A new study out of Los Angeles identifies tourism as one of San Diego County's huge economic engines. KPBS Reporter Erik Anderson has details.
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation says more than half a million jobs are created by the region's tourism industry. Economist Jack Kyser says studied at tourism in five counties including San Diego. He says the tourism economy moves wealth into the region.
Kyser: "You characterize visitors as wallets walking around full of money and by the time they leave town you hope that the wallet is rather empty."
Kyser's analysis shows San Diego's tourism industry generates more jobs than any other local industry. However, Kyser says he didn't include the military in his review. And, Manufacturing was sliced up and included in other economic sectors like technology or health care.
Traditionally, Manufacturing and Defense are widely seen as the local economy's largest job creators.
Erik Anderson KPBS News.
