new braunfels, texas – Triple-digit heat is putting pressure on revenue targets for businesses that rely on summer tourism.
The city of New Braunfels relies heavily on tourism each summer.
2022 marks a record year for the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, said CEO and President Jonathan Packer.
“until spring break [2023]matched last year’s record-breaking numbers,” Packer said.
But after that, hotel stays began to decline. Packer said occupancy is 3% to 4% lower than last year so far, but it’s still a good summer considering it was a record year.
“It’s still busy in the summer, but when the weather gets a little better it just gets less busy,” he said.
Owners Jennifer Wilson and Dennis Wilson said they’ve noticed fewer people on summer weekends, although they’re still crowded. Most of the reservations are made last minute.
“I’ve booked three rooms in the last 24 hours,” she said early Labor Day weekend.
They are hoping for better weather to bring back tourists.
“I think cold weather is obviously a natural help,” she said.
Fall events, parades and festivals will help make up for the late summer.
“We’ve been in this city for like 20 years. So we’ve seen it rise and fall, and I gave up on predicting,” said Dennis Wilson. .
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