Stephanie Polk, Chairman, Visit Bay Area Houston
Bay Area Houston’s tourism sector is expanding with major attractions like Space Center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, and the new Great Wolf Lodge, driving growth. “We’re at a turning point,” said Stephanie Polk, chairman of Visit Bay Area Houston, in an interview with Invest:. Polk highlighted new partnerships and rising interest in luxury travel, while record-high hotel occupancy and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have the region primed for further investment.
How do tourism and hospitality businesses in the Bay Area contribute to the local economy?
Tourism plays a huge role in our local economy, and the industry is growing at a fast, steady pace. League City is part of the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, which includes Nassau Bay, League City, Clear Lake Shores, and Texas City, and we’re working to bring in new partners like the Kemah Boardwalk and Great Wolf Lodge. We have some of Houston’s largest attractions right here in our backyard, which makes this an exciting time for growth.
Recently, I met with Brian Freeman of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and other key players to discuss major developments and regional collaboration. The Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau is at a turning point, with Nassau Bay and League City leading efforts to expand partnerships, with growing interest from Kemah, and attractions like Great Wolf Lodge to join soon. The newly opened Great Wolf Lodge in Webster, featuring 532 rooms and 13,000 square feet of meeting space, is already drawing Houston-area travelers. Meanwhile, Space Center Houston, which welcomes 1.3 million visitors annually and generates a $188 million economic impact, is planning a major expansion set to open in 2028. Strengthening our regional network will help attract more visitors and further promote the Bay Area.
Additionally, the Kemah Boardwalk is undergoing renovations and expansion, with major updates to be announced soon. Here in League City, South Shore Harbour Resort remains a popular waterfront destination, offering wine dinners, dinner cruises, and event space. We’re also seeing a boost from the cruise industry out of Galveston. Many travelers are staying in our area before or after their cruises rather than going straight into Galveston. This pre- and post-cruise market is an emerging opportunity for us, adding to the overall strength of tourism in the region.
What makes the Bay Area unique compared to other regions in the U.S.?
Our waterfront access is what truly sets us apart. We have this small-town charm with a beautiful waterfront, all while being just 30 minutes from downtown Houston. Visitors can spend the day in the city and then return to enjoy a sunset cruise on Clear Lake or watch dolphins in Galveston Bay. We also have a strong sailing culture. Clear Lake hosts the longest-running weekly sailboat races — Wednesday night sailboat races that have been going on for years. You can have a drink, enjoy dinner, and watch sailboats race right on the water. It’s beautiful, and it adds to our community’s character.
Have you noticed any shifts in the types of tourists visiting the Bay Area?
We’re seeing an increase in luxury travelers, particularly with the private jet service at Ellington Airport. The Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) there are bringing in high-end clientele. That’s led to discussions about adding more luxury hotel properties and packaging experiences tailored to that market. Of course, family travel remains a major segment, with attractions like Space Center Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk, and the Lone Star Flight Museum. But luxury travel is an emerging market, especially with our aviation and space industry connections.
How does the workforce support the hospitality and tourism industry in the Bay Area?
Hospitality training is a major focus. Great Wolf Lodge and the Kemah Boardwalk both invest heavily in workforce development. The Boardwalk recently launched an ambassador program to train employees about the area and ensure a top-tier guest experience.
While there isn’t a region-wide hospitality training initiative led by the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, individual attractions are taking the lead. Additionally, League City is pursuing the Texas Friendly certification, which promotes hospitality excellence.
We’re also involved in the Music Friendly Program. Clear Lake Shores recently became a certified Music Friendly City, and League City received its certification in April. We have a special concert planned to celebrate this designation. These efforts showcase our region’s hospitality, culture, and history, the key to our tourism success.
How are you attracting corporate events and business travelers to the Bay Area?
We have several venues that cater to corporate events. Great Wolf Lodge offers 13,000 square feet of meeting space, and South Shore Harbour Resort in League City has 20,000 square feet.
League City recently took over operations of The Ballpark (formerly known as Big League Dreams), and is rebranding it as a multi-use event facility. In March, we hosted our first major event there — the Texas Youth World Classic baseball tournament, which brought in teams from 13 countries and an estimated 23,000 visitors. While it’s primarily a sports venue, we’re also marketing it for corporate events.
In Nassau Bay, the Hilton property on Clear Lake is undergoing an 18-month renovation to become a Margaritaville resort, adding even more meeting space. The Lone Star Flight Museum is another unique venue, offering 30,000 square feet of event space surrounded by historic aircraft.
How is the Bay Area preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
We’re working closely with the “Around Houston” cooperative, led by Visit Houston, to ensure we’re prepared. This event will bring a massive influx of visitors to the region. Our focus is on increasing hotel capacity, targeted marketing, and potentially offering special room rates. We also expect a rise in short-term rentals, which will help expand accommodations. Overall, we’re excited about the opportunities this global event will bring.
How is the current economic climate affecting tourism in the Bay Area?
All the predictions indicate that our area will have a strong travel year. However, recent discussions suggest that summer travel may not be as strong as initially projected. That said, our largest market is the Houston area itself. We’re often seen as “Houston’s Hamptons,” a quick getaway for city residents. Road trips and family travel remain strong, so we expect demand to hold steady. For League City, hotel occupancy tax collections have been at record highs. In the first quarter alone, we saw an 11% increase over last year, which was already a record year. While inflation plays a role, demand remains strong, and we’re optimistic about the rest of the year.
What message would you send to potential investors and businesses considering the Bay Area?
Bay Area Houston is ripe for development. From waterfront experiences to space exploration, we have a unique mix of attractions that make this region a prime investment opportunity. Whether it’s tourism, business, or lifestyle, we offer the best of all worlds. We invite everyone to visit and experience the beauty and potential of Bay Area Houston firsthand. You’re not going to find a better sunset than right here on Clear Lake.
