Sustainable Tourism Market & Development for California’s Imperial Beach

The low-income border town of Imperial Beach (IB), California, lies between San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico with several protected areas that encompass some of the last remaining coastal marshland in California. EplerWood International advised IB on how to generate revenue from the protected areas, as an Ecotourism Destination Planner for Keyser Marston, of San Diego, conducting a market analysis and an off-season tourism development strategy, to attract “snowbirds” that would enjoy living adjacent to the marshland region while the birds migrate in the Spring and Fall. A preliminary design for a visitor center and long term stay properties was explored with local developers that incorporated sustainable design principles. The city is pursuing its ecotourism options actively.

LINKS:

• City of Imperial Beach