Leader of the Pack: Grace of San Diego
If only our co-organizers are able to meet and learn about each other across the globe! That would be a great global meetup wouldn’t it? But since we’re not able to do that just yet, this blog is a venue for us to reach out to one another and get updated on travel events and trends in our respective communities.
Last time, we featured Social Media Manager Kirsty Wallett of Brisbane Travel Massive. This time, we’re featuring another modern day renaissance woman who is always on the move.
Grace was born and raised in the Philippines, she became an accidental expat after conquering Mt. Fuji- solo. She now lives in San Diego where she writes about her adventures and misadventures abroad at pinayonthemove.com.
Grace is a great addition to the San Diego Travel Massive team because of her mission: to show the world a unique perspective on the travel and expat lifestyle. She also seeks to impart knowledge on Filipino culture and heritage with a dash of “third world humor”.
Tell us a little about the travel industry in San Diego.
The San Diego visitor industry is the third largest industry in the county. That’s because San Diego offers every kind of activity imaginable; from world-renowned attractions, unlimited outdoor recreation, a thriving arts and culture community, sightseeing tours and award-winning restaurants, tourists are sure to find a host of things to entertain and inspire.
Just some more quick factoids about our travel industry:
- The visitor industry employs directly and indirectly over 160,000 San Diegans.
- Visitors spend nearly $8 billion annually, which translates to an economic impact of over $18.3 billion NEW dollars generated for the regional economy.
- San Diego hosts more than 32 million visitors each year, and is a top U.S. travel destination.
- The industry generates more than $388 million annually in state and local taxes.
What are the biggest trends you are seeing in San Diego and in your industry?
There’s definitely a lot of trends happening. One is a steady increase in family and adventure travel- from Seaworld to Legoland to stand up paddle boarding and surfing there is a steady list of activities that attract families and adventurous individuals. Also, did you know that San Diego fast becoming the Napa of beer? We have a growing list of world-class breweries and we havea diverse range of bars and restaurants that truly specialize in rare beers from local brewers and around the globe. So there is definitely an increase of beer connoisseurs visiting our beautiful beachside community.
Why did you decide to organize Travel Massive meetups in your city?
I first learned about Travel Massive last year while attending TBEX in Keystone, CO. They hosted an event and was really inspired by the type of open and casual format that they provided to travel industry professionals. I knew that there wasn’t anything like it in San Diego which is why I was so motivated to organize a local travel massive.
What’s the best thing you’ve learned from organizing the meetups?
I’ve learned how to be more thoughtful about the type of events that we offer to our members whether it’s a session on online marketing or how to create an ebook. Also, learning how to balance this with fun activities…that’s how you are really able to get to know people.
What travel company do you admire the most and why?
Tough question. I would have to say Couchsurfing. They really helped to build a network of passionate travelers. They also made it affordable for generations of travelers to discover the world!
What are some of your favorite travel websites?
I love National Geographic, BootsnAll and Tripadvisor. It’s just a wealth of information and inspiration. Of course, Lonely Planet is also a staple.
Favorite travel tip in your city?
Dare to venture outside of the Gaslamp Quarters and don’t forget to try some carne asada fries.
Best cuisine you’ve had while traveling?
Sushi!!! It’s hard to fake fresh fish. I’m a foodie and to me sushi is food in its purest form. Making sushi is all about balancing fresh ingredients to create simple yet delicious flavors!
Let us know what you think will be the future of the travel industry! If you have something to share with us, please email us at: info@travelmassive.com.
–Lois (editor, Travel Massive Blog)
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