ShortFest gives Palm Springs a summer tourism boost

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — While summer is typically one of the slowest seasons for tourism in the Coachella Valley, the Palm Springs International ShortFest is helping bring visitors to the desert.

The festival attracts filmmakers, industry professionals and moviegoers from around the world, generating business for local hotels, restaurants and shops during the summer months.

At Festival Theaters, General Manager and Programmer Zack Solomon said ShortFest has helped keep business strong as the summer slowdown begins.

"We've not only maintained how we've been doing, but it actually has been helping us quite a bit," Solomon said.

Just down the street, local hotels are also seeing the impact.

Jilian Rodriguez, assistant general manager at the Hyatt Palm Springs, said the hotel is sold out for multiple nights because of the festival — a rarity for a summer weekday.

"Normally on a midweek we wouldn't see a whole lot of sell out, and we are sold out for tonight and tomorrow," Rodriguez said.

She said festival visitors are also staying longer, dining at hotel restaurants, ordering room service and supporting employees through increased business and tips.

Beyond the economic impact, organizers and local businesses say ShortFest helps keep Palm Springs on the map as a destination for filmmakers and creative talent from across the globe.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of Palm Springs International ShortFest.