Tourism Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

THCRR Executive Director Hailey Conrad submits intent to resign effective June 30th, 2025

admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:35:07 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

03-04-25

Texas Hill Country River Region Executive Director Hailey Conrad submitted her resignation letter Tuesday, June 3rd to the THCRR Board of Directors, lodging partners and business owners. According to the letter, Conrad’s resignation becomes effective on June 30th, 2025.

In her letter Conrad wrote:
“Dear Lodging Partners & Local Business Owners,

I’m writing to inform you that I have officially submitted my resignation as Executive Director of the Texas Hill Country River Region, effective June 30, 2025.

This was not an easy decision, as serving in this role has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career. Working alongside all of you, who care so deeply about the success of your businesses and the Uvalde County community, has been an incredible privilege. Together, we’ve accomplished so much in promoting our region and strengthening the tourism industry we all rely on.

While I will be stepping away from this position, I remain committed to supporting the organization, maintaining continuity, and helping set up the next Executive Director for success.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be organizing files, systems, and resources to make this transition as seamless as possible for everyone involved.

Thank you for your continued support, collaboration, and trust. This organization will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’ll remain its biggest advocate.

Warm regards,

Hailey Conrad”

On Tuesday, June 6th, The Texas Hill Country River Region called an emergency board meeting on Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 9 AM with one agenda item: Discussion of Personnel

About the Texas Hill County River Region:

“The Texas Hill Country River Region (THCRR) was founded in 1998 with the mission of promoting Uvalde County as an overnight year-round tourism destination and to increase off-season occupancy in the regions’ accommodations.

The organization is funded by a hotel occupancy tax through a contract with Uvalde County.

THCRR is governed by a seven member Board of Directors consisting of the County’s lodging owners and business owners. Directors are elected to serve a 2-year term.” – from the organization’s website.

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Uvalde’s Tourism and Visitor’s Bureau could (soon) be run by Artificial Intelligence

admin — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 22:47:38 +0000

by Michael Robinson |Uvalde Hesperian

04-01-25

(Not an April Fool’s Day article)

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence and robotic technology has reached a point where, in the near future, a small town like Uvalde could have a completely automated Tourism and Visitors Bureau possibly with no human staff according to information from Microsoft’s Copilot AI App.

Visitors could one day come to the Uvalde Visitor’s Bureau office and be greeted by an AI robot that could not only answer questions about Uvalde and suggest things to do and also customize a visitor’s experience based upon their interests.

AI could also provide visitors bureau and speak in many languages to tourists,

In the near future. AI robots could even give tours around town.

Jackson Hole Wyoming is already using AI to manage its tourism sustainably and New York City Tourism has also launched an AI Platform for Convention Planning.

“New data and a state-of-the-art display allow Jackson Hole’s tourism industry to better anticipate and respond to the needs of the destination. Locations around the world are taking notice, recognizing that traditional visitor tracking falls short of telling the full story of tourism in a popular destination,” according to https://industry.visitjacksonhole.com/jacksons-tourism-data-dashboard-leads-the-industry

“We’re pleased to unveil Ellis, the first-ever AI chat platform by a DMO designed to revolutionize event planning in New York City,” said Julie Coker, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions. “As a global leader in travel, we’re breaking new ground with this free, innovative tool that empowers planners to craft unique events across our five boroughs. With 13.1 million business travelers expected this year, NYC is primed to deliver unforgettable experiences,” according to the an article posted by PR Newswire

“Visitor Engagement Software: Enhancing the Guest Experience from Start to Finish”

“The rise of mobile technology has changed how people engage with destinations. Gone are the days of printed brochures; visitors now want interactive, digital content they can access anytime, anywhere. Our Visitor Engagement Software responds to this shift by offering a mobile platform that provides real-time updates, location-based information, and multilingual support.” – from business.great visitor experiences

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VIDEO: Drought conditions expected to cause a 20% decrease in 2025 River Region tourism if weather trends persist

admin — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:51:10 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

03-25-25

Uvalde County Commissioners Court met on Monday, March 25th, 2025:

Diana Olvedo-Karau questions commissioners on details of its county animal control budget.

Texas Hill Country River Region Executive Director Hailey Conrad projects 20% reduction in area tourism if drought conditions persist. She went on to say that if the drought conditions persist, the HOT Tax entity also known as Visit Uvalde County plans on focusing its marketing efforts in promoting off-season events and activities.

Court approves adoption of Capt family-initiated Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone plan following suit with the City of Uvalde.

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VIDEO News Report: Commissioners Court weighs-in on Texas Legislative Session topics: Edwards Aquifer, School Vouchers, Rural EMS funding

admin — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 01:05:09 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
Wednesday, February 26th, 2025

The post VIDEO News Report: Commissioners Court weighs-in on Texas Legislative Session topics: Edwards Aquifer, School Vouchers, Rural EMS funding appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Lots of events to enjoy in Concan for the 4th of July Independence Day Weekend

admin — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:38:28 +0000

Article by Michael Robinson: Picture Credit: Robinson

If you and your family are looking for something to do this Independence Day weekend, there will be family friendly events such as Friday night stargazing, live music, Family Quest, golf and nightly dances at Garner State Park.

