The Examiner reports that “2008 was a banner year for tourism.” What does that mean?
According to the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau
16.4 million: Total visitors in 2008, up from $16.1 M the year past.
$8.4 billion: Total spent during their stay, up from $8.1 B in 2007.
$527 million: the portion of the above number that came from city taxes.
$22.3 million: Average daily total visitor spending
131.722: Average daily visitors
4.6: Average number of nights spent in The City
72,856: Jobs supported by tourism and travel industry
$2 billion: Wages and salaries paid to industry workers
$190.28: Average price paid for a hotel room
Given the crappy economy this year, they don’t expect these kind of numbers in 2009. But, still, the Visitors Bureau is trying to bolster things with “new marketing efforts (that) will focus heavily on electronic initiatives.” OH NO DON’T SAY IT. “The bureau will build up its Web site, grow its presence on Facebook and Twitter” oh god they said it. Oh well. Let us know how that works out, OK?
