About SAVA

Through a united voice, we build value for our members, the industry and the community

SAVA Logo White 219 x 62

The San Antonio Visitor Alliance is a private sector organization comprised of hotels, attractions, museums, car rental agencies, airlines, restaurants, transportation companies, tour operators, meeting planners, vendors and suppliers to the industry and other enterprises that rely on tourists directly or indirectly for all or part of their business.

Founded in 1995, the San Antonio Visitor Alliance was developed to help with various issues and programs to develop the tourism industry in the San Antonio area. It is managed by a Board of Directors who represent all segments of the industry. Our focus is to lobby and protect the tourism industry.

Our Mission:

“To promote and support the development of the visitor industry while preserving and enhancing the special character of the city and surrounding area.”

What We Do

  • ADVOCATE for Tourism every day
  • EDUCATE our citizens of the value of the industry
  • INFORM elected officials and business leaders on the importance of economic development and how tourism improves quality of life
  • INTERACT with City officials and all city departments
  • PRODUCE the Economic Impact Study every two years with our hospitality partners
  • SUPPORT the growth of this industry including River Walk, Convention Facilities and our International Airport expansion
  • Keep “eyes and ears” on all issues related to tourism, by reviewing weekly City Council agendas and special meetings
  • Keep our stakeholders informed of proposed legislation or potential changes to City ordinances
  • FACILITATE meetings for our industry and members
  • HELP our City leaders to welcome new tourism businesses
  • CREATE more economic development by helping potential investors and developers

Bill Brendel

Bill has been involved in the hotel/hospitality industry since the 1980’s, operating a wide variety of award-winning hotel properties across the country. His career has taken him from Missouri to stints in North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Colorado and Texas. Bill arrived in San Antonio in 2004 and has been actively involved in serving the travel/tourism industry ever since. He will focus on championing local tourism on behalf of the Visitor Alliance membership. Bill will also lead strategic planning of the Visitor Alliance, local business development and the organization’s fiscal operations.

Bill began his hospitality career in his home state of Missouri and has worked in a wide variety of operations across the country. Spending the longest tenure of his career in San Antonio, Bill has served on board of directors for the local hotel and lodging association, Visitor Alliance, CENTRO PID, VSA, VSA TPID and Greater Chamber of Commerce. Bill holds a BSBA from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He spends personal time giving back in community service to Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, the San Antonio Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and the Texas Ramp Project.

Help promote and support the development of the visitor industry in San Antonio. Join SAVA Today!