Pandemic hits San Diego tourism with $6 billion loss in visitor spending and last updated 2021-03-13 21:02:01-05 SAN DIEGO (KGTV) â With 70 miles of coastline and perfect weather year-round itâs no surprise tourism is a key sector of San Diegoâs economy. But thanks to coronavirus, the city reports visitor spending dropped by more than $6 billion from 2019 to 2020. Hotel reservations were canceled, planes were grounded, and cruise ships were tethered to dry land. Massive layoffs in aviation caused tends of thousands to lose their jobs. United Airlines flight attendant Dante Harris was no exception. âWhat was going through my mind as a 21-year flight attendant was, âhow was this possible?ââ said Harris.