San Diego, Calif. — For the second consecutive year, the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) is offering its groundbreaking diversity program the Tourism Accelerator. Designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tourism industry, the program ­— a first of its kind in the industry ­— provides free SDTA membership, education and networking opportunities to local tourism and hospitality businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans and LGBTQ+.

Applications for the 2023 Tourism Accelerator Program are being accepted now through Jan. 6, 2023. Businesses can learn more and apply at sandiego.org/accelerator.

San Diego Gas & Electric returns as a financial sponsor of the program, which will feature a suite of complimentary services for 10 area businesses. Recipients will each receive resources with a value exceeding $14,000.

These resources include:

• Free Membership in SDTA and free admission to select SDTA events and special access to SDTA senior staff, board members and program investors.
• Business services and coaching from the top providers in San Diego in the fields of finance, risk management, commercial real estate, operations and marketing.
• $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 quarter-page ad in the San Diego Business Journal for those businesses that are not already advertisers.

“The success stories from the businesses involved in our 2022 pilot program show that everyone does better when we invest in local companies and support them,” said SDTA President and CEO Julie Coker. “We hope to have an even bigger impact next year as we help a new group of businesses that reflect the welcoming spirit and diversity of San Diego."

Applicants are reviewed by a panel of SDTA executive leaders, past participants and key representatives from SDG&E.

“Diversity across business sectors is a major driver of our community’s economic success,” said Jennifer Jett, Vice President of Operations Support at SDG&E. “We are proud to support programs like the Tourism Accelerator that help small, diverse businesses grow. As these businesses grow, they will add jobs to the local economy, benefiting our region as a whole. Last year, SDG&E spent almost a billion dollars with diverse-owned businesses, and they are critical to serving our customers. Over half of the billion dollars was spent locally right here in San Diego.”

The selection criteria include the following:

• Applicants must be people of color, LGBTQ+, women- or veteran-owned tourism and hospitality businesses based in the San Diego region.
• Organizations must have operated for at least one year to qualify.
• 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.

As part of the application review, the panel will also consider the viability of the business model, business needs and commitment to community service as part of the selection process.

Apply and learn more at sandiego.org/accelerator.

About the San Diego Tourism Authority

The San Diego Tourism Authority's mission is to drive visitor demand to economically benefit the San Diego region. The SDTA is a private, non-profit, mutual benefit corporation comprising over 900 member organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals seeking a better community through the visitor industry. Tourism is the second largest segment of San Diego's economy and employs over 200,000 people across more than 9,400 businesses.