Ty Warner avoids prison time for tax evasion
By Staff Report / Tuesday, January 14th, 2014 / Latest news, Law & Goverment, South Coast, Top Stories, Tourism / Comments Off on Ty Warner avoids prison time for tax evasion
Toy magnate and Santa Barbara hotelier Ty Warner has avoided prison time, instead landing probation and community service at a Jan. 14 court hearing in Chicago.

Wine, dine and dollars: Tourism leaders say foodie travel boosts region’s outlook
By Christine De La Cruz / Friday, January 3rd, 2014 / Central Coast, Restaurants, Small Business, South Coast, Top Stories, Tourism, Tri-County Economy, Wine & Viticulture / Comments Off on Wine, dine and dollars: Tourism leaders say foodie travel boosts region’s outlook

Tourism numbers for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties have topped pre-recession figures in recent years and that upward climb is expected to continue in 2014.
Led by Parker inn, hotels to make headway in 2014
By Christine De La Cruz / Monday, December 23rd, 2013 / Real Estate, South Coast, Top Stories, Tourism, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Led by Parker inn, hotels to make headway in 2014

After several false starts over the years, the Fess Parker family is moving forward with revised plans for its second waterfront hotel in Santa Barbara, one of a few hotel developments in the city that could see progress in the New Year.

Lompoc bets on TBID: Hoteliers organize tourism marketing district
By Christine De La Cruz / Friday, December 20th, 2013 / Central Coast, Features, Top Stories, Tourism, Tri-County Economy, Wine & Viticulture / Comments Off on Lompoc bets on TBID: Hoteliers organize tourism marketing district
The Lompoc Tourism Improvement District was unanimously approved by the City Council on Dec. 5 and has overwhelming support from hotel owners in the city. The district will take effect Jan. 1, assessing a 2 percent tourism fee on hotel stays to generate funds to advertise the city to potential travelers.
2013 attendance at Savor the Central Coast climbs 5.8%
By Staff Report / Thursday, December 19th, 2013 / Central Coast, Tourism / Comments Off on 2013 attendance at Savor the Central Coast climbs 5.8%
San Luis Obispo County’s fourth annual Savor the Central Coast again posted growth in attendance and revenue.
Updated: Parkers submit scaled-down plans for second waterfront hotel
By Staff Report / Wednesday, December 18th, 2013 / Real Estate, South Coast, Top Stories, Tourism, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Updated: Parkers submit scaled-down plans for second waterfront hotel
The family of late actor and developer Fess Parker has submitted initial concept drawings to the Historic Landmarks Commission for the property on Cabrillo Boulevard. The Parkers told the Business Times that they are moving forward with plans for an upmarket, boutique inn, which would be located next to the 360-room Fess Parker DoubleTree Resort.
Santa Barbara Zoo gets $140K gift from area Toyota
By Staff Report / Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 / South Coast, Tourism / Comments Off on Santa Barbara Zoo gets $140K gift from area Toyota
The Santa Barbara Zoo’s conservation programs have received a donation of three 2014 4Runners from area Gold Coast Toyota Dealers to be used for field work focused on endangered species including the California condor.