GMR, and SESAC](https://texaslodging.com/music-licensing-ascap-bmi-gmr-sesac/) - Hoteliers across the U.S. often receive notice from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), Global Music Rights (GMR), and the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC), requesting that the hotelier pay licensing fees for televisions, public announcement music, or telephone hold music in the hotel. Oftentimes,
- [Travel Then and Now in Texas](https://texaslodging.com/travel-now-texas/) - Even if we weren’t there at the time, many are likely familiar with the State Fair of Texas and it’s impact to the city of Dallas annually. It’s amazing how much has changed over the years. In 2017 the fair welcomed 2,250,433 people! The 2017 event brought big crowds and an even bigger community impact. With
- [New Federal Regulation on 9-1-1 Access Signed Into Law](https://texaslodging.com/new-federal-regulation-9-1-1-access-signed-law/) - In February, with members of the Hunt family in attendance at the White House, President Trump signed H.R. 582 (known as “Kari’s Law”) on the 50th anniversary of the first 911 call being made in the United States. Sponsored by Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), H.R. 582 passed both the House and Senate without a
- [Use Caution When Conducting Background Checks for Job Applicants](https://texaslodging.com/use-caution-conducting-background-checks-job-applicants/) - Properly screening job candidates is an important part of a hotel manager’s duties, and we all want to make sure we hire the right person for the job. If conducting criminal background checks, driving records, or credit history is part of that process, employers should take care to make sure they are following applicable laws,
- [DALLAS - Big Things Happen Here!](https://texaslodging.com/dallas-big-things-happen/) - We don’t call it the ‘Big D’ for nothing! Dallas always features a jam-packed calendar of unique events including concerts, festivals, sports and entertainment, along with the largest urban arts district in the nation, world-class shopping, and over 12,000 enticing dining options for every flavor of foodie. Come to Dallas where southern hospitality meets international
- [Get a “Certificate of No Tax Due” for Next Hotel Purchase](https://texaslodging.com/get-certificate-no-tax-due-next-hotel-purchase/) - What Every Hotel Purchaser Should Request Before Closing March 2018 Every year, hotels in markets across Texas change ownership. Purchasers customarily engage in detailed due diligence prior to the closing date, but unfortunately some buyers fail to secure an important document from the State of Texas and the local city and/or county government that can
- [Consider “Internationalizing” Your Hotel with International Interns](https://texaslodging.com/consider-internationalizing-hotel-international-interns/) - By Jody Mayo What happens when employers looking for hospitality talent meet talented hospitality interns who need work experience? We think it is a match made in heaven. People support businesses making a social impact. International internship programs provide an important cultural element to the hotel and lodging industry. As Texas lures more travelers from
- [East Texas Hotelier Opens Doors to Disaster Victims](https://texaslodging.com/east-texas-hotelier-opens-doors-disaster-victims/) - Hurricane Harvey recovery continues, with a little help from the hotel industry After Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas, the tremendous generosity of hoteliers across the state helped hundreds of Texans get back on their feet. One such hotelier is Sunil (Sunny) Tolani, who owns the Prince Organization, and hotels in East Texas, Dallas, Austin,
- [Alcohol Sales Policies](https://texaslodging.com/alcohol-sales-policies/) - With Spring Break right around the corner, now is an excellent time to review your lodging property’s alcoholic beverage service policies to ensure compliance with Texas law. Remember, Texas law requires sellers and servers of alcoholic beverages to refuse beverage service to both minors and intoxicated persons. Failure to do so could lead to both
- [Meet Matthew Newton, THLA's Chairman of the Board, 2018](https://texaslodging.com/meet-matthew-newton-thlas-chairman-board-2018/) - THLA is delighted to welcome Matthew Newton to the role of THLA’s Chairman of the Board for 2018. Matthew is a third-generation hotelier and has served on the THLA board since 2004. As an instrumental part of THLA’s board of directors, we are excited and proud to welcome Matthew as our Chairman of the Board. Meet
- [U.S. House of Representatives passes the ADA Education and Reform Act; bill moves to Senate](https://texaslodging.com/u-s-house-representatives-passes-ada-education-reform-act-bill-moves-senate/) - This month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the H.R. 620, known as “the ADA Education and Reform Act.” Supported by the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and AAHOA, this important legislation would make it much harder for plaintiffs to file “drive-by” lawsuits against businesses such as hotels
- [“Wake for a Lost Convention”](https://texaslodging.com/wake-lost-convention/) - by Barbara Machado Social Media Alive in 1915? Living in today’s world of the internet and the rapid pace in which news spreads the globe, can you even imagine the “when and if” involved in getting hoteliers (or anyone else for that matter) across North America to read about a failed convention in Texas in
- [Barb's Blast from the Past](https://texaslodging.com/barbs-blast-past/) - by Barbara Machado Two years ago, I rejoined the THLA staff to assist with the Short Course at the University of Houston. It took about five minutes to recapture the excitement and joy of being a part of such an enthusiastic group of instructors and hoteliers. At the end of the course, I volunteered to write
- [Texas Election Season Heats Up with Upcoming March Primaries](https://texaslodging.com/texas-election-season-heats-upcoming-march-primaries/) - Even though it is still very early in 2018, the Texas election season is quickly heating up. The March primary elections are only a few months away, and we are seeing a lot of activity in certain races. The Texas Lobby Group, THLA’s outside lobbying firm, has this update for your politically-minded hoteliers. Emerging from the lull
- [NLRB nominee John Ring would ensure Republican majority for labor enforcement](https://texaslodging.com/new-nlrb-nominee-john-ring-ensure-republican-majority-labor-enforcement-agency/) - Earlier this month, President Trump nominated John Ring to serve on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for a five-year term. If confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Ring’s appointment would ensure that the NLRB has a Republican-appointed majority through at least 2020. The announcement was not a surprise, and the nomination has the support of
- [What is 'Revenue Per Available Room - RevPAR?'](https://texaslodging.com/what-is-revenue-per-available-room-revpar/) - [et_pb_section bb_built="1"][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text] Revenue per available room (RevPAR) is a metric used in the hotel industry to determine the financial health of the business based on the average daily room rate (ADR) by the occupancy rate. It can also be determined by dividing the total room revenue by the total available rooms. Why is ‘Revenue
- [What is Occupancy Rate?](https://texaslodging.com/what-is-occupancy-rate/) - Occupancy rate is the ratio of rented or used space for the total amount of available space. The metric is expressed as a percentage and is often used when determining how much available space is actually being utilized in a given period. How to calculate Occupancy Rate? Occupancy rate is calculated by dividing the number
- [What is Average Daily Rate (ADR)?](https://texaslodging.com/what-is-average-daily-rate-adr/) - Average Daily Rate (ADR) is a commonly used financial indicator in the hotel industry to measure your hotel’s statistical performance compared to your competitor’s and to measure your hotel to itself (year over year). The number represents the average rental income per paid occupied room in a given time period. ADR along with the property's
- [Our Most Important Stories from 2017](https://texaslodging.com/important-stories-2017/) - Changing the calendar at the end of December marks a time for reflection on the past year, and planning for the future. As we look back on 2017 and the stories that shaped our industry, Texas hoteliers can be proud of the good work and compassion of our members, the challenges we faced, and victories
- [National Labor Board Strikes Down "Micro Unions"](https://texaslodging.com/national-labor-board-strikes-micro-unions/) - On December 15, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) struck down the ability to use “micro-unions” to organize private workplaces. In the pro-employer decision, the NLRB reinstated the older, traditional “community-of-interest” standard for determining whether a particular unit of employees is eligible for union representation. The micro-union issue arose in 2011 when the NLRB decided
- [Jo Fischer - A Lifetime of 5 Star Service](https://texaslodging.com/jo-fischer-lifetime-5-star-service/) - Jo Fischer, wife of Ed Fischer for 71 glorious years, was a lifelong supporter of hospitality and THLA (formerly the Texas Hotel/Motel Association). In the late 1950's the hotel industry in Texas was booming and one of the first new glamour hotels to open was the Statler Hilton in downtown Dallas. Following graduation from West
- [Experience the Vibrant Energy of Irving](https://texaslodging.com/experience-the-vibrant-energy-of-irving/) - With Irving's burgeoning visitor’s district; it’s a connection, a destination, and a state of mind. Stay & play in the convention-centric visitor’s district Irving, Texas is a whole lot of things, but ordinary isn’t one of them. If you like a nice big steak saddled up with your samba, farm-to-table with your honkytonk, or maybe
- [Sample Employment Handbook, Warnings, and Evaluations](https://texaslodging.com/sample-employment-handbook-warnings-and-evaluations/) - THLA has sample employment handbooks, employee warnings, and employee evaluations for your convenience. Sample hotel employee handbook Sample employee warning Sample performance evaluation
- [THLA’s 7th Annual Educational Foundation Online Auction](https://texaslodging.com/thlas-7th-annual-educational-foundation-online-auction/) - View and bid on the gift of travel this season! View and bid on the gift of travel this season! THLA's 7th Annual Online Auction begins on Thursday, November 23rd at 10:00 am through Monday, December 4th at 10:00 pm CTS. All proceeds from this auction benefit THLA's Educational Foundation and make it possible
- [Congress Passes the "Save Local Business Act"](https://texaslodging.com/congress-passes-save-local-business-act/) - Earlier this month, Congress voted to pass HR 3441, also known as the "Save Local Businesses Act." This bi-partisan bill clarifies the regulations within the expanded joint employer rule. Under HR 3441, an employer may be considered a joint employer of a worker only if it “directly, actually, and immediately” exercises significant control over the primary elements of
- [2018 THLA Short Course & Advanced Short Course](https://texaslodging.com/2018-thla-short-course-advanced-short-course/) - Register now for THLA's 2018 Short Course Monday, January 08, 2018 9:00 AM through Friday, January 12, 2018 2:30 PM Hilton University of Houston 4450 University Drive Houston, TX 77204 Register for Short Course here, or download a registration form. Register now for THLA's 2018 Advanced Short Course If you've attended Short Course in the past and
- [Houston Hospitality Employee Relief Funds Seeks Donations](https://texaslodging.com/houston-hospitality-employee-relief-funds-seeks-donations/) - Thousands of Houston area residents were affected by Hurricane Harvey, including many hotel and hospitality industry employees. In response, Visit Houston, the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston (HLAGH), and the Greater Houston Restaurant Association (GHRA) have created an emergency employee relief fund. The Houston Hospitality Employee Relief Fund will be used to assist
- [The Impact Of The Gig Economy On The Hospitality Industry](https://texaslodging.com/the-impact-of-the-gig-economy-on-the-hospitality-industry/) - By Pamela Williams and Lariza Hebert What Is The Gig Economy? When many employers hear the term “gig economy,” they immediately think of popular services such as Uber and Lyft. However, the gig economy reaches far beyond ride-sharing services. It impacts almost all industries, and even large, multinational corporations are becoming part of this burgeoning
- [Hotels Reevaluate Safety & Security Protocols After Las Vegas Shooting](https://texaslodging.com/hotels-reevaluate-safety-security-protocols-after-las-vegas-shooting/) - Safety & Security Protocols After Las Vegas Shooting Nearly a month after Mandalay Bay Hotel guest Stephen Paddock opened fire on a crowd of concertgoers from his hotel suite on the 32nd floor, hotel security experts are still searching for answers on exactly what happened, and what can be done to prevent future tragedies like
- [FEMA's Lodging Assistance Program Extended until November 27, 2017](https://texaslodging.com/femas-lodging-assistance-program-extended-november-27-2017/) - FEMA's "Emergency Lodging Assistance (ELA) Program" provides temporary lodging assistance to disaster evacuees. FEMA also refers to this program as the "Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA)" program when communicating with evacuees seeking aid. This important program has been extended until November 27, 2017 to provide lodging assistance to Texans still in dire need of hotel accommodations.
- [City Council approves Visit Austin’s Budget for 2017-2018](https://texaslodging.com/2611-2/) - Thanks to all of you for taking action this week to send a message to Austin City Council in support of Visit Austin's budget. Your efforts paid off. Last night, City Council unanimously approved Visit Austin's budget for the fiscal year 2017-2018. Visit Austin is vital to sell our city, fill hotel rooms, and generate
- [Crisis Preparedness: Having a Plan of Action for When the Unthinkable Happens](https://texaslodging.com/crisis-preparedness-plan-action-unthinkable-happens/) - Posted by: Ellen Meyer in Lodging Crisis situations—whether natural disasters or man-made tragedies like last month's mass shooting in Las Vegas—require hotels to have an established plan of action. While many hotels already have coping mechanisms in place for more predictable crises like fires, floods, earthquakes or power outages, experts now recommend the implementation of a comprehensive crisis preparedness
- [Guest Safety: After Las Vegas Shooting](https://texaslodging.com/guest-safety-after-las-vegas-shooting/) - Dear Hoteliers: Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this tragic shooting in Las Vegas. As an industry, no issue is more important to us than safety and security. Our hotel brands have been proactive in their preparation for every conceivable security and safety issue and we amend and update these
- [Hurricane Preparations and Response](https://texaslodging.com/hurricane-preparations-and-response-harvey/) - From the hotel industry’s perspective, the challenge and the need for communications, was this: In a natural disaster, there is no central governmental agency or authority to disseminate targeted, useful information to businesses affected by the disaster or to the public fleeing the disaster’s aftermath. When a disaster such as a major hurricane affects
- [Things To Do in Marfa Texas](https://texaslodging.com/marfa-texas-once-you-get-there-you-get-it/) - This month we take a long, strange trip West. Marfa is an unlikely mixture of art, culture, and creativity located in the high desert of the Trans-Pecos in far West Texas. The city was founded in the early 1880s as a water stop; the population increased during World War II, but the growth stalled and reversed somewhat
