National Geographic recently announced a new four-episode miniseries that looks beyond San Diego’s iconic beaches and bays to explore what makes the city a unique travel destination. Each episode highlights the city’s rich heritage, cultural diversity, spirit of adventure and commitment to discovery. This is the latest in National Geographic’s custom travel programming created for the channel’s weekly travel block. Previous destinations have included New Orleans and Asheville, N.C.
The miniseries, which is set to premiere on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. on National Geographic, is the result of a partnership between the San Diego Tourism Authority and National Geographic to promote San Diego to national and international audiences. The multichannel initiative will focus on the city’s famous Balboa Park and will extend beyond the episodes to include print, digital and social media content.
Joe Terzi, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority, said the goal of the multi-million-dollar initiative is to establish Balboa Park as one of the world’s most iconic urban parks and to introduce everything San Diego has to offer.
“As the birthplace of California, San Diego has a unique history that has created a dynamic destination filled with diverse neighborhoods, a thriving food scene, a vibrant arts community and never-ending opportunities to explore the outdoors,” Terzi said. “This miniseries and the larger media partnership with National Geographic are crucial to telling the San Diego story, and central to that story is Balboa Park, which has long been the cultural heart of our city.”
Each episode—airing in North America and the United Kingdom—explores a different aspect of San Diego and features stories of the people and places both in Balboa Park and around the city that make it such an exciting destination.
“City of Adventure” (Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. ET) will highlight San Diego’s natural beauty and active lifestyle and the role Balboa Park has long played in creating a vibrant community. “City of Discovery” (Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. ET) will highlight San Diego’s commitment to collaboration and innovation. “City of Creativity” (Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. ET) will highlight Balboa Park as the cultural heart of the city and showcase the many creators who have made the city into what it is today. “City of Diversity” (Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. ET) will highlight San Diego’s cultural diversity and explore the unique neighborhoods of the city.
“No one understands the power of storytelling more than National Geographic, and we’re happy to leverage our portfolio of media platforms to share compelling stories of San Diego with our global audience,” said Kimberly Connaghan, VP global partnerships, National Geographic Partners. “San Diego is a city that is alive with creativity and ingenuity in everything from its food to its sports to its scientific breakthroughs.
To celebrate the launch, the San Diego Tourism Authority is hosting a premiere party on Oct. 10 for business, civic and community leaders at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.
Those wishing to view the series’ episodes live are advised to check with their local cable provider to confirm air times. For more information about the media partnership, visit sandiego.org/campaigns/natgeo-balboa-park.aspx.