ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The San Diego Tourism Accelerator program is made possible through the collective commitment of our board of directors, generous sponsors, trusted partners, and — most importantly — the entrepreneurs who courageously choose to build, grow, and lead their businesses in our region. At a time when small businesses make up over 90% of San Diego’s regional economy, their success is not only essential to individual livelihoods, but to the long‑term vitality, authenticity, and competitiveness of our destination. The Tourism Accelerator exists because of a shared belief that when small and diverse tourism businesses thrive, San Diego thrives.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has invested their time, resources, and belief in this program over the past five years, and to the participants whose innovation, resilience, and vision continue to shape the future of our visitor economy.
A LETTER FROM SDTA PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear community members,
It’s hard to believe the Tourism Accelerator program is celebrating five years. What’s even more remarkable is the impact it has made in such a short time.
I had the privilege of serving as chair of the San Diego Tourism Authority Board of Directors when the program launched in 2021. At the time, it was an ambitious, first-of-its-kind effort to expand opportunity and representation within San Diego’s tourism and hospitality community. Today, it has grown into an award-winning program that has served over 50 businesses, increased revenue for participants, and helped create meaningful jobs across our region.
The success stories speak for themselves. Tourism Accelerator alumni are now providing accessibility services at professional sporting events, partnering
with major hotel brands for catering and hospitality services, and evolving their business strategies to grow smarter and more sustainably. Just as important, they’ve built a lasting community that continues to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of tourism in San Diego.
From the beginning, SDTA emphasized that this work is not simply a “nice to have,” but a crucial business imperative. When we broaden representation and elevate more voices, we strengthen our industry, enrich the visitor experience, and position San Diego as a destination that welcomes all.
I hope you’ll feel as inspired as I do by what this program has accomplished, and by what’s still ahead. I invite you to join us in supporting the next generation of tourism leaders.
Daniel Kuperschmid President & CEO
San Diego Tourism Authority
ABOUT THE TOURISM ACCELERATOR
The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) exists to drive visitor demand and generate economic benefit for the region. Underpinning all its work is a core belief: tourism is for all. The SDTA’s Tourism Accelerator — the first program of its kind — is dedicated to engaging and empowering diverse communities by opening doors to opportunities within San Diego’s travel and hospitality industry.
The SDTA Tourism Accelerator advances equity and sustainability within the local tourism economy by expanding access to industry resources for small businesses led by underrepresented founders and those prioritizing sustainability. Through a yearlong cohort-based experience, participants gain access to education, professional networks, marketing exposure, and strategic guidance that strengthen business viability and long-term growth.
By pairing visibility with practical tools — such as coaching, media opportunities, and direct connections to industry leaders — the program increases participants’ capacity to compete, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to the visitor economy. Collectively, these investments support inclusive economic development, deepen community participation in tourism, and help build resilient businesses that generate lasting local impact.
A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDATION’S INAUGURAL BOARD CHAIR
The Tourism Accelerator, and the success stories it has made possible, laid the groundwork for what is now the San Diego Tourism Foundation. It’s been an honor to help guide this next chapter and continue building on that momentum.
As the official 501(c)(3) affiliate of the San Diego Tourism Authority, the Foundation exists to strengthen and sustain our tourism community. Our work is centered on three key priorities: small business empowerment, workforce development, and destination stewardship, with each one essential to ensuring our industry remains vibrant, inclusive, and resilient.
Here in San Diego, tourism is our region’s secondlargest industry, supporting one in eight local jobs and generating critical economic impact that benefits residents and visitors alike. It’s an engine for opportunity and a powerful force for community good.
We’ve already begun to see the Foundation create meaningful change. From hosting San Diego Tourism Day at San Diego State University to partnering with the San Diego Workforce Partnership on a career fair at San Diego City College, the foundation is investing in our tourism community with an eye on economic and environmental sustainability.
As you explore these pages, I invite you to reflect on the impact we’ve made together and consider how you can be part of what comes next. There is so much more ahead.