- [Suspension of State and Local Hotel Occupancy Taxes](https://texaslodging.com/suspension-state-local-hotel-occupancy-taxes/) - Updated 9/22/2017 Governor Abbott extended the state and local hotel occupancy tax exemption for guests affected by Hurricane Harvey through October 23rd. Note that FEMA is continuing to pay hotel occupancy taxes through the CLC system. Governor Abbott temporarily suspended state and local hotel occupancy taxes for people affected by Hurricane Harvey and for documented relief
- [Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption](https://texaslodging.com/the-hotel-occupancy-tax-30-day-permanent-resident-exemption/) - There are often questions about whether the permanent resident exemption to the state and local hotel occupancy tax applies to a given situation, and at what point in time the guest becomes tax exempt. This FAQ provides hoteliers with answers to their most frequent questions on the 30-Day "Permanent Resident" exemption. What is the
- [Know the Law on Gift Cards and Gift Certificates](https://texaslodging.com/know-the-law-on-gift-certificates/) - Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Be sure you are familiar with the laws on selling and redeeming gift certificates. Texas and the federal government have several laws on point with regard to gift cards issued both in paper form and via electronic gift cards. Expiration Paper gift certificates (i.e. not an electronic gift certificate) can
- [A Message from TABC](https://texaslodging.com/a-message-from-tabc/) - A Message from TABC Legal Experts Martin Frost & Hill Effective immediately, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has stopped mailing out paper renewal application forms. Instead, the TABC is sending postcards like the one above to remind permit and license holders to renew and to encourage you to renew using the commission's online portal.
- [2017 Special Session Outcome](https://texaslodging.com/2017-special-session-outcome/) - August 16, 2017 The Texas Legislature adjourned the special legislative session “sine die,” which means the first called legislative session of 2017 is officially over. Importantly, the special session ended without the passage of an economically damaging “bathroom bill,” and without the passage of legislation that interferes with Texas local governments’ authority to take appropriate
- [2017 Special Sessions Bills to the House](https://texaslodging.com/2017-special-sessions-bills-to-the-house/) - Lt. Governor Dan Patrick continues to move legislation through the Senate, having now sent over ten of Governor Abbott's twenty special session items to the House. To do so, the Senate worked through the weekend. After a three-hour Republican Senator Caucus meeting, the Senate announced Monday it would attempt to hear ten to
- [Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) “Drive-By” Lawsuits July 2017](https://texaslodging.com/americans-with-disabilities-act-ada-drive-by-lawsuits-july-2017/) - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) “Drive-By” Lawsuits Update Changes to Texas laws for actions filed in state court, July 2017 Drive-by ADA lawsuits are a recurring problem for businesses across the nation, with serial plaintiffs making threats against hotels, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation for alleged ADA violations. Thousands of businesses have been sued
- [Special Session at the Texas Capitol 2017](https://texaslodging.com/special-session-at-the-texas-capitol-2017/) - THLA Legislative Update The Texas Legislature convened on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 for a special session called by Governor Greg Abbott. As set by Governor Abbott’s “call,” the 30-day legislative period is limited to approximately twenty topics for consideration. Priority issues for THLA include short term-rental (STR) preemption and controversial “bathroom” legislation. A full list
- [Frisco Texas, Progress in Motion](https://texaslodging.com/frisco-texas-progress-in-motion/) - This month's feature city lives up to its motto! Frisco, Texas got its start from hardy pioneers who came to the north Texas prairie following the Preston Trail (today’s Preston Road), a trail that began as an Indian footpath from the Red River South to Austin. Later the route was known as the Shawnee Trail,
- [2017 Legislative Report - End of Regular Session](https://texaslodging.com/2017-legislative-report-end-of-regular-session/) - 2017 Regular Legislative Session: Texas Hotel & Lodging Association End of Session Report June 2017 Contents: Overview Summer Special Session Short-term Rental (STR) Preemption Transgender "Bathroom" Bills Full Funding for Tourism Promotion Property Tax Reform Franchise Tax Relief Events Trust Fund Programs Local Hotel Occupancy Tax Bills Uniform School Start Date Food Service Bills
- [Lodging Industry Economic Trends 2017](https://texaslodging.com/lodging-industry-economic-trends-2017/)
- [Seguin - “It’s Real”](https://texaslodging.com/seguin-its-real/) - When you think of the word “real” often times the synonym “authentic” comes to mind. This holds true for our feature city Seguin. Seguin is one of the oldest towns in Texas. In 1838, a group of frontier Rangers laid out a settlement among beautiful Live Oaks beside Walnut Springs on the Guadalupe River. They
- [Legislative Action Summit 2017](https://texaslodging.com/legislative-action-summit-2017/) - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) joined forces on May 17-18 as nearly 500 hoteliers from across the country come to Washington, D.C. for a joint hotel day on Capitol Hill. During the two-day Legislative Action Summit (LAS), hoteliers raised awareness with Congressional leaders and hold
- [2017 Hotel Administration Bills](https://texaslodging.com/2017-hotel-administration-bills/) - 2017 Legislative Session: Hotel Administration Bills April Update Below is a summary of filled bills THLA is tracking that affect various aspects of general hotel operations. ADA related bills HB 468 by Longoria: Requires a minimum and maximum mattress heights in ADA-accessible hotel rooms. HB 1463 by Smithee / SB 827
- [Jefferson - “Queen of the Bayou”](https://texaslodging.com/jefferson-queen-of-the-bayou/) - If you are looking for a real history lesson this month, then look no further than Jefferson. Jefferson, located in Marion County, is located on Big Cypress Creek and Caddo Lake at the junction of U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 49. Founded in the 1840s and named for Thomas Jefferson, the town established itself
- [April 2017 Legislative Update](https://texaslodging.com/april-2017-legislative-update/) - We are nearing the final month of the Regular Texas Legislative Session. Sine die on Memorial Day, May 29th, and we are now well past the March bill filing deadline. The final month of the Legislative Session is like a race, and bill progress deadlines come into play. In last month’s issue, we brought
- [2017 Legislative Update - Hotel Tax Bills](https://texaslodging.com/march-2017-legislative-update-hotel-tax-bills/) - Hotel Occupancy Tax Bills – 2017 Legislative Session This legislative session, over 50 bills were filed that directly affect local hotel occupancy taxes. Here is a summary of the hotel occupancy tax bills that we are tracking and working on. THLA’s Hotel Tax Code Clean-Up Bill: HB 1896 / SB 2146 HB 1896
- [AHLA 2017 Lodging Industry by the Numbers](https://texaslodging.com/ahla-2017-lodging-industry-by-the-numbers/) - The American Hotel & Lodging Association just released it’s 2017 Economic Impact Study conducted by Oxford Economics. The data reveals the hotel and lodging industry as a powerful driver of economic growth contributing over $540 billion dollars to the GDP, supporting millions of jobs and spurring dynamic community development. The Texas hotel and lodging industry
- [AAHOA South Central Regional Meeting & Trade Show](https://texaslodging.com/aahoa-south-central-regional-meeting-trade-show/)
- [2017 Legislative Session: February Update](https://texaslodging.com/2017-legislative-session-february-update/) - 2017 Texas Legislative Session: February Update It’s the end of February, and the 2017 Texas Legislative Session rounds out its second month. February moves quickly with bill filing, committee formation, and the start of debate on proposed legislation deemed to be a high priority for statewide elected officials. For the Texas Hotel & Lodging
- [ADA Drive-by Lawsuit Reform](https://texaslodging.com/ada-drive-by-lawsuit-reform/) - At Hotel Industry’s Urging, Texas Legislature Takes Up ADA Drive-by Lawsuit Reform By Brian Sullivan, THLA Associate General Counsel Drive-by ADA lawsuits are a recurring problem for businesses across the nation. Many plaintiffs make serial threats against hotels, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation for alleged ADA violations. Thousands of businesses are sued
- [2017 Legislative Session:  Hotel Administration Bills](https://texaslodging.com/2017-legislative-session-hotel-administration-bills/) - Bill Tracking ReportTexas Hotel & Lodging Assn.Bill Status Report 03-28-2017 - 16:42:55 - Action in the date range - Link to Related Information ( ) - PriorityHotel Administration
- [2017 Legislative Session:  Local Government Bills](https://texaslodging.com/2017-legislative-session-local-government-bills/) - Bill Tracking ReportTexas Hotel & Lodging Assn.Bill Status Report 03-28-2017 - 16:45:24 - Action in the date range - Link to Related Information ( ) - PriorityLocal Gov't
- [2017 Legislative Session: Hotel Occupancy Tax Bills](https://texaslodging.com/2017-legislative-session-hotel-occupancytax-bills/) - Bill Tracking ReportTexas Hotel & Lodging Assn.Bill Status Report 03-28-2017 - 16:46:02 - Action in the date range - Link to Related Information ( ) - PriorityTax - Hotel Occupancy
- [2017 Short Course and Advanced Short Course Recap](https://texaslodging.com/2017shortcourserecap/) - Another Great Year for Both Short Course and Advanced Short Course! The 72nd Annual Short Course and the 11th Annual Advanced Short Course welcomed the “superstars” of our industry from January 9-13th, at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management in Houston. This one-of-a-kind hospitality training event,
- [2017 Legislative Session:  Property Tax Bills](https://texaslodging.com/2017-legislative-session-property-tax-bills/) - Bill Tracking ReportTexas Hotel & Lodging Assn.Bill Status Report 03-28-2017 - 16:46:39 - Action in the date range - Link to Related Information ( ) - PriorityTexas Hotel & Lodging Assn.
- [2017 Legislative Session:  Wage & Hour Bills](https://texaslodging.com/2017-legislative-session-franchise-tax-bills1/) - Bill Tracking ReportTexas Hotel & Lodging Assn.Bill Status Report 03-28-2017 - 16:47:30 - Action in the date range - Link to Related Information ( ) - PriorityPersonnel - Wage & hour
- [2017 Legislative Session:  Franchise Tax Bills](https://texaslodging.com/2017-legislative-session-franchise-tax-bills/) - Bill Tracking Report Texas Hotel & Lodging Assn. Bill Status Report 03-28-2017 - 16:48:10 - Action in the date range - Link to Related Information ( ) - Priority Tax - Franchise HB 42 Romero, Ramon(D) Relating to a franchise tax credit for certain taxable entities offering postsecondary tuition assistance.
- [2017 Legislative Session:  THLA Bill Tracking Report, Weekly report](https://texaslodging.com/2017-legislative-session-thla-bill-tracking-report-week-of-january-24/) - Bill Tracking Report Texas Hotel & Lodging Assn. Bill Status Report 03-29-2017 - 16:25:35 - Action in the date range - Link to Related Information ( ) - Priority Report to members HB 42 Romero, Ramon(D) Relating to a franchise tax credit for certain taxable entities offering postsecondary tuition assistance.
- [Recognize the Signs of Human Trafficking](https://texaslodging.com/recognize-the-signs-of-human-trafficking/) - The start of the New Year means renewed goals and ambitions, annual training and employee reviews, and of course the beginning of a new calendar (hopefully one full of city-wide events). Our Houston-area members are gearing up for a pretty big football game in February, and the influx of hundreds of thousands of visitors that
- [December 2016 Preview of THLA’s Legislative Agenda](https://texaslodging.com/december-2016-preview-thla-legislative-agenda/) - THLA is gearing up for a busy legislative session set to kick off in January, and our legislative affairs committee recently convened to set our priorities and agenda for the upcoming year. Texas Hotel & Lodging Association is your source for information on legislative news affecting the Texas lodging industry. The Texas Legislature convenes
- [2016 Election Results - Texas](https://texaslodging.com/2016-election-results-texas/) - With so much attention focused on the presidential election, it is understandable that many have not caught up on the results of our state elections. Across the state there were a few upsets, surprises, and nail-biting races that came down to just a few votes. In what is considered the only “swing” congressional seat, Congressman
- [Overtime Salary Requirement Blocked (at least for now)](https://texaslodging.com/overtime-salary-requirement-blocked-at-least-for-now/) - On November 22, 2016, a federal judge in Sherman, Texas issued a temporary injunction blocking the new federal overtime salary regulations from taking effect on December 1st. In September, THLA joined in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Labor in an effort to stop the new overtime regulations. Announced in 2015, the new DOL regulation would
- [Theft of Service at hotels](https://texaslodging.com/theft-of-service-at-hotels/) - Failing to Pay: What to do when a guest does not pay for lodging It’s one of the most common calls to our legal department: a guest or group hasn’t paid the folio, and the hotel needs to figure out what to do next. The solution involves a blend of civil law and criminal
- [Adopt a Plan to Prevent Workplace Violence](https://texaslodging.com/adopt-a-plan-to-prevent-workplace-violence/) - Adopt a Plan to Prevent Workplace Violence Texas Hotel & Lodging Association On September 29, 2016, a Houston hotel employee was shot after confronting thieves attempting to burglarize vehicles in the hotel’s parking lot. Thankfully he survived, but sadly, this incident does not stand alone. Across the nation, almost 2 million
- [Post Your Maximum Room Rates](https://texaslodging.com/post-your-maximum-room-rates/) - Post Your Maximum Room Rates Texas Hotel & Lodging Association With the end of the year upon us, now is a great time to evaluate whether your hotel property will need to revise its maximum room rate signs for any upcoming events. Texas law requires a hotel to post a maximum
- [THLA Joins Lawsuit to Block New Overtime Rule](https://texaslodging.com/thla-joins-lawsuit-to-block-new-overtime-rule/) - THLA Joins Lawsuit to Block New Overtime Rule This month, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association joined more than 55 other business groups as a named plaintiff in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to prevent the new overtime regulation from taking effect on December 1st. Members will remember that in May,
- [Webinar: The DOL’s New Overtime Rules](https://texaslodging.com/webinar-the-dols-new-overtime-rules/)
- [THLA News Alert: Houston Flooding Update](https://texaslodging.com/thla-news-alert-houston-flooding/) - The ongoing flooding in South and Central Texas has forced many people from their homes, and prompted Texas Governor Greg Abbott earlier this week to declare a state of disaster in the following counties: Austin, Bastrop, Fort Bend, Colorado, Grimes, Harris, Montgomery, Waller and Wharton. The Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (THLA) is working closely

