NAMES IN THE NEWS : Agnos Rebuilding S.F. Tourism

San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos, thrust into the national spotlight by last month’s earthquake, intends to use some of his new notoriety to revive the city’s flagging tourism industry. Agnos next week will visit Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., to reassure tour operators and convention executives that San Francisco’s tourist attractions, hotels and shops are open and safe.

“The mayor, obviously, is a very large drawing factor for us, because he’s been highly visible these past four or five weeks,” said John Marks, president of the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau. “I really believe his presence will draw the media to get the story across that San Francisco is ready for them.”