HOTELIER guide
Year-Round Marketing Insights to Elevate Webster Hotels
SPACE COAST TEXAS
Webster Hoteliers,
Thank you for joining us for the 2025 Webster Hoteliers Luncheon.
Hotels are central to the visitor experience in Webster. Whether guests are here for business, a weekend getaway, or something in between, the hotels are often their first impression—and the reason they return.
This luncheon and booklet are designed to keep you in the loop on what’s happening in Webster—from development updates and marketing efforts to tourism drivers and hotelier resources.
Tourism draws visitors to Webster—but it’s the hospitality that brings them back. Thank you for helping make every stay unforgettable.
Katie Vela City of Webster Marketing and Tourism Specialist
MEASURING THE REACH
Webster’s Market Strength
Webster is at the helm of a thriving super-regional market, fueled by impressive statistics and anchored by high-performing retail and entertainment venues. Our steady growth means more visitors, more spending, and more opportunities on the horizon.
MAGNETIC TOURISM DESTINATION
Port of Galveston Cruise Travelers in 2024 1.6M
1.3M
Space Center Houston Visitors in 2024
Great Wolf Lodge Estimated Annual Visitor Count 500k+
LEADING RETAIL AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUES
Lone Star Flight Museum Visitors in 2024 100k+
These Webster retailers and entertainment venues are leading in the world, state, or region:
Academy Sports + Outdoors #1 in the United States out of 301 locations in 21 states
American Furniture Warehouse #1 in the Houston MSA out of three locations
Boomerjack’s #3 in Texas out of 24 locations
Buffalo Wild Wings #1 in the Houston MSA out of 30 locations
Chair King #2 in Texas out of 22 locations
Costco Wholesale
1 million+ guests annually #1 in memberships in the Houston MSA
Cinemark #1 in the Houston MSA out of 20 locations
James Avery Artisan Jewelry #1 in Texas out of 120+ locations
Kura Revolving Sushi #2 in Texas out of 13 locations
la Madeleine French Bakery & Café #2 in the United States out of 86 locations in 9 states
Little Woodrow’s #1 location out of 25 locations
Main Event #1 in the Houston MSA out of six locations
Nordstrom Rack #1 in South Texas out of 11 locations
Pappasito’s Cantina #3 in the Houston MSA out of 22 locations
Rudy’s Bar-B-Q top 10 stores in the US out of 51 locations
Shake Shack #1 in the Houston MSA out of nine locations
Smoothie King #1 in the United States out of 800+ locations in 32 states
Snooze #1 in the United States out of 70 locations in ten states
Sun & Ski Sports #1 in the Houston MSA #5 in the United States
Taco Cabana #1 in the Houston MSA out of 35+ locations
Torchy’s Tacos #2 in the Houston MSA out of 23 locations
Twin Peaks #1 in the world out of 100 locations in US and Mexico
Vida Mariscos #1 in the Houston MSA out of three locations
Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux #1 in the Houston MSA top 10 in the US
FLYWAY
Webster’s Dining and Entertainment Destination
NOW OPEN AT FLYWAY
Great Wolf Lodge Texas Gulf Coast is now open at 1000 Great Wolf Way, featuring 532 family suites, a 95,000-square-foot indoor water park, a 58,000-square-foot entertainment center, and a 13,351-square-foot conference center for up to 900 guests.
Chicken N Pickle is now open at 210 Blue Heron Drive, offering indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, yard games, multiple bars, and two dining areas, including a rooftop experience. The three-acre venue hosts events for groups of 20 to 900+.
Vida Mariscos is now open at 210 Osprey Drive, serving fresh Mexican seafood, craft cocktails, and live entertainment, with indoor-outdoor dining and a private party room.
COMING SOON TO FLYWAY
Ale & Ivy will open in Flyway at 335 Royal Tern Way, offering traditional American cuisine, a lively sports bar atmosphere, and an outdoor patio with Clear Creek views.
Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen will open its first standalone location in Flyway at 110 Osprey Drive, featuring a vibrant dining area, lively bar, and expansive patio for up to 300 guests.