## Pages

- [The Largest Hotel Association in the Nation](https://texaslodging.com/) - THLA is a nonprofit hotel trade association representing every aspect of the lodging industry across Texas. Learn about the benefits of being a member today!
- [Discover how THLA advocates for Texas lodging operators. Learn more about their legislative successes and visit now.](https://texaslodging.com/advocacy/) - Discover how THLA advocates for Texas lodging operators, passing legislation, defeating detrimental bills, and providing educational resources. Learn more about their legislative successes and isit now.
- [Hurricane Resources - Property & Public](https://texaslodging.com/hurricane-resources-property-public/) - Hurricane resources, disaster prep., FEMA assistance, and more for both your property and the public.
- [Discover the top hotel and lodging associations in Texas. Great resources and community can be found by connecting with your local chapter.](https://texaslodging.com/local-hotel-associations/) - Discover the top hotel and lodging associations in Texas, including the Austin, Galveston, and San Antonio chapters. Connect with industry leaders and enhance your local hotel impact.
- [Lodging Member Benefits](https://texaslodging.com/lodging-member-benefits/) - Join THLA for exclusive benefits including marketing on Texas tourism sites, legal support, educational opportunities, discounts, and more. Browse our lodging properties now!
- [History of Advocating for the Lodging Industry for 100+ Years](https://texaslodging.com/history/) - Discover the history and growth of the largest state hotel and lodging association in the U.S., representing the lodging and tourism industry in Texas.
- [Hotel Careers - Build a rewarding career in the exciting world of Texas hotels. Experience endless opportunities for growth, competitive pay, and unforgettable adventures. Discover your pathway to success!](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-careers/) - The hotel industry offers an unparalleled setting to meet people from all walks of life and to experience new adventures every day. In the process, one will earn competitive pay and will be afforded unlimited pathways for advancement. There are many exciting avenues available to hotel employees to achieve their personal and professional goals! Make
- [Awards](https://texaslodging.com/awards/) - Texas Hotel and Lodging
- [Affiliate Members - Discover The Strong Tourism Partners In Texas.](https://texaslodging.com/affiliate-members/) - Strengthening Lodging And Tourism In The Lone Star State.
- [Hotel Summer Camp- Experience a unique High School Hotel Summer Camp in Texas! Join us for workshops, certifications, and hotel property tours. Endless opportunities can be found in the hospitality industry!](https://texaslodging.com/hotel-summer-camps/) - Experience the ultimate hotel summer camp! Join THLA High School Hotel Camps in Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. Limited spots available. Register now!
- [Texas Hotel Legal Support](https://texaslodging.com/texas-hotel-legal-support/) - Our legal team is here when you need them THLA’s legal team assists hoteliers and other tourism industry professionals with questions on hotel occupancy tax issues, innkeeper’s rights, and other day-to-day legal, regulatory, and operational issues that affect Texas lodging properties. There is no other entity that is as well-versed in Texas law relating to lodging
- [Employment Law Resources](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/) - Adaptations for Pregnant Employees What accommodations do I have to make for an employee who just informed me that she is pregnant? Child Labor Laws We often receive calls from lodging operators inquiring about the laws and regulations pertaining to employing youths as part-time workers. Employment Law Posters THLA maintains an up-to-date ZIP file of
- [Industry Update Archive](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/industry-update-archive/) - Industry Update Archives 2026 Immigration Enforcement and More For years, many hospitality employers operated under the assumption that ICE enforcement was unlikely. That landscape has changed - dramatically. 2025 Legislative Session Every other January, lawmakers in Texas convene in Austin to begin the regular legislative session. This year, the regular session started on January 14th and will
- [Short Course - Attend THLA's Annual Short Course, the top-rated hospitality training event in the nation. Get in-depth knowledge of the lodging industry from prestigious instructors and enjoy academic insight blended with practical experience.](https://texaslodging.com/short-course/) - Attend THLA's Annual Short Course, the top-rated hospitality training event in the nation. Get in-depth knowledge of the lodging industry from prestigious instructors and enjoy academic insight blended with practical experience.
- [Meet Our Texas Hotel And Lodging Team, a dedicated team of legal and creative individuals who can help promote travel and tourism in Texas. Contact our experts today for legal, membership, and operational advice.](https://texaslodging.com/our-team/) - Discover how THLA can help promote travel and tourism in Texas. Contact our experts today for legal, membership, and operational advice.
- [Firearms in Hotels: Texas Guide](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/firearms-in-hotels-texas-guide/) - Over the past decade, the Texas Legislature has amended existing statutes and created new laws that affect how hotels can establish and enforce various policies regarding firearms. This guide will assist Texas hotel operators navigate the various laws currently in effect. In addition to this guide, hoteliers should visit with their ownership group, management company,
- [Firearms in Hotels: Texas Guide](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guest-safety-and-security-resources/firearms-in-hotels-texas-guide/) - Over the past decade, the Texas Legislature has amended existing statutes and created new laws that affect how hotels can establish and enforce various policies regarding firearms. This guide will assist Texas hotel operators navigate the various laws currently in effect. In addition to this guide, hoteliers should visit with their ownership group, management company,
- [Firearms in Hotels: Texas Guide](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/signs-and-posters-for-your-property/firearms-in-hotels-texas-guide/) - Over the past decade, the Texas Legislature has amended existing statutes and created new laws that affect how hotels can establish and enforce various policies regarding firearms. This guide will assist Texas hotel operators navigate the various laws currently in effect. In addition to this guide, hoteliers should visit with their ownership group, management company,
- [Firearms in Hotels: Texas Guide](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guides-for-hotels-regarding-guest-issues/firearms-in-hotels-texas-guide/) - Over the past decade, the Texas Legislature has amended existing statutes and created new laws that affect how hotels can establish and enforce various policies regarding firearms. This guide will assist Texas hotel operators navigate the various laws currently in effect. In addition to this guide, hoteliers should visit with their ownership group, management company,
- [About Texas Hotel and Lodging Association](https://texaslodging.com/about-us/) - The Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (THLA) is a nonprofit trade association representing every aspect of the lodging and tourism industry.
- [Donation Confirmation](https://texaslodging.com/donation-confirmation/)
- [Donation Failed](https://texaslodging.com/donation-failed/) - We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support.
- [Donor Dashboard](https://texaslodging.com/donor-dashboard/)
- [Educational Training Opportunities](https://texaslodging.com/educational-training-opportunities/) - THLA's educational offerings for Lodging members are held throughout the year. Access to tools and training for you and your staff through THLA events and members only resources. Short Course- Recognized as the “Best Educational Program” in the nation by the International Society of Hotel Association Executives, THLA’s Short Course attracts mid-level and aspiring hospitality
- [What Counties Need to Know to Administer the Local Hotel Occupancy Tax](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-cities-counties-chambers-and-cvbs/what-counties-need-to-know-to-administer-the-local-hotel-occupancy-tax/) - If you are a county looking for more information about how to collect and use local HOT funds, look no further than THLA’s exclusive guide available here. Download Now
- [What Cities Need to Know to Administer the Local Hotel Occupancy Tax](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-cities-counties-chambers-and-cvbs/what-cities-need-to-know-to-administer-the-local-hotel-occupancy-tax/) - This is absolutely the best resource available for cities looking to learn more about how to properly administer the local hotel occupancy tax. Download Now
- [Join THLA, your ultimate hotel and hospitality industry partner](https://texaslodging.com/join-thla/) - Join THLA, your ultimate hotel and hospitality industry partner! Choose from three membership types tailored to fit all lodging and tourism sectors. Sign up today.
- [Hospitality Colleges - Explore Texas institutions offering hospitality degrees in partnership with THLA and HEAT.](https://texaslodging.com/hospitality-colleges/) - Explore Texas institutions offering hospitality degrees in partnership with THLA and HEAT. Choose from 4-year bachelor's and 2-year associate's programs.
- [Affiliate Member Benefits](https://texaslodging.com/affiliate-member-benefits/) - An Affiliate Membership with THLA is designed to meet the needs of: Cities & Local Governments Convention & Visitors Bureaus Chambers of Commerce Benefits of an Affiliate Membership include access to our expert legal team and members-only resources to answer all of your area’s questions, representation for your area’s lodging industry at the State Capitol,
- [Hospitality Internships - Connect with interns to strengthen Texas's Hospitality](https://texaslodging.com/hospitality-internships-connect-with-interns-to-strengthen-texas-hospitality/) - Find out how THLA's collaboration with Hospitality Internships is creating opportunities for education and career growth.
- [Tax Guides and Resources for Cities, Counties, Chambers, and CVB's](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-cities-counties-chambers-and-cvbs/) - What Cities Need to know to Administer the Local Hotel Occupancy Tax This is absolutely the best resource available for cities looking to learn more about how to properly administer the local hotel occupancy tax. What Counties Need to know to Administer the Local Hotel Occupancy Tax If you are a county looking for more
- [Letter to Send to STR Properties- HOT Reminder](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-cities-counties-chambers-and-cvbs/letter-to-send-to-str-properties-hot-reminder/) - Download Now
- [Hotel Tax- Guest’s Notice of Intent to Stay for More Than 30 Consecutive Days](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-hotels/hotel-tax-guests-notice-of-intent-to-stay-for-more-than-30-consecutive-days/) - Texas state law allows for a “permanent resident” hotel occupancy tax exemption for hotel guests who provide the lodging property with written notice that the guest intends to stay for more than 30 consecutive days. By signing this notice, the guest will be eligible for a “permanent resident” hotel occupancy tax exemption from the date
- [Letter to Send to Hoteliers- HOT Reminder](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-cities-counties-chambers-and-cvbs/letter-to-send-to-hoteliers-hot-reminder/) - Download Now
- [HOT Post Event Form](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-cities-counties-chambers-and-cvbs/hot-post-event-form/) - Download Now
- [HOT Use Application Form](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-cities-counties-chambers-and-cvbs/hot-use-application-form/) - Download Now
- [Bloodborne Pathogens Model Plan from OSHA](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guest-safety-and-security-resources/bloodborne-pathogens-model-plan-from-osha/) - Download and print this informative booklet from OSHA which includes a model exposure control plan and model hazard communication program. Download Now
- [Sample Offer Letter](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/sample-offer-letter/) - This sample letter can be a valuable resource when extending an offer to someone. Download Now
- [Sample Employee Firearms Policy](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guides-for-hotels-regarding-guest-issues/sample-employee-firearms-policy/) - Print and post this document so that your employees are aware of your firearm policy. Download Now
- [Sample Employee Firearms Policy](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/signs-and-posters-for-your-property/sample-employee-firearms-policy/) - Print and post this document so that your employees are aware of your firearm policy. Download Now
- [Sample Employee Firearms Policy](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guest-safety-and-security-resources/sample-employee-firearms-policy/) - Print and post this document so that your employees are aware of your firearm policy. Download Now
- [Sample Employee Firearms Policy](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/sample-employee-firearms-policy/) - Print and post this document so that your employees are aware of your firearm policy. Download Now
- [Child Labor Laws](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/child-labor-laws/) - We often receive calls from lodging operators inquiring about the laws and regulations pertaining to employing youths as part-time workers. Download this guide to learn more. Download Now
- [Other Member Resources](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/legal-faq/) - End of Year Cleaning - How Long to Keep That File “How long do I need to keep this file?” It’s a common question we receive especially at the end of the... Legal FAQ Our updated guide to many of the questions we receive.
- [Steps to Keeping Your Pool Area Safe](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guest-safety-and-security-resources/steps-to-keeping-your-pool-area-safe/) - While your guests enjoy the pool, make sure you are avoiding potential liability and staying compliant with local, state, and federal law. Here are some tips to minimize and prevent pool and spa-related injuries, in addition to some information on what Texas law requires: Fencing. Ensure access to the pool is controlled by a fence
- [Pool Lift Signage for Lodging Properties](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guest-safety-and-security-resources/pool-lift-signage-for-lodging-properties/) - Lodging properties installing pool lifts may follow these steps when posting warnings at their pools and spas: 1. Put decals on the pool and whirlpool lift itself that read: NO PLAYING OR JUMPING ALLOWED. 2. Add new wall signage near pool lifts and whirlpool lifts that reads: WARNING: To avoid risk of injury: Do not permit
- [Pool Lift Signage for Lodging Properties](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/signs-and-posters-for-your-property/pool-lift-signage-for-lodging-properties/) - Lodging properties installing pool lifts may follow these steps when posting warnings at their pools and spas: 1. Put decals on the pool and whirlpool lift itself that read: NO PLAYING OR JUMPING ALLOWED. 2. Add new wall signage near pool lifts and whirlpool lifts that reads: WARNING: To avoid risk of injury: Do not permit
- [Pool Lift Signage for Lodging Properties](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/ada-information/pool-lift-signage-for-lodging-properties/) - Lodging properties installing pool lifts may follow these steps when posting warnings at their pools and spas: 1. Put decals on the pool and whirlpool lift itself that read: NO PLAYING OR JUMPING ALLOWED. 2. Add new wall signage near pool lifts and whirlpool lifts that reads: WARNING: To avoid risk of injury: Do not permit
- [Adaptations for Pregnant Employees](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/adaptations-for-pregnant-employees/) - QUESTION: What accommodations do I have to make for an employee who just informed me that she is pregnant? ANSWER: You must make reasonable accommodations for the employee under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. This could include modified tasks, alternative assignment, etc. Here is some information from the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC), the
- [Letter to Hoteliers- Unpaid Taxes](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-cities-counties-chambers-and-cvbs/letter-to-hoteliers-unpaid-taxes/) - Download Now
- [Fair Labor Standards Act FAQ](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/fair-labor-standards-act-faq/) - THLA receives a great deal of questions from lodging operators regarding minimum wage and overtime for employees. Download this Q&A which addresses the most common questions we receive. Download Now
- [THLA Educational Partnership Resources](https://texaslodging.com/thla-educational-partnership-resources/) - An Online Library of Resources These downloads are designed to assist hoteliers and educators with the many occupations available in the hotel industry. Click on links or photos for individual downloads or click on full download in PDF link below for all: Educational Partnership Toolkit for Hoteliers Hotel Industry Career Pathway Flyers Hotelier Resources for
- [Login Successful](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/login-successful/) - You have successfully logged in and will be redirecting shortly. If you are not redirected, you can go directly to the dashboard.
- [Hospitality High Schools](https://texaslodging.com/hospitality-high-schools/) - Discover the collaborative efforts between TEA, lodging industry leaders, and educators in Texas, resulting in three innovative programs of study in Hospitality Tourism.
- [Locations](https://texaslodging.com/locations/) - Find your next hotel, B&B, or vacation rental located within Texas.
- [Member Resources](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/) - Stay informed with our Member Resources for legal articles and legislative updates that affect you, your guests, and your community. From ADA compliance to tenant regulations, get quick information day or night.
- [Human Trafficking Prevention Training - Texas law requirment for all lodging properties with 10 or more rooms. THLA partered with BEST to provide this training to all THLA members for FREE.](https://texaslodging.com/human-trafficking-training/) - Texas law requirment for all lodging properties with 10 or more rooms. THLA partered with BEST to provide this training to all THLA members for FREE.
- [Vendor Guide - THLA partners with a large variety of companies offering the finest products and services to our Texas lodging operators. Many of these companies offer special rates and discounts exclusively to THLA members. Shop here and save!](https://texaslodging.com/vendor-guide/)
- [Blog- Read our monthly blog to learn more about what affects the Texas lodging community including legislative news and events to ideas on the latest property trends.](https://texaslodging.com/blog/) - Read our monthly blog to learn more about what affects the Texas lodging community including legislative news and events to ideas on the latest property trends.
