S2 Episode 6: San Francisco's Tourism Slump

Richie and Erica discuss the very latest news reports on San Francisco's tourism over the July 4th Independence Day holiday weekend, and boy were the headlines disappointing! Tourism raw numbers, hotels, cafes, restaurants, visits to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, rides on Cable Cars, all down.  Listen as we explore the reasons and what cold be done to rectify this.

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Transcript

Season 2 Episode 6 Really San Francisco? Podcast

San Francisco Tourism News July 4th weekend

Summary

San Francisco Updates and Travel

San Francisco's Tourism Decline Impact

Erica and Richie discuss San Francisco's summer weather, noting its infamous cold temperatures even in July. They highlight the stark temperature difference between Southern California and San Francisco, with Richie recounting his recent experience. The conversation then shifts to the importance of tourism for San Francisco's economy, with Erica emphasizing the serious decline in visitors and its widespread impact on various industries, including hospitality, restaurants, and entertainment. They stress the critical role tourists play in generating revenue for the city's needs, despite potential inconveniences for locals.

San Francisco Cable Car Tourism

Erica and Richie discuss the iconic San Francisco cable car system, sharing personal experiences and describing its routes. They highlight the breathtaking views from California and Powell Streets, a popular spot for tourists and photographers. However, Erica expresses concern about the current state of tourism, noting a significant decrease in cable car ridership. She also describes the disappointing scene tourists encounter when riding the cable car into Union Square, with many businesses boarded up and closed, referring to it as a "city graveyard."

Downtown San Francisco's Economic Struggles

Erica and Richie discuss the dire state of downtown San Francisco, particularly the empty malls near Market Street. They express frustration with city leaders, including District 3 Supervisor Danny Souder, for failing to address the economic recovery effectively. Richie disputes the excuse that this is happening everywhere, citing his recent visits to vibrant cities like New Orleans, Miami, and New York. Erica argues that the issue is not related to the pandemic or homelessness, but rather a lack of attention to business needs. They criticize Souder's plan for a new office tower as an inadequate solution to the current problems.

Declining San Francisco Tourism

Richie and Erica discuss the declining tourism in San Francisco, particularly during the recent 4th of July weekend. They note that hotel bookings, business bookings, and visits to tourist attractions are significantly down. Erica emphasizes the lack of appealing businesses and activities for tourists, comparing parts of San Francisco to dead coral reefs. They mention that two major buildings in Union Square were recently purchased by a Midwest real estate firm, but the plans for these buildings remain undisclosed, highlighting issues of transparency in local politics.

Enhancing San Francisco's Tourism Appeal

Richie and Erica discuss strategies to improve tourism in San Francisco. They agree that cleanliness, safety, and affordable dining options are crucial factors. Erica emphasizes the importance of locals acting as friendly ambassadors to tourists, while Richie suggests promoting less congested areas of the city like Hayes Valley, Clement Street, and North Beach. They debate whether to focus on revitalizing struggling areas like Union Square or to highlight the city's thriving neighborhoods.

San Francisco Leadership Critique

Richie expresses frustration with San Francisco's elected officials, particularly Mayor Daniel Lurie, for presenting an overly optimistic picture of the city that doesn't match reality. He argues that there needs to be emergency legislation to address the economic issues, criticizing the current priorities of city leaders. Erica agrees that the priorities are misaligned, suggesting that some officials may be pursuing their own interests rather than what's best for the city. They both emphasize the need for critical assessment of city leadership and for constituents to be more vocal about their concerns.

San Francisco's Leadership and Economy

Erica and Richie discuss the need for a cheerleader figure in San Francisco, with Erica suggesting that Mayor Daniel Lurie could partially fill this role. They compare Lurie's approach to that of his predecessor, London Breed, noting that Breed focused more on social justice issues than promoting the city. The conversation then shifts to the importance of maintaining and attracting businesses in the city, with Erica expressing cautious optimism about the potential for economic recovery despite the current challenges.

San Francisco Exploration Highlights

Richie and Erica discuss their favorite places in San Francisco. Richie recommends walking around the Palace of Fine Arts and cycling on the closed JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park, which now offers bike rentals. Erica suggests visiting the High Low, a cocktail bar on Polk and Bush, known for its antique glassware and excellent classic cocktails. They conclude by expressing hope for San Francisco's revival and the return of tourism to the city.