If you’d like to avoid the sounds of loud fireworks, Concan might be the destination you are looking for! There is also the chance to cool off in the Frio River at the Concan Swimming Hole or take a float trip down the Frio. Andy’s on River Road, Neals Lodges, Josh’s Frio River Outfitter and Happy Hollow are outfitters that provide tube rentals and shuttle services to the various river crossings.

The Uvalde Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Southwest Regional Area Transit or SWART to provide daily shuttle services between Uvalde and Concan.

Visit Texas Hill Country River Region for a complete listing of all the activities or visit their the Visit Uvalde County Facebook Page.

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Weekend rainfall brings approximately 1/2 inch of rain to Uvalde County

admin — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 14:06:33 +0000

A weekend cold weather system brought this year’s spring break week to a wintery close. Overnight Friday March 17 through early Saturday morning March 18th light snowfall was reported in Rocksprings and in Leakey according to the National Weather Service Office Austin/San Antonio. “We’ve had several reports of snow accumulating on grassy surfaces and on vehicles over the Edwards Plateau and western Hill Country,” the NWS Austin/San Antonio said. Rain reports from several measuring stations in Uvalde County indicated about 1/2 inch of rain Saturday at several locations in Uvalde County.

Saturday’s temperatures were in the mid 50’s accompanied by light rain most of that day. Up in Concan, the spring breakers put away their swimsuits and river gear and could be seen wearing coats and jackets. While Thursday’s warmer temperatures and sunshine allowed for some to have some river fun, the warmer temperatures did not last.

“Showers will continue this morning, but will mainly limited to the western portion of the area by mid-afternoon. Temperatures will be a few degrees colder than yesterday with overcast skies. These colder temperatures linger into early this upcoming week,” the NWS San Antonio office posted on Twitter last Saturday morning.

The colder temperatures and rainy weather did not deter runners from participating in the Eva Strong Memorial Race held in Uvalde that morning with approximately 450 participating. The Race was held in memory of Eva Mireles, one of two teachers who perished in the Robb School massacre on May 24th, last year.

Tournament golfers hit the links Saturday morning at Frio Valley Ranch Golf course completing the second tournament day.

Weekend rainfall results in Frio River water level rise.

Spring Breakers by the fire pit at Joe Jimmy’s Saturday night.

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2024 Solar Eclipse: Uvalde County officials, tourism staff and lodge owners discuss preparing for massive numbers of eclipse tourists

admin — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 23:17:00 +0000

Several dozen people including elected officials, first responders, tourism heads and Texas Hill Country River Region (THCRR) lodge owners and business owners met at Neal’s Dining Room in Concan this afternoon to discuss forming a Eclipse Task Force which would include city and county government officials, first responders, area Independent School Districts ISD’s, business owners as well as pastors and clergy and many volunteers. The Uvalde County area will be in the path of two eclipses: an annual eclipse on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 and a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th, 2024.

While both eclipses are likely to draw tourists to Uvalde County and the Texas Hill Country, the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse is expected to draw tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of Total Solar Eclipse tourists from across the United States and around the world. Both Uvalde and Concan are situated in totality’s path which is the ideal place for viewing this rare celestial event.

According to THCRR Board President Jamie Holmes she stated the organization had initially purchased 2-3 thousand eclipse glasses. “We’re seen the numbers, it’s not enough.” Holmes said. Eclipse glasses are necessary to view the sun safely before and after solar totality which is estimated to last approximately 4 minutes.

For area lodge owners who plan on booking stays for the Total Solar Eclipse, one person who spoke at the meeting suggested they plan on charging 2 -4 times more than peak season rates for reservations with a Friday check-in date through Monday the day of the Total Solar Eclipse. Holmes suggested lodge owners update their maximum rates now which are posted on the front door of lodges and rental properties.

According to the information on the meeting’s handout under local outreach: “The goal of the Solar Eclipse Task Force: Educate and engage local groups so that the community is appropriately prepared AND supported for this historic event for Uvalde County.”

Other stated goals were stated under the following headings: Infrastructure and Logistics. Emergency Operations Center and Entertainment, Tourism and Media. According to the THCRR hand-out, the organization has a job opening for a Solar Eclipse Task Force Coordinator, listed as a full time position.

The THCRR is seeking volunteers for the Eclipse Task Force and many volunteers will be needed.

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Tourism Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

THCRR Executive Director Hailey Conrad submits intent to resign effective June 30th, 2025

The Texas Hill Country River Region calls an emergency board meeting on Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 9 AM

Uvalde’s Tourism and Visitor’s Bureau could (soon) be run by Artificial Intelligence

It’s actually closer than you think.

VIDEO: Drought conditions expected to cause a 20% decrease in 2025 River Region tourism if weather trends persist

VIDEO News Report: Commissioners Court weighs-in on Texas Legislative Session topics: Edwards Aquifer, School Vouchers, Rural EMS funding

Lots of events to enjoy in Concan for the 4th of July Independence Day Weekend

Weekend rainfall brings approximately 1/2 inch of rain to Uvalde County

Weekend rain results in water level rise on the Frio River

2024 Solar Eclipse: Uvalde County officials, tourism staff and lodge owners discuss preparing for massive numbers of eclipse tourists

THCRR holds meeting to discuss forming a Solar Eclipse Task Force for 2023 Annual Eclipse and 2024 Total Solar Eclipse over Uvalde County