San Diego, a city renowned for its stunning beaches, world-class attractions, and year-round pleasant weather, is a top destination for millions each year. Yet behind this vibrant tourism industry lies an alarming reality: many of the workers who make it all possible live in poverty.
From hotel housekeepers to dishwashers, and from bellhops to line cooks, it is these dedicated individuals who ensure that visitors enjoy their stay in San Diego. Despite their hard work, many are struggling to make ends meet, often commuting long distances or juggling multiple jobs, while still facing financial hardships.
City Councilmember Elo-Rivera is spearheading an ordinance aimed at raising the minimum wage for tourism sector workers to $25 an hour. The proposal is seen not just as a financial uplift but as a necessary correction to address the growing cost of living in San Diego.
“Let’s be clear: This isn’t a radical idea. It’s a necessary correction,” Elo-Rivera stated, emphasizing the astronomical costs of housing, groceries, and child care in the city. He asserts that a minimum wage increase would allow thousands of working families to manage their expenses more effectively.
A hotel housekeeper, for instance, would be better positioned to pay rent and purchase groceries without stress. A server could afford necessary doctor’s visits without the burden of looming utility bills. The proposed wage hike aims to alleviate the exhaustion faced by workers who are currently overburdened by financial insecurity.
However, critics argue that raising the minimum wage to $25 might harm businesses, scare off tourists, and lead to layoffs. Elo-Rivera counters these claims by referencing past instances where similar fears were unfounded.
“Every time we’ve faced opposition to raising the minimum wage, the predictions of doom never came true. Money keeps being made, and corporations are thriving,” he remarked.
Despite the opposition, the hospitality industry in San Diego has seen significant profits in recent years. In 2024, the hotel sector experienced a record-high booking of 17.5 million rooms. Meanwhile, SeaWorld’s parent company reported an impressive $700 million in profits, distributing nearly half a billion dollars back to shareholders.
Host Hotels & Resorts, the owner of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, earned over $5 billion last year alone, with plans to invest $100 million in renovations to provide a luxurious experience for guests.
Elo-Rivera emphasizes that the workers who contribute to this wealth often face housing instability, living paycheck to paycheck, and must contend with a continuous threat of homelessness. “This is about values. Who does San Diego work for?” he questioned, stressing the importance of prioritizing workers over corporate interests.
The councilmember argues that if a tourist can enjoy luxury service while the workers providing that service cannot afford a modest apartment, something is amiss.
San Diego, he insists, must operate in a way that favors the people who live and work in the city. “Raising the wage to $25 is a crucial step towards fixing this broken system and ensuring that workers share in the city’s prosperity,” Elo-Rivera declared.
Investing in local workers can yield tangible benefits for the broader community. According to Elo-Rivera, it leads to stronger families, healthier neighborhoods, and greater opportunities for everyone.
This issue stretches beyond local economics; it is fundamentally a moral question. Elo-Rivera points out that a society should not accept a scenario where full-time employment does not guarantee a decent living wage.
Tourism workers contribute significantly to San Diego’s economy and deserve respect, dignity, and a pay scale that reflects their essential role in its success.
As San Diego looks to the future, Elo-Rivera believes there is an opportunity for the city to set a precedent. Combining its reputation as a prime tourist location with fair treatment for workers is not only possible but essential.
The call to action is clear: It’s time to make the proposed wage increase official and ensure a more just living standard for San Diego’s essential tourism workforce.
image source from：https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/05/23/opinion-san-diegos-tourism-workers-deserve-more-than-gratitude/
