San Diego’s Cultural Tourists Spend More than Average Visitor

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In FY 2002, cultural tourists — visitors attracted to San Diego by it arts and cultural community — contributed an estimated $217 million to the local economy. A recent survey by the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau (ConVis) found that cultural tourists are affluent, boasting an average household income of $82,500.  While the average overnight visitor spends an average of $69-$116 per day, the cultural tourist spends more than double that amount — $246 daily!  The San Diego Business Journal reports 12 of the top 25 tourist destinations in San Diego in 2002 were arts and culture institutions.

Clearly, San Diego’s vibrant arts and culture community makes an incredibly valuable contribution to the local economy through cultural tourist spending alone. 

San Diego Art + Sol Magazine increases awareness of the arts and culture possibilities in San Diego. The magazine is part of a first-of-its-kind cooperative marketing campaign, now in its fourth year, promoting San Diego as an international destination that offers a wide variety of cultural experiences to the traveler.

San Diego Art + Sol is an unprecedented cooperative partnership including 11 of San Diego’s leading arts and culture organizations, the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, San Diego Magazine, San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, NBC 7/39 and American Express. 

For more information, visit www.sandiegoartandsol.com.

The ABC (Arts, Business & Culture) Committee is dedicated to advancing arts and cultural awareness and development within the regional business community.  For more information about the ABC Committee, contact the Chamber.