The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), formerly the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, was legally required to issue 60-day layoff notices yesterday to 85 employees. The SDTA is potentially faced with closing its doors on May 13, 2013 based on current uncertainty of the organization's future funding due to the lack of a signed 5-year operating agreement between the City of San Diego and the San Diego Tourism Marketing District (SDTMD).

"This is a very sad day for our organization and the region's tourism industry," stated Joe Terzi, President & CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. "Many of our staff have dedicated their careers to our organization and the local tourism industry, and this affects everyone from our accounting and IT teams to our award-winning sales and marketing associates."

Since opening in 1954, the SDTA has been a dynamic and vital part of the San Diego business community. The 501c6 non-profit organization employs a staff of 100 employees whose mission is "To drive visitor demand to economically benefit the San Diego region."

In 2012, the SDTA was named the "Top North American Destination Marketing Organization" by Development Counsellors International. The award-winning team promotes San Diego as a travel destination worldwide, attracts top-tier meetings and conventions to the region, and maintains the health of the local tourism economy through its leadership, partnerships, innovative spirit, and exceptional service.

"During these trying times, our entire staff of hardworking professionals are dedicated to make certain that all of our clients, members and visitors from around the world continue to receive the exceptional services that are expected from our organization and San Diego," stated Terzi. "We hope the current funding discussions between the City of San Diego and the San Diego Tourism Marketing District are resolved quickly, so we can continue our program of work selling and marketing San Diego to the world."

The only SDTA department that is unaffected by the potential layoffs are the Citywide Sales team who book major conventions and tradeshows at the San Diego Convention Center. The responsibilities and roles of the Citywide Sales team remain intact and are not impacted by the SDTA's current funding challenges.

The critical sales and marketing efforts by the SDTA are largely funded by the SDTMD which was established in 2008 to secure funding to promote San Diego as a premier travel destination. The SDTMD manages funds generated by an assessment fee on lodging properties in the city of San Diego, and the sole purpose of these funds is to promote tourism throughout the San Diego region.

The San Diego visitor industry ranks as the second largest traded economy in the region, contributing $18.3 billion in total economic benefit in 2012. Last year, San Diego's 32 million visitors spent more than $8 billion at local businesses, including neighborhood restaurants and bars, museums, attractions, retail stores, tour companies and more. For every $1 spent by a visitor to San Diego, $2.23 of economic activity is generated into the regional economy.

Overnight visitor-generated tax revenues are funneled into the city's general fund to repair roads, hire police and fire personnel, clean beaches, maintain parks and other vital city services.

For more information on San Diego's tourism industry and the role it plays in the local economy, visit www.sandiego.org/WhyTravelMatters.

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