San Antonio Tourism Statistics - How Many Tourists Visit?

Page last updated: 17 December 2024

San Antonio, Texas, is a city known for its rich history, iconic Alamo, lively River Walk, and a unique blend of Texan and Mexican culture.

Overview

How many tourists visit San Antonio each year?

San Antonio welcomed over 37.7 million domestic and international visitors in 2023.

San Antonio attracted 41 million visitors in 2019. When the pandemic hit in 2020, this number increased by 44% to approximately 23 million.¹
In 2021, around 32 million tourists visited San Antonio.
In 2022, the total number of visits to San Antonio reached 34.8 million, increasing to 37.7 million in 2023.

In 2023, San Antonio welcomed a total of 37.7 million visitors including 35.6 million domestic tourists and 2.05 million international visitors.

In 2023, visitor spending reached $9.13 billion in San Antonio.

In 2019, visitor expenditure in San Antonio amounted to $8.54 billion. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, tourist expenditure declined to $5.2 billion.
By 2021, tourism spending recovered to $7.45 billion.
In 2022, visitor expenditures reached $9.09 billion, increasing further to $9.13 billion in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic figures by 7%.

In 2023, visitors spent $9.13 billion in San Antonio, exceeding the pre-pandemic figure.

The best time to visit San Antonio is during early spring, specifically from February to April.

February: The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo kicks off, providing a festive atmosphere with carnival rides and concerts.
April: The city celebrates Fiesta San Antonio, a vibrant festival featuring parades, music, and cultural events that attract both locals and tourists.

Total Economic Contribution: The hospitality and tourism industry in San Antonio contributed approximately $21.5 billion to the local economy, marking a 24% increase over the pre-pandemic peak in 2019 and an 11% rise compared to 2022.
Job Creation: The tourism sector employs over 147,000 individuals, representing more than one in eight jobs in the San Antonio metropolitan area.

San Antonio is home to five Spanish colonial missions, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Top Convention City: San Antonio is frequently ranked among the top cities in the U.S. for conventions and meetings, with the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Centre hosting over 300 events annually

Budget Travelers: Expect to spend between $54 and $132 per day. This includes basic accommodations, budget meals, and local transportation.
Mid-Range Travelers: A daily budget of around $132 allows for more comfortable hotels, dining at typical restaurants, and visiting popular attractions.
Luxury Travelers: For a more upscale experience, anticipate spending about $330 per day, which covers higher-end accommodations, fine dining, and private tours.

San Antonio River Walk: A 15-mile scenic walkway with shops, restaurants, and boat tours, attracting 11.5 million visitors annually.
The Alamo: Historic site symbolising Texas independence, featuring educational exhibits and reenactments, visited by over 4 million annually.
Natural Bridge Caverns: Texas’ largest underground attraction with guided tours showcasing stunning limestone formations.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with five Spanish colonial missions and guided historical tours.
SeaWorld San Antonio: A marine-life theme park offering interactive exhibits, shows, and rides, drawing 2.6 million visitors annually.