Latest news with #CitySightseeing
CBS News
07-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Tourism drop alarms San Francisco businesses over July Fourth weekend
San Francisco's tourism industry, a critical pillar of the city's economy, showed troubling signs over the July Fourth holiday weekend, traditionally one of the busiest times of the year. Business owners, particularly around major visitor hubs like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square, reported a sharp decline in tourists compared to previous years. Despite sunny weather and the return of pre-pandemic activities, many merchants said they were left waiting for crowds that never came. "Today, we've seen a total of seven foreign tourists. Can you believe that? Just seven people," said Sam Sohal, CEO of City Sightseeing San Francisco, which operates the iconic red hop-on, hop-off double-decker tour buses. Sohal said his ridership has shifted mostly to domestic visitors, but even that group is shrinking. "This year so far, it's about 35% down," he said. "What was really shocking was June and a few days of July — the bottom has fallen basically. We're 50% down. We're a little bit worried. We can probably weather the Summer. But in the Wintertime, if this is the Summer, what's going to happen in the winter? That's what scares us more." Nearby, Bob Partrite, Chief Operating Officer of Simco Restaurants, which runs five eateries and a coffee shop at Pier 39, echoed the concern. Although he described business in 2025 has been "solid," June was the exception where overall business saw a dip in customers. "Adaptability and flexibility in our footprint is key to running a successful business," Partrite said. "We just have to be ready for whatever happens and be able to adjust. As business levels adjust, purchases have to adjust, scheduling might have to adjust." Many in the tourism and hospitality sectors point to national politics as a contributing factor to the drop in foreign visitors, citing immigration policies and shifting perceptions of the U.S. abroad. "The tariffs and also the immigration policies — trying to scrutinize everybody, even tourists, they go to their embassy to get a tourist visa," Sohal said, suggesting federal policies are discouraging international travel to the U.S. That sentiment was echoed by a visiting couple from Germany, who traveled to San Francisco for a wedding but said the decision was met with hesitation. "People did give us rare looks when we said we would go to the U.S.," said Kerem Akkaya. "Everyone in Europe was like, 'Oh, really, you want to go there now?'" "We prepared more, for sure, making sure we had all of our documents ready. I think had we not had the wedding, we would have been probably not traveling to the U.S. right now," said Rozemaryjn Van Der Veen. At Nick's Lighthouse, a seafood restaurant at Fisherman's Wharf, manager Grace Paik said the atmosphere simply doesn't feel like summer. "It's a little sad. This is Fisherman's Wharf, and it's just not as lively as what it used to be," Paik said. "Even for me, I'm concerned about political things and what's going to happen in the future in our business." Business owners had hoped that five years after the pandemic began, tourism levels would at least match — if not surpass — 2019 figures. But for some, the reality has fallen far short. Sohal said he may have to dip into personal savings if the downturn continues. "We would like Gov. Newsom to help us out with promoting tourism in California," he added, hoping state-level promotion might help offset the international slowdown. While several business owners praised San Francisco's new mayor for improved street conditions and safety in key tourist areas, they emphasized that local leadership has limited power to counteract national trends. For now, merchants say they are bracing for a tough winter and hoping the rest of summer brings more than sunshine.
Telegraph
29-06-2025
- Telegraph
Two injured after car crashes into Piccadilly Circus roundabout
A spokesman for the London Ambulance Service said: 'We were called at 5.25am today (29 June) to reports of a road traffic collision on Piccadilly, W1J. 'We sent a number of resources, including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer and members of our hazardous area response team (HART). We also dispatched a trauma team in a car from London's Air Ambulance. 'Our first paramedic arrived on scene in less than four minutes. 'We treated two people. We took one patient to a major trauma centre and the other patient to a local hospital.' 'Worried about the driver' Shamin Mollah, 41, who works at a City Sightseeing London booth overlooking the crash said: 'When I came to work at 9am it was very quiet. Only the police were here and they'd already set up the barricade. 'This area is busy 24/7. It would have been very dangerous. It's very sad.' Rimi Caur, 29, a souvenir seller at a booth close to the crash site said: 'What can we do? We can't open our other shop on the other side [of Piccadilly Circus]. It's bad for business. 'We had one other crash last year [at Piccadilly Circus] but nothing else like this. 'Of course we are worried about the driver.'
The National
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Neil Oliver quietly dropped from Glasgow tour bus after backlash
Oliver provided English language commentary for tourists on board the City Sightseeing Glasgow buses, which featured a picture of his face on the side of the vehicles. Four years after calls were made to remove Oliver from the City Sightseeing services, it seems that he has finally been dropped. READ MORE: This is why an independent Scotland should stay well away from Nato The firm's website no longer contains any information regarding his English-language narration, and eagle-eyed Glaswegians noticed his portrait is not featured on the buses anymore. Though the same sentence has been removed from the City Sightseeing information page, Visit Scotland's website still says "our English recorded commentary is provided by renowned historian Neil Oliver", suggesting that this removal has been done quietly. City Sightseeing Glasgow was urged to drop Oliver, who has narrated the service since 2012, following his comments on GB News regarding pandemic-era lockdowns and vaccines, and his remarks on a potential second independence referendum. Conspiracy theorist and former TV host Neil Oliver (Image: GB News) Most recently, the GB News presenter has been criticised for indulging in conspiracy theories on his YouTube channel and had a video blocked by the platform over his use of antisemitic language. Otto English, author of Fake History, told The National: "Given Neil Oliver's long journey into conspiracy and irrelevance, I'm simply flabbergasted that it didn't happen years ago. "I hope Glasgow gets the commentator it deserves in his place." He left his previous role as president for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) amid a row over his expression of admiration for race-row historian David Starkey, though he claimed the decision to step down was due to the end of his three-year tenure. He faced backlash during his time with NTS for his support of the Union and describing a second independence referendum as 'cancerous'. Oliver was blasted by former Glasgow Kelvin MSP Sandra White for his Covid jibes during the pandemic, calling lockdowns the 'biggest mistake in world history' and saying he'd happily risk catching the virus. READ MORE: Keir Starmer suggests he didn't read through 'island of strangers' speech White previously told The National that Oliver should 'absolutely not' be allowed to lead commentary on the tours and called for an end to any potential contract the firm had with him. Given his fierce pro-Union stance, his authority to narrate historic tours of Glasgow was also called into question, considering that Glasgow voted Yes to the 2014 referendum. West Coast Motors, the firm who operate the City Sightseeing Glasgow buses, has been approached for comment.