Gauchos Do Sul will open in Flyway at 415 Royal Tern Way, bringing an upscale Brazilian steakhouse experience with continuous table-side cuts of premium meats, a gourmet salad bar, craft cocktails, and live music.
THE FLYWAY EXPERIENCE
FLYWAY PARK
Flyway Park, located at 1050 Great Wolf Way, spans six landscaped acres with a pond, greenery, lighted walking path, and pavilion with concrete benches. The park connects Great Wolf Lodge guests to Flyway’s boardwalk and entertainment venues, creating a welcoming starting point for exploration.
FLYWAY BOARDWALK
The Flyway Boardwalk spans 1,720 feet along Clear Creek, featuring pavilions, scenic lighting, and lush landscaping. This pedestrianfriendly path connects guests to Flyway’s dining, entertainment, and recreation venues, blending the indoors with the outdoors.
Scan the QR code for more information about Flyway
ON THE HORIZON
New Retailers in Webster
The Webster Economic Development Team fosters the creation of new and expanding commercial development and the retention of existing businesses.
NOW OPEN
ALTITUDE TRAMPOLINE PARK
20810 Gulf Freeway
Indoor trampoline park with trampolines, zip-lines, an arcade, and more
ANGRY CHICKZ
18207 Egret Bay Boulevard
Fast-casual spot serving hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, and bowls
BATTERIES PLUS
599 W. Bay Area Boulevard
Battery, light bulb, cell phone repair, and key fob replacement store
BOJANGLES
510 W. Bay Area Boulevard
Fast-casual chain serving chicken n’ biscuits, milkshakes, salads, and sides
BOOT BARN
19431 Gulf Freeway
Western retailer offering boots, apparel, and accessories
COSMIC AIR
19801 Gulf Freeway
Indoor adventure park featuring trampolines, ninja courses, slides, arcade games, and more for all ages
EL JEFE
620 W. NASA Parkway
Mexican restaurant serving pollo asado, birria tacos, and tortas
EAST BAY EMPORIUM
1121 W. NASA Parkway
Antique mall with 100+ dealers offering vintage finds, collectibles, and treasures
GENESIS OF CLEAR LAKE
20101 Gulf Freeway
Luxury vehicle dealership with new and used car sales and a service department
HASH KITCHEN
1065 W. Bay Area Boulevard
Brunch spot serving breakfast, lunch, and build-your-own Bloody Marys
iCRYO
1065 W. Bay Area Boulevard
Wellness center offering cryotherapy, IV therapy, red light therapy, and body sculpting
JUST KIDDING PLAY CAFE
933 E. NASA Parkway
Indoor play café for kids 0–6, with coffee, snacks, and weekly classes for little ones
LOBSTER + BEER
20801 Gulf Freeway
Casual seafood spot serving Maine-style lobster rolls, lobster mac & cheese, and craft cocktails
PAINTED TREE BOUTIQUES
1003 W. Bay Area Boulevard
Marketplace of small shops offering gifts, home decor, fashion, and more
PRETTYIN’ POTTERY
20801 Gulf Freeway
Paint-it-yourself pottery studio perfect for walk-ins and events
SKECHERS
19433 Gulf Freeway
Footwear and apparel for men, women, and kids
SPICE WING
400 W. Bay Area Boulevard
Wing joint serving bold global flavors, chicken & waffles, and loaded fries
TEXAS AUTO SHINE
215 Sandhill Street
Auto detailing, ceramic coating, window tinting, and custom wraps
VIA 313 PIZZERIA
1065 W. Bay Area Boulevard
Detroit-style pizzeria serving thick, cheesy, rectangular pizza
COMING SOON
ANDRETTI INDOOR KARTING
Opening Q4 2026 - 1307 Jasmine Ave.
Indoor sports hub with a karting track, arcade games, laser tag and more
EOS FITNESS
Opening 2025 - 19801 Gulf Fwy 24/7 gym featuring group classes, strength training, and workout zones
FIREBALL INDOOR SOCCER
Opening Q4 2025 - 304 Ibis St.
