"We have seen an incredible outpouring of support from our local hospitality partners in light of the recent fire disasters affecting the residents of San Diego County as well as stranded tourists.  I would also like to thank our elected officials, as well as our police, and fire chiefs for their quick response and successful efforts to keep our communities safe," states Cami Mattson, President and CEO, San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Hotels are reaching out to displaced residents to provide them with free or discounted accommodations during this terrible time of need.  A few of the hotels that have pitched in to assist the evacuation rescue effort in providing comfortable lodging for residents, include:

• La Costa Resort and Spa provided 26 families free accommodations on Sunday, October 26, and are offering a $100 rate for additional nights. Additionally, resort employees have collected resort toiletries to donate to the evacuation centers located throughout the County.
• Hilton San Diego Torrey Pines provided 220 free rooms, and approximately 100 will stay at least one additional night at a $50 rate.
• Holiday Inn Carlsbad-by-the-Sea took in evacuees with pets offering a special "evacurate" of $109 per night.
• La Jolla Cove Suites offers a minimum 50% discount to evacuated residents and have implemented a pet friendly policy as well.
• San Diego Marriott Del Mar offers a 50% discounted rate through November 2, 2003.
• Hampton Inn Del Mar offers reduced rates, and has provided several complimentary rooms for the Red Cross.
• ResorTime.com properties throughout San Diego offer a fire rate of $99 per night at Carlsbad Inn, Seapointe, Prava Hotel and Hotel La Jolla.
• Hilton Del Mar is offering 25 complimentary rooms per night to the Red Cross that provides the names of residents. Those not referred through the Red Cross can receive a $50 rate.

Major closures include Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort and Valley View Casino are evacuated due to power outages, and hope to re-open by this Wednesday, October 29.

Visitors are able to visit a few area attractions, including Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, as well as the Del Mar "Scaregrounds'" Scream Zone.  Many attractions have decided to close due to air quality issues, and will re-open when it is safe to do so.

Although hotels have experienced a few cancellations, it has opened up room inventory to accommodate families who have evacuated.  No major economic downturn is anticipated due to the fires.  This crisis should not have any impact on business arriving later or after this week.

At this time, most major interstates and freeways to our various tourist attractions and accommodations are open to traffic, including Interstate 5 (access to Orange County and Los Angeles), Interstate 15 (access to the desert communities and Las Vegas), and Interstate 8 (access to local beaches and Arizona).  Additionally, San Diego International Airport remains open during the fire emergency.  Airlines serving the Airport are operating with reduced schedules, and travelers are strongly encouraged to contact their respective airlines for information on possible delays or cancellations.

The San Diego North Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as the Visitor Center remain open, and act as a resource to travelers and locals alike.

The San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau represents the areas of La Jolla north to Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside, and east to Rancho Bernardo, Escondido, Julian and the Anza-Borrego Desert.