The tourism industry’s signals were mixed in...

The tourism industry’s signals were mixed in November, with hotel occupancy dropping while visitor spending increased. Airport arrivals and crossings at the U. S.-Mexico border were up significantly, while San Diego Zoo and Sea World traffic was down.

The average November occupancy rate at hotels surveyed was 58.2%, down from 63.1% in November, 1987. For the year through November, the county’s occupancy rate was 71.2%, down from 74.2% over the same 11 months in 1987. However, the number of hotel room nights sold increased 1.4% in November, and was 6.2% higher on a year-to-date basis.

Airport passenger arrivals at Lindbergh Field were up 11.1% in November and 5.1% for the year through November. Visitor spending was up 9.4% for the month and 11.6% for the year to date. Border crossings were up 27% for November and 17.7% for the year to date.