MAJOR ECONOMIC GENERATORS

Tourism
Millions of tourists visit San Antonio, the eight largest city in the nation, each year. In 1998, 6.5 million tourists came to enjoy San Antonio. Attractions such as the Paseo Del Rio (Riverwalk), the Alamo, La Villita (little old San Antonio), El Mercado (the Market Place), SeaWorld of San Antonio and our newest them park, Fiesta Texas ( a Six Flags them park), keep San Antonio on the list of the most frequented tourist destinations.

At the heart of tourism is convention trade. In 1998, over 930,274 room nights were booked in the city.

Research
The Southwest Research Center, a non-profit foundation, consists of two organizations: The Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, which employs 275 in grand funded medical related research, and the Southwest Research Institute, which employs over 2,600 in applied research. In fiscal year 1998, Southwest Research Institute conducted $304 million of contractual research for industry and government.

The Texas Research Park is a 1,250-acre park developed for companies and other organizations that conduct research, development work and some prototype manufacturing. It features a low-density, park-like atmosphere and is centered around the University of Texas Institute of Biotechnology, a two-building complex which is the lead biotechnology organization within the UT system, and part of a multi-building complex planned for the park.

Health Care
San Antonio has 28 general hospitals,k two Department of Defense hospitals, one Veterans Administration hospital and two Texas state hospitals. Approximate bed capacity for all hospitals is 8,200. The South Texas Medical Center, a $1.6 billion complex employing over 25,000, consists of more than 45 medical facilities and offices.

Cultural Attractions
Five Spanish missions, including the Alamo, serve as constant reminders of San Antonio's close ties with Hispanic roots. Museums that capture San Antonio's history include the McNay Art Institute, the Institute of Texan Cultures, the Witte Museum and the San Antonio Museum of Art.

San Antonio offers many exciting spectator sports, showcasing the 1999 NBA World Champion San Antonio Spurs; the San Antonio Iguanas professional ice hockey team; the San Antonio Missions, an AA farm team for the Los Angeles Dodgers; the Retama Park Class I pari-mutuel racetrack; the SBC Communications PGA Senior Tournament, the Westin Texas Open at La Cantera, and The Sylvania Alamo Bowl.

Many beautiful lakes and rivers grace the nearby Texas Hill Country, which provides opportunities for the enjoyment of camping and backpacking as well as a wide variety of water sports.

San Antonio celebrates its heritage each year with several major events such as the Stock Show and Rodeo in February, Fiesta San Antonio in April and the Folklife Festival in August.

The nationally acclaimed San Antonio Symphony and Arts San Antonio! provide the city's musical and theatrical ambiance.

From opera to jazz, avant-garde to country western, art exhibits to poetry readings, lectures to films and performances by major national and international stars as well as local favorites, San Antonio offers something unique for everyone.