In a recent meeting of the Convention and Visitors Advisory Board for South Padre Island, key discussions centered around upcoming events and community engagement efforts aimed at boosting tourism and local business participation. The meeting, held on March 26, 2025, highlighted the success of past events and outlined plans for future gatherings that promise to attract significant attendance.

Luis Rios, the Event Experience Coordinator, reported on the successful Indoor Kite Fest held in February, which drew an impressive attendance of 1,137. He also noted the Double Causeway Cross event, which attracted 1,243 participants. Looking ahead, Rios detailed several upcoming events, including the Fool's Run on April 5, expected to draw around 400 attendees, and the SPI Crawfish Festival on April 12, which is anticipated to attract 1,500 visitors. Another major event, Semana Santa, is scheduled for April 19, with an estimated attendance of 3,000, followed by Easter fireworks on April 20.

Rios emphasized the importance of these events not only for tourism but also for fostering community spirit and supporting local businesses. The Crawfish Festival, in particular, is seen as a celebration of the community, with local businesses encouraged to participate and contribute to the festivities. The event has already garnered media attention, including coverage from major radio stations and publications, which Rios noted as a positive sign for future promotions.

The meeting also introduced Kelly Callier, the new Director of Sales, who brings over 25 years of experience in hotel sales and event management from Las Vegas. Callier expressed enthusiasm for her new role and the opportunity to promote South Padre Island as a premier destination.

In addition to event planning, Myra Nunez reported on group sales efforts, revealing that 15 leads were generated in February, resulting in 2,745 contracted room nights from 19 actualized events. Nunez highlighted the importance of networking and relationship-building at industry events, which are crucial for attracting future conferences and visitors.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment of the Convention and Visitors Advisory Board to enhance South Padre Island's appeal as a tourist destination while fostering collaboration among local businesses. As the community gears up for a busy spring season, the focus remains on creating memorable experiences for visitors and strengthening the local economy.