From Our Blog
2023 End of Session Report
June, 1 2023The 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.
Child Labor Laws – 2023
May, 30 2017With 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.
Dog Days of Summer and Pet-Friendly Hotels
May, 31 2023Pandemic Pets are hitting the road (with their people of course). Pet-Welcoming Hotels are offering perks.
Dalhart, Wide Open Spaces
May, 31 2023Located 83 miles northwest of Amarillo in the far northwestern corner of the Texas Panhandle, Dalhart offers wide open spaces
Major Issues we are Tracking
April, 27 2023The 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.
How to Attract the Deal-Seeker to your Hotel
April, 27 2023Travel 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.
TEA Listening Tour
April, 26 2023TEA 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.
New Braunfels. New Adventures.
April, 26 2023New Braunfels boasts an old-world heritage that combines perfectly with its small-town charm offering a diverse range of activities, attractions, and entertainment!
2023 Texas Legislative Session: Bills we are tracking
March, 30 2023Updated March 30, 2023 Update: Statistics on bills filed through the 60th Day Alcoholic Beverages HB 115 Ortega, Lina(D) Relating to the offense of public consumption of… Read more »
Energy Saving Tips for Hotels
March, 30 2023On 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.
AISD Hospitality Days Recap
March, 29 2023THLA 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.
Denison – The Gateway City
March, 29 2023There’s something for everyone is Denison. Plan your getaway and discover all Deniison has to offer!
The Law on Renting Rooms to Minors and Under-Age Guests
February, 28 2023Texas law on renting rooms to minors. This Q&A explains the laws and provides some best practices to avoid liability.
Meet Mayur Patel, THLA’s 2023 Chairman
February, 28 2023THLA is delighted to welcome Mayur Patel to the role of THLA’s Chairman of the Board for 2023
Ethical Labor Practices in Hospitality
February, 28 2023Many 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.
Boerne – An Elevated Hill Country Experience
February, 24 2023Boerne 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.
Why Hotels Should Consider Partnering with Restaurants
January, 31 2023Unique partnerships can offer guests meals while keeping costs down and increasing brand awareness.
Recap of the 76th Annual Short Course
January, 24 2023THLA 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
January, 24 2023Falfurrias 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.
THLA Summer Camps Recognized
January, 23 2023ISHA’s national award given to a program or project that best demonstrates an effective training mechanism and enhances knowledge of our travel & tourism industry.
What is Hotel Occupancy Tax?
January, 15 2023Occupancy 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.
Eagle Pass – The Best Border Town in Texas
December, 29 2022If 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.
Hotel Industry Trends for 2023
December, 29 2022Digital Transformation and Automation, Personalization and Sustainability will continue to trend in 2023.
2023 Texas Legislative Session – Our Issues
December, 22 2022Read about hotel occupancy tax, full funding for state tourism promotion, STR preemption and other issues THLA will adddress in 2023
Legislative Update
December, 21 2022Bill 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.
Video Marketing for Hotels – the Rise of TikTok and Instagram Reels
November, 30 2022Expedia 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.
12 Tips for Hotel Holiday Marketing 2022
October, 28 2022As 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.
Holidays Around the Bay!
October, 27 2022Bay Area Houston, a charming region nestled between the big-city allure of Houston and the beaches of Galveston, is gearing up for the Holidays!
2022 Hotel Summer Camps Recap
October, 26 2022The 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.
How to Bring the Business Traveler Back to Your Hotel
September, 29 2022While 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.
Palestine Texas, Where the Dogwoods Bloom
September, 28 2022Centrally located between Dallas and Houston, know for their Piney Woods full of blooming dogwoods,make sure Palestine is on your getaway shortlist!