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July 17, 2025 16 mins

What makes a destination unforgettable? In this episode, Travel Talk Podcast host Edward Leos sits down with Mario Bass, President & CEO of Visit San Antonio, to explore how culture, collaboration, and authenticity are driving the future of tourism in one of America’s most beloved cities.

From the iconic River Walk to its rising culinary fame, discover how San Antonio is embracing its roots while reimagining what modern travelers crave—connection, inclusion, and true local flavor.

🔗 Learn More About San Antonio
Visit: https://www.visitsanantonio.com

In This Episode:
✔️ How San Antonio is leading with authenticity
✔️ The power of culinary tourism and global foodie appeal
✔️ How DEI is transforming destination storytelling
✔️ Why small businesses and local creatives matter
✔️ Travel trends every city should be watching
✔️ Mario’s career journey from hotels to citywide impact
✔️ The art of balancing tradition with innovation

📍 Featured Destination:
San Antonio, Texas – A city where culture, cuisine, and community come together to create an unforgettable experience.

🧭 Key Theme:
Tourism isn’t just about visitors—it’s about vision.

🌟 About Mario Bass:
With over 20 years of experience in hospitality, Mario leads Visit San Antonio with a future-focused strategy grounded in inclusion, creativity, and collaboration. His leadership showcases how destinations can thrive post-pandemic by leaning into what makes them real.

🛎️ SUBSCRIBE for more stories of travel, transformation, and destination excellence.
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Podcast: Travel Talk – Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more

#TravelTalkPodcast #EdwardLeos #MarioBass #VisitSanAntonio #DestinationMarketing #TourismLeadership #CulturalTravel #SanAntonioRiverWalk #CulinaryTourism #InclusiveTravel #AuthenticDestinations #TravelStrategy #WellnessTravel #LuxuryMeetsCulture #TexasTravel #HospitalityLeaders #TravelPodcast

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