Bureau, Tribes Place Chips on Promotion

SAN DIEGO-The San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau is partnering with three Indian casinos on a $600,000 advertising campaign to promote the region as an alternative to Las Vegas.

The Barona, Sycuan and Viejas tribes have each plunked down $200,000 for television, radio and print ads and outdoor billboards. The convention center will do the marketing campaign targeting Orange County residents.

Tribal and bureau officials say the ads are aimed at out-of-town visitors who may not know about the casino-resorts and their shopping centers, restaurants, golf courses and lodging facilities.