You Gotta Go To Glen Rose! Posted on April 30, 2024 by THLA Staff - Getaway You Gotta Go! –Rita Smith- Director of Visit Glen Rose Welcome to Glen Rose, You may have heard about our little city—the dinosaur tracks, the petrified wood buildings, and the warm-hearted people who call this place home. But let me share a secret with you: Glen Rose is more than just a picturesque spot on the map; it’s a well-preserved nook of nostalgia we all long to find & experience, in a world gone digital (and a little crazy). Historic Downtown Square: A Captivating Intersection of Past & Present ..read more

Storytelling and Instagram for Hotel Marketing Posted on April 30, 2024 by THLA Staff - Blog Your Story Path Compelling stories connect your business with people on a personal level. If you haven’t already started on your story path, or need some inspiration on your current one, here are some suggestions. Instagram Stories is a powerful marketing tool that allows you to showcase your facilities, create your unique visual identity, and reach a larger audience. Engaging content that includes video, voiceovers, music, and graphics, helps build customer relationships, create buzz, and incr ..read more

New Overtime Rule Posted on April 30, 2024 by Justin Bragiel - Blog, News Thresholds Raised The Department of Labor (DOL) issued its final rule altering the overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The new DOL rule raises the minimum salary threshold for employees exempt from overtime pay. Under current law, an employee who is exempt from overtime must be paid on a salary basis at least $35,568 annually, and also meet the duties requirement under the FLSA. Under the DOL’s rule released this week, beginning on July 1, 2024, the minimum annual salary ..read more

Texas Senate’s interim charge on HOT-related legislation Posted on April 30, 2024 by Justin Bragiel - Blog, News Interim Charge We want to make sure you are aware that Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (President of the Texas Senate) recently released his interim charges for Texas Senate committees prior to the 2025 session. Interim charges often play an important part in forming legislation that will be filed and considered in the upcoming legislative session. You can view the full list of charges here.   We met with the staff of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic ..read more

Keeping Your Pool Area Safe Posted on March 26, 2024 by THLA Staff - Blog Swimming Season is upon us At the start of the swimming season, it’s good practice to review your hotel property’s swimming pool rules and safety standards. While your guests enjoy the pool, make sure you avoid potential liability and stay compliant with local, state, and federal law. In Texas, swimming pools that are open to hotel guests are known as “public” swimming pools. Note that certain cities or counties may have additional requirements. Here are some tips to minimize and prevent pool and spa-related injur ..read more

Texas Leads the Way to Court Victory on Challenging NLRB’s “Joint Employer” Rule Posted on March 26, 2024 by Justin Bragiel - Blog, News Legal Victory On March 8th, Judge Campbell Barker, a federal judge for the Eastern District of Texas blocked the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) expanded joint-employer rule that would have made it more likely for employers to be deemed joint employers.  This important legal victory helps maintain the franchise business model in the United States. Background: In October of 2023, the federal NLRB issued a new rule that broadened how two dif ..read more

Exploring the Future of Hospitality: 2024 THLA Hotel Summer Camps are open Posted on March 26, 2024 by THLA Staff - Blog, Education Opportunites in June The Texas Hotel and Lodging Association (THLA) has once again set the stage for the future of hospitality with its highly anticipated Hotel Summer Camps. Spanning across three vibrant cities—Houston, Fort Worth, and Bryan College Station—previous year’s camps have left an indelible mark on the minds of aspiring hoteliers and industry enthusiasts alike. Throughout the month of June, over 150 high school students will have the unique oppo ..read more

Beautifully Crafted Kerrville Posted on March 26, 2024 by THLA Staff - Getaway Past Meets Present The past meets the present in beautifully crafted Kerrville, Texas. This Hill Country town embodies its rich history, from the courageous pioneers who settled in the area to brilliant craftsmen like James Avery who cultivated the entrepreneurial spirit that still thrives today. Visitors feel inspired as they stroll the historic downtown, uncover an antique gem, pedal through riverside trails, find the perfect artisan gift, or enjoy a handcrafted meal. Kerrville’s green hills and refreshin ..read more

The Growing Demand for Extended Stays in Hotels Posted on March 26, 2024 by THLA Staff - Blog Demand is High The post-pandemic hybrid working environment made extended stay one of the fastest-growing segments in hospitality. The demand for alternative accommodations continues to grow and gain popularity with business travelers, remote workers, families, corporate relocators, military personnel, traveling nurses, and more.  While large hotel chains continue to invest heavily in this segment, demand for extended-stay lodging still outpaces supply. Marriott’s Residence Inn, Element ..read more

Review and Update your Listing Posted on March 26, 2024 by THLA Staff - Blog Your Property’s Listing All THLA lodging members are listed on three leading tourism websites for promoting travel and lodging in Texas. These sites provide tremendous expousure for hotels and other lodging members.  www.traveltexas.com – The State’s Travel & Tourism website. The state will spend over $140 million over the next two years marketing the TravelTexas website. Lodging properties are listed on the TravelTexas.com website through membership with THLA. www.tourtexas.com – TourTexas.com is the ..read more