SLO County News BlogGolf, Wine, Real Estate, Business & Travel News$1 Billion Annual SLO TourismMonday, February 21, 2005Tourism brings in $1 billion annually to county's economyThe Tribune, Leslie E. Stevens Visitors touring Hearst Castle, and the county's missions, wineries and beaches help make tourism one of San Luis Obispo County' largest industries, contributing more than $1 billion annually to the local economy. While specific information on international visitors is limited, local hotels and industry experts reported increases in both U.S. and foreign visitors in the past year, particularly in the coastal areas. Last summer marked the first time since Sept. 11, 2001, that a Japanese airlines tour group returned to Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort in Avila Beach, according to marketing manager Charlie Yates. With the resort's emphasis on spiritual wellness, nearly 20 percent of its visitors arrive from Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Britons, Germans and Canadians also are starting to return to the county in greater numbers, said Jonni Biaggini, executive director for the county's Visitors & Conference Bureau. "They are not as likely to be inhibited by threats of terrorism," she said. "The inconvenience (of post September 2001 travel) versus the threat are two different things. I think the inconvenience is making more of an impact on foreign and domestic travelers as well." Tourism in SLO County by the numbers 17,530 Number of people who are employed in the local tourism industry $981 million Estimated amount that tourism spending generates locally each year 10 percent Estimated percentage of tourists who are from a foreign nation $17.4 million Countywide hotel sales taxes collected during the fiscal year that ended last June. Read More
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