News Summary
Marc Anderson has resigned as president and CEO of Visit San Antonio effective April 25, 2025, following a mutual agreement with the board. Anderson’s tenure focused on reviving tourism post-COVID, including initiatives aimed at increasing international visitor numbers. Mario Bass has been named interim CEO while the search for a successor begins. The leadership change comes at a critical time as the city plans significant new developments to enhance its tourism sector.
San Antonio, Texas
Marc Anderson has stepped down as president and CEO of Visit San Antonio, effective April 25, 2025. His departure was the result of a mutual agreement with the executive committee of the Visit San Antonio (VSA) Board. A nationwide search for his successor is currently in progress.
Anderson had been leading the organization since April 2021, during a crucial recovery phase following the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his tenure, Visit San Antonio focused on marketing the city to tourists and convention planners, a vital role given San Antonio’s emphasis on revitalizing its tourism sector.
Mario Bass has been appointed as the interim president and CEO during the transition period. Anderson’s leadership was marked by attempts to enhance international tourism, notably with the opening of an overseas office in London in 2022, aimed at attracting European visitors. In addition, a German marketing firm was hired in 2023 to target travelers from Germany, representing Anderson’s commitment to broadening San Antonio’s international appeal.
Another significant aspect of Anderson’s administration was his advocacy for increasing nonstop and international flight availability at San Antonio International Airport. However, his efforts faced challenges, exemplified by the discontinuation of Condor Airlines’ direct flight to Frankfurt, Germany, after an unsuccessful summer 2024 schedule.
With a budget of $41 million primarily funded by the city’s hotel occupancy tax, Visit San Antonio relies significantly on tourism as a financial lifeline. Approximately 67% of funding comes from this hotel occupancy tax, while another 27% is derived from a tourism public improvement district. The organization currently employs around 85 full-time staff members to fulfill its operational needs.
Anderson was also involved on a national level, having been appointed to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board by the Department of Commerce in January 2025, highlighting his influence in the broader tourism landscape.
As San Antonio continues its push for redevelopment and growth, plans are in motion for a multibillion-dollar sports and entertainment complex that will include an expanded convention center. This development reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its appeal for both visitors and convention planners, making the leadership transition at Visit San Antonio particularly significant.
Background on Visit San Antonio
Visit San Antonio operates as a public-private organization dedicated to promoting the city as a prime location for both tourism and events. The organization collaborates closely with stakeholders in the hospitality industry to develop strategies that attract visitors and conventions, particularly in the aftermath of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anderson previously held the position of chief operating officer for Choose Chicago before his appointment in San Antonio. His past experience also includes serving as the regional director of marketing for The Peninsula Hotels, covering regions in the Midwest and Canada. These roles laid the groundwork for his leadership approach in San Antonio, where he aimed to not only recover lost tourism numbers but also to expand the city’s reach into international markets.
The ongoing search for Anderson’s replacement comes at a pivotal time for San Antonio as it looks to maximize its tourism potential and continue its revitalization efforts amidst evolving travel dynamics.
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Additional Resources
- Express News: Visit San Antonio CEO Marc Anderson
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- Fox San Antonio: Downtown San Antonio’s Progress
- Google Search: Downtown San Antonio
- KSAT: JFK’s Visit to SA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John F. Kennedy
- Express News: Doug Emhoff Texas Visit
- Google Scholar: Doug Emhoff Texas Visit
- Axios: Michelin Expands Texas Restaurants
- Google News: Michelin Texas Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
