Despite employing a staggering 1.4 million Texans and fueling an $112 billion economic engine, the state's hospitality industry is a landscape of sharp contrasts, where record revenue and growth collide with persistent labor shortages and wage gaps.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, Texas hospitality industry employed 1,456,200 workers, representing 10.2% of total state employment with a 4.1% year-over-year growth
- Average hourly wage for food service workers in Texas hospitality was $14.67 in 2023, up 5.3% from 2022
- Texas hotels employed 198,500 people in 2023, with 42% in housekeeping and front desk roles
- Hospitality industry revenue in Texas reached $112.4 billion in 2023, up 8.7% from 2022
- Texas restaurant sales totaled $78.5 billion in 2023, comprising 70% of hospitality revenue
- Hotel revenue in Texas hit $18.2 billion in 2023, driven by 72% occupancy
- Texas visitor numbers reached 285.7 million in 2023, up 7.2% from 2022
- International tourists to Texas totaled 12.4 million in 2023, spending $14.8 billion
- Domestic leisure travelers accounted for 78% of Texas visits in 2023, averaging 4.2 nights stay
- Texas hotel room supply increased to 512,400 rooms in 2023, up 2.8% YoY
- Texas hotel occupancy rate averaged 68.4% in 2023, highest in Dallas at 71.2%
- Revenue per available room (RevPAR) in Texas hotels was $97.42 in 2023, up 9.1%
- Texas restaurant count reached 58,400 establishments in 2023, up 3.5% YoY
- Average annual sales per Texas restaurant was $1.34 million in 2023
- Full-service restaurants in Texas generated $52.7 billion sales in 2023
Texas hospitality grew strongly in 2023, adding many jobs and generating over $112 billion in revenue.
Economic Impact and Revenue
1Hospitality industry revenue in Texas reached $112.4 billion in 2023, up 8.7% from 2022
Verified2Texas restaurant sales totaled $78.5 billion in 2023, comprising 70% of hospitality revenue
Verified3Hotel revenue in Texas hit $18.2 billion in 2023, driven by 72% occupancy
Verified4Tourism spending in Texas generated $92.6 billion in direct revenue in 2023
Directional5Texas hospitality contributed $15.7 billion in state and local taxes in 2023
Single source6Average daily rate (ADR) for Texas hotels was $142.50 in 2023, up 6.4% YoY
Verified7Texas event and meeting revenue from hospitality reached $4.1 billion in 2023
Verified8Bar and nightlife sector revenue in Texas was $9.8 billion in 2023, 12% growth
Verified9Texas RV and camping hospitality generated $2.3 billion revenue in 2023
Directional10Hospitality supply chain spending in Texas totaled $28.4 billion in 2023, supporting 145,000 indirect jobs
Single source11Austin hospitality revenue surged 11.2% to $14.7 billion in 2023 due to tech boom
Verified12Dallas-Fort Worth hospitality market revenue was $32.1 billion in 2023, 9% above national avg
Verified13Houston hospitality revenue recovered to $22.4 billion in 2023, post-hurricane impacts
Verified14San Antonio hospitality revenue hit $8.9 billion in 2023, boosted by military tourism
Directional15Texas hospitality GDP contribution was 5.8% or $76.2 billion in 2023
Single source16Online booking platforms captured 42% of Texas hospitality revenue in 2023, $47.2B
Verified17Corporate travel spending on Texas hospitality was $6.7 billion in 2023, up 15%
Verified18Wedding and event hospitality revenue in Texas totaled $3.4 billion in 2023
Verified19Texas craft brewery hospitality revenue reached $1.9 billion in 2023, 18% growth
Directional20Gaming hospitality (casinos near border) generated $1.2 billion in Texas 2023
Single source21Sustainability investments in Texas hospitality totaled $890 million in 2023
Verified22Inflation-adjusted hospitality revenue growth in Texas was 4.2% in 2023
Verified23Texas hospitality export services (international visitors) revenue $5.6B in 2023
Verified24Food delivery app commissions contributed $2.1 billion to Texas restaurant revenue in 2023
Directional25Texas timeshare and vacation club revenue was $1.8 billion in 2023
Single source26Boutique hotel revenue per property averaged $4.2 million in Texas 2023
VerifiedEconomic Impact and Revenue Interpretation
So while you're deciding between barbecue and Tex-Mex, remember you're not just picking dinner—you're voting for a $112.4 billion economic engine that keeps the state's lights on and the welcome mat extra thick.
