San Diego Tourism Foundation

Small Business Empowerment

The San Diego Tourism Foundation focuses on providing resources and programs that build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic mobility. These efforts ensure that San Diego remains competitive as a destination while fostering small business development and entrepreneurship in the tourism sector.

Support will include mentorship, training, and access to partner opportunities, helping local entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses.

Workforce Development

By investing in workforce development, the Foundation aims to create job opportunities and career pathways in the tourism sector, particularly for underrepresented groups. This impact area aims to address talent gaps in the labor market and prepare a diverse workforce for future demands.

Programs may include internships, apprenticeships, career events, and skills training to provide a clear path from education to employment.

Destination Stewardship

The Foundation promotes active civic engagement by fostering partnerships with community stakeholders to ensure that tourism benefits all residents. With a focus on sustainability, the Foundation works to create a more resilient destination that reflects the values and needs of the local population and environment.

Efforts will balance tourism growth with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship, ensuring long-term benefits for the community and visitors alike.

Tourism Accelerator Program

Our award-winning Tourism Accelerator program helps diverse business owners tap into the local tourism industry and take their businesses to the next level. The annual program supports small businesses owned by women, veterans, people of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and other types of underrepresented groups. Tourism Accelerator participants can expect a complimentary SDTA membership for one year, access to education, mentorship, alumni, and networking opportunities.

San Diego Tourism Day

San Diego Tourism Day is designed to engage students and emerging professionals with the importance of tourism in the region, showcasing the San Diego Tourism Authority's role in driving the local economy. Through a variety of events, the Foundation partners with employers and education institutions to highlight career opportunities within the tourism sector, providing our future workforce with insights and direct connections to industry professionals.

Tourism Career Fair

Our Tourism Career Fair connects local job seekers with travel and hospitality employers across the region. The event brings together a diverse group of industry partners to highlight career pathways, offer on-site interviews, and foster direct connections between talent and employers—supporting workforce development in San Diego’s second-largest industry. With more than 200,000 jobs supported by tourism, the event provides access to opportunities for individuals at all career stages, from entry-level to experienced professionals, across a wide range of roles.

Thank you to Southwest Airlines for their contribution as a Founding Champion of the San Diego Tourism Foundation. As a key partner in San Diego's tourism industry and an employer of more than 600 local residents, Southwest Airlines is helping to connect people to what’s important in their lives while ensuring San Diego continues to thrive as a region.

Over the past year, the San Diego Tourism Foundation programs were partially funded through a grant from the County of San Diego District 4 Community Enhancement program. We thank San Diego County Board of Supervisors, and District 4 Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, for their partnership and support.