San Diego has always been more than sun, beaches, and tacos — it’s a place where creativity, culture, and commerce intersect to form a uniquely vibrant local economy.
Whether you’re walking through Balboa Park’s world-class museums or admiring murals in Barrio Logan, art and creative expression are part of what makes San Diego feel alive. Now, a major initiative by the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) is putting that creative economy front and center — not just for tourism, but for small business growth and community impact.
The San Diego Tourism Authority recently announced the 2026 Tourism Accelerator Cohort, a community-focused initiative designed to elevate local businesses and help them tap into the tourism industry’s economic potential. This is the program’s fifth year running, and it has grown again — welcoming 15 inspiring businesses committed to community impact and environmental sustainability.
The Tourism Accelerator offers a unique combination of tools for small business success, including:
Programs like the Tourism Accelerator shine a spotlight on how creativity fits into the larger fabric of what makes San Diego special. Tourism isn’t just about hotels and beaches — it’s about authentic experiences, cultural expression, and storytelling that reflect the heart of our communities.
As a working San Diego artist, I see this every day:
Tourism is one of San Diego’s largest industries, contributing billions in local revenue and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. Yet the true power of tourism extends far beyond dollars and cents — it’s about:
From custom murals in neighborhood districts to fine art studios that draw locals and tourists alike, creative entrepreneurs help shape the city’s character in powerful ways.
This initiative also reflects a larger shift we’re seeing in San Diego:
tourism isn’t only about destination points — it’s about place-based identity. And artists, makers, creatives, and cultural businesses are core to that identity.
To anyone who appreciates original art, sustainable community growth, or just what makes San Diego feel like San Diego: this is worth celebrating.
Stefanie Bales is a San Diego–based mural and fine artist known for creating custom artwork, large-scale murals, and commissioned pieces for businesses, collectors, and public spaces throughout the region. Her work explores place, texture, and storytelling, often drawing inspiration from Southern California’s light, architecture, and natural landscapes.
In 2026, Stefanie was selected as one of ten artists for the San Diego Museum of Art’s Centennial exhibition, Local Visions: Reimagining the Façade. She continues to collaborate with local organizations, hospitality spaces, and private clients to create art that reflects the character and culture of San Diego.
What is the Tourism Accelerator?
The Tourism Accelerator is a year-long program by the San Diego Tourism Authority that supports local small businesses — especially those led by women, veterans, people of color, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, and environmentally sustainable founders — with tools, mentorship, and connections to grow within the tourism economy.
Why is this good for artists?
Artists contribute cultural value that enhances visitor experiences. Programs that invest in small businesses acknowledge that creativity and culture are essential drivers of San Diego’s tourism and community identity.
Who is eligible for the 2026 cohort?
Eligible businesses are based in San Diego County with a focus on tourism-related services, environmental sustainability, or cultural impact. The selected cohort this year includes 15 diverse businesses.
Thinking of commissioning a mural or custom art in San Diego? This guide walks you through the process, from finding the right artist to understanding costs and contracts.
A blank wall is a missed opportunity. Whether it’s the expansive side of a corporate building, a feature wall in a boutique hotel, or the dining room of your home, a blank wall is a canvas waiting to tell a story. Commissioning a custom mural or a piece of art is the most powerful way to transform a space, infusing it with personality, energy, and a unique narrative that no mass-produced print ever could.
With fourteen original Stefanie Bales Fine Art paintings thoughtfully placed throughout her San Diego home, Melissa has created more than a collection—she's built a visual narrative of her family's journey, a celebration of everyday beauty, and a legacy of creativity that she's now passing down to her son. Her approach to collecting is as thoughtful as her personal style: chic, elevated, and deeply meaningful.