Marilyn Hannes
Inaugural Board Chair
San Diego Tourism Foundation 2024-2026
IMPACT AT-A-GLANCE
In five years, the Tourism Accelerator has served a wide range of businesses — restaurants, makers, cultural experience providers, event services, wellness brands, accessibility innovators, and more. These businesses serve communities across San Diego County, and through SDTA’s marketing and partnerships, gain visibility far beyond the region.
The program’s potential has been amplified by partnerships with organizations such as The Shipyard, Meeting Planners International Southern California, San Diego County Lodging Association, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego State University, and leaders across the tourism and hospitality industries. These relationships position businesses for expanded reach, contract opportunities, and long-term growth.
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
The Tourism Accelerator’s impact can be seen clearly in the numbers. Across five years, these metrics represent more than performance — they reflect the evolving health, capacity, and vibrancy of San Diego’s diverse tourism small business community.
55
65% 100% 60 HOURS
45% 100%
diverse, San-Diego based small business served by the program of graduates reported revenue growth as a result of the program of participants say their confidence in running their business has improved of educational programming and networking opportunities offered annually of graduates have created new jobs of participants have increased their understanding of SDTA and its mission
Source: San Diego Tourism Authority Annual Program Evaluation 2022-2025
Diverse Minority Owned
AANHPI, Black, Indigenous, Latino, & Middle Eastern
MEET THE GRADUATES
Kebab Craft & Liberty Wing Co. (2023)
Loma Hospitality Group includes Kebab Craft, an award-winning Mediterranean fast casual cafe, Liberty Wing Co., a southern comfort food concept; and the newest venture — Loma Salad Bar.
“I have three restaurants; I started with one and I don’t plan to stop…I feel like a lot of people don’t think that they can do it, but when you have people behind you like the Tourism Authority that are pushing you forward it just gives you such confidence.”
Black | Woman | Middle Eastern Owned
Blulite Bonfires (2024)
Blulite Bonfires is a family owned and operated service dedicated to curating unforgettable beach experiences that leave lasting memories and contribute to the improvement and sustainability of our beach community.
“[The Accelerator program] opened our eyes to a much larger market…It allowed us to increase our knowledge when it came to marketing, but then also adjust to what the community really needed … It motivated us to revolutionize what we’re doing, but then also show that we were on the right path.”
Latino | Veteran Owned
SCAN QR CODE FOR VIDEO: Meet Rene Contreras & Gerardo Ramirez, Co-Founders
2022 COHORT
Access Trax
Alternative Strategies
Common Theory Public House
Fargo’s BBQ/Jamaican Cuisine
Finest City Improv
Game Face Video SD
Gossip Grill
It’s In the Details
Pop Up – Picnic Co.
Social Artistry LLC
2023 COHORT
FeMAVEN LLC
Hey Sugar
JA Cooley Museum/Frank the Trainman
Kebab Craft
Negociant Winery
Ocean Connectors
Ortega’s, A Mexican Bistro
Selfie Station Events
Sip Wine & Beer
Valdes Language Services
2024 COHORT
BluLite Bonfires
Danielle Monique Designs
McClean Photography
Love & Bake
Neet Sheets
Point Loma Tea
Ringer’s Roller Rink
S&S Friendly Ranch
The Mental Bar
The Studio Door
2025 COHORT
Baraka and Bilal
Bloom & Rooted
CatchHer Ice Cream
Movement Matters Collective
Mujeres Brew House
Purpose First Beach Cleanup
Sinta
Sunny Bites Food Tours
Surje Coffee Co.
The Old Town Soap Company
2026 COHORT
Baja Society Tours
Binational Race
Black San Diego
HERE TOGETHER
ICE POPS
Let’s Car’raoke
Luna Soul Wellness
MM Tours
My Brain Buddies
Sew Loka
Stefanie Bales Fine Art
Swil Arts
The Vinho
Vizcarra’s Macarons
Worthy Picks
Ringer’s Roller Rink (2024)
Ringer’s Roller Rink is San Diego’s premier outdoor roller-skating experience, offering a vibrant atmosphere for people of all ages to enjoy.
“I joined the Accelerator program because I wanted to figure out how to connect what we provide locally to San Diegans into the tourist economy. As a small business owner, we don’t have access to … anything outside of our world and so joining the Accelerator … really opened the flood gates to access… and people.”
