SLO County News BlogGolf, Wine, Real Estate, Business & Travel NewsMore Visiting SLOThursday, February 17, 2005SLO County has seen upswing in visitors in the past yearThe 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." Read More
|
|