Reminding tourists that Southern California remains a beautiful, exciting and safe place to visit, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today toured popular tourist destinations still open for business after the recent wildfires.

“People heard about the fires and they just assumed most of Southern California had burned down. I’m here today to announce to the whole world: Southern California is still here and it remains open for business,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger. “We have the best weather, the best scenery and the best tourist destinations right here in California.”

Travel spending in San Diego County totals $10.1 billion, $3.4 billion in San Bernardino County, $21 billion in Los Angeles County and $7.9 billion in Orange County, according to Dean Runyan and Associates. 

Gov. Schwarzenegger today visited Lake Arrowhead, where tourism plays a vital role in the area’s economy. Tourism creates more than 1000 jobs for local residents, according to the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce.

Neighboring communities like Big Bear, Running Springs and Crestline also rely upon tourism, especially snow sports during the winter season.

Later in the day, the Governor visited San Diego where attractions such as Sea World San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park and LEGOLAND remain open and unaffected by the recent fires.

As part of Southern California’s economic recovery efforts through tourism, the California Travel and Tourism Commission this week launched a national TV and print advertising campaign. The advertisements feature Gov. Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, as well as noteworthy Californians like Daytime Emmy Award winner Vanessa Marcil; professional skateboarder Paul Rodriguez Jr.; professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer; professional golfer Phil Mickelson; “Ugly Betty” actress Vanessa Williams; songwriter and musician Chris Isaak; winemaker and actor Andrew Firestone and “Brothers and Sisters” actor Rob Lowe.

www.visitcalifornia.com  
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