Calendar of Events | Media Photos
For Immediate Release: October 10, 2006
New entry signs featuring Surf City USA® moniker to greet visitors to Huntington Beach
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. The City Council of Huntington Beach approved a $330,000 plan to erect new official monument signs on all major roads leading into the city on Monday night, the biggest and most impressive signage effort to welcome visitors in its history. The entry signs will be landscaped and lit to be seen at night. All of the signs feature the now world-famous Surf City USA® moniker.
"Tourism has become a vital component of our economy and our Surf City USA resort lifestyle," said Dave Sullivan, Mayor of Huntington Beach. "These signs will become a visual reminder we have evolved into a world-class beach destination that appreciates the arts, history, the environment and surfing. We gladly share our cultural and natural assets with our visitors who appreciate them, too."
Four unique designs were approved for installation in seven different locations. The designs include renderings of the renowned Huntington Beach Pier and a 14_-foot-tall surfboard, which will be featured at four of the most heavily trafficked sites. A design featuring three terns will be placed on the Pacific Coast Highway heading north towards the newly renovated Bolsa Chica Wetlands, and a fourth design featuring the initials "HB," a popular local nickname for the city, will be placed in two locations.
All four designs have been posted on the city's website for public comment since June 2006 and have met with positive response. The new signs are scheduled to be erected during 2007.
"People across the world are looking for a genuine California beach town that has stayed true to its roots yet helped to redefine what an American beach vacation can be all about," said Doug Traub, President of the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau. "Our city offers a laid-back attitude that makes visitors feel welcome, safe and appreciated. We know from past research that 92 percent of our residents think tourism is important. We expect the signs will be a big hit."
Since branding itself with the Surf City USA(R) name in November of 2004, overnight travel to Huntington Beach has increased dramatically, with hotel taxes swelling annually by almost $2.2 million or 66 percent. Three new upscale hotels with ocean views are planned to capitalize on demand. The Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau has registered four Surf City USA trademarks such as sportswear and bags, with 10 other applications under review by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
About the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau
The Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau is the designated marketing organization representing Huntington Beach, California. One of the top Southern California vacation destinations featuring premier California beach resorts, Huntington Beach is the ideal location for a California family vacation, California weekend getaway or surfing trip . With eight and half miles of pristine California beaches, Huntington Beach is fast becoming a destination of choice for vacationers and business travelers alike. To plan your Surf City USA vacation or to learn more about Huntington Beach, visit the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau Web site at www.surfcityusa.com or call 800-729-6232 for a free visitors guide.
Surf City USA® is a registered trademark of the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved.