San Diego’s tourism industry is a cornerstone of our local economy — supporting 9,750 local businesses, more than 100,000 jobs, and generating $22 billion in economic activity across the county. For the city of San Diego, that translates to $1 billion in tax revenue that funds vital neighborhood services — from public safety and homelessness programs to parks and infrastructure improvements.

The tax revenue generated from hotel stays is particularly valuable because 100% of it stays within San Diego. Each year, San Diego County collects $418 million in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), with $302 million of that directly benefiting the city, funding local initiatives, and enhancing quality of life for residents.

Now, the San Diego City Council is considering a special interest-backed ordinance to mandate an unsustainable 45% wage increase for just hospitality workers that starts at $25 per hour — threatening our local tourism economy at a time when recession risks are growing.