Employment and Workforce
1In 2023, Texas hospitality industry employed 1,456,200 workers, representing 10.2% of total state employment with a 4.1% year-over-year growth
Verified2Average hourly wage for food service workers in Texas hospitality was $14.67 in 2023, up 5.3% from 2022
Verified3Texas hotels employed 198,500 people in 2023, with 42% in housekeeping and front desk roles
Verified4Restaurant industry in Texas added 28,400 new jobs in 2023, driven by urban expansion in Austin and Dallas
Directional5Hospitality workforce in Texas had a turnover rate of 72.5% in 2023, highest among service sectors due to labor shortages
Single source615.3% of Texas hospitality employees were part-time in Q4 2023, with higher rates in bars at 28.1%
Verified7Texas tourism-related jobs grew by 6.8% from 2022 to 2023, totaling 1,120,000 positions
Verified8Female workers comprised 52.7% of Texas hospitality employment in 2023, earning 18% less than males on average
Verified9Hispanic or Latino workers made up 41.2% of Texas hospitality workforce in 2023, concentrated in back-of-house roles
Directional10Texas hospitality saw 45,200 job openings unfilled in 2023 due to skills gaps in culinary and management
Single source11Entry-level hospitality jobs in Texas paid $12.50 median hourly in 2023, with 3.2% annual wage growth
Verified12Texas gaming and entertainment venues employed 12,400 in hospitality roles in 2023, up 11% YoY
Verified1328% of Texas hospitality managers had bachelor's degrees in 2023, below national average of 35%
Verified14Seasonal employment peaked at 156,000 jobs in Texas hospitality during summer 2023
Directional15Texas RV parks and campgrounds supported 8,700 hospitality jobs in 2023, growing 7.4%
Single source16Disability employment in Texas hospitality was 2.1% in 2023, with accessibility training covering 65% of firms
Verified17Veteran hiring in Texas hospitality reached 4.5% of workforce in 2023, via Hire Heroes programs
Verified18Texas hospitality apprenticeships trained 3,200 workers in 2023, focusing on culinary arts
Verified19Unionized hospitality workers in Texas numbered 1.8% of total in 2023, mostly in Houston hotels
Directional20Remote/hybrid roles in Texas hospitality admin grew to 5,200 in 2023, 12% increase
Single source21Youth employment (16-24) in Texas hospitality was 22.4% of workforce in 2023
Verified22Texas hospitality overtime hours averaged 4.2 per week per worker in 2023
Verified23Multilingual workers (Spanish-English) comprised 38% of Texas hospitality staff in 2023
Verified24Texas event staffing agencies supplied 67,000 temp hospitality workers in 2023
Directional25Hospitality training programs graduated 12,500 from Texas community colleges in 2023
Single source26Texas hospitality injury rate was 4.8 per 100 workers in 2023, above national 3.9%
Verified27Gig economy hospitality workers (Uber Eats etc.) numbered 89,000 in Texas 2023
Verified28Texas luxury resort employment grew 9.2% to 15,400 in 2023
Verified29Motel and budget lodging employed 45,600 in Texas 2023, with 6% staff reduction post-COVID
Directional30Texas convention center hospitality staff totaled 23,100 in 2023
Single sourceEmployment and Workforce Interpretation
For all its celebrated boom, the Texas hospitality industry reveals a stark, bustling stage where robust growth is fueled by a largely underpaid, high-turnover workforce, with women and Hispanic workers concentrated in lower-paying roles while the sector scrambles to fill thousands of open positions.
