San Diego Convention Center generates US$1.1bn, praises Mayor

Expansion of the San Diego Convention Center on its existing site has been hailed a vital step in retaining clients, such as Comic-Con International, and securing new business while fostering a positive economic impact for the city and region. Clifford Rippetoe, CFE, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation said: “This last fiscal year, events in our facility generated US$1.1bn in regional impact and US$23.9m in hotel and sales tax revenue into the city of San Diego’s General Fund. “That tax revenue has funded the paving of our community streets, helped build libraries and parks, and paid our fire-fighters and police officers, and an expanded centre will allow us to accomplish even more for the betterment of our city.” Joe Terzi, San Diego Tourism Authority president & CEO, added: “Our clients have told us for years that an expanded convention centre is needed to meet the demand for hosting conventions in San Diego and stay competitive in the marketplace. “Our city is also facing major infrastructure challenges and a crisis in homelessness. The economic impacts of an expanded convention center will not only benefit the tourism community, it will also provide revenue to do what is right for all San Diegans and fund programs to address these crucial issues.” The SDCCC also praised the leadership of San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, expressing desire to maintain a productive relationship.