Amusement parks around the country saw dwindling attendance numbers in the past few years due to the recession. Park officials report attendance is rebounding -- a trend also being seen at San Diego attractions.
Operators of Sea World and the Zoo would not comment on specific numbers. But Joe Terzi, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau said tourism locally is on the upswing.
"We’re projecting continued growth. We’d like to see it be a little more rapid, but we’re climbing out of a pretty deep hole," Terzi said. "And we’re working really hard and spending a lot of time and money to make sure people know San Diego’s still a great destination. It’s probably the best weather in the country, and I like to say the world."
It was reported that the amusement-park industry in recent years has been the most depressed it has been in decades.
Terzi said tourist spots like Legoland and the Zoo have tried to bolster sagging attendance with new attractions and exhibits.
"We have great attractions, if you think about what we have available in San Diego. You have four or five major attractions that are in the marketplace that all help drive tourism into the destination," Terzi said.
The Convention Center has also seen positive growth and an influx of business conventions, according to a spokesperson, a hopeful sign of an improving economy.