- [BEST Human Trafficking Prevention Training](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/best-human-trafficking-training/) - BEST offers the most comprehensive human trafficking awareness training available in the nation for hospitality employees. All properties with 10 or more rooms are now required by state law to have all employees trained on recognizing the signs of human trafficking within 90 days of employment. Take the training course yourself. Go to BEST’s Training Center.
- [A Guide to Renting Rooms to Minors and Underage Drinking](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guides-for-hotels-regarding-guest-issues/a-guide-to-renting-rooms-to-minors-and-underage-drinking/) - THLA Legal FAQ: The Law on Renting Rooms to Minors and Under-Age Guests What is the legal age at which an individual may rent a hotel room? Texas does not have any statutory provision on renting rooms to minors. However, you should check to determine whether your hotel brand has set standards for renting rooms to
- [Converge On the Capitol-Attendee Materials Page](https://texaslodging.com/converge-on-the-capitol-attendee-materials/) - Thank you for joining us for the 2023 Converge on the Capitol. Below you will find your participant packet with one pagers. Feel free to print this information should you want to bring a physical copy with you. You will also be able to view your district’s specific tourism stats (below). Search by your legislator
- [Allied Member Benefits](https://texaslodging.com/allied-member-benefits/) - An Allied membership with THLA includes the following: Access to THLA’s membership database. We send our complete membership database directly to you. This list includes the name of the property, general manager or owner names, addresses, phone numbers, and is available to you via email so that you can market directly to the decision makers
- [Advertise with THLA](https://texaslodging.com/advertise-with-thla/) - The Industry Update is THLA’s monthly online publication that directly reaches over 5,000 hospitality professionals throughout Texas. We offer ad space in the Industry Update to put you in immediate contact with the decision makers of lodging properties, large and small, across the Lone Star State. Advertising Rates THLA Allied Members Discounted Rate: $350 per issueNon-Members: $1000 per issue
- [MC Template- Join Online](https://texaslodging.com/mc-template-join-online/) - Join THLA
- [High School Summer Camp 2022](https://texaslodging.com/high-school-summer-camp-2022/) - There are two opportunities to participate in these intensive, fun, and interactive Hotel Summer Camps. One camp will be in Houston (Hilton University of Houston on June 7, 8, & 9) and the other will be in Dallas (Westin Galleria on June 22, 23, & 24). Students and teacher chaperones will stay at the hotel for
- [Marketing Lodging Properties on Three Websites](https://texaslodging.com/marketing-lodging-properties-on-three-websites/) - Travel Texas The State’s travel & tourism website. THLA members are exclusively included on this site. The State will spend over $110 million over the next two years marketing the TravelTexas website. According to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, during the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years the Travel Texas advertising and website
- [THLA Privacy Policy & Terms of Service](https://texaslodging.com/thla-privacy-policy-terms-of-service/) - THLA Privacy Policy & Terms of Service We respect and are committed to protecting your privacy. We may receive and store any information you enter on our Web site or give us in any other way. We may also automatically receive and record information on our server logs from your browser including your IP address,
- [Lodging Properties](https://texaslodging.com/lodging/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://texaslodging.com/privacy-policy/) - Privacy Policy and Terms of Use We respect and are committed to protecting your privacy. We may receive and store any information you enter on our Web site or give us in any other way. We may also automatically receive and record information on our server logs from your browser including your IP address, cookie
- [End of year cleaning – How long to keep that file?](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/legal-faq/end-of-year-cleaning-how-long-to-keep-that-file/) - “How long do I need to keep this file?” It’s a common question we receive especially at the end of the year. Even in the era of electronic records, it’s good practice to establish a policy for document retention. This guide covers the most common records that hoteliers keep with THLA suggestions. Also, remember: Employee
- [Hotel Tax- Permanent Resident FAQ](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-hotels/hotel-tax-permanent-resident-faq/) - There are often questions about whether the permanent resident exemption to the state and local hotel occupancy tax applies to a given situation, and at what point in time the guest becomes tax exempt. This FAQ provides hoteliers with answers to their most frequent questions on the “30-Day Exemption.” What is the hotel occupancy tax
- [Tax Guides and Resources for Hotels](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-hotels/) - Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Chart THLA has created this simple and easy-to-use guide to Hotel Occupancy Tax exemptions. Download the .pdf and print it by clicking the title link... Hotel Tax- Guest’s Notice of Intent to Stay for More Than 30 Consecutive Days Texas state law allows for a “permanent resident” hotel occupancy tax exemption
- [THLA’s Guide to Mixed Beverage Sales Tax](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-hotels/thlas-guide-to-mixed-beverage-sales-tax/) - THLA created this simple guide to help hoteliers to understand the mixed beverage gross receipts tax (MB-GRT) and the mixed beverage sales tax (MB-ST). Mixed Beverage Sales Tax Background Prior to January 1, 2014, mixed beverage permittees (those licensed to sell liquor, beer, and wine for on-premises consumption) paid a 14% gross receipts tax. This
- [Simple Steps to Property Tax Reductions for Hotel Owners](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-hotels/simple-steps-to-property-tax-reductions-for-hotel-owners/) - Understanding the common mistakes and misconceptions of appraisal districts can help hotel owners develop arguments for lower property tax valuations. This guide is designed specifically for hoteliers to navigate the the complicated process of property tax appraisals and reductions. Property tax expenses can have a huge impact on a hotel owner’s bottom line. Given the
- [Is Tax Included with That?](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-hotels/is-tax-included-with-that/) - Sales tax. Hotel occupancy tax. Mixed beverage tax. Determining which taxes apply to a particular hotel charge becomes confusing very quickly. Sales tax, hotel tax, and mixed beverage tax can all appear on the same invoice, and both hotel operators and hotel guests frequently contact THLA with questions about how to figure out which tax
- [Hotel Tax- Permanent Resident Exemption Form](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-hotels/hotel-tax-permanent-resident-exemption-form/) - If, in advance or upon check-in, the guest provides notice to a hotel of intent to occupy a guest room for 30 days or longer, no hotel tax is due for any part of a guest’s stay. A signed registration card or confirmed reservation indicating a guest’s intent to occupy a room for 30 days
- [Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Chart](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/tax-guides-and-resources-for-hotels/hotel-occupancy-tax-exemption-chart/) - THLA has created this simple and easy-to-use guide to Hotel Occupancy Tax exemptions. Download the pdf and print it by clicking the link below. View Chart THLA’s Simplified Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Rules Texas law provides certain hotel tax exemptions based on the length of a guest’s stay or the guest’s affiliation with an exempt
- [Spa Signage Requirements](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/signs-and-posters-for-your-property/spa-signage-requirements/) - THLA has complied a list of requirements that apply to signs posted at your lodging property’s spa. Note: These requirements only apply to spas. If you have a pool, additional rules will apply. Spa Area Signage General Notes: There are no restrictions that require signage on one sign instead of multiple signs.A sign may be
- [Sample Swimming Pool Rules](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/signs-and-posters-for-your-property/sample-swimming-pool-rules/) - We have put together a sample set of swimming pool rules that you can post at your lodging property. WARNING—NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY. CHILDREN MUST NOT USE POOL WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION. DIAL 911 FOR EMS OR POLICE EMERGENCY. [The “no-lifeguard” warning must be in at least 4-inch high letters on a sign posted at the
- [Room Rate Cards](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/signs-and-posters-for-your-property/room-rate-cards/) - Download and print the required room rate card to be posted on the back of each hotel room door here. Download Now
- [Employment Law Posters](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/signs-and-posters-for-your-property/employment-law-posters/) - THLA maintains an up-to-date ZIP file of necessary employment law posters. Download Now
- [Signs and Posters for Your Property](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/signs-and-posters-for-your-property/) - Employment Law Posters THLA maintains an up-to-date ZIP file of necessary employment law posters. Firearms in Hotels: Texas Guide Over the past decade, the Texas Legislature has amended existing statutes and created new laws that affect how hotels can establish and enforce various policies regarding firearms. Pool Lift Signage Lodging properties installing pool lifts may
- [Disaster Preparedness](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guest-safety-and-security-resources/disaster-preparedness/) - Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and more… is your property ready if a disaster strikes? Hurricanes, floods, terrorist acts, and tornadoes are just some of the threats your property faces every day. In a disaster, lodging operators are often structural victims, and when not, are a refuge for disaster victims. TH&LA encourages your property and staff to
- [Reducing Premises Liability](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guest-safety-and-security-resources/reducing-premises-liability/) - It is the phone call every manager or property owner dreads receiving: a guest slipped and fell at the property, and surely a lawsuit must be imminent. However, property owners are not liable in every situation, and exposure can be reduced by taking responsible and reasonable precautions before and after an injury occurs. First, a
- [Dialing 911 From Hotel Rooms](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guest-safety-and-security-resources/dialing-911-from-hotel-rooms/) - Make sure your hotel property telephones can reach emergency services directly. DIALING 911 – MAKE SURE YOUR HOTEL PROPERTY TELEPHONES CAN REACH EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTLY It is imperative that all hotels in Texas immediately check your lodging property’s telephone equipment for compliance with industry standards on reaching emergency services. In compliance with “Kari’s Law,” all
- [Guest Safety and Security Resources](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guest-safety-and-security-resources/) - Bloodborne Pathogens Model Plan from OSHA Download and print this informative booklet from OSHA which includes a model exposure control plan and model hazard communication program. Complimentary Training in Human Trafficking BEST offers the most comprehensive human trafficking awareness training available in the nation for hospitality employees. Take the training course... Disaster Preparedness Hurricanes, tornadoes,
- [What to do with Found Property](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guides-for-hotels-regarding-guest-issues/what-to-do-with-found-property/) - “Found property” refers to items belonging to a guest, found by a hotel staff member. Clearly, where the true owner of the found item is known, the hotel should make every attempt to contact the guest and reunite the guest with the item. Not only does this make sense legally, but it is also the
- [What to do When Guests Overstay Their Welcome](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guides-for-hotels-regarding-guest-issues/what-to-do-when-guests-overstay-their-welcome/) - Lodging operators frequently contact us with questions about what to do when transient guests refuse to check out as scheduled. The law on point is not well known outside of the hotel industry, and oftentimes, lodging operators discover local police departments are unfamiliar with how to handle the situation. If you experience this issue, your
- [Alcohol Sales Policies](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guides-for-hotels-regarding-guest-issues/alcohol-sales-policies/) - Now is an excellent time to review your lodging property’s alcoholic beverage service policies to ensure compliance with Texas law. Remember, Texas law requires sellers and severs of alcoholic beverages to refuse beverage service to both minors and intoxicated persons. Failure to do so could lead to both criminal and civil penalties, including law suits
- [A Guide to Gift Certificates](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guides-for-hotels-regarding-guest-issues/a-guide-to-gift-certificates/) - Question: Can a lodging property set an expiration date on paper gift certificates? What about electronic gift certificates? ANSWER: Paper gift certificates (i.e. not an electronic gift certificate) can expire on a set date after purchase, but you must: Clearly and conspicuously state the expiration date on the certificate itself, andDisclose the expiration date to
- [Guides for Hotels Regarding Guest Issues](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guides-for-hotels-regarding-guest-issues/) - A Guide to Gift Certificates Question: Can a lodging property set an expiration date on paper gift certificates? What about electronic gift certificates? A Guide to Renting Rooms to Minors and Underage Drinking THLA Legal FAQ: The Law on Renting Rooms to Minors and Under-Age Guests What is the legal age at which an individual may
- [Interview Questions to Avoid](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/interview-questions-to-avoid/) - Download this guide of important questions to avoid the next time you are conducting an interview. Download Now
- [Workplace Appearance Standards](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/workplace-appearance-standards/) - Find out what rights employers have to set standards for appropriate workplace dress codes. Download Now
- [Sample Social Media Policy](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/sample-social-media-policy/) - Hotels often want to have a social media policy for their employee. Having such a policy is a good idea, but employers must be careful to when implementing a policy, as certain employee activity is legally protected. Download Now
- [Minimum Wage and Overtime FAQ](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/minimum-wage-and-overtime-faq/) - THLA receives a great deal of questions from lodging operators regarding minimum wage and overtime for employees. This Q&A addresses the most common questions we receive. Download Now
- [IRS Guidelines on Tipping](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/irs-guidelines-on-tipping/) - In 2014, the IRS began enforcing new rules for automatic gratuities added to guests’ bills for food service. This article can help ensure that you are following the proper guidelines. Beginning on January 1, 2014, the IRS began enforcing new rules for automatic gratuities added to guests’ bills for food service. Prior to that and
- [Independent Contractor Vs. Employee](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/independent-contractor-vs-employee/) - Federal and state law presumes an individual is an employee rather than an independent contractor. Use this guide to find out which factors the courts have held to be determinative to overcome this presumption. Independent Contractor versus Employee Federal and state law presumes an individual is an employee rather than an independent contractor. To overcome
- [Employment Law Posters](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/employment-law-resources/employment-law-posters/) - THLA maintains an up-to-date ZIP file of necessary employment law posters. Download Now
- [ADA Information](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/ada-information/) - ADA Guest Room Count This resource provides a direct download of the ADA's Guide to Guest Room Counts. ADA Service Animals Guide THLA has put together a brief Q&A resource to help you better understand the ADA's rules that apply to service animals at lodging properties.... ADA Title III Standards In 2010, the DOJ revised
- [ADA Title III 2010 Standards](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/ada-information/ada-title-iii-2010-standards/) - In 2010, the DOJ revised the Title III regulations for the first time since 1991, and the new standards are referred to as the 2010 Standards. . Lodging operators must comply with the 2010 Standards found here. Download Now
- [ADA Service Animals Guide](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/ada-information/ada-service-animals-guide/) - THLA has put together a brief Q&A resource to help you better understand the ADA’s rules that apply to service animals at lodging properties. Service Animals under the ADA Members frequently contact us with questions regarding allowing service animals in lodging properties. To help avoid potential exposure to liability, it is important to understand the
- [ADA Guest Room Count](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/ada-information/ada-guest-room-count/) - This resource provides a direct download of the ADA’s Guide to Guest Room Counts. Download Now
- [THLA Tips – Up your Tech Game](https://texaslodging.com/member-resources/guides-for-hotels-regarding-guest-issues/thla-tips-up-your-tech-game/) - If you haven’t already tapped, swiped or uploaded that button, it’s time to up your hotel tech game. Hotels.com surveyed 1,000 travelers, who ranked free Wi-Fi as the top in-room hotel amenity. J.D. Powers performed a survey with similar numbers. Yes, free breakfast and quality bedding still rank high, but high-tech amenities are no longer a luxury. Many guests
- [Marketing](https://texaslodging.com/marketing/) - All THLA members are listed on the following leading tourism websites: TravelTexas – The State’s travel & tourism website. THLA members are exclusively included on this site. The State will spend over $110 million over the next two years marketing the TravelTexas website. According to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, during the
- [Logout](https://texaslodging.com/logout/) - Logout for our site.
- [Member Login](https://texaslodging.com/login/) - Login to our membership portal and resources section.
- [Test](https://texaslodging.com/test/)