Indoor/outdoor soccer complex offering leagues, field rentals, and event space for all ages and skill levels
KOYO HAND ROLL BAR
Opening 2025 - 18207 Egret Bay Blvd.
Contemporary sushi bar specializing in made-to-order hand rolls
PARIS BAGUETTE
Opening 2025 - 18203 Egret Bay Blvd.
French-inspired bakery café offering fresh pastries, breads, cakes, and coffee
STARBUCKS
Opening Q4 2025 - 20971 Gulf Fwy.
Coffeehouse chain known for its signature roasts and light bites
TOWNEPLACE SUITES
Opening 2027 - 700 Rogers Drive
Extended stay hotel slated to be the 23rd hotel in Webster
WHISKEY RIVER SOUTH
Opening Q3 2025 - 1030 W. NASA Pkwy.
Western-themed dance hall with Tex-Mex eats, live music, and complimentary dance lessons
TOURISM DRIVERS
Sports and Entertainment-Driven Tourism
Webster welcomes millions of visitors each year through powerful tourism channels— from medical and business travel to sports tournaments and space industry activity.
SPORTS TOURISM
Facilities like Absolute Volleyball Academy and Chicken N Pickle attract tournament play that brings athletes, coaches, and fans to Webster. To support this momentum, the City partners with event organizers to promote Webster hotel room blocks and share business coupons with visiting teams and supporters.
JOHN TURNER CLASSIC VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
The ultra-competitive, statewide John Turner Classic high school volleyball tournament returns to AVA from August 15 to 17. All Webster hotels were invited to offer group rates, which were shared on a dedicated tournament web page sent directly to players and coaches.
Scan the QR code to view the JTC Webster hotel site
When the 700–1,000 visitors arrive in August, they’ll receive welcome packets to ensure they stay, play, and dine in Webster.
EXPERIENCE-DRIVEN TOURISM
Webster is surrounded by premier attractions that put the City on the map—and on the itinerary. These family-friendly destinations drive experience-based travel and spark return visits year-round.
LONE STAR FLIGHT MUSEUM
Ellington Airport is a major draw for aviation enthusiasts, anchored by the Lone Star Flight Museum, which features a nationally recognized collection of historic aircraft, interactive exhibits, and the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame.
The museum also plays a key role in the Wings Over Houston Airshow, which is set for October 18-19, 2025 at Ellington Field. As a sponsor of this event, Webster hotels proudly accommodate airshow staff, pilots, crew members, volunteers, and vendors—boosting tourism and showcasing Webster’s hospitality.
GREAT WOLF LODGE
Great Wolf Lodge is one of Webster’s top tourism drivers, drawing families, sports teams, and leisure travelers from across the region.
As the only indoor water park resort in the area, it offers yearround entertainment, themed suites, on-site dining, and a massive 58,000-square-foot conference center that supports both leisure and group travel. In April, Great Wolf Lodge was recognized as the Houston Business Journal Landmark Award winner for Hospitality, which underscores the resort’s impact as a premier destination.
With day passes available, visitors staying at other Webster hotels can still access the Great Wolf experience—broadening the City’s appeal and giving more travelers a reason to stay and explore.
SPACE CENTER HOUSTON
Space Center Houston is Webster’s largest tourism anchor, welcoming over one million visitors annually.
Home to official NASA exhibits, immersive space experiences, and one-of-a-kind artifacts, Space Center Houston drives both leisure and group travel. Major events like Galaxy Lights and Moon 2 Mars Festival bring spikes in visitation that benefit hotels, restaurants, and attractions across Webster.
THIS YEAR, THE CITY OF WEBSTER CELEBRATES A 25-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH SPACE CENTER HOUSTON!
PORT OF GALVESTON CRUISE TRAVEL
The Port of Galveston is the fourth-busiest cruise port in the nation, serving as the launch point for major lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney Cruise Line.
Offering everything from weekend escapes to Caribbean adventures, the Port brings a steady stream of travelers through the region. With its central location between Houston airports and the cruise terminals, Webster offers a convenient and welcoming option for overnight stays, dining, and entertainment before or after setting sail.
