THLA Fall Hotel Camp Inspires Future Leaders

THLA Fall Hotel Camp Inspired Future Hospitality Leaders on South Padre Island. On November 11–13, the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (THLA) partnered with Region One Education Service Center and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship to host an immersive Fall Hotel Camp at the Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island.

Over three impactful days, middle and high school students explored the world of hospitality through hands-on workshops, mixed-reality simulations, dining etiquette experiences, and real-world job shadowing across hotel departments.

The students’ excitement, engagement, and thoughtful participation throughout every activity was truly inspiring and highlighted the power of experiential learning.

A special thank you to Ammar Alrudaini, General Manager Margaritaville Beach Resort, and the entire Margaritaville leadership team for making this one of the best student camps THLA has ever hosted. Their genuine commitment to developing the next generation of hospitality leaders was evident in every detail—from behind-the-scenes tours to meaningful interactions with hotel professionals.

The Importance of Innovation & Creativity

The camp also showcased the importance of innovation and creativity in today’s hospitality industry. A special shoutout to University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Social Media Marketing students, Paola De Alejandro and Gissell Barragan, who introduced a TikTok challenge that energized students and brought the Margaritaville brand to life in a way that resonated strongly with this generation.

The activity demonstrated how digital storytelling and social media marketing play an increasingly important role in hospitality careers.

Students in grades 8–12 attended from Port Isabel ISD, Zapata ISD, Rio Hondo ISD, Hidalgo ISD, and Santa Rosa ISD. The camp was funded through Federal GEAR UP and Perkins Innovation and Modernization grant funds, and was designed to expose students to the many exciting career pathways in the hospitality industry.

Experiences like the THLA Fall Hotel Camp reinforce why industry–education partnerships matter so much—helping students see firsthand how their skills, ideas, and voices can shape the future of Texas hospitality.

Host a Work-Based Learning Experience!

Are you interested in hosting a WBL experience? THLA encourages hotel leaders and human resources managers across Texas to explore hosting a Hotel Camp at their property.

These immersive experiences introduce students to hotel operations, career pathways, and workplace expectations—while strengthening your future talent pipeline.

THLA is also seeking hotel properties interested in hosting paid high school summer interns in June, with grant funding available to support wages for a meaningful work-based learning experience.

If your property would like to plan and implement a hotel camp, or learn more about hosting summer interns, please contact:

Debbie Wieland, THLA Education Outreach & Foundation Director, at dwieland@texaslodging.com.