## Donation Forms

- [Donation Form](https://texaslodging.com/donations/fundraising-campaign/) - []
- [THLA PAC Fundraising](https://texaslodging.com/donations/thla-pac-fundraising/) - []

## Vendors

- [Continental Wireless](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/continental-wireless/)
- [Fintech](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/fintech/)
- [HotelGeofencing.com](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/hotelgeofencing-com/)
- [Roto Rooter- Austin Area](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/roto-rooter-austin-area/)
- [Alliance Bank Central Texas](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/alliance-bank-central-texas/)
- [DPC Hospitality](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/dpc-hospitality/)
- [Just N Case Essentials Inc.](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/just-n-case-essentials-inc/)
- [Rest](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/rest/)
- [Venza](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/venza/)
- [Source Strategies](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/sourcestrategies/)
- [Patel Law Firm](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/patel-law-firm/)
- [Bestbath](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/bestbath/)
- [Lonestar Logos Management Company](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/lonestar-logos-management-company/)
- [Hawk’s Bay Insurance Group](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/hawks-bay-insurance-group/)
- [Duetto](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/duetto/)
- [Monty & Ramirez LLP](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/monty-ramirez-llp/)
- [Core Four Roofing](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/core-four-roofing/)
- [Nimble Accounting LLC.](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/nimble-accounting-llc/)
- [Century Fire Protection](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/century-fire-protection/)
- [Groove Technology Solutions](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/groove-technology-solutions/)
- [Kelley's PTAC & HVAC Cleaning](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/kelleys-ptac-hvac-cleaning/)
- [ClearEdge Tax Group](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/clearedge-tax-group/)
- [Adesso Capital](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/adesso-capital/)
- [STR](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/str/)
- [Sound Matrix Corp.](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/sound-matrix-corp/)
- [The Roof Depot, LLC.](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/the-roof-depot-llc/)
- [Styles Hanger Corporation](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/styles-hanger-corporation/)
- [Deckard Technologies](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/deckard-technologies/)
- [Lucky Cotton](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/lucky-cotton/)
- [Cardinal Laundry Leasing](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/cardinal-laundry-leasing/)
- [ENERgration Energy Services](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/energration-energy-services/)
- [Expertly AI](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/expertly-ai/)
- [RoomPriceGenie](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/roompricegenie/)
- [Savard Hospitality Staffing](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/savard-hospitality-staffing/)
- [FreedomPay](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/freedompay/)
- [GSI Executive Search](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/gsi-executive-search/)
- [Standout Staffing](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/standout-staffing/)
- [Nowsta](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/nowsta/)
- [The Landscape Partners](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/the-landscape-partners/)
- [J Poole Group](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/j-poole-group/)
- [SecurTest](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/securtest/)
- [ODV Networks](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/odv-networks/)
- [Encore](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/encore/)
- [Greenberg Traurig, LLP](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/greenberg-traurig-llp/)
- [Media Payments Group](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/media-payments-group/)
- [ATI Restoration](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/ati-restoration/)
- [Hospitality ESL](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/hospitality-esl/)
- [Standard Textile](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/standard-textile/)
- [Blue Box Air](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/blue-box-air/)
- [Discovery Map of Austin](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/discovery-map-of-austin/)
- [MW Law](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/mw-law/)
- [Cintas](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/cintas/)
- [Hireology](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/hireology/)
- [HealthMarkets](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/healthmarkets/)
- [HealthiestYou by Teladoc](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/healthiestyou-by-teladoc/)
- [Optum Perks](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/optum-perks/)
- [United Healthcare](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/united-healthcare/)
- [Yellowstone Landscape](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/yellowstone-landscape/)
- [Kings III Emergency Communications](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/kings-iii-emergency-communications/)
- [SERVPRO](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/servpro/)
- [Everclean Linen](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/everclean-linen/)
- [Gecko Hospitality](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/gecko-hospitality/)
- [Houston Limo Chauffeur LLC](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/houston-limo-chauffeur-llc/)
- [Drone Powered Solutions](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/drone-powered-solutions/)
- [Hilco Real Estate Sales (HRE)](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/hilco-real-estate-sales/)
- [Blu Sky Restoration](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/blu-sky-restoration/)
- [Integrity Paving & Coatings](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/integrity-paving-coatings/)
- [Connection Insurance Agency](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/connection-insurance-agency/)
- [Allied Fire Protection](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/allied-fire-protection/)
- [Auto-Chlor Services](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/auto-chlor-services/)
- [Rockport Arts Center](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/rockport-arts-center/)
- [Voss Law Firm](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/voss-law-firm/)
- [Gage Commercial Construction](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/gage-commercial-construction/)
- [Petra Risk Solutions](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/petra-risk-solutions/)
- [P.E. Pennington & Co.](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/p-e-pennington-co/)
- [Flores & Pelaez Prada, PLLC](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/flores-pelaez-prada-pllc/)
- [WorldVue](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/worldvue/)
- [Case Goods Refinishing](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/case-goods-refinishing/)
- [U V Design, Inc.](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/u-v-design-inc/)
- [Assurance One of Texas, LLC](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/assurance-one-of-texas-llc/)
- [MOOD:Texas](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/mood-texas/)
- [The Zenith](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/the-zenith/)
- [SatCom HD Solutions LLC](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/satcom-hd-solutions-llc/)
- [Thompson Coe](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/thompson-coe/)
- [The Atkins Group](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/the-atkins-group/)
- [Texas Highways Magazine](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/texas-highways-magazine/)
- [Tara Energy](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/tara-energy/)
- [Starlight Advertising & Promotions](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/starlight-advertising-promotions/)
- [Service Metrics Group](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/service-metrics-group/)
- [Relay, Inc.](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/relay-inc/)
- [Proof Advertising](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/proof-advertising/)
- [Popp Hutcheson PLLC](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/popp-hutcheson-pllc/)
- [Pellerin Laundry Machinery Sales Co., Inc.](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/pellerin-laundry-machinery-sales-co-inc/)
- [O’Connor & Associates](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/oconnor-associates/)
- [Hunt Textiles, Inc](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/hunt-textiles-inc/)
- [HospitalityLawyer.com](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/hospitalitylawyer-com/)
- [Holland & Knight LLP](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/holland-knight-llp/)
- [Haynes and Boone, LLP](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/haynes-and-boone-llp/)
- [Gourmet Table Skirts and Linens](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/gourmet-table-skirts-and-linens/)
- [Gold Star Systems, Inc.](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/gold-star-systems-inc/)
- [Fisher & Phillips LLP](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/fisher-phillips-llp/)
- [First Insurance Services](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/first-insurance-services/)
- [Curve Hospitality](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/curve-hospitality/)
- [Commercial Insurance Solutions](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/commercial-insurance-solutions/)
- [Catto & Catto, LLP](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/catto-catto-llp/)
- [Alliance Abroad Group](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/alliance-abroad-group/)
- [AJR Media Group](https://texaslodging.com/vendors/ajr-media-group/)