TOURISM DRIVERS
Aerospace, Medical, and Beyond
AEROSPACE BUSINESS TRAVEL
NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is one of Texas’s most powerful economic and tourism drivers.
Spanning 1,620 acres, the $1.5 billion complex employs nearly 12,000 civil service and contract workers and generates over $2.5 billion in statewide spending each year. NASA’s operations in Texas also support more than 40,000 jobs and drive over $9 billion in annual economic output—fueling significant business travel throughout the region. Webster’s hotels provide a convenient home base for visiting contractors, corporate partners, and researchers year-round.
WEBSTER’S AEROSPACE INDUSTRY
Webster is home to leading aerospace companies such as Axiom Space, Leidos, Voyager Space, Lockheed Martin, and KBR—all actively collaborating with Johnson Space Center.
From developing commercial space stations and next-generation space suits to managing the logistics behind nearly everything astronauts aboard the ISS touch, wear, or use, these companies play a critical role in NASA’s mission. Their presence in Webster drives a steady stream of business travel, with professionals regularly visiting for technical collaboration, contract work, and mission support meetings.
Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at Johnson Space Center Houston, TX
ELLINGTON AND THE HOUSTON SPACEPORT
Ellington Airport plays a key role in Webster’s aerospace industry and business travel, supporting the U.S. military, NASA, and a growing roster of general aviation tenants.
Ellington Airport is also home to Houston Spaceport—the nation’s 10th FAA-licensed commercial spaceport—designed as a launch and landing site for suborbital, reusable spacecraft. Companies like Axiom Space, Collins Aerospace, and Intuitive Machines have established cutting-edge facilities on site, fueling innovation, job creation, and a steady stream of aerospace-related business travel. These commercial leaders are deeply involved in NASA programs ranging from lunar missions and human spaceflight to space station operations.
MEDICAL TOURISM
Webster is the Medical Center of the South, delivering care to more than 1.8 million patients each year. Within a three-mile radius, the City is home to four hospitals, over 2,500 physicians, 5,000 medical professionals, and 2 million square feet of cutting-edge facilities. Webster serves 24 cities and hosts the region’s only Level II Chest Pain Center, Pediatric Emergency Care, NICU, Level II Trauma Centers, and a dedicated heart hospital.
NOW OPEN
CLS HEALTH EXPANSION MULTI-SPECIALTY CLINIC
905 Medical Center Blvd.
CLS Health Clear Lake expanded with a 105,000-square-foot, four-story facility that will support more than 70 physicians and 200 medical staff.
COMING SOON
HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE
CLEAR LAKE EXPANSION
500 Medical Center Blvd.
HCA is investing $180 million to add a 155,000-square-foot patient tower and expand its 80,000-square-foot women’s services area.
TEXAS ONCOLOGY RELOCATION
20985 Gulf Freeway
The Deke Slayton Cancer Center is relocating to a larger, 31,000-square-foot facility at Webster Town Center, offering greater convenience and expanded space for care.
MEMORIAL PLASTIC SURGERY
20090 Gulf Freeway
Memorial Plastic Surgery is expanding into a 35,000 square foot facility, offering surgical, non-surgical, and spa services led by top cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons.
Scan the QR code for more information on Webster’s Medical Center
MAKING WAVES
Marketing Initiatives Supporting Webster Tourism
Webster’s marketing efforts are designed to drive overnight stays—spotlighting the City’s attractions, events, and dining to inspire travelers to book a room and stay awhile.
STAY, PLAY, AND DINE GUIDE
The Stay, Play & Dine Guide offers free, year-round promotion for Webster’s hotels, entertainment venues, and restaurants.
It’s stocked at major attractions, travel hubs, and City locations— and always just a click away online.
EVENT PLANNING GUIDE
The Event Planning Guide provides free, year-round promotion for Webster’s venues, meeting spaces, and caterers.
Available at City facilities and online, it’s a go-to resource for seamless event planning.
