Tourism in San Diego Slowing Can Contribute to Homelessness: A Call to Action

San Diego has long been a city that thrives on its beauty — sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, family-friendly attractions, and world-class hospitality. Tourism doesn’t just bring visitors to our shores; it keeps our local economy alive. From the hotel housekeepers who greet guests with a smile to the shuttle drivers, dishwashers, tour guides, theme-park staff, restaurant servers, and countless others — tourism jobs sustain tens of thousands of San Diego households.

At Lived Experience Advisors (LEA), we want to pause and express our gratitude to everyone working in tourism. You are the heartbeat of this city. You welcome the world to our doorstep, often working long shifts and weekends, keeping our city vibrant for visitors and neighbors alike.

Celebrating World Tourism Day: A Heartfelt Thank-You

On this World Tourism Day, we shine a light on the often-unseen heroes who make San Diego a destination worth visiting.

To every hotel housekeeper, server, chef, cashier, rideshare driver, valet, park attendant, museum guide, and all those behind the scenes: thank you for showing up, for your warmth, your resilience, and your dedication.

Your work fuels not only an industry, but also the dreams of families, the vibrancy of neighborhoods, and the heartbeat of our city. We celebrate you today — and every day.

When the Industry Slows, Families Feel It First

Tourism in San Diego slowing can contribute to homelessness

Tourism is often described as a “bellwether” industry: it’s one of the first to thrive when the economy is strong, and one of the first to feel the pinch when travel slows down.

This year, San Diego’s

tourism sector is beginning to cool after a few years of post-pandemic recovery. Fewer visitors mean fewer shifts, reduced hours, or lost jobs altogether. For many families living paycheck to paycheck, even a modest drop in income can be devastating.

We know — because we’ve lived it ourselves — that housing insecurity often starts with a lost shift or a smaller paycheck. Rent doesn’t go down when hours are cut. Utility bills don’t wait for tourism to rebound. When jobs in tourism dry up, it can set off a chain reaction that pushes families closer to homelessness.

Housing Instability Is Not an Inevitable Side Effect

The connection between a slowing tourism industry and rising homelessness is real — but it’s not unavoidable. Strong social safety nets, emergency rental assistance, access to affordable housing, and clear communication from employers can soften the blow.

Our city must recognize that protecting tourism workers is also a form of homelessness prevention. Supporting those who keep our hospitality industry running — through stable wages, predictable hours, and access to housing programs — is essential to maintaining the health of our whole community.

A Call to Stand With Tourism Workers

We invite our neighbors, business leaders, and policymakers to stand in solidarity with the people who welcome visitors to San Diego every day.

• If you’re a visitor, remember that your spending keeps families afloat — tip generously and treat workers with respect.

• If you’re a business owner, explore ways to keep your staff supported through the slower season.

• If you’re a policymaker, invest in affordable housing, workforce support, and homelessness prevention initiatives that protect those most at risk.

At LEA, we will continue to lift up the voices of workers who live on the edge of housing insecurity, making sure their stories guide how we respond as a community.

We See You, We Thank You

On this World Tourism Day, and every day, we honor the workers who welcome the world to San Diego. We see you. We thank you. We stand with you.

When we care for the people who care for our visitors, we care for San Diego itself.