San Francisco Named One of the World's "Happiest Cities" by Forbes Magazine

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. September 17, 2009

SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 - San Francisco has been named one of "The World's Happiest Cities" in an article posted Sept. 2, 2009 on Forbes.com. San Francisco, which ranks seventh out of ten listed cities, is the only city in North America to be included in what the magazine calls "urban centers closely associated with unmitigated joy."

"It is no surprise that San Francisco has been named one of the happiest cities in the world," said Joe D'Alessandro, president and CEO of the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau. "San Francisco's scenic beauty, combined with its ideal year-round climate, diverse neighborhoods, and most importantly, its 'only in San Francisco' attitude and lifestyle make it an ideal city for both visitors and residents."

The data provided for this list is part of the 2009 Anholt-GfK Roper City Brands Index, released in June 2009. The research was compiled through online interviews with 10,000 respondents in 20 countries.

"San Francisco makes the list because it's perceived by foreigners as the 'most fun' of America's major cities," claims Simon Anholt, policy advisor and market researcher for GfK Custom Research North America. "It's associated with gay pride. That's a happy image...."

The Forbes.com top ten list of "World's Happiest Cities" http://www.forbes.com/2009/09/02/worlds-happiest-cities-lifestyle-cities_slide.html?partner=email also includes Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Barcelona, Spain; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Melbourne, Australia; Madrid, Spain; San Francisco, US; Rome, Italy; Paris, France; and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

For a complete list of awards and honors that San Francisco has received, visit http://www.sfcvb.org/travel_media/press.asp?rid=17.

For general information on hotel packages and reservations; events; activities and transportation in San Francisco, visit www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com. For lodging reservations, call 800-637-5196 within North America or 415-391-2000 or 415-392-0328 (TTY/TTD) elsewhere.

The San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide is available at the Visitor Information Center, 900 Market St., at the corner of Powell and Market streets, lower level, Hallidie Plaza. A virtual edition of the guide is also available online: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/weaver/sfovg208/ A visitor's kit may also be ordered online at www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com, by phone at 415-391-2000 or 415-392-0328 (TTY/TTD), by written request to the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, 900 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94102, or via email to [email protected]. Domestic and international shipping charges apply.

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 and more, visit www.flysfo.com.