Article: Entrepreneurs succeeding in flat tourism industry. (Special Report: Tourism)

Home-based mom-and-pops thriving in specialty niches

San Diego's biggest tourist attractions and hotels are bracing for another lackluster year, but small entrepreneurs say their view of the city's visitor industry looks pretty bright.

The main statistic cited in the industry -- hotel occupancy rates -- probably will remain stagnant this year, predicts analyst Robert Rauch, president of the San Diego Tourism Association. But overlooked in analyses are the "mom-and-pop" enterprises that play an integral role in catering to San Diego's visitors.

"The statistics only look at measurable things, such as attendance at major attractions and hotel occupancy," ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!