The San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau (SFCVB) has hired Lisa Hasenbalg as Director of Arts & Culture Marketing.
     
In her new position, Hasenbalg will promote San Francisco as a cultural destination to local, national and international visitors, travel trade professionals and journalists and serve as a liaison to the city’s thriving arts community. 
 
“A large part of San Francisco’s appeal as a travel destination stems from our arts and culture.  They influence our lifestyle and make this a better place to live,” said Matt Stiker, SFCVB executive vice president/chief marketing officer.  “Lisa’s experience and vision will help ensure that these elements - from heritage and neighborhood celebrations to classic and contemporary arts - play a vital part in the visitor experience.”
 
"Grants for the Arts' 20 year partnership with SFCVB has enormous value for our arts community and our visitors alike.  We look forward to working with Lisa to strengthen and deepen these ties, said Kary Schulman, director of Grants for the Arts.
 
Hasenbalg has a solid professional background in both marketing and the arts.   Most recently, she was Director of Cultural Tourism Marketing with the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Previous positions also include Director of Destination Marketing with the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County (Music Center) and Manager of Visitor/Convention/Tourism Services with Target Corporation/Marshall Field’s in Chicago.
 
The SFCVB was the first convention and visitors bureau in the nation to establish an arts and tourism position.  The position was created in conjunction with the City's Grants for the Arts program and is funded with hotel tax revenue.
 
The San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization that markets the city as a leisure, convention and business travel destination.  With nearly 1,700 members, the SFCVB is one of the largest membership-based tourism promotion agencies in the country. Tourism, San Francisco's largest industry, generates in excess of $8.5 billion annually for the local economy. The SFCVB business offices are located at 201 Third St., Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103.  The Bureau also operates the Visitor Information Center at Hallidie Plaza, 900 Market Street at the corner of Powell and Market streets. 

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop links with more than 30 international points on 25 international carriers. The Bay Area's largest airport connects non-stop with more than 65 cities in the U.S. on 20 domestic airlines.  For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation.