‘This is a Good Day’ Campaign Launches to Promote Port Tenant Summer Savings Offers

Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

The Port of San Diego and the Port Tenants Association has announced the launch of a new marketing campaign to promote special offers from tenants which include deals on waterfront restaurants, hotels and attractions, just in time for summer. The goal is to encourage both local residents and tourists to take advantage of the Big Bay® as one of their top getaway destinations from now through Labor Day.

• The 15 hotels on the tidelands are offering up to 30% off room rates, based on availability and restrictions, and other special offers
• 100 entrees under $18
• Kids Free under 12 with paid adult admission for all Big Bay attractions

"The effort to drive business to the waterfront is among the top priorities for the Board of Port Commissioners," said Chairman of the Board of Port Commission, Stephen P. Cushman. "The tenants requested our assistance by investing in this program and we are pleased to be the catalyst to stimulate business for them."

‘This is a Good Day' campaign is a $200,000 marketing effort consisting of television and radio spots as well as newspaper ads and e-mail blasts in both Southern California and Arizona. There will also be the opportunity for the public to win free packages, including family of four packs of tickets or a romance package at a waterfront hotel, through radio and television giveaways.

Sharon Cloward, President of the San Diego Port Tenants Association stated, "San Diego's Big Bay offers one of the most beautiful and unique dining experiences in California. As part of ‘This is a Good Day,' visitors to the waterfront - from Shelter and Harbor Islands, along the Embarcadero, across the Bay to Coronado, and south to the shores of National City, Chula Vista and Imperial Beach - can take advantage of 100 Meals Under $18 as well as Kids free for Port attractions."

For details, go to the TheBigBay.com. Once on the site, you can view the hotel specials by going to their web sites. Here are a few examples of the signature Big Bay® offers:

• Braised Duroc Pork Shank at Humphrey's by the Bay on Shelter Island
• 1-Pound Maine Lobster Dinner each Wednesday night at the Boathouse on Harbor Island
• Fresh, Local Swordfish at the Fish Market on the Embarcadero
• Seared Ahi Tuna Stack at Island Prime on Harbor Island
• Signature Big Bay drinks available for happy hours, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. and new "reverse happy hours," 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Big Bay® attractions offer free admission for children 12 and under with a paid adult admission. Those include the USS Midway Museum, Hornblower Cruises and Events, San Diego Harbor Excursion the Maritime Museum of San Diego and Chula Vista Nature Center. Other special Big Bay offers include a Seaport Village VIP Shopping Pass for discounts at the various shops and restaurants and a two-for-one night stay for boaters at Sun Harbor Marina, located in America's Cup Harbor.

The 15 hotels that are on Port property are offering up to 30 percent off hotel room stays, depending on room availability and restrictions. Loews Coronado Bay Resort has an added incentive: book two nights and get a third night free. And the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina offers a $30 food and beverage credit per day for guests.

The marketing campaign follows the Board of Port Commissioners decision to provide rent relief for tenant businesses. The most severely impacted tenants can defer portions of their lease payments.

The Port collects rent from commercial tenants, such as hotels and restaurants based on a percentage of sales, rather than on a fixed or flat rent basis. When sales-based percentages fall below a certain level, the Port requires a minimum annual rent payment.

San Diego Bay has 34 miles of scenic waterfront dotted with restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions, parks and marinas that reside in seven distinct areas. On the Big Bay®, you will find some of the best restaurants in San Diego. Restaurants on the Bay offer varying flavors of food, unique scenery, and idyllic Bay locations.

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