DEPARTMENT: Center City Development & Operations
EXECUTIVE LEADS: Carlos J. Contreras, Assistant City Manager; Kevin Barthold, City Auditor
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT: River Barge Concession Services
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the negotiation and execution of a contract with San Antonio River Cruises (Entertainment Cruises) to provide the daily operation of river barges and river barge concessions on the San Antonio River between the Nueva Street Marina and the turnaround basin located just south of Grayson Street Bridge to begin on October 1, 2017.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The San Antonio River Walk is nationally and internationally recognized as one of the top travel destinations in Texas. San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the United States and the historic River Walk is one of its most distinguishing features. More than 11.5 million people visit the River Walk annually. These visitors stimulate an overall economic impact of $3.1 billion and support 31,000 jobs. The river barge operation is integral to the economies in San Antonio's hotel, restaurant and convention and tourism industries as promoted by Visit San Antonio, the City's Convention and Tourism Bureau, particularly in light of San Antonio's upcoming Tricentennial celebration in 2018.
The service provided by the river barge concession operator plays a vital role in enhancing the River Walk experience for the local community and visitors. Since improvements completed in 2009, the portion of the San Antonio River now navigable by river barge stretches from near Grayson Street on the north to Nueva Street on the south and includes a lock and dam system at Brooklyn Street. River barges provide tours to over one million people annually and provide a distinctive tour through San Antonio's city center. Other services provided by river barges include dinner charters and river taxi services to key destinations along the river.
San Antonio's upcoming Tricentennial celeb...
Click here for full text