Karryon Luxury Takeover March 2024 side lock up
Karryon Luxury Takeover March 2024 side lock up
Home Travel Industry Hub

TRAVEL INFLUENCERS: Hubertus Funke from San Francisco Travel

San Francisco's tourism leaders say they're hard at work preparing for Qantas' big 'wonderful homecoming' later this year.

San Francisco’s tourism leaders say they’re hard at work preparing for Qantas’ big ‘wonderful homecoming’ later this year.

 

After a four year absence, the Australian airline revealed earlier this year it would finally fly back to the Golden Gate City, giving Australians a third gateway into the US after LA and Dallas.

Speaking to KarryOn, Hubertus Funke, the Vice President of San Francisco Travel, said the tourism bureau is ‘so excited’ for Qantas’ return they can’t wait to roll out the welcome mat.

“We are working very closely with our parents at SFO and at Qantas on various idea and concepts around the relaunch.”

Hubertus Funke, San Francisco Travel Vice President

Check out more of our chat with Hubertus below.

 

How many Aussies visit San Fran every year?

San Francisco

In 2014, we welcomed a total of 201,600 Aussies to San Francisco, ranking Australia seventh among international inbound markets to San Francisco. Australia has consistently been one of the top 10 source markets for us, and we are very happy about it.

Visitors to San Francisco from Australia spent over $279 million in 2014, a rate which is expected to grow at a rate of 7.3 percent this year. Tourism from Australia also accounted for 647,000 paid hotel nights in 2014, with a spend rate of $337 per visitor per day.

 

Has this increased?

San Francisco

Yes, indeed.  In fact, visitation numbers from Australia have steadily increased over the last few years.

The 2014 number represented a 3.25 percent increase over the previous year, and we do expect the numbers to grow by an average of 2.5 percent for 2015 and 2016.  This is really great news, especially in light of the fact that the Australian Dollar has been in decline since 2013.

 

What is drawing Australians to the city?

San Francisco Fishermen's wharf

We know Australians are very interested in cultural and historical attractions and are also drawn to the California lifestyle.  In my opinion San Francisco offers the perfect blend.

Throw in world-class shopping and culinary experiences, and you will have the experience of a lifetime.

 

How do you think Qantas’ return will impact travel?

Qantas

We are so excited Qantas will return to San Francisco.

In 1959, Qantas established the first air service between San Francisco and Sydney, and their return to SFO is a wonderful homecoming that will be another bridge between our sister cities.

We are working very closely with our partners at SFO and at Qantas on various ideas and concepts around the relaunch.

Plans are still being finalized, but we cannot wait to roll out the welcome mat when the Spirit of Australia returns to San Francisco in December.

 

What are the top attractions for Aussies?

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge

Of course, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf with PIER 39 and our historic Cable Cars typically rank very high on our visitors’ bucket lists.

Our unique and diverse neighbourhoods, such as Chinatown, the Mission and the Castro are also very popular.  And then there’s the great shopping, dining… the list is endless.

We feel San Francisco offers something for everyone and for every taste.

Do you have any questions for Hubertus or San Francisco Travel?