San Antonio ranked above Houston for tourist destinations

HOUSTON The survey found that San Antonio's River Walk, the Alamo, and SeaWorld are the top attractions for travelers nationwide.

The study actually found the biggest group of Houston visitors are Houstonians themselves, and the main reason most travelers come to Houston is to visit family and friends. Officials say the study isn't meant to be a competition between cities, but rather research so they could focus their efforts.

"We are presenting our products to appeal to our strengths, that's what we offer," said Greg Ortale of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau.

When asked to think of everything they want in a leisure destination, San Antonio came in first, with Austin, Denver, New Orleans and Dallas, also ahead of Houston. Only Atlanta was rated lower in this study.