Visit San Antonio names Alamo City native Mario J. Bass as new CEO

Tourism-promotion nonprofit Visit San Antonio has named Mario J. Bass as its new president and CEO, officials with the public-private partnership said Monday.

Bass, the first native San Antonio to hold the role since 2016, previously served as Visit San Antonio’s interim president and CEO, a role he took over after previous chief Marc Anderson unexpectedly departed in April.

Prior to stepping into the interim post, Bass served as the nonprofit group’s executive vice president and chief strategy officer, a job he took on when he returned to its employment in July 2024. During an earlier tenure, he served as chief sales officer.

“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,” said Hope Andrade, outgoing chair of Visit San Antonio’s board.

Before his return to Visit San Antonio, Bass served as chief operating officer at Visit Orlando, where he managed internal operations, oversaw strategic initiatives and developed annual business plans. His background also includes extensive experience in hotel sales and marketing with Marriott International, according to Visit San Antonio officials.

Bass takes on the leadership position at a critical time. Like other big metros, San Antonio is trying to move beyond the pandemic’s prolonged travel and tourism slump. Further, the city preparing to embark on a controversial $4 billion revamp of downtown dubbed Project Marvel, which includes proposals for a new Spurs arena along with other sports and entertainment facilities.

Although Visit San Antonio transitioned into a public-private nonprofit in 2017, roughly two-thirds of its annual funding comes from the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax.

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This article appears in May 29 – Jun 11, 2025.