. >> reporter: matt leiber of pier 23 cafe says they are surviving, not driving. in fact, he says business was about 25 to 30% down in 2023 compared to 2019. >> you need people coming through the door to survive. when they are not coming, it is hard to keep the doors open. >> reporter: many small businesses complain they are still recovering from the pandemic. >> i'm the oldest guy out here at 77. >> reporter: he says business is down at least 20%. >> we been trying to work harder for less cash, basically. 2023 -- you know, the thing that has died is the international tourist. >> reporter: that's what industry leaders are blaming, specifically the asian market. the ceo of san francisco travel says only about 50% of the chinese tourist have returned. and traditionally, he says chinese visitors spend big money in san francisco. >> pre-pandemic, china was our largest overseas market. over $2 billion a year was spent in our market. right now, capped by the governments of the u.s. and the governments of china, air service is capped right now at 50% of pre-pandemic leve