George Michael Cantu was born and raised on the Southside of San Antonio to the (late) George R. Cantu and his mother, Connie F. Cantu of Palacios, TX. He was brought up in a strong Hispanic musical background as his father, the (late) George R. Cantu was a Tejano legend in the San Antonio music community who played and toured with Sunny Ozuna & the Sunliners, Gilbert and the Blue Notes, Liberty Band as well as Latin Breed to name a few. His late father was also inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame Museum in Alice, Texas in 2006. George’s fondest childhood memories are going downtown with his brothers and mom to see his dad play at the Historic Market Square during Fiesta and other events in downtown San Antonio. George, surrounded by music and with encouragement from his family, followed his Dad’s musical roots playing alto saxophone throughout his school years and was the Drum Major of his high school band. He sang in his high school choir where he was offered vocal and jazz scholarships to the University of Texas at San Antonio as well as Palo Alto Community College.
George transitioned from an aspiring musician to focusing on a hospitality career spanning over 20 years. After college, George spent time working for American Airlines, CWT Sato Travel, Alamo Travel Group, and American Express Corporate Travel before his hotel career took off. He is currently a Dual Director of Sales & Marketing with Vista Host Management Company where he oversees the Hampton/Home2 Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk. George is active in the San Antonio hospitality community where he is a member of the San Antonio River Walk Association, Alamo Area Hospitality Association, and GBTA Chapter of San Antonio with plans to get involved with the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce. He was involved with the Society of Government Meeting Planners Alamo Chapter and MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter. He is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), a Certified San Antonio Tourism Ambassador (CTA), and recently acquired a Certificate of Hospitality & Tourism Management from Florida Atlantic University. George is proud to work closely with Visit San Antonio and the Henry B. González Convention Center Sales Teams.
George’s hobbies include traveling the globe and spending time with family and friends. When not traveling, he enjoys volunteering with various organizations such as Haven for Hope, San Antonio AIDS Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and San Antonio Pets Alive. During the holidays, George volunteers at Elf Louise Christmas Project. His childhood music passion served him well in adulthood as he was a 5-year member of the San Antonio Alamo Men’s Chorus, an organization that held numerous concerts with the San Antonio Symphony.
George is a proud San Antonian who loves where he was born and raised. No matter where he travels to or who he makes connections with, he Is proud to list San Antonio and the River Walk as his home. He is honored to be a 2021 River Walk Royalty candidate, especially during these challenging times. He is committed to continuously promoting San Antonio and helping preserve and promote the River Walk both locally and wherever he travels. By donating to George, you are donating to a born and raised passionate candidate for 2021 River Walk Royalty. Follow George on his quest to become the 2021 King of the River Walk at fb.me/G4KingoftheRW or email: george4rwking@gmail.com
