From Our Blog

Port Aransas – Live the Island Life!

January, 26 2022

Proudly anchored in tradition, generations of Texans have made the laid-back coastal town their annual vacation destination. Discover ‘Port A’

Hotel Industry Trends 2022

December, 29 2021

The pandemic affected the hospitality and travel industries more than most an compelled them to innovate and adapt. See top trends for 2022

Granbury Texas, Restore Yourself

December, 28 2021

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 Law Takes Effect

December, 28 2021

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.

Common Record Retention Time Periods

December, 21 2021

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.

Child Care Scholarships- Opportunities for Hospitality Workers

November, 30 2021

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. 

Personalized and Purposeful Experiences

November, 29 2021

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.

Video Stories for Hotels

October, 27 2021

Video offers hotels a great opportunity to immerse their guests in their individual stories and to showcase their amenities through their website. 

The Third Legislative Session Ended with a Big Win for the Texas Lodging Industry

October, 27 2021

We are pleased to report that in Section 2 of SB 8, the Texas Legislature appropriated $180 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Governor’s office… Read more »

12 Tips for Hotel Marketing During the Holidays

October, 27 2021

As travel and economic conditions continue to recover from the global pandemic, this holiday season presents opportunities for hotels to capitalize on what has traditionally been the most lucrative time… Read more »

Eco-Friendly Travel

September, 30 2021

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.

Dripping Springs – Gateway to the Hill Country

September, 28 2021

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… Read more »

September 2021 COVID-19 Federal Vaccine Mandate: Things to know

September, 27 2021

October 11th Update: Governor’s Executive Order  On October 11th, Governor Abbott issued an executive order that states, “No entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine by any… Read more »

THLA proposes bylaws amendment

September, 15 2021

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… Read more »

The Benefits of Contactless Check-in

August, 31 2021

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.

Hurricane Ida

August, 29 2021

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 29, 2021 Hurricane Ida update:… Read more »

Federal Per Diem Rates Maintained at FY2021 Levels

August, 27 2021

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… Read more »

Grants available for EV Charging Stations- Deadline Approaching

August, 27 2021

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… Read more »

THLA Virtual Interactive Webinar Series: Best of THLA Short Course Session 3

July, 29 2021

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

July, 29 2021

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… Read more »

Wellness Tourism 2021

July, 29 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. 

July 30th – Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking

July, 29 2021

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… Read more »

Reserving Hotel Room Blocks for a Wedding

July, 21 2021

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… Read more »

Monahans-the Oasis of the West Texas Desert

June, 29 2021

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… Read more »

THLA & TWC Roundtable on Labor Shortages

June, 29 2021

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… Read more »

THLA and BEST partnership furthers the goal of training all hotel employees to recognize human trafficking

June, 14 2021

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… Read more »

2021 Legislative Report

June, 7 2021

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… Read more »

Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation Signed by Governor Abbott

May, 27 2021

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… Read more »