Overview
This report evaluates the economic impact of travel to the state of California, its 12 tourism regions and all 58 counties.
Travel remains a vital sector of California's economy. This report outlines the economic activity generated by travel statewide, highlighting key trends within the industry. Spending, employment, earnings and tax revenue are the primary indicators used to measure travel’s economic contribution. Please note that some destinations in California use different visitor definitions and data collection methods, which may result in variations between reported figures.
Dean Runyan is currently preparing updated 2024 economic impact reports by Senate and Assembly district for 2024, with release expected by mid-May.
Takeaways
- In 2024, travel spending in California reached $157.3 billion, a 3.0% increase from $152.7 billion in 2023.
- Travel-generated employment grew by approximately 24,000 jobs in 2024, bringing the total number of travel-supported jobs in California to around 1.2 million — a 2.1% increase from the previous year.
- Travel-generated state and local tax revenue grew to $12.6 billion in 2024, up from $12.3 billion in 2023 — a 3.1% increase.
- Spending on accommodations grew to $34.7 billion in 2024, an increase of 2.4%. Spending on food service reached $36.8 billion, a 5.3% increase and the largest among commodity categories.
- Visitors who stayed in a hotel, motel or short-term vacation rental (STVR) spent a combined $81.1 billion in 2024, an increase of 3.4% compared to 2023.
Let's get that for you
California's travel and tourism industry is represented by accommodations, transportation and rental cars, restaurants, retail stores, attractions, gasoline service stations, and other businesses that serve travelers. Traveler spending benefits tourism providers across all industry segments and across all of California's regions.
Employment
In 2024, travel spending supported 1.2 million jobs statewide. This includes full and part-time roles directly tied to travel. Earnings from travel spending fund salaries and benefits, with total employment calculated based on average wages in travel-related industries.
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