New Braunfels’ reputation as a tourism destination is translating into big business, with a new economic impact report showing the city’s hospitality industry generated $1.3 billion in revenue last year.
Tanya Pence of the New Braunfels Visitors Bureau said the $1.3 billion total marks a 14% increase over the past three years. “We expect it to keep growing. I mean, we’re excited for it too,” Pence said.
Pence also pointed to major projects expected to add to that growth as they reach completion, including the Faust Hotel, a SpringHill Suites off Interstate 35, and the Dittlinger Mill “pearl like” development. The continued expansion is expected to boost revenue for the city and strengthen New Braunfels’ standing as a premier destination.
Pence said tourism is also a major driver of employment in the area. “The hospitality industry employs…about a third, of our jobs here in New Braunfels…It’s a vital part of our infrastructure here,” she said.
Local hotel operators say they are already seeing the impact. Kelsey Stoffel, manager of the Petite Cowboy Hotel, said, “It was an incredibly successful summer for us.” She said continued investment in redevelopment and hospitality properties has increased traffic in the area.
“There’s so much potential in New Braunfels,” Stoffel said. “We want to keep bringing people from the outside and show them how amazing New Braunfels is.”
While summer remains the peak season, Pence said the goal is to make New Braunfels a destination for all four seasons.
