May is the month to toast the economic powerhouse that is the California's tourism industry.

In 2016, the Legislature declared May as California Travel and Tourism Month “to celebrate the leadership of California’s tourism industry in growing California’s economy and improving the quality of life for all Californians.”

Tourism continues to be one of the Golden State's biggest economic players. In 2017, travelers brought $132.4 billion into the economy. This spending generated $10.9 billion in local and state tax revenue and supported more than 1.1 million jobs for Californians. It also marked a record ninth consecutive year that travel spending, tax revenue and employment from tourism increased. 

For 2019, Visit California will be celebrating California Tourism Month in a number of ways: 

Visit California Speaking Engagements

Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta will be delivering a number of speeches, detailing how travel and tourism delivers for the state:

• May 6 - Caroline Beteta will release the statewide economic impact report for 2018. 
• May 8 - Caroline Beteta will be speaking at the Orange County Visitors Association and the Santa Monica Tourism Summit.
• May 21 - Caroline Beteta will be speaking at the California Legislature providing a high-level overview to lawmakers and their staff on the value of tourism to their districts. 

U.S. Travel & Tourism Week

The economic impact announcement coincides with the front end of National Travel & Tourism Week. Set for May 5-11, the week is sponsored by U.S. Travel Association. The theme for the 36^th annual week is “Travel Matters,” and a different example of why travel matters will be highlighted each day. U.S. Travel has a tool kit for industry partners to participate in spreading the word. 

Amgen Tour

The momentum continues the following week, when California welcomes thousands of racers and fans to the Amgen Tour of California, the 14^th year world class pro bike racers traverse the Golden State. This year’s route begins in Sacramento, ends in Pasadena and covers more than 800 miles over seven days for men and three days for women. Visit California will be....

State Capitol Installation

Visit California is planning to translate the economic impact news into an engaging wall display outside the Governor’s Office, perfect to catch the eye of thousands of Capitol visitors.

Travel Matters

The message will move to an even broader audience with the official launch of Visit California’s “Travel Matters” website. The site aims to go beyond statistics to describe individual successes and explore ways the industry can sustain tourism’s economic benefit with responsible stewardship.

As Tourism Month approaches, look for a Visit California tool kit with talking points and everything industry partners need to activate a grassroots campaign.

If you have any questions about Visit California’s plans for California Tourism Month or would like to learn more ways to get involved, contact Public Affairs Manager Dan Smith.

Visit California is ready to welcome you to Anaheim, and to celebrate IPW's 10th year in the Golden State!

The Golden State will be the largest delegation present at IPW, with over 600 delegates representing California destinations, products and services. Visit California is encouraging delegates to show their California love with a unified presence on and off the trade show floor. Just like last year, delegates are invited to wear attire featuring distinct California colors which include navy, burnt orange and neutrals.

The “California Dreaming” won't stop on the last day of IPW, as Visit California and our industry partners have created 13 once-in-a-lifetime post-IPW FAM itineraries and one special pre-FAM that will highlight gateway destinations such as San Diego and Los Angeles while also showcasing the state's hidden gems including Death Valley and the Mammoth Lakes. 

From the beaches of Southern California to the redwoods in the north, these experiences are intended to inspire new itinerary development, spark surprising story ideas and build buzz for the rich diversity of brag-worthy travel moments awaiting global visitors. To that end, a dash of star power will be sprinkled throughout with cameo appearances from some California Dreamers and innovators. Registration is open for all IPW International and Domestic attendees of both trade and media.

Encourage your clients to book now as spots are filling fast with few tours still available.  

Stay tuned for more information about all the exciting events and activities that we, and our friends in Anaheim, have in store for you!