Hotels and Lodging
1Texas hotel room supply increased to 512,400 rooms in 2023, up 2.8% YoY
Verified2Texas hotel occupancy rate averaged 68.4% in 2023, highest in Dallas at 71.2%
Verified3Revenue per available room (RevPAR) in Texas hotels was $97.42 in 2023, up 9.1%
Verified4Number of hotels in Texas reached 6,840 properties in 2023, with 1,200 new openings
Directional5Luxury hotels in Texas (5-star) numbered 156 in 2023, ADR $285.60
Single source6Budget hotels (economy segment) had 42% market share in Texas 2023
Verified7Austin hotel development pipeline included 8,200 rooms under construction in 2023
Verified8Texas resort hotels reported 65.7% occupancy and $210 ADR in 2023
Verified9Extended-stay hotels in Texas grew to 420 properties, 15% revenue increase in 2023
Directional10Houston hotel market RevPAR rose 10.2% to $102.30 in 2023
Single source11Texas boutique hotels (independent) totaled 1,240, avg RevPAR $145 in 2023
Verified12Airport hotels in Texas had 76% occupancy in 2023, driven by DFW and IAH
Verified13Texas vacation rentals (Airbnb etc.) supplied 85,000 units, $3.2B revenue in 2023
Verified14Historic hotels in Texas numbered 92, with 82% occupancy in 2023
Directional15Texas casino hotels (tribal/nearby) had 12 properties, $450M revenue share
Single source16Hotel construction costs in Texas averaged $285 per sq ft in 2023, up 7%
Verified17Texas all-suite hotels grew 4.1% in room count to 112,000 in 2023
Verified18Eco-certified hotels in Texas reached 340 in 2023, 12% occupancy premium
Verified19Texas downtown hotels outperformed suburbs by 8% RevPAR in 2023
Directional20Pet-friendly hotels in Texas totaled 2,100, generating $420M extra revenue 2023
Single source21Texas timeshare resorts had 45 properties, 85% owner occupancy in 2023
Verified22Conference hotels in Texas hosted 2,800 events, 92% capacity in 2023
Verified23Texas RV resorts and campgrounds offered 78,000 sites, 68% occupancy 2023
Verified24Upscale hotels in Texas (4-star) had ADR $185.20, 70.5% occupancy 2023
Directional25Texas full-service hotels numbered 1,560, RevPAR $140.50 in 2023
Single source26Limited-service hotels dominated with 4,200 properties in Texas 2023
VerifiedHotels and Lodging Interpretation
While Texas’s hotel scene expands with relentless, almost comical ambition—from a luxury boom in Dallas to a sea of budget rooms and even pet-friendly suites pulling in millions—the real story is that in the battle for the traveler’s dollar, everyone from boutique hotels to airport layovers is finding a way to thrive, proving the state’s hospitality isn’t just big, it’s cleverly diversified.
Restaurants and Foodservice
1Texas restaurant count reached 58,400 establishments in 2023, up 3.5% YoY
Verified2Average annual sales per Texas restaurant was $1.34 million in 2023
Verified3Full-service restaurants in Texas generated $52.7 billion sales in 2023
Verified4Quick-service (fast food) outlets numbered 22,100 in Texas, 38% market share 2023
Directional5Texas food trucks operated 7,200 units, $1.2 billion combined sales 2023
Single source6Fine dining establishments in Texas totaled 1,890, avg check $85 in 2023
Verified7Bar and tavern revenue in Texas hit $12.4 billion in 2023, 14% growth
Verified8Austin restaurant scene added 450 new openings, $4.8B sales in 2023
Verified9Dallas had 14,200 restaurants, highest concentration per capita in Texas 2023
Directional10Houston BBQ joints numbered 1,250, generating $890M sales in 2023
Single source11Texas Tex-Mex restaurants totaled 8,400, 22% of ethnic dining 2023
Verified12Casual dining chains like Chili's originated in Texas, $18B sales state-wide 2023
Verified13Delivery orders via apps reached 420 million for Texas restaurants in 2023
Verified14Texas brewpub count was 450, serving 12M barrels annually in 2023
Directional15Vegan/plant-based menu options grew to 45% of Texas restaurants in 2023
Single source16Texas steakhouse sales totaled $2.9 billion in 2023, led by Ruth's Chris etc.
