Tourism is San Francisco’s top industry by revenue. San Francisco is the 3rd most popular destination for overseas tourists. (1) (2)
During the summer at least a quarter of all of my fares were tourists. Sometimes these visitors are aggravating — going from a downtown hotel to Pier 39 can get old after a while. But, most of the time it is a pleasure to spend time with out-of-towners. I enjoy guiding them to hidden treasures in our City.
But, regardless of whether or not I like tourists, they have an effect on my bottom line.
How much of an effect, I wondered?
Being the geek that I am, I have charted my income since I started driving in July at the peak of tourist season:
Of course, I can still make a living. But lately I have had many fewer of what I would define as ‘high paying’ shifts (>$200). I have also had an increase in ‘low paying’ shifts (<$150).
I look forward to the return of the tourists come spring.
kfarr 
..and if you see any funny San Fran tourists, feel free to send me a pic to post on fannypackantics.com. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) I can’t say there’s been a decrease in tourists here in NYC.
Ah, wish I could be in SF right now, but rather here I am in dear old hometown, Fresno, enjoying my three week vacation from school. Last summer I was one of those who took a taxi from downtown to Fisherman’s Wharf to hear the spiel for a timeshare. They were sadly mistaken that they could sell me anything. I know all about selling, and their’s was a good pitch, but alas, I am not spending $85,000 for a one week stay each year, anywhere.
Next summer, I hope to return to your lovely city for a month’s stay, hoping to sublet a lovely place in south beach. My husband and I had a delightful sublet for Thanksgiving week and hope to do something similar.
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