PRNewswire ESCONDIDO, Calif. Oct. 27 :

As the recent wildfires have had devastating effects throughout specific
residential areas in San Diego County, the San Diego North Convention and
Visitors Bureau reports that the hospitality industry remains unharmed to
date. Many hotels, restaurants and area attractions are still open for
business and are getting involved in assisting local residents who have
been displaced. Areas directly affected by the fires are Valley Center,
just east of Escondido, which remains unharmed as well as the adjacent
community of Fallbrook. The residential areas of Scripps Ranch have also
seen fire destruction, which is just south of Rancho Bernardo, which
remains unharmed to date. Remaining fires throughout San Diego County are
not within the San Diego North corridor, and are located east and south of
the region.
“We have seen an incredible outpouring of support from our local
hospitality partners in light of the recent fire disasters affecting the
residents of San Diego County as well as stranded tourists. I would also
like to thank our elected officials, as well as our police, and fire
chiefs for their quick response and successful efforts to keep our
communities safe,” states Cami Mattson, President and CEO, San Diego North
Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Hotels are reaching out to displaced residents to provide them with free
or discounted accommodations during this terrible time of need. A few of
the hotels that have pitched in to assist the evacuation rescue effort in
providing comfortable lodging for residents, include:
* La Costa Resort and Spa provided 26 families free accommodations on
Sunday, October 26, and are offering a $100 rate for additional nights.
Additionally, resort employees have collected resort toiletries to donate
to the evacuation centers located throughout the County. * Hilton San
Diego Torrey Pines provided 220 free rooms, and approximately 100 will
stay at least one additional night at a $50 rate. * Holiday Inn
Carlsbad-by-the-Sea took in evacuees with pets offering a special
“evacurate” of $109 per night. * La Jolla Cove Suites offers a minimum 50%
discount to evacuated residents and have implemented a pet friendly policy
as well. * San Diego Marriott Del Mar offers a 50% discounted rate through
November 2, 2003. * Hampton Inn Del Mar offers reduced rates, and has
provided several complimentary rooms for the Red Cross. * ResorTime.com
properties throughout San Diego offer a fire rate of $99 per night at
Carlsbad Inn, Seapointe, Prava Hotel and Hotel La Jolla. * Hilton Del Mar
is offering 25 complimentary rooms per night to the Red Cross that
provides the names of residents. Those not referred through the Red Cross
can receive a $50 rate.
Additional hotels and resorts providing refuge, and are still open for
business include the Four Seasons Resort Aviara, Rancho Bernardo Inn, La
Jolla Marriott, Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Quinta Rancho Penasquitos, and
SpringHill Suites Scripps Poway.
Major closures include Harrah`s Rincon Casino & Resort and Valley View
Casino are evacuated due to power outages, and hope to re-open by this
Wednesday, October 29.
Visitors are able to visit a few area attractions, including Quail
Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, as well as the Del Mar “Scaregrounds`”
Scream Zone. Many attractions have decided to close due to air quality
issues, and will re-open when it is safe to do so.
Although hotels have experienced a few cancellations, it has opened up
room inventory to accommodate families who have evacuated. No major
economic downturn is anticipated due to the fires. This crisis should not
have any impact on business arriving later or after this week.
At this time, most major interstates and freeways to our various tourist
attractions and accommodations are open to traffic, including Interstate 5
(access to Orange County and Los Angeles), Interstate 15 (access to the
desert communities and Las Vegas), and Interstate 8 (access to local
beaches and Arizona). Additionally, San Diego International Airport
remains open during the fire emergency. Airlines serving the Airport are
operating with reduced schedules, and travelers are strongly encouraged to
contact their respective airlines for information on possible delays or
cancellations.
The San Diego North Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as the Visitor
Center remain open, and act as a resource to travelers and locals alike.
The San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau represents the areas of
La Jolla north to Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside, and east to Rancho
Bernardo, Escondido, Julian and the Anza-Borrego Desert. For more
information and updates on the San Diego North region, or to request a
visitor`s planning guide, call toll free 800.848.3336, or visit online at
http://www.sandiegonorth.com/ .

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