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San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District (TPID)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tourism Public Improvement District (TPID)?
A Tourism Public Improvement District (TPID) is a district created by hotels to generate dedicated funding for tourism marketing and group sales efforts that increase hotel demand, convention business, events, and overnight stays.
Under Texas law, TPID funds may only be used for:
- Marketing and advertising directly related to hotel activity
- Sales, promotion, and business development efforts that increase hotel bookings and events
TPID funds cannot be used for infrastructure, construction projects, or unrelated city services. The funds are intended to supplement — not replace — existing tourism funding.
When was the San Antonio TPID established?
The San Antonio TPID was originally established in 2018 through a partnership between San Antonio hoteliers and the City of San Antonio. The district is up for renewal September 2026.
Why was the TPID created?
The TPID was created to provide dedicated funding to:
- Increase convention, meeting, and event activity
- Support enhanced tourism marketing efforts
- Expand sales incentives that attract hotel-generating events
- Strengthen San Antonio’s competitiveness as a destination
The TPID provides supplemental funding beyond traditional hotel occupancy tax resources.
How has the TPID performed?
Since its creation, the San Antonio TPID has helped:
- Increase citywide convention conversion rates
- Attract major national and international events
- Generate significant economic impact through convention and event activity
- Strengthen San Antonio’s position as a leading meetings and tourism destination
The San Antonio TPID has also served as a model for similar districts across Texas.
When is the TPID up for renewal?
The current TPID term expires in September 2026. Renewal must be approved by eligible hoteliers and the San Antonio City Council.
Renewal Process
How is the TPID renewed?
Under Chapter 372 of the Texas Local Government Code, renewal requires:
- Signed petitions from qualified representatives of more than 60% of eligible hotels
- Public hearings before City Council
- Approval of the Service Plan and assessment rate by City Council
Who can sign a TPID petition?
A petition may be signed by an authorized representative responsible for hotel operations, such as:
- Hotel owners
- General managers
- Regional managers
- Authorized hotel management company representatives
The signer must be authorized to act on behalf of the hotel ownership entity.
What is the general renewal timeline?
The renewal process generally includes:
- Draft document review with City staff
- Petition outreach and signature collection
- Petition validation by the City
- Public hearing before City Council
- Approval and implementation of the renewed TPID
Governance & Oversight
Who oversees the TPID?
The TPID is overseen through coordination among:
- The City of San Antonio
- Visit San Antonio
- The San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Corporation Board of Directors
The San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Corporation is governed by a Board of Directors composed of participating San Antonio hoteliers.
What is the TPID Service Plan?
The Service Plan is the governing document that outlines:
- How TPID funds may be used
- Budget categories and allocations
- Program priorities and initiatives
The Service Plan is approved by City Council and updated annually.
Finance & Assessments
How is the TPID funded?
The TPID is currently funded through a 1.25% assessment on taxable room revenue. Upon reauthorization, the assessment rate is proposed to increase to 2.0% for participating hotels with 100 or more rooms located within the district.
Hotels collect the assessment from guests as a separate TPID fee and remit it to the City of San Antonio alongside hotel occupancy taxes.
What charges are subject to the TPID fee?
The TPID fee generally applies to charges that are subject to hotel occupancy tax, including:
- Guest room charges
- Mandatory room-related fees
Food and beverage sales and other non-hotel-taxable charges are not subject to the TPID fee.
Are exempt stays or prior contracted business subject to the TPID fee?
Generally, stays or charges exempt from hotel occupancy tax are also exempt from the TPID fee.
Can the TPID be dissolved before the end of its term?
Yes. Under state law, a majority of participating hotels may petition City Council to dissolve the TPID prior to the end of its term.