Woman | Middle Eastern Owned
THANK YOU
We are deeply grateful to the sponsors and partners who have joined in sustaining and shaping San Diego’s future by becoming a partner of the Tourism Accelerator program.
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Alaska Airlines
Asian Business Association of San Diego
Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest
Certified Folder Display
CBS 8
Cohera
Cox Communications
County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce
Fox 5
Hello! Destination Management
JLL
Justworks
Klinedinst PC
KPBS
KSDY50
North San Diego Business Chamber
San Diego Convention Center Corporation
San Diego Gas & Electric
San Diego Equality Business Association
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
San Diego County Lodging Association
Teague Insurance
The Shipyard
UC San Diego Extended Studies
U.S. Bank
“We’ve supported the Tourism Accelerator program from the beginning because expanding opportunities for minority-owned businesses is essential to a stronger, more dynamic city and tourism industry. As San Diego headquartered company, that commitment to DEI&B and local community growth is core to who we are, and this partnership has been especially meaningful in helping elevate diverse voices.“ - Christine Neville, V.P. Group Account Director | The Shipyard
“The partnership with the Tourism Accelerator has been meaningful to me because I’ve seen the real results it delivers. Being part of a collaboration where value is created and partnerships flourish has been truly rewarding.”
- Claudio Burgin, Assistant Vice President & Business Access Advisor | U.S. Bank
“Klinedinst is proud to support the vibrant small-business community of San Diego, [...] SDTA’s Accelerator is a pillar of that ecosystem, giving entrepreneurs the tools, connections, and confidence they need to move forward. Being part of programs like this reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the people and ideas that shape our region, and Klinedinst benefits from the relationships, as well.” - Teresa Beck, Managing Shareholder | Klinedinst PC
LOOKING AHEAD
OUR ALUMNI PROGRAM:
Accelerating Impact Beyond the Cohort
The Tourism Accelerator Alumni Program keeps Accelerator graduates connected beyond the cohort year—strengthening relationships, encouraging collaboration, and expanding access to resources and opportunities. Through ongoing touchpoints and alumni-led engagement, participants continue to learn from peers, build partnerships, and support the next generation of small and diverse tourism businesses.
“
A FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY:
Stewarding Our Destination
In San Diego, sustainability has never just meant “green.” It’s also about growth — the kind that uplifts people, preserves culture, and keeps the region’s creative energy thriving. For this city, where innovation meets ocean breeze, sustainability is as much about who benefits as it is about what’s protected.
“The SDTA Tourism Accelerator gave us access to resources we would not have on our own. We’ve been able to expand our business with a second location and make connections that will help us continue to grow.”
~ Shannon Salhany | Kebab Craft | Cohort 2023
Across neighborhoods, from Barrio Logan’s murals to the beach communities’ surf breaks and cafés, the visitor economy fuels far more than hotels and attractions. It supports artists, farmers, chefs, and shopkeepers — the people whose work gives San Diego its warmth and soul.
In 2026, the Tourism Accelerator program was proud to expand its reach to include small businesses with a focus on sustainability.
2026 TOURISM ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
The San Diego Tourism Authority is excited of its 2026 Tourism Accelerator program. hospitality businesses owned by individuals groups—or those focused on environmental to apply for this high-impact program that and benefits valued at over $15,000.
”Tourism Accelerator participants can expect membership for one year, access to education, and networking opportunities. This initiative reach the next level and achieve better results inclusion and equity within the tourism economy.
To apply, and eligibility
www.SanDiego.org/accelerator
Questions?
accelerator@sandiego.org or (619)
GET INVOLVED
Become A Partner
We invite you to join us in sustaining and shaping San Diego’s future by becoming a partner of the Tourism Accelerator program. To learn about current partner and sponsor opportunities, please contact Accelerator@SanDiego.org or call (619) 557-2863.
Support the Tourism Foundation
The San Diego Tourism Foundation aims to elevate San Diego as an inclusive destination that is sustainable and equitable for all by diversifying and strengthening San Diego’s travel and tourism industry through education and training, workforce development, civic engagement, and other charitable services.
Learn more by visiting www.sandiego.org/foundation