Tourism Accelerator Program FAQs Explained
Get quick answers about the San Diego Tourism Accelerator, including eligibility, benefits and how to apply. Scroll down to explore key details, timelines and opportunities to grow within the region’s tourism industry.
The Tourism Accelerator will offer participants a program of support valued at over $15,000:
- Business services and coaching from the top providers in San Diego in finance, risk management, commercial real estate, operations and marketing.
- A $500 voucher for a course through UC San Diego Extension.*
- Free advertising in brochure racks at over 450 locations in San Diego from Certified Folder.
- A $1,000 credit to use on SDTA’s digital advertising platforms.
- Free advertising with media partners.**
*Maximum value of the voucher is $500.00 towards the enrollment of one (1) class. There is no cash value. If the value of the course selected is below $500.00 there will be no refund on the balance.
**Current advertisers with media partners may be ineligible for the advertising benefit.
- Applicants must be tourism and hospitality businesses based in the San Diego region.
- Applicants are highly recommended to be businesses owned by women, veterans, people of color, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, or other types of underrepresented groups.
- Applicants are highly recommended to be businesses with a focus on environmental sustainability.
- Organizations must have operated for at least one (1) year to qualify.
- Organizations must be registered to do business in CA.
- Business categories may be, but are not limited to, restaurants, retail, activities and attractions, museums, transportation, and meeting and event services.
- Excluded businesses: any type of accommodation, airline or cruise line.
- Current or former members of the San Diego Tourism Authority (and all affiliated organizations) are not eligible.
- A diverse panel, comprised of program sponsors and the San Diego Tourism Authority board and staff, will review applications and select participants.
- Other selection criteria include: viability of the business model, business needs and commitment to community service.
- Businesses not selected are eligible for a 50% discount on SDTA Membership for the current Membership term.
Is the $15,000 a cash or in-kind benefit?
- The $15,000 is an in-kind benefit.
Does my business have to be based in San Diego?
- Yes, businesses must be based within the City of San Diego and/or County of San Diego.
What is the time commitment of the program?
- The require time commitment is 4-6 hours a month for a 12-month program.
What is the size of the cohort?
- The average size of a tourism accelerator cohort is 10-15 businesses.
Do non-profits organizations qualify?
- Yes, non-profit organizations qualify for the San Diego Tourism Accelerator program.
What types of businesses are excluded?
- Any type of accommodation, airline or cruise line are excluded from participating in the Tourism Accelerator program.
Does a start-up business qualify?
- Organizations must be registered to do business in CA and be in operation for at least one (1) year.
- The application period opens in the fall.
- You can sign up to be notified when the applications are open or to apply here.
Still have more questions about the Tourism Accelerator program?
Reach out to us at 619-557-2893 or [email protected].
Learn more about the Tourism Accelerator Program
The San Diego Tourism Authority’s Tourism Accelerator — the first program of its kind — is dedicated to engaging and empowering diverse communities by opening doors to opportunities within San Diego’s travel and hospitality industry.