The coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has snuffed out 10 years of economic growth in California’s travel and tourism industry. The fallout from this crisis is not only unprecedented, but estimated to cost the state $72.1 billion in visitor spending this year and 613,000 tourism jobs last month alone. However, the tourism economy also offers a path to recovery.
In 2019, visitors spent $144.9 billion in California, according to Visit California’s latest economic impact report. That spending supported 1.2 million jobs throughout the state. Generating $12.2 billion in tax revenues for state and local jurisdictions, visitor spending was among the top three sources of funding for many cities and counties.
As California’s post-coronavirus future begins to take shape, reviving visitor spending will play a vital role in restarting the economy and powering the state. Tourism has a proven track record of recovering faster than other industries in the aftermath of a crisis. In fact, the travel industry adds jobs 60 percent faster than the private sector as a whole.
During these extraordinary times, Visit California is working on initiatives to inspire community support and begin safe and responsible travel when the time is right. Travel matters to California and will help propel economic recovery as businesses and destinations start re-opening.
Read more on the tourism industry’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and the benefits of travel and tourism to California’s economy.