Visit San Antonio Interim President & CEO Mario J. Bass was named June 2 to permanently lead the DMO by the Visit San Antonio Board of Directors.
Bass brings more than 30 years of tourism and hospitality industry experience to the role, having worked in markets across New York, Florida and Texas.
Bass was named interim president and CEO of Visit San Antonio in April 2025 and before that served as executive vice president and chief strategy officer, overseeing five departments, after returning to the DMO in July 2024. His previous experience at Visit San Antonio included a five-year stint as chief sales officer.
“After thoughtful consideration of possible candidates, our Board of Directors is thrilled to announce Mario’s appointment to lead Visit San Antonio and our industry into a future of growth and evolution,” said Hope Andrade, outgoing chair of the Visit San Antonio Board, in a statement announcing the appointment. “Mario’s extensive experience in the tourism industry coupled with his deep understanding of our community and culture make him uniquely qualified to lead San Antonio’s tourism and hospitality through the current uncertain times, period of impressive local development and ensure long-term success.”
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DMO and Hotel Sales Veteran
Prior to rejoining Visit San Antonio, Bass was COO of Visit Orlando. His career also included multi-market positions in hotel sales and marketing for Marriott International.
"I’m grateful to the Board for their confidence in my vision to prioritize San Antonio’s greatest asset—our people—as we continue to elevate our home as a premier destination for both leisure and meetings,” Bass, who has multi-generational roots in the city, said in the statement. “San Antonio presents an exceptional blend of culture, history, cuisine, affordability, diverse accommodations and state-of-the-art convention options. Combined with our warm, welcoming community, the Alamo City truly stands out as a must-experience destination.
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“The Visit San Antonio team and I are focused on strengthening our core mission of bringing the world to San Antonio, to put heads in beds, fill our convention center, restaurants, attractions and cultural institutions to continue growing the positive economic impact and tax revenues, and keep my fellow San Antonians working,” he added.
The DMO’s previous president and CEO, Marc Anderson, stepped down in April after four years leading the organization.
Loris Menfi, incoming chair of the Visit San Antonio Board, noted that Bass received overwhelming and unsolicited support from both industry leaders and members of the community, which along with his impressive resume made it “unmistakably clear to the selection committee” that he would be the best choice to lead the DMO.
