SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — As California makes plans to reopen, San Diego’s officials are focusing their efforts on the lifeblood of its economy - tourism.
Planning kicked off Thursday with a virtual toast to national tourism and travel week.
Luring tourists back to the city's beauty will not be the challenging part for San Diego's Tourism Authority, but leaders said regaining their confidence will take time, teamwork, and a new tagline.
San Diego's long-running "Happiness is Calling" campaign will receive a minor tweak.
“Going forward the invitation, whether you're a local or someone who lives outside our county, will be happiness is calling you back,” said Tourism Authority COO Kerri Kapich.
Kapich said "Happiness is Calling You Back" is no longer about virtual sunshine but rather, a bold reminder to the world that America's Finest City is reopening for business.
“Each phase in each industry sector will have their guidelines in place,” said Kapich.
Just this week, SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland rolled out post-coronavirus safety plans, including everything from face masks for visitors, to temperature checks for employees, to reduced attendance.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer joined the authority's "Zoom toast" Thursday, with a very optimistic outlook.
“We cannot wait to get you back open,” he said.
The reality is rough, with San Diego's multi-billion dollar tourism industry at a halt, Assemblyman Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) pleaded for a comeback.
“I like the dollars you bring to our city. Every one of those goes into paving our roads, paying for libraries, firefighters,” Gloria said.
According to Visit California, tourism is down by 50% statewide.
Congressman Scott Peters said help is on the way.
“I'm working with members of congress from other tourism areas like Las Vegas and Orlando to get special relief,” he said.
Thursday's Zoom party would not have been the same without the San Diego Padres.
“We will be back. We will be back soon. I’m really excited to see baseball again at Petco Park,” said San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations Erik Greupner.