San Francisco is looking to increase tourism with a new ad campaign. “Always San Francisco” is the city’s first ever TV commercial and cost over six-million dollars. The city’s tourism bureau, San Francisco Travel, launched “Always San Francisco”.
The advertisement will air in New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Houston, running through October 22nd, and targets leisure travelers and meeting planners.
The ad will also be seen in digital advertising around the globe. It features many of the city’s iconic landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Lombard Street and Chinatown.
Recent crime in the city and retail stores closing have negatively impacted the city from being seen as a top tourist destination.
According to the San Francisco Police Department, when comparing crime rates from last year, motor vehicle thefts are up by almost six percent, robbery is up by 17% and homicides are up by 25%.
Tourism in the city is still down 16% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Watch the new ad here.