SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Hotels, restaurants and tourism-related businesses in San Antonio are reporting increased demand as the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks draw visitors to the city.
Local business leaders and hospitality officials said the championship series has boosted hotel bookings and is expected to generate millions of dollars in economic activity through spending on lodging, dining, entertainment and other attractions.
Jennifer Armistead, general manager of Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk, said hotel occupancy rose from about 75% at this time of year to 95% during the Finals. She said the hotel sold out on Wednesday as fans traveled to the city for home games.
Jeff Webster, president and CEO of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, said the NBA Finals could generate significantly more economic activity than previous championship appearances by the Spurs.
Webster said the Spurs’ 2014 Finals run produced about $12 million in local economic impact and estimated that this year’s series could generate as much as $50 million for the local economy.
He noted that visitors from New York were already arriving in the city for the games.
Tourism officials said the benefits extend beyond ticket sales because visitors spend money throughout San Antonio during their stay.
Officials estimated that between 2,000 and 4,000 visitors from outside the city could travel to San Antonio during the Finals, contributing to revenue for hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions.
Chaitan Mugili, general manager of The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, said the national exposure from the NBA Finals could provide longer-term tourism benefits by encouraging future visitors to consider San Antonio as a travel destination.
The NBA Finals began this week, with San Antonio hosting home games as the Spurs seek another championship against the Knicks.