Verified17Food hall developments in Texas reached 32 venues, 2.1M sq ft in 2023
Verified18Catering services for events generated $1.7B in Texas restaurant revenue 2023
Verified19Texas coffee shop count hit 6,200, $1.4B sales amid cafe boom 2023
Directional20Seafood restaurants in Gulf Texas totaled 1,340, peak season sales up 11% 2023
Single source21Ghost kitchens operated by Texas restaurants numbered 2,800 in 2023
Verified22Texas farm-to-table restaurants grew to 1,120, 28% menu sourcing local 2023
VerifiedRestaurants and Foodservice Interpretation
Everything from high-rolling steakhouse patrons to late-night food truck fiends is fueling a Texas-sized economy where the only thing growing faster than the restaurant count is our collective appetite for barbecue, queso, and a solid margarita.
Tourism and Visitors
1Texas visitor numbers reached 285.7 million in 2023, up 7.2% from 2022
Verified2International tourists to Texas totaled 12.4 million in 2023, spending $14.8 billion
Verified3Domestic leisure travelers accounted for 78% of Texas visits in 2023, averaging 4.2 nights stay
Verified4Texas road trip tourism drew 56 million visitors in 2023, generating $18.2B spend
Directional5Austin saw 32.1 million visitors in 2023, with 45% from out-of-state
Single source6Dallas-Fort Worth welcomed 68.4 million tourists in 2023, 12% increase
Verified7Houston tourism hit 24.7 million visitors in 2023, boosted by conventions
Verified8San Antonio attracted 37.2 million day and overnight visitors in 2023
Verified9Texas beach tourism (Gulf Coast) had 41 million visitors in 2023, $7.9B spend
Directional10National park visitors in Texas Big Bend and Guadalupe totaled 1.8 million in 2023
Single source11Texas wine tourism drew 5.6 million visitors to 500+ wineries in 2023
Verified12Rodeo and festival attendance in Texas reached 15.4 million in 2023
Verified13Business travelers to Texas numbered 42 million in 2023, spending $28.4B
Verified14Family vacationers comprised 38% of Texas tourists in 2023, avg spend $1,250 per trip
Directional15Adventure tourism (hiking, kayaking) attracted 8.9 million in Texas 2023
Single source16Texas cultural site visits totaled 22.7 million in 2023, including museums and historic sites
Verified17Millennial travelers (25-40) made up 34% of Texas visitors in 2023
Verified18Senior tourists (65+) accounted for 19% of Texas visits, avg stay 5.1 nights in 2023
Verified19Eco-tourism visitors to Texas grew to 3.2 million in 2023, $1.1B spend
Directional20Texas sports tourism events drew 12.6 million attendees in 2023
Single source21Culinary tourists seeking BBQ and Tex-Mex numbered 7.8 million in 2023
Verified22Border tourism from Mexico to Texas had 9.1 million crossers in 2023
Verified23Texas stargazing and dark sky tourism attracted 2.4 million in 2023
Verified24Luxury travelers spent $4.2 billion on high-end Texas hospitality in 2023
Directional25Repeat visitors to Texas were 62% of total in 2023
Single source26Texas agritourism farm visits reached 4.7 million in 2023
Verified27Convention attendees in Texas totaled 3.9 million in 2023
VerifiedTourism and Visitors Interpretation
Texas is essentially hosting a gloriously chaotic, year-long festival for 285.7 million guests who all, from luxury seekers to stargazers, seem hellbent on proving that everything really is bigger here, especially the bill they're happily footing.
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