Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Advocating for San Antonio's Hospitality Industry Since 1914
We have served as the voice of San Antonio's lodging industry since 1914. Our organization advocates with a unified voice on critical issues impacting travel and tourism, connects industry leaders through signature events and networking opportunities, and supports workforce development initiatives to strengthen hospitality careers. With representation of over half the city's hotel rooms and allied businesses, we champion discussions that drive progress while promoting the economic impact of our industry.Our historical role in developing San Antonio's Riverwalk and hosting HemisFair underscores our century-long commitment to the city's hospitality legacy. We provide scholarships, host leadership programs, and recognize industry excellence through annual awards, positioning ourselves as the trusted resource for activating San Antonio hospitality at its best.
Services
Advocacy
Education Programs
Industry Events
Membership Services
Economic Impact Reporting
Details
- Year established: 1914
Highlights and features
- We advocate with a unified voice for hospitality industry growth
- We offer scholarships and workforce development programs
- We host signature events connecting industry leaders
- We represent over half of the city's hotel rooms
- We've provided leadership since 1914
What people say
Hospitality understanding
Profoundly impactful
Meaningful relationships
Support and camaraderie
Elevate our industry
Services
Industry Advocacy
We champion policy changes that benefit San Antonio's hospitality sector through unified representation. Our advocacy efforts focus on economic development, tourism promotion, and regulatory support for hotels and allied businesses. With over 100 years of experience, we provide trusted guidance on industry challenges and opportunities.
Workforce Development
Our education initiatives connect students to hospitality careers through scholarships and partnerships with local educators. We develop workforce pipelines that address industry needs while providing professional growth opportunities. Programs emphasize youth engagement and career awareness in lodging services.
Signature Events
We organize annual gatherings including the Pineapple Awards and Bed Making Competition that celebrate hospitality excellence. These events foster professional connections among hoteliers, allied businesses, and community partners while showcasing San Antonio's lodging industry leaders.
Membership Services
Our membership program offers networking opportunities with hotel decision-makers and industry professionals. Members gain access to exclusive events, leadership development programs, and advocacy efforts that strengthen their business impact in San Antonio's hospitality sector.
Economic Impact Analysis
We provide data-driven insights on tourism's economic contributions to San Antonio through occupancy tax analysis and visitor statistics. Our reports help shape policy decisions and demonstrate the hospitality industry's vital role in the city's economy.
People
Michelle Madson
President & CEO
Leading the association since 2016, Michelle brings extensive experience from Spurs Sports & Entertainment and the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. She holds a B.S. in Public Relations from UT Austin and manages leadership development programs.
Angelica Martinez
Director of Communications & Events
Angelica oversees communication strategy and event planning since 2022. With experience at Embassy Suites and San Antonio Botanical Gardens, she holds a Communications degree from UT San Antonio and specializes in hospitality event coordination.
Chaitan Mugili
Chairman of the Board
Current Chairman managing Westin San Antonio Riverwalk operations. With deep industry experience, he leads strategic initiatives for hoteliers while overseeing daily operations of one of San Antonio's premier lodging destinations.
Questions
What are the benefits of SAHLA membership?
Members gain industry advocacy, networking opportunities with hotel decision-makers, workforce development connections, and exclusive access to signature hospitality events that bolster business growth.
How does SAHLA support hospitality education?
We offer scholarships, partner with local educators, and run programs connecting students to hospitality careers while providing youth career awareness initiatives for future industry professionals.
What are SAHLA's signature events?
Our annual calendar includes the Pineapple Awards, Bed Making Competition, Hotel Manager of the Year recognition, and industry luncheons featuring tourism statistics and collaborative partnerships.
How does SAHLA represent San Antonio hospitality?
We advocate with a unified voice on policy issues, conduct economic impact research, and promote industry growth through representation of over half the city's hotel rooms and allied businesses.
What is SAHLA's history in San Antonio?
Established in 1914, we've played key roles in developing the Riverwalk, organizing HemisFair, and shaping tourism policy while representing lodging interests through two World Wars and modern economic challenges.