## Events

- [Wednesday, August 9th, 2023:  AAHOA North Texas Town Hall - Corsicana, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-august-9th-2023-aahoa-north-texas-town-hall-corsicana-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Tuesday, June 16th, 2026:  2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Webinar](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-june-16th-2026-2026-atlantic-hurricane-season-webinar/) - Please join THLA General Counsel, Justin Bragiel, and Jennifer Olson, a leader directing national commercial accounts for one of the top 5 Servpro franchises in the national for a proactive approach to disaster and emergencies our discussion will center around how disasters affect hotel operations including: ROOM PRICING EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT HOTEL PREPAREDNESS MONITORING MAINTINING SUFFICIENT
- [Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026:  AAHOA Town Hall Meeting - Beaumont, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-june-2nd-2026-aahoa-town-hall-meeting-beaumont-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Tuesday, May 26th, 2026:  AAHOA Southeast Texas Town Hall - Huntsville, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-may-26th-2026-aahoa-southeast-texas-town-hall-huntsville-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Thursday, October 29th, 2026:  AAHOA North Texas Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show - Irving, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-october-29th-2026-aahoa-north-texas-hotel-owners-conference-trade-show-irving-tx/) - Join AAHOA North Texas Regional Director and their Ambassadors for this FREE Regional Conference and Trade Show. Attending will provide you access to top vendors, incredible networking opportunities, and region-specific industry updates you won't see anywhere else. Exhibitor registration can be found here .
- [Thursday, September 10th, 2026:  AAHOA Southeast Texas Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-september-10th-2026-aahoa-southeast-texas-hotel-owners-conference-trade-show/) - Join AAHOA Southeast Texas Regional Director and their Ambassadors for this FREE Regional Conference and Trade Show. Attending will provide you access to top vendors, incredible networking opportunities, and region-specific industry updates you won't see anywhere else. Exhibitor registration can be found here. .
- [Sunday, May 3rd through Saturday, May 9th - Travel and Tourism Week in Texas](https://texaslodging.com/event/sunday-may-3rd-through-saturday-may-9th-travel-and-tourism-week-in-texas/) - Travel and Tourism Week in Texas In recognition of the travel and tourism industry’s vital contribution to the state’s economy, Governor Greg Abbott has proclaimed May 3 - 9, 2026 as Travel and Tourism Week in Texas, aligning with the U.S. Travel Association’s National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW). This annual celebration highlights the travel
- [Thursday, August 7th, 2025:  THLA Webinar on Immigration Compliance](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-august-7th-2025-thla-webinar-on-immigration-compliance/) - Join us for a critical webinar on immigration compliance, focused on pressing issues facing hotel employers today including identity theft, Social Security no-match letters, and ACA Form 1095-C error messages. These challenges are becoming more frequent and, if mishandled, can result in serious consequences such as IRS penalties, ICE audits, and even discrimination claims. Nationally
- [Thursday, February 6th, 2025:  THLA Free Webinar on Immigration Compliance](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-february-6th-2025-thla-free-webinar-on-immigration-compliance/) - THLA Webinar: Thursday, February 6, 2025 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., CT I-9 Compliance in a Trump Era of Enforcement Join THLA and hear from industry leader Jacob M. Monty about what your company should anticipate under the new administration regarding immigration compliance. Jacob M. Monty will share actionable insights and strategies to help your organization prepare for
- [Monday, May 11th, 2026:  Human Trafficking Prevention for Hotels Webinar](https://texaslodging.com/event/monday-may-11th-2026-human-trafficking-prevention-for-hotels-webinar/) - In collaboraton, BEST and Texas OAG will address the importance of the hospitality industry continung to engage in anti-human trafficking training to help safeguard their communities ahead of Global Soccer happening in Texas and improve the security of their hotels in long-lasting ways. Key Learning Points Ways Human Trafficking Creates risks for Hotels Why Hotels
- [Tuesday and Wednesday, May 12th - 13th, 2026:  AHLA Hotels on the Hill Event 2026 - Washington, D. C.](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-and-wednesday-may-12th-13th-2026-ahla-hotel-on-the-hill-event-2026-washington-d-c/) - It’s Been a Tough Year for the Industry In the last year, demand has not kept up with rising costs. And yet, decisions made in Washington don’t always reflect your own lived experience as hoteliers. In Washington, showing up matters. And the most effective way to get results is to get in front of members of Congress and tell them what’s on
- [Thursday, February 12th, 2026:  Immigration Enforcement in 2026 | What Texas Hospitality Leaders Need to Know Webinar](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-february-12th-2026-immigration-enforcement-in-2026-what-texas-hospitality-leaders-need-to-know-webinar/) - For years, many hospitality employers operated under the assumption that ICE enforcement was unlikely. That landscape has changed - dramatically. In this timely webinar, Jacob Monty, founding partner of Monty & Ramirez LLP and a nationally recognized authority on employer immigration compliance, will break down recent ICE workforce investigations and explain what Texas hotel and
- [Wednesday & Thursday, May 13th & 14th, 2026:  27th Annual Hospitality Law Conference - Houston, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-thursday-may-13th-14th-2026-27th-annual-hospitality-law-conference-houston-tx/) - As a valued THLA Member and a leader in the hospitality industry, we are sharing this offer of complimentary registrations for Hotel Executives (Legal, CFO, HR, Security, Risk, Owner, GM, etc.) to the 27th Annual Hospitality Law Conference to be held in Houston, TX on May 13th and 14th, produced by HospitalityLawyer.com. This highly regarded conference provides an exceptional opportunity
- [Tuesday, July 28th, 2026:  AAHOA South Central Texas Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-july-28th-2026-aahoa-south-central-texas-hotel-owners-conference-trade-show/) - Join AAHOA South Central Texas Regional Director and their Ambassadors for this FREE Regional Conference and Trade Show. Attending will provide you access to top vendors, incredible networking opportunities, and region-specific industry updates you won't see anywhere else. Exhibitor registration can be found here.
- [Tuesday, February 17th, 2026:  AAHOA North Texas Town Hall - Midland, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-february-17th-2026-aahoa-north-texas-town-hall-midland-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Monday, February 16th, 2026:  AAHOA North Texas Town Hall - Amarillo, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/monday-february-16th-2026-aahoa-north-texas-town-hall-amarillo-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Wednesday, December 3rd - 5th, 2025 - ISHA Winter Conference - Government Affairs & Association Management](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-december-3rd-5th-2025-isha-winter-conference-government-affairs-association-management/) - ISHA holds two conferences per year. The Summer Meeting takes place in June and the Winter Meeting takes place in December. Both conferences are designed to bring together ISHA members and partners to engage, network and participate in professional development sessions. Our top-quality speakers offer attendees opportunities to learn the latest trends in the industry and
- [January 12 - 16, 2026:  79th Annual Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Hotel Short Course - Houston, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/january-12th-16th-2026-texas-hotel-short-course-a-key-to-retention-in-todays-workforce-climate/) - THLA's Annual Short Course is a one-of-a-kind, all-in-one hospitality training event that has been awarded “Best Educational Program in the Nation” by the International Society of Hotel Association Executives. We are thrilled to announce that the 2026 Texas Hotel Short Course is scheduled for January 12-16, 2026, at the Hilton University of Houston. Mark your calendars for this prestigious
- [Thursday, November 13th, 2025:  2025 AAHOA South Central Texas Town Hall - San Antonio, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-september-13th-2025-2025-aahoa-south-central-texas-town-hall-san-antonio-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Monday, September 23rd, 2025:  AAHOA South Central Town Hall Meeting - Temple, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/monday-september-23rd-2025-aahoa-south-central-town-hall-meeting-temple-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Wednesday, September 3rd - 5th, 2025 - TACVB Annual Conference - Fort Worth, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-september-3rd-5th-2025-2025-tacvb-annual-conference-fort-worth-tx/) - TACVB prides itself on providing the strongest educational content for Destination Organizations in Texas. Featuring presentations by tourism's best thought leaders, break-out educational sessions, shirt sleeves discussions along with endless opportunity to connect and collaborate with your DMO industry colleagues. Connect and learn from the strongest tourism leaders in Texas and the US Relevant and impactful
- [Monday, June 16th through Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 - Hotel Summer Camps - Houston, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/monday-june-16th-through-wednesday-june-18th-2025-hotel-summer-camps-houston-tx/) - Students and teacher chaperones will stay at the hotel for the duration of the camp and will experience: Hotel Industry Overview and Career Options Session, Texas Friendly Customer Service Certification, Effective Communication Techniques Workshop, SMART Goal Setting Session, Tours of Hotel Properties, Business Etiquette for Career Success Workshop, and Job Search Strategies.
- [Monday and Tuesday, June 23rd and 24th, 2025:  Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Summer Board Meeting - Galveston, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/monday-and-tuesday-june-23rd-and-24th-2025-texas-hotel-lodging-association-summer-board-meeting-galveston-tx/) - The THLA Summer Board Meeting will be held in on Monday, June 23rd and Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at the beautiful San Luis Resort and Spa in Galveston, TX and experience the very best for yourself in style, elegance and comfort at The San Luis Resort on the Texas Gulf Coast.itality. This will be the
- [Tuesday, October 14th, 2025:  AAHOA North Texas Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show - Irving, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-october-14th-2025-aahoa-north-texas-hotel-owners-conference-trade-show-irving-tx/) - Join AAHOA North Texas Regional Director and their Ambassadors for this FREE Regional Conference and Trade Show. Attending will provide you access to top vendors, incredible networking opportunities, and region-specific industry updates you won't see anywhere else. For vendor information, please contact sales@aahoa.com before registering for this event or making a payment.
- [Wednesday, August 5th, 2025:  AAHOA Southeast Texas Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show - Houston, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-august-5th-2025-aahoa-southeast-texas-hotel-owners-conference-trade-show-houston-tx/) - Join AAHOA Southeast Texas Regional Director and their Ambassadors for this FREE Regional Conference and Trade Show. Attending will provide you access to top vendors, incredible networking opportunities, and region-specific industry updates you won't see anywhere else. For vendor information, please contact sales@aahoa.com before registering for this event or making a payment.
- [Wednesday, May 28th, 2025:  AAHOA South Central Texas Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show - Round Rock, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-may-28th-2025-aahoa-south-central-texas-hotel-owners-conference-trade-show-round-rock-tx/) - Join AAHOA South Central Texas Regional Director and their Ambassadors for this FREE Regional Conference and Trade Show. Attending will provide you access to top vendors, incredible networking opportunities, and region-specific industry updates you won't see anywhere else. For vendor information, please contact sales@aahoa.com before registering for this event or making a payment.
- [Monday, February 24th, 2025:  AAHOA South Central Town Hall Meeting - Corpus Christi, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/monday-february-24th-2025-aahoa-south-central-town-hall-meeting-corpus-christi-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Wednesday & Thursday, May 14th & 15th, 2025:  The 26th Annual Hospitality Law Conference - Houston, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-thursday-may-14th-15th-2025-the-26th-annual-hospitality-law-conference-houston-tx/) - This immersive one-and-a-half-day conference delivers intimate, impactful, and expert-led educational experiences tailored for the lodging and food & beverage industries. Attendees engage in interactive discussions and sessions that explore best practices and benchmark current policies. Day 1 tackles operational challenges, including labor and employment, food and beverage management, safety and security, risk mitigation, management agreements, and
- [Thursday, March 13th, 2025:  AHLA 2025 Hospitality Show - Dallas, Texas](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-march-13th-2025-ahla-2025-hospitality-show-dallas-texas/) - You’re invited to The Hospitality Show: Texas in Dallas! Join fellow hoteliers from across Texas for an afternoon of networking and learning about the very latest policy issues impacting your hotel. A special networking reception with complimentary drinks and appetizers will follow on our expo floor. Prepare to meet and engage with great vendors providing excellent services and products
- [Tuesday, January 21st to Thursday, January 23rd, 2025:  TACVB Winter Conference - Waco, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-january-21st-to-thursday-january-23rd-2025-tacvb-winter-conference-waco-tx/) - This year’s event features our renowned Master Classes in Advocacy, Marketing, and Sales, all designed to be hands-on, impactful, and filled with actionable insights. Here’s your chance to connect with professionals who share your drive and dedication in the travel and tourism industry. Also Featuring our NEW Data Workshop! New this year - Join us
- [Thursday, December 12th, 2024:  THLA/HLAGH/AAHOA Legislative Summit with Local State Legislators - Houston, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-december-12th-2024-thla-hlagh-legislative-summit-with-local-state-legislators-houston-tx/) - The Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, in conjunction with the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston and the Asian American Hotel Owner’s Association, is holding a Houston Area Legislative Summit on December 12th at The Hotel Laura Houston Downtown (1070 Dallas ST. Houston, TX 77002). The event will be held between 9:00 a.m. and
- [Monday, October 28th through Wednesday, October 30th - The Hospitality Show Hosted by AHLA & Questex - San Antonio, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/the-hospitality-show-hosted-by-ahla-questex/) - The Hospitality Show is a bold new event for the entire hospitality ecosystem with one shared goal: operating hotels efficiently and profitably. The event launched in 2023 held in partnership between The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Questex, bringing together over 3,800 attendees, 320 exhibiting companies, and 100 industry-leading speakers for discovery, networking, and curated procurement experiences.
- [Thursday and Friday, November 7th and 8th, 2024:  Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Fall Board Meeting - Arlington, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-and-friday-november-7th-and-8th-2024-texas-hotel-lodging-association-fall-board-meeting/) - The THLA Fall Board will be held in Arlington on Thursday and Friday, November 7th and 8th, 2024 at the beautiful Lowes Arlington Hotel. The 888-room Loews Arlington Hotel is the first-of-its-kind meetings and resort destination, situated between two iconic sports stadiums. This one-of-a-kind hotel is also connected to the new Arlington, TX Convention Center. Whether you
- [Thursday, October 17th, 2024:  AAHOA South Central Texas Town Hall Meeting - El Paso, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-october-17th-2024-aahoa-south-central-texas-town-hall-meeting-el-paso-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Wednesday, October 9th, 2024:  Galveston Hotel & Lodging Association Fall Membership Meeting - Galveston, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-october-9th-2024-galveston-hotel-lodging-association-fall-membership-meeting-galveston-tx/) - Join us at the fall membership meeting! Learn about key industry legislative issues impacting hotels and short-term rental operators as well as other issues that may affect Galveston in this net legislative session beginning in January 2025. For more information or to register here.
- [Tuesday, October 8th, 2024:  Lodging Industry Forum & Legislative Update](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-october-8th-2024-lodging-industry-forum-legislative-update/) - Join area hoteliers and tourism industry professionals at this free event, featuring Scott Joslove and Justin Bragiel with THLA, and area State Legislators addressing key industry legislative issues such as short-term rental regulations, state tourism promotion funds, use of local hotel tax, major event trust fund, as well as other issues that may affect area
