HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — After a record-setting March fueled by the Rodeo and spring break travel, Houston city leaders say they are working to maintain momentum and improve the experience for both visitors and residents.
The recent surge in tourism brought packed hotels, busy streets, and renewed energy to downtown and surrounding areas. While the crowds have begun to thin, many say the impact is still being felt.
“It was a lot of nighttime traffic that we lost a bit of after COVID,” George Ware, who works in downtown, said.
Residents and business owners alike welcomed the increase in activity.
“It looks good. Everything looks good. The city always looks good,” Houston native Israel Hernandez said.
“Whether you’re from here or not, people feel at home down here,” resident Robert Hale said.
Hotel operators reported especially strong demand throughout the month.
“We are completely sold out. There’s so much going on in the City of Houston,” Deidre Mathis, owner of Wanderstay Boutique Hotel on the East End, said. “The rodeo just wrapped up. Baseball is coming up. There are tons of conferences.”
Mathis said March is typically a strong month for business, but this year exceeded expectations.
“March is always a really good month. But I will admit, this month was exceptionally good,” she said.
According to Visit Houston, hotel bookings increased 15% compared to March of last year.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire called it a milestone moment for the city.
“It’s been building for years, but this month of March was something special,” Whitmire said. “It’s proven to be the best month of March in Houston’s history. Houston’s been discovered.”
Despite the success, Whitmire said the city is focused on sustaining growth. Plans include improving roads, expanding the police force, and investing in public spaces.
“When we talk about planning for our guests and visitors, I always stop and say, ‘We want the same for Houstonians,'” he said.
The mayor emphasized that enhancing quality of life for residents – including creating more green space – will be key to keeping Houston attractive to visitors in the long term.
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