A new exhibition at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) explores how San Francisco and the Bay Area have been promoted as a tourist destination over the years, with a big boost from airlines.
The commecial airline industry, has ben “an active participant in the touristic myth-making—especially before smartphones and laptop computers replaced visits to travel agencies and ticket counters,” the exhibition notes tell us.
“Colorful travel posters offered evocative hints of romance and adventure in a memorable setting. Once people were on board and en route, everything from napkins to matchbooks and playing cards might be adorned with familiar scenes chosen to reinforce that San Francisco was a place worth visiting.”
The exhibit, Destination: San Francisco is located pre-security in the Aviation Museum and Library in the International Terminal of San Francisco International Airport through January 10, 2027.
(All images courtesy SFO Museum)
