From Our Blog

2023 Texas Legislative Session – Our Issues

December, 22 2022

Read about hotel occupancy tax, full funding for state tourism promotion, STR preemption and other issues THLA will adddress in 2023

Legislative Update

December, 21 2022

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.

Video Marketing for Hotels – the Rise of TikTok and Instagram Reels

November, 30 2022

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.

12 Tips for Hotel Holiday Marketing 2022

October, 28 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.

Holidays Around the Bay!

October, 27 2022

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!

2022 Hotel Summer Camps Recap

October, 26 2022

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.

How to Bring the Business Traveler Back to Your Hotel

September, 29 2022

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. 

Palestine Texas, Where the Dogwoods Bloom

September, 28 2022

Centrally located between Dallas and Houston, know for their Piney Woods full of blooming dogwoods,make sure Palestine is on your getaway shortlist!

Updated Texas Travel Industy Recovery Program Details

September, 27 2022

Approved applicants may now receive up to $250,000 per applicant/taxpayer ID. Applications start September 1st!

Hurricane Resouces for Hotels

September, 10 2022

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).  

Getaway to Georgetown this Fall

September, 9 2022

Close your eyes and set the scene: a picturesque Fall stroll on ‘The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas!’

Google’s New Search Algorithm and How it Affects Hotels

September, 8 2022

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.

THLA Partners with Adesso Capital

August, 24 2022

THLA is proud to announce a partnership with Adesso Capital to help Texas hoteliers access much-needed federal pandemic recovery funds.

GSA releases FY 2023 per diem rates

August, 24 2022

The federal General Services Agency (GSA) just announced new federal lodging per diem rates for Fiscal Year 2023

Hotel Management Books to Read, Summer 2022

August, 24 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.

Navasota – So much, so close!

August, 22 2022

Being a charming and historic community, Navasota frequently attracts visitors and residents alike that are looking for fun weekend activities.

Lubbock – the “Hub City”

June, 20 2022

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.

Hurricane Resouces for Hotel Guests

May, 19 2022

Are you a storm evacuee in need of financial assistance for lodging?  We suggest contacting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA )

Solo Travel

April, 28 2022

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… Read more »

Snyder Texas – Southern Hospitality at its Best

April, 27 2022

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.

Human Trafficking Prevention Training Update

April, 26 2022

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. 

Supreme Court ruling upholds cities’ ability to regulate advertising signage

April, 26 2022

City regulations governing business signage have a big impact on hotel construction, remodeling, and general operations. 

Make Your Hotel Instagram Worthy

March, 31 2022

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.

Buda Texas, Breathe Easy Here

March, 30 2022

Located 15 minutes south of Downtown Austin, Buda is known for small-town charm and homegrownroots in the midst of a metropolis.

Common Record Retention Time Periods

March, 28 2022

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: January Update

March, 28 2022

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.

Hotels 2022 – Spotty Recovery or Roaring Rebound?

February, 24 2022

Some forecasters predict travelers’ wanting to make up for lost time, others predict a more spotty recovery.

The Hotel Occupancy Tax “Permanent Resident” Exemption

February, 24 2022

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… Read more »

Ten Reasons You Can’t Resist Garland

February, 23 2022

From Culture to Cowhides, here are 10 Reasons you Can’t Resist Garland