USA - In the ongoing struggle to secure the coveted Comic-Con, a non-profit Tourism Marketing District (TMD) has agreed to offer its organiser US$500K “in perks” to stay to San Diego.
The comic-book convention, which attracts over 125,000 visitors annually, accounts for millions of dollars in tourist spend over the four days. According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, the San Diego Convention Center officials and Mayor Jerry Sanders urged the TMD agency to commit US$100,000 annually over a five-year period to secure the event.
EW previously reported that the San Diego Port Commission approved a land deal, which will enable the San Diego Convention Center to go ahead with its propose US$753m expansion project, aimed at retaining the growing event.
Los Angeles and Anaheim tourism officials have both pitched for its 2013 edition, offering existing space larger than that of the resident venue.
A decision is said to be made in the upcoming weeks.
The 2010 event is due for 22-25 July at the San Diego Convention Center.
