Tourism Expected to Break Another Record in 2001

SAN DIEGO-The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau says it expects the region’s tourism market to grow to $5.2 billion next year–another record breaker. The local boost outpaces national expectations. The Travel IndustryAssociation of America projects that US travel will grow 2.2% in 2001, down from 2.6% this year. But San Diego has enjoyed seven straight years of visitor growth, with tourism income jumping 45% during that time to $5 billion in 2000.

Local hotel room rates will climb 3.7% next year to an average of $111, according to the bureau. The local tourism industry is also closely watching the progress of Disney’s California Adventure attraction inAnaheim, according to Sal Giametta, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau VP. Disney expects to open the $4-billion park expansion in February.