Local businesses expect to see an uptick in activity when tourists arrive for the Super Bowl in a couple of weeks.
And along with Airbnb hosts, the Willow Glen Business Association hopes to snag a piece of the action.
The group has organized a campaign that will focus on promoting merchants through select social media sites and other websites where visitors are likely to search for things to do in the area leading up to the Feb. 7 game, according to a press release from the group.
It also has teamed up with the city of San Jose, which agreed to promote and give away its "WG Experience" packages. The packages will be available at Super Bowl City, a transformed Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park with a mini football field, beer garden, game areas and a cafe. The packages include gift certificates and special coupons for goods and services in Willow Glen.
The city's economic development department expects the amount of revenue from parking, hotel, airport and sales taxes will total three to four times more than usual for this time of year.
Willow Glen Business Association executive director Valerie Merklin said there is no way to project revenue specifically for Willow Glen businesses, but the organization is optimistic.
"We are definitely hoping to attract many of the out-of-town visitors to Willow to shop, dine and relax here," Merklin wrote in an email.
Willow Glen resident Rebecca Morgan, an Airbnb "super host," said so far no one has booked with her for Super Bowl week, but that isn't unusual because many fans don't book their lodging until they know whether their team is playing in the big game. She expects to receive more inquiries as the date draws closer, especially because of the extremely limited lodging at standard hotels.
"The hotels are sold out pretty much, so they really don't have many options unless they want to commute from Monterey or Tracy," Morgan said. "I think what people who are looking to book Airbnb will do is they'll search San Jose and as they see what's available they'll find us."
Morgan said she believes Willow Glen will be an attractive draw for Super Bowl tourists because of its proximity to downtown San Jose and local offerings.
"We're a hidden treasure a lot of people don't know about, so if they come and explore our offerings, they'll be happy, they'll be excited," Morgan said. "It's a fabulous place, it's got all the charm of downtown, the boutiques and restaurants and cool places," she added.
As for helpful tips for visitors, Morgan said that they should expect to leave early to account for traffic delays.
"When someone does book then I will encourage them to take VTA; otherwise traffic is going to be a zoo," she said. "We want to make it easy for them to get there from Willow Glen."
Source: Mercury News, Julia Baum
http://www.mercurynews.com/san-jose-neighborhoods/ci_29411068/san-jose-local-businesses-and-airbnb-hosts-aim
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