- [Friday, October 25th, 2024:  AAHOA South Central Texas Town Hall - Corpus Christi, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-october-23rd-2024-aahoa-south-central-texas-town-hall-corpus-christi-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Thursday, October 24th, 2024:  AAHOA South Central Texas - Harlingen, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-october-24th-2024-aahoa-south-central-texas-harlingen-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Thursday, September 26th, 2024:  AAHOA South Central Texas Town Hall - San Marcos, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-september-26th-2024-aahoa-south-central-texas-town-hall-san-marcos-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Thursday, August 8th, 2024:  AAHOA North Texas Town Hall - Irving, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-august-8th-2024-aahoa-north-texas-town-hall-irving-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Wednesday, August 7th, 2024:  AAHOA North Texas Town Hall - Midland, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-august-7th-2024-aahoa-north-texas-town-hall-midland-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Tuesday, August 6th, 2024:  AAHOA North Texas Town Hall - Amarillo, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-august-6th-2024-aahoa-north-texas-town-hall-amarillo-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Wednesday, July 31st, 2024:  AAHOA Southeast Texas Town Hall - Beaumont, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-july-31st-2024-aahoa-southeast-texas-town-hall-beaumont-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Monday, October 14, 2024:  AAHOA North Texas Charity Golf Tournament - Grapevine, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/monday-october-14-2024-aahoa-north-texas-charity-golf-tournament-grapevine-tx/) - AAHOA’s Charity Golf Tournaments are an important component of advancing our mission through community engagement – providing an excellent opportunity for vendors and members to network, enjoy the outdoors, and come together for a great cause. If you’re interested in participating, don’t delay, and secure your spot today! Due to the nature of this event,
- [Wednesday, September 25th, 2024:  AAHOA Southeast Texas Hotel Owners Conference and Trade Show - Houston, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-september-25th-2024-aahoa-southeast-texas-hotel-owners-conference-and-trade-show-houston-tx/) - Join the AAHOA Hotel Owners Conference and Trade Show Series, where hospitality professionals converge for unparalleled networking, education, and business opportunities. This dynamic event series showcases the latest industry trends, innovations, and best practices in hospitality. Attendees can expect insightful seminars led by industry experts, interactive workshops, and access to a diverse array of vendors
- [Tuesday, October 15th, 2024:  AAHOA North Texas Hotel Owners Conference and Trade Show - Irving, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-october-15th-2024-aahoa-north-texas-hotel-owners-conference-and-trade-show-irving-tx/) - Join the AAHOA Regional Conference and Trade Show Series, where hospitality professionals converge for unparalleled networking, education, and business opportunities. This dynamic event series showcases the latest industry trends, innovations, and best practices in hospitality. Attendees can expect insightful seminars led by industry experts, interactive workshops, and access to a diverse array of vendors showcasing
- [Tuesday, June 18th, 2024:  AAHOA South Central Texas Hotel Owners Conference and Trade Show - San Antonio, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-june-18th-2024-aahoa-south-central-texas-hotel-owners-conference-and-trade-show-san-antonio-tx/) - Join the 2024 AAHOA Regional Conference and Trade Show Series, where hospitality professionals converge for unparalleled networking, education, and business opportunities. This dynamic event series showcases the latest industry trends, innovations, and best practices in hospitality. Attendees can expect insightful seminars led by industry experts, interactive workshops, and access to a diverse array of vendors
- [June 12th-14th, 2024 - Hotel Summer Camp - Hilton University of Houston](https://texaslodging.com/event/june-12th-14th-2024-hilton-university-of-houston-hotel-summer-camp/) - Students and teacher chaperones will stay at the hotel for the duration of the camp and will experience: Hotel Industry Overview and Career Options Session, Texas Friendly Customer Service Certification, Effective Communication Techniques Workshop, SMART Goal Setting Session, Tours of Hotel Properties, Business Etiquette for Career Success Workshop, and Job Search Strategies. The registration fee
- [June 24th - 26th, 2024:  Hotel Summer Camps - Texas A & M Conference Center](https://texaslodging.com/event/june-24th-26th-2024-hotel-summer-camps-texas-a-m-conference-center/) - Students and teacher chaperones will stay at the hotel for the duration of the camp and will experience: Hotel Industry Overview and Career Options Session, Texas Friendly Customer Service Certification, Effective Communication Techniques Workshop, SMART Goal Setting Session, Tours of Hotel Properties, Business Etiquette for Career Success Workshop, and Job Search Strategies. The registration fee
- [June 19th - 21st, 2024 - Hotel Summer Camp at the AC Hotel by Marriott](https://texaslodging.com/event/june-19th-21st-2024-hotel-summer-camp-at-the-ac-hotel-by-marriott/) - Students and teacher chaperones will stay at the hotel for the duration of the camp and will experience: Hotel Industry Overview and Career Options Session, Texas Friendly Customer Service Certification, Effective Communication Techniques Workshop, SMART Goal Setting Session, Tours of Hotel Properties, Business Etiquette for Career Success Workshop, and Job Search Strategies. The registration fee
- [High School Hotel Summer Camp - Fort Worth](https://texaslodging.com/event/high-school-hotel-summer-camp-san-antonio/) - Opportunity for High School students to experience the many hotel industry career pathways.
- [Monday & Tuesday, April 23rd and 24th:  The Hospitality Law Conference, Houston, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/monday-tuesday-april-23rd-and-24th-the-hospitality-law-conference-houston-tx/) - We are excited to announce that The Annual Hospitality Law Conference: Houston, now in its 25th year, will take place on April 23-24, 2024, at The Houston Club in Houston, TX! This one and a-half day conference, is an intimate, informative and intense educational conference where attendees participate in expert-led sessions and interactive discussions that
- [Monday, February 12th, 2024:  Texas Travel Industry Unity Dinner](https://texaslodging.com/event/monday-february-12th-2024-texas-travel-industry-unity-dinner/) - The Texas Travel Industry Unity Dinner includes a silent auction and dinner bringing participants together to celebrate and reinforce our strength as a unified industry. Register here.
- [January 8th - 12th, 2024:  77th Annual Short Course - Houston, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/january-8th-12th-2024-77th-annual-short-course-houston-tx/) - Held in early January in Houston, Short Course is an in-depth orientation to the many aspects of the lodging industry. Each discipline is covered in a 90-minute session, exposing employees to the full spectrum of hotel management. Front office personnel will learn about marketing plans Food and beverage staff will learn about housekeeping Accounting staff
- [Tuesday, December 12th, 2023:  Abilene CVB Legislative Session Update - Abilene, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-december-12th-2023-abilene-cvb-legislative-session-update-abilene-tx/) - A summary of recent legislation and how those changes affects how our industry does business. This is excellent information for cities, tourism advisory boards, and area hoteliers.
- [Thursday and Friday, November 16th and17th, 2023:  TML Economic Development Conference - Bastrop, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/friday-november-17th-2023-tml-economic-development-conference-bastrop-tx/) - Join us for this day-and-a-half conference where economic development experts, state and federal officials, and city leaders will provide strategies, solutions, and tools to help strengthen your economy, inspire local job creation and business growth, and make your city financially resilient. We’ll talk about: The 2024 Texas economic forecast and what it means for cities
- [Wednesday, November 1st, 2023:  AAHOA North Texas Regional Conference & Tradeshow](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-november-1st-2023-aahoa-north-texas-regional-conference-tradeshow/) - Join AAHOA North Texas Regional Director and their Ambassadors for this FREE Regional Conference and Trade Show. Attending will provide you access to top vendors, incredible networking opportunities, and region-specific industry updates you won't see anywhere else. Exhibitor registration can be found here.
- [Thursday and Friday, November 2nd and 3rd, 2023:  2023 HerOwnership Conference - Dallas, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-and-friday-november-2nd-and-3rd-2023-2023-herownership-conference-dallas-tx/) - We invite you to join fellow Women Hoteliers for two days of education, empowerment, networking, and wellness. The 2023 AAHOA HerOwnership Conference & Retreat will focus on helping you elevate your career, determine your next steps, and inspire your journey. Registration for this event is free! The link to register can be found here. For more information
- [Wednesday, November 1st, 2023:  HATC Legislative Update & Allied Member Tradeshow](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-november-1st-2023-hatc-legislative-update-allied-member-tradeshow/) - The Hotel Association of Tarrant County is thrilled to present the Annual Legislative Update and Allied Member Showcase on November 1, 2023, hosted at the brand new Crescent Hotel Fort Worth. Our keynote speaker, Scott Joslove, President & CEO of the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, will provide a firsthand account of the recent Legislative
- [American Hotel & Lodging Association on the Road: State Hotel Conference](https://texaslodging.com/event/american-hotel-lodging-association-on-the-road-state-hotel-conferences/) - You’re invited as AHLA checks-in to great American cities around the country The AHLA On The Road event series is FREE and open to all hoteliers. Each state hotel conference provides a dynamic opportunity to connect with the larger hotel community and hear the latest market trends and policy updates impacting hotels from industry leaders and experts. What
- [Wednesday, October 11th, 2023:  AAHOA Southeast Texas Regional Conference and Tradeshow](https://texaslodging.com/event/wednesday-october-11th-2023-aahoa-southeast-texas-regional-conference-and-tradeshow/) - Join AAHOA Southeast Texas Regional Director and their Ambassadors for this FREE Regional Conference and Trade Show. Attending will provide you access to top vendors, incredible networking opportunities, and region-specific industry updates you won't see anywhere else. Exhibitor registration can be found here.
- [Thursday, August 17th, 2023:  AAHOA South Central Texas Regional Conference and Tradeshow](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-august-17th-2023-aahoa-south-central-regional-conference-and-tradeshow/) - Join AAHOA South Central Regional Director and their Ambassadors for this FREE Regional Conference and Trade Show. Attending will provide you access to top vendors, incredible networking opportunities, and region-specific industry updates you won't see anywhere else. Exhibitor registration can be found here.
- [Thursday, April 6th, 2023:  AAHOA Town Hall Abilene](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-april-6th-2023-aahoa-town-hall-abilene/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [High School Hotel Summer Camp - Dallas](https://texaslodging.com/event/high-school-hotel-summer-camp-dallas/) - Opportunity for High School students to experience the many hotel industry career pathways.
- [Thursday, March 2nd, 2023:  AAHOA Town Hall - Irving, Texas](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-march-2nd-2023-aahoa-town-hall-irving-texas/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [March 21st-March 23rd: Arlington ISD High School Hospitality & Tourism Career/Trade Show Days - Arlington, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-wednesday-thursday-march-21st-22nd-23rd-2023-arlington-isd-high-school-hospitality-tourism-career-days-arlington-tx/) - Starting Tuesday, March 21st this 3-day event is designed to increase awareness of the exciting career occupations that exist within the Hospitality & Tourism industry. Students will hear from experts in our industry, learn about various careers available, and have the opportunity to land a job during the career fair portion of this event. Opportunities
- [Tuesday, February 28th, 2023:  AAHOA North Texas Town Hall - Wichita Falls, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-february-28th-2023-aahoa-north-texas-town-hall-wichita-falls-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.
- [Converge on the Capitol](https://texaslodging.com/event/converge-on-the-capitol/) - Registration has ended. If you missed the deadline, but want to attend please show up on Thursday morning and we will assign your visits. Attendee packets can be viewed and downloaded here. Converge on the Capitol is a vital opportunity for you and your colleagues to participate in the legislative process. Your visits with your Registration has ended. If you missed the deadline, but want to attend please show up on Thursday morning and we will assign your visits. Attendee packets can be viewed and downloaded here. Converge on the Capitol is a vital opportunity for you and your colleagues to participate in the legislative process. Your visits with your
- [76th Annual Short Course](https://texaslodging.com/event/76th-annual-short-course/) - The Texas Hotel & Lodging Association’s Annual Short Course is a one-of-a-kind, all-in-one hospitality training event that has been awarded “Best Educational Program in the Nation” by the International Society of Hotel Association Executives. Short Course is an in-depth orientation to the many aspects of the lodging industry. Each discipline is covered in a 90-minute
- [15th Annual Advanced Short Course](https://texaslodging.com/event/15th-annual-advanced-short-course/) - If you’ve attended Short Course in the past and want to learn even more, then our Advanced Short Course is for you! This two-day course is designed as the next step for Short Course attendees. It covers new topics and introduces new speakers to hospitality professionals looking to advance their careers.
- [AAHOA South Central Texas Town Hall - San Antonio, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/aahoa-south-central-texas-town-hall-san-antonio-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators. Register here.
- [AAHOA South Central Texas Town Hall - Georgetown, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/aahoa-south-central-texas-town-hall-georgetown-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators. Register here.
- [AAHOA South Central Texas Town Hall - McAllen, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/aahoa-south-central-texas-town-hall-mcallen-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators. Register here. .
- [THLA Fall Board Meeting](https://texaslodging.com/event/thla-fall-board-meeting/) - The THLA Fall Board Meeting will be held in Fort Worth on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 at the extraordinary Hotel Drover. This will be the second and final THLA board meeting for 2022, and we will include topical speakers on vital industry issues. At this meeting, the Board will elect new THLA officers/board members. We
- [Mayoral Forum](https://texaslodging.com/event/mayoral-forum/) - Join THLA & AHLA for a Mayoral forum for the November 8, 2022 election ballot. This FREE event will be an opportunity for Austinites to listen to candidates express their views so audience members can understand candidates’ positions and make informed voting decisions. The elected candidate will serve a four-year term. For more information or
- [City Council Forum](https://texaslodging.com/event/city-council-forum/) - Join THLA & AHLA for a city council forum for each of the six district council seats on the November 8, 2022 election ballot. This FREE event will be an opportunity for Austinites to listen to candidates express their views so audience members can understand candidates' positions and make informed voting decisions. Candidates who are elected
- [Texas Hotel Conference](https://texaslodging.com/event/texas-hotel-conference/) - The Texas Hotel Conference is your opportunity to connect with the larger hotel community and hear industry leaders and experts share the latest hotel market trends and policy updates impacting your hotel. The event is free and open to all Texas hoteliers who will have the opportunity to: Network with local hoteliers and industry leaders Learn the latest
- [Tuesday, November 29th, 2022: AAHOA South Central Texas Regional Conference & Trade Show – Round Rock, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/tuesday-november-29th-2022-aahoa-south-central-texas-regional-conference-trade-show-round-rock-tx/) - Join AAHOA South Central Texas Regional Director and their ambassadors for this FREE Regional Conference and Trade Show. Attending will provide you access to top vendors, incredible networking opportunities, and region-specific industry updates you won’t see anywhere else.
- [Monday, September 26th, 2022: San Antonio Lodging Industry Forum featuring area Texas State Legislators](https://texaslodging.com/event/monday-september-26th-2022-san-antonio-lodging-industry-forum-featuring-area-texas-state-legislators/) - Join area hoteliers and tourism industry professionals at this FREE EVENT, featuring area State Legislators addressing key industry legislative issues such as state tourism promotion funds, use of local hotel tax, major event trust fund, and other hotel industry issues. 1:30-2:00 PM | Registration 2:00-4:00 PM | Moderated Legislative Q&A We encourage you to bring as
- [Thursday, March 31st, 2022:  AAHOA North Texas Town Hall Meeting - Abilene, TX](https://texaslodging.com/event/thursday-march-31st-2022-aahoa-north-texas-town-hall-meeting-abilene-tx/) - Regional partner hotel association town hall meeting to discuss upcoming advocacy initiatives for hoteliers and education on other current issues of importance to hotel operators.