The National
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Neil Oliver quietly dropped from Glasgow tour buses
Oliver provided English language commentary for tourists on board the City Sightseeing Glasgow buses, which featured a picture of his face on the side of the vehicles. Four years after calls were made to remove Oliver from the City Sightseeing services, it seems that he has finally been dropped. READ MORE: This is why an independent Scotland should stay well away from Nato The firm's website no longer contains any information regarding his English-language narration, and eagle-eyed Glaswegians noticed his portrait is not featured on the buses anymore. Though the same sentence has been removed from the City Sightseeing information page, Visit Scotland's website still says "our English recorded commentary is provided by renowned historian Neil Oliver", suggesting that this removal has been done quietly. City Sightseeing Glasgow were urged to drop Oliver, who has narrated the service since 2012, following his comments on GB News regarding pandemic-era lockdowns and vaccines, and his remarks on a potential second independence referendum. Most recently, the GB News presenter has been criticised for indulging in conspiracy theories on his YouTube channel and had a video blocked by the platform over his use of anti-Semitic language. He left his previous role as president for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) amid a row over his expression of admiration for David Starkey, though he claimed the decision to step down was due to the end of his three-year contract. He faced backlash during his time with NTS for his support of the Union and describing a second independence referendum as 'cancerous'. Oliver was blasted by former Glasgow Kelvin MSP Sandra White for his Covid jibes, calling lockdowns the 'biggest mistake in world history' and saying he'd happily risk catching the virus. READ MORE: Keir Starmer suggests he didn't read through 'island of strangers' speech White previously told The National that Oliver should 'absolutely not' be allowed to lead commentary on the tours and called for an end to any potential contract the firm had with him. Given his fierce pro-Union stance, his authority to narrate historic tours of Glasgow was also called into question, considering that Glasgow voted Yes to the 2014 referendum. West Coast Motors, the firm who operate the City Sightseeing Glasgow buses, have been approached for comment.
Time Out
08-06-2025
- Time Out
Local Intel: Carl Wastie
Pipe Track and Newlands Ravine I love a good hike, and Table Mountain offers several paths of tranquillity and unmatched views of the city. The Pipe Track is a great starting point for any hiker, and it can be lengthened or shortened depending on your available time or how much you want to challenge yourself. Newlands Ravine is much the same – just as beautiful – but it's perfect for taking the dogs on what I like to call 'walkies on steroids.' I'm a dog dad to four Boston Terriers, so this is essential. City Sightseeing A trip on the Cape Town City Sightseeing bus is one of the best ways to feel proud of the city I live in. It offers the opportunity to see many places I can check off my bucket list, and the Hop-On Hop-Off feature makes it a full day of fun and connection with loved ones. A little-known fact is that I'm the voice of the City Sightseeing bus, so I literally get the chance to practice what I preach through those earphones. Spier This place will always be special to me and my family. It offers picnics with friends, which lead to games of 30 Seconds and snacks on the lawns. Their restaurant, Vadas, serves the best Pastéis de Nata I have ever tasted, along with Smokehouse offerings one can only dream of. Who would've thought a head of broccoli could be so good? I'd highly recommend it. R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch Epice One of my favourite places in the world is Franschhoek. It is brimming with amazing restaurants and truly incredible experiences. The chef at the helm here is Charne Sampson (Mouton), who is a genius when it comes to mixing lekker Cape Malay flavours with French techniques. When you're there, snap as many pics as you can, especially of the ice cream cart that swings by for dessert. Beau Constantia I love this spot – it's fine dining, but it never feels inaccessible. The menu changes beautifully and often, not just seasonally, thanks to the experimental mind of my friend, Chef Ivor Jones, who just scooped Chef of the Year at the 2025 Eat Out Awards. 1043 Constantia Main Rd, Constantia Salsify Clearly, I'm a restaurant guy, but this place is one of those spots where your phone constantly comes out to snap pictures of the décor, graffiti, and preserved history. The menu is always fresh and creative, and the chef, Ryan Cole, is a humble, talented guy who makes you feel like you've been invited over to his place for some though it's a multi-award-winning, must-see restaurant. Tulbagh Recently, I was invited to experience Tulbagh, just a little over an hour outside of Cape Town, and I was highly impressed with the incredible places one can explore there. This included a stay at Rijk's Wine Estate as well as Manley Estate, where I was thoroughly impressed with the culinary team, made up of trained local women from the area. I'm also booked to stay at the Geodome accommodation soon, something I've wanted to do for the past few years.
