NEWS RELEASE: March 31, 2009
Contact: Aeron Arlin Genet 781-5912
San Luis Obispo “Car Free” motivates visitors to “take a vacation from the gas pump”
A new coalition has formed to promote tourism to San Luis Obispo, but with a twist – they are asking travelers to leave their cars behind.
During challenging economic times, promoting tourism is more challenging than ever before. San Luis Obispo Car Free has formed to show visitors that they can still enjoy a well deserved get-away to the Central Coast, while saving money and the environment too. By pledging to travel to or around San Luis Obispo without a car, visitors will receive special incentives from participating hotels, restaurants, transportation services and attractions. By “dumping the pump” visitors can save a buck or two, while helping to preserve clean air in the region.
SLO Car Free will feature a one-stop-shop web-based hub of information and web-links on transportation, lodging, attractions and other visitor needs. To receive discounts, visitors must register online to participate in the program. After registering, they can book their stay with participating hotels and receive other discounts by showing their SLO Car Free voucher.
This program is being designed after the highly successful Santa Barbara Car Free program which has received international attention and spotlights in several national travel magazines. Other cities in California that are forming Car Free programs include San Diego, San Francisco/San Mateo County, and Napa Valley.
Currently SLO Car Free is seeking participation from local businesses to provide discounts or promotions as part of the program and anticipates a launch date of the program this summer 2009. For more information on how your business can benefit, contact Nancy Mathison at (805) 781-5983 or nmathison@co.slo.ca.us.
SLO Car Free is being developed by a coalition led by the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District including Amtrak, California State Parks, San Luis Obispo Coast District/Hearst Castle, San Luis Obispo Regional Rideshare, San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, San Luis Obispo Bicycle Coalition, Central Coast Outdoors, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau, and Breakaway Tours.