TOUR TEXAS
Advertising on TourTexas.com drives traffic to Webster’s tourism and hotel websites and captures leads from potential visitors seeking area attractions and accommodations.
VISIT WEBSTER
The Visit Webster - Space Coast Texas website promotes the region and local hotels, providing resources to request visitor packets, book accommodations, and plan trips.
CITY OF WEBSTER
Visitors can book hotel rooms and plan their trips on the City’s website, now being redesigned for an improved experience.
The City of Webster maintains several Facebook pages dedicated to tourism, posting groundbreakings, grand openings, and special events to enhance the visitor experience.
MAKING WAVES
Marketing Initiatives Supporting Webster Tourism
TEXAS STATE TRAVEL GUIDE
Webster’s advertisement in the Texas State Travel Guide reaches over 500,000 readers worldwide.
BOOK DIRECT
The City of Webster and Space Center Houston use Book Direct to promote Webster hotels on their websites.
TEXAS LOGO SIGNS
Webster proudly sponsors the maximum number of blue logo directional signs allowed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to guide visitors to its hotels—an annual investment of over $150,000. These signs are strategically located at Exits 25, 26, 28, and along the NASA Bypass, helping travelers easily find their way. Webster is one of just ten cities in Texas to make this level of commitment to hotel visibility
CCISD SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Webster is the proud sponsor of the “Thank a Teacher” segment at Challenger Columbia Stadium—a 10,000-seat CCISD high school football stadium that draws fans from across the region. As part of this initiative, outstanding teachers selected by the district are honored with Webster Stay-cation gift baskets delivered by Webster Mayor Donna Jasso, which include contributions from Webster businesses and complimentary hotel stays.
Participating hotels receive valuable exposure through concourse advertisements, stadium announcements, and social media highlights. The program not only celebrates local educators but also offers a meaningful way for Webster hotels to connect with the surrounding community. The “Thank a Teacher” initiative will return for the Fall 2025 Varsity Football Season.
Scan the QR code for more info on the CCISD Sponsorship
INFLUENCER MARKETING
In April 2024, Great Wolf Lodge hosted eleven influencers for a weekend stay at its indoor water park resort hotel. The group enjoyed and shared content from the lodge, highlighting the family-friendly amenities and overall resort experience.
To complement their visit, the City of Webster curated an itinerary featuring breakfast with an astronaut at Space Center Houston and a “choose your sport” outing to Chicken N Pickle, Topgolf, or AVA. Each influencer also received a Webster welcome basket filled with Webster goodies—giving them both the motivation to explore and a reason to return.
The result? More than 90 social media posts and stories, generating over 2.31 million potential impressions. As Webster’s visibility grows, so does the opportunity for every hotel—because a rising tide lifts all ships.
HOTELIER RESOURCES
FLOCK SAFETY CAMERAS
The City of Webster prioritizes visitor safety with substantial investments like Flock Safety Cameras. The Webster Police Department strategically pinpoints locations surrounding the City’s hotels to install the advanced license plate reading cameras to offer round-theclock monitoring. The cameras serve as a crucial deterrent and aid in preventing and resolving various crimes, including property theft, vehicle break-ins, violent incidents, and vehicle theft.
For more information, contact Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Edge at 281.316.4153 or jedge@websterpd.com.
HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX ASSISTANCE
In accordance with state law and the City’s hotel occupancy tax ordinance, all hoteliers are required to pay a seven percent tax on the price paid for a hotel room. This tax, collected by the hotel, must be remitted to the City every month.
You can remit hotel occupancy taxes online using Localgov, a secure file and pay platform. For assistance, please call Local Gov’s Customer Service team at 877-654-0021 or email service@localgov.org.
CIVIC CENTER RENTAL
The Civic Center is more than just a spacious venue; it’s an affordable gem, perfect for meetings, conferences, and special events, with tremendous potential for Webster hotels.
For more information, contact Administrative Coordinator Rebeca Lazo at 281.316.4108 or rlazo@cityofwebster.com.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GUEST SPEAKERS AND SPOTLIGHT DESTINATIONS