## Categories

- [Blog](https://texaslodging.com/category/blog/)
- [Getaway](https://texaslodging.com/category/getaway/)
- [News](https://texaslodging.com/category/news/)
- [Short Course Q&A](https://texaslodging.com/category/short-course-qa/)
- [Human Trafficking Prevention](https://texaslodging.com/category/human-trafficking-prevention/)
- [Short Course](https://texaslodging.com/category/short-course/)
- [Disasters and Hurricanes](https://texaslodging.com/category/news/disasters-and-hurricanes/)
- [Education](https://texaslodging.com/category/education/)
- [Member Resources](https://texaslodging.com/category/member-resources/)
- [Archive](https://texaslodging.com/category/archive/)

## Tags

- [TABC](https://texaslodging.com/tag/tabc/)
- [Converge](https://texaslodging.com/tag/converge/)
- [Converge on the Capitol](https://texaslodging.com/tag/converge-on-the-capitol/)
- [Texas Legislative Session](https://texaslodging.com/tag/texas-legislative-session/)
- [tourism promotion](https://texaslodging.com/tag/tourism-promotion/)
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- [Hotel Insurance after a Disaster](https://texaslodging.com/tag/hotel-insurance-after-a-disaster/)
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- [THLA](https://texaslodging.com/tag/thla/)
- [Hotel](https://texaslodging.com/tag/hotel/)
- [#education](https://texaslodging.com/tag/education/)
- [#hospitalityeducation](https://texaslodging.com/tag/hospitalityeducation/)
- [#texashospitality](https://texaslodging.com/tag/texashospitality/)
- [#hotellaw](https://texaslodging.com/tag/hotellaw/)
- [#texaspolitics](https://texaslodging.com/tag/texaspolitics/)
- [#enjoyourfriendlynature](https://texaslodging.com/tag/enjoyourfriendlynature/)

## Vendor Categories

- [Business Services](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/business-services/) - Services to help your business thrive. Marketing and Advertising, Legal Services, Insurance Providers, Property Tax Consultants & More.
- [Advertising and Marketing](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/advertising-and-marketing/)
- [Audio Visual](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/audio-visual/)
- [Business Technology](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/business-technology/)
- [Credit Card Processing](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/credit-card-processing/)
- [FF&E](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/ffe/)
- [Financial Services](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/financial-services/)
- [Hotel Brokers](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/hotel-brokers/)
- [Insurance Providers and Claims](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/insurance-providers-and-claims/) - Commercial, health, and worker’s compensation insurance providers focused on navigating your evolving business needs.
- [Internet, Wi-Fi, Call Management, and IT Services](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/internet-wi-fi-call-management-and-it-services/)
- [Legal Services](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/legal-services/) - A thorough compilation of legal service providers authorized to practice in Texas and knowledgeable about our industry’s operations
- [Promotional Items](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/promotional-items/)
- [Property Tax Consultants](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/property-tax-consultants/)
- [Real Estate Consultants](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/real-estate-consultants/)
- [Revenue Management](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/revenue-management/)
- [Signs](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/signs/)
- [Digital Signage](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/digital-signage/)
- [Furniture, Fixture & Equipment](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/furniture-fixtures-equipment/) - The best products for your lodging property. Carpet, Light Fixtures, Mattresses, Paint, Stone Suppliers, HVAC Systems, Vending Machines & More.
- [Appliances](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/appliances/)
- [Bathroom Fixtures](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/bathroom-fixtures/)
- [Hotel Fixtures and Equipment](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/hotel-fixtures-and-equipment/)
- [HVAC Products and Equipment](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/hvac-products-and-equipment/)
- [Kitchen Maintenance](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/kitchen-maintenance/)
- [Guest Room Products](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/guest-room-products/) - Products for guest rooms and amenities services to enhance your guests’ stay. Textiles, TV’s, Blinds, Personal Care Products, Cable Providers, & More.
- [Drapery and Window Treatments](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/drapery-and-window-treatments/)
- [Magazines and Newspapers](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/magazines-and-newspapers/)
- [TV, Cable and In-Room Technology](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/tv-cable-and-in-room-technology/)
- [Hotel Operations](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/hotel-operations/) - Products and services to help your property perform at its best. Energy Management, Human Resources, Security, Telephone Systems, Valet Services & More.
- [Energy Management](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/energy-management/)
- [Industry Data and Performance Resources](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/industry-data-and-performance-resources/)
- [POS Systems](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/pos-systems/)
- [Property Management](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/property-management/)
- [Revenue Management](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/revenue-management-hotel-operations/)
- [Telephone Systems](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/telephone-systems/)
- [Valet Services](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/valet-services/)
- [Janitorial, Housekeeping and Laundry Supplies](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/janitorial-housekeeping-and-laundry-supplies/) - Products for your housekeeping staff and laundry facilities. Housekeeping Carts, Housekeeping Software, Washing Machines, Cleaning Supplies & More.
- [Cleaning Supplies and Sanitation Solutions](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/cleaning-supplies-and-sanitation-solutions/)
- [Housekeeping Carts](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/housekeeping-carts/)
- [Housekeeping Management Software](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/housekeeping-management-software/)
- [Laundry Supplies and Equipment](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/laundry-supplies-and-equipment/)
- [Property Construction, Maintenance & Repair](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/property-construction-maintenance-repair/) - Products and services related to the maintenance and repair of your property. Carpet Cleaning, Parking Lot Paving, Disaster Recovery Services, Contractors & More.
- [Carpet Cleaning](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/carpet-cleaning/)
- [Contractors](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/contractors/)
- [Disaster Recovery Systems](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/disaster-recovery-system/)
- [Landscaping and Lawn Services](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/landscaping-and-lawn-services/)
- [Paving and Repairs](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/paving-and-repairs/)
- [Pest Control](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/pest-control/)
- [Power Washing](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/power-washing/)
- [Renovation and Repair Services](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/renovation-and-repair-services/)
- [Roof Repair and Maintenance](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/roof-repair-and-maintenance/)
- [Personnel](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/personel/)
- [Bed and Bath Linens](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/bed-and-bath-linens/)
- [Moving and Storage Solutions](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/moving-and-storage-solutions/)
- [Arts & Entertainment](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/arts-and-entertainment/) - Explore the rich tapestry of cultural wonders that Texas offers, showcasing a diverse selection of captivating artworks and immersive experiences carefully curated to delight visitors.
- [Transportation](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/transportation/)
- [Accounting Software & Bookkeeping Services](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/accounting-software-bookkeeping-services/)
- [Employment Law](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/employment-law/)
- [Immigration Law](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/immigration-law/)
- [Business Law](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/business-law/)
- [Real Estate Law](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/real-estate-law/)
- [Product & Sundry Supply](https://texaslodging.com/vendors_category/product-sundry-supply/)

## Event Categories

- [AAHOA Regional Events](https://texaslodging.com/events/category/aahoa-regional-events/)
- [Legislative Summits](https://texaslodging.com/events/category/legislative-summits/)
- [Short Course](https://texaslodging.com/events/category/short-course/)
- [AHLA](https://texaslodging.com/events/category/ahla/)
- [Converge on the Capitol](https://texaslodging.com/events/category/converge-on-the-capitol/)
- [Educational Events - H.S.](https://texaslodging.com/events/category/educational-events-h-s/)