Tourism Numbers On The Rise In San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Tourism numbers rebounded in San Francisco last year, but are still not at the levels of 2008.
Dan Goldes, a strategic adviser with the San Francisco Travel Association, which conducted research on the tourism industry, said he understands how important it is to the economic well-being of San Francisco.
"Tourism is actually the number one generator of outside dollars into San Francisco's economy," Goldes said. "In 2010, 15.9 million visitors came into the city and they spent $8.3 billion, which is the equivalent of about $22 million every day of the year."
KCBS' Melissa Culross Reports:
Goldes said conference and trade shows are very important to the city and form the foundation of the visitor industry. But the San Francisco Travel Association is working to bring leisure travelers in as well.
"We're continuing to do a lot of marketing in the gay and lesbian visitor market. This is a natural for San Francisco and we have put many more resources into it in the last four years," Goldes said.
A 2010 survey by Community Marketing Inc. showed that San Francisco was the number two overall destination in the U.S. for LGBT travelers.
Tourism also generates tax dollars to the tune of $485 million in San Francisco last year.
The survey found that Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown were the most frequently visited neighborhoods. Among those surveyed, San Francisco's overall ambiance, atmosphere and scenic beauty were also listed as the "most liked" attributes of the city.
(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
