GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

California Tourism Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: California Tourism Statistics

  • In 2019, California received approximately 267.7 million domestic visitors.
  • California saw 14.4 billion dollars in international travel spending in 2019.
  • In 2018, California generated $140.6 billion in travel-related spending.
  • Tourism supported over 1.2 million jobs in California in 2019.
  • The average vacation spending in California per person per day in 2020 was $152.
  • In 2019, tourism in California generated $12.2 billion in local and state tax revenue.
  • San Francisco was visited by 25.8 million visitors in 2019.
  • Los Angeles welcomed a record-high 50 million tourists in 2019.
  • Over 1 in 10 jobs in California are supported directly or indirectly by travel.
  • In 2019, San Diego had 35.8 million visitors.
  • 8 million out-of-state visitors came to California by air in 2019.
  • 4.8 million Canadians visited California in 2019.
  • Almost 1.8 million visitors to California from Asia in 2019.
  • In 2018, California's visitor export was approximately $27.6 billion.
  • 27% of all domestic trips made to California in 2019 were for outdoor recreation.
  • Direct travel spending in California reached $144.9 billion in 2019, an increase of 3.2% from 2018.
  • Business travel spending in California reached $21.7 billion in 2019.
  • During 2019, the hotel industry in California made a business of $33.1 billion.
  • In 2019, California had an average hotel occupancy rate of 76.5%.
  • 8.3 million Mexican citizens visited California in 2019.

Discover our favorite AI Writing Tool

Write scientific papers in minutes thanks to AI

Jenni's AI-powered text editor helps you write, edit, and cite with confidence. Save hours on your next paper

Table of Contents

As we delve into the remarkable world of California Tourism Statistics, we unravel the undeniable impact that tourism has on the Golden State. This sector of the economy tells a story of massive influxes of global and domestic visitors, countless job creations, and impressive financial incomes. Embarking on this informative journey will provide an objective perspective on the trends and patterns that sculpt California’s tourism dynamics, its contribution to the state economy, understanding visitor demographics, and gauging their expenditure trends, in order to truly appreciate the scale and influence of this thriving industry.

The Latest California Tourism Statistics Unveiled

In 2019, California received approximately 267.7 million domestic visitors.

The mammoth influx of nearly 268 million domestic tourists to California in 2019 underscores not just the state’s magnetic appeal, but also its essential role within the American tourism industry. These numbers mirror the diverse attractions of the Golden State, from its sun-kissed beaches and iconic landmarks to its award-winning wineries and world-class cities, capturing the hearts of innumerable explorers in the process. Furthermore, as this statistic prominently outlines a momentous contribution to the local economy, it implicitly advocates for continuing investment in the state’s tourism sector, guaranteeing California’s sustained growth as a preferred tourist haven.

California saw 14.4 billion dollars in international travel spending in 2019.

Highlighting a hefty $14.4 billion international travel spending in California for 2019 casts a brilliant spotlight onto the Golden State’s thriving tourism economy. This monumental figure underscores the paramount role that international visitors play in bolstering local industries, stimulating job growth, and contributing to the state’s fiscal health. Amidst a sea of tourism statistics, this mammoth number stands tall, epitomizing the massive economic boost and global allure that California’s myriad attractions consistently generate.

In 2018, California generated $140.6 billion in travel-related spending.

Highlighting the formidable sum of $140.6 billion garnered from travel-related spending in California in 2018 paints a potent picture of the state’s vibrant tourism industry. Not only does it underline the robust contribution of tourism to the state’s economic growth, but it also underscores the magnetism of the Golden State to travelers worldwide. In essence, this figure provides a definite indicator of California’s undeniable potency as a premier travel destination, hinting at the multitude of diverse attractions, the quality of services and experiences it offers, warranting serious consideration for any potential visitor reading the blog post.

Tourism supported over 1.2 million jobs in California in 2019.

Brightening the lenses of California’s socio-economic landscape, the stunning statistic – ‘Tourism supported over 1.2 million jobs in California in 2019’ – paints a vivid imagery of this sector’s enormous contribution to job creation. In the sprawling discourse on California Tourism Statistics, it imparts a critical insight into the copious employment disparities bridged by the radiant boundary of tourist influx. Unveiling the sector’s monumental economic weight, it reverberates the echos of myriad livelihoods sustained, substantiating tourism’s indomitable role as the backbone of California’s job market. Further, it fuels the robust discourse on policies and strategies tailored to augment the golden state’s tourism landscape and transform lives.

The average vacation spending in California per person per day in 2020 was $152.

Diving into the intriguing figures from the realm of California tourism, the remarkable finding of an average daily vacation expenditure of $152 per individual illuminates the vibrancy of the sector even amidst the challenging climate of 2020. This compelling datum not only outlines the inclination and ability of travelers to maintain their holiday budgets but underlines the resilience and appeal of California as a prime tourism destination. It frames an understanding of consumer behavior, economic health, and tourism policy, making it a critical piece in painting the full picture of California’s tourism narrative within the blog post.

In 2019, tourism in California generated $12.2 billion in local and state tax revenue.

Placidly resting beneath California’s golden tourism crown is an impressive $12.2 billion jewel, reflecting the bounty generated in local and state tax revenue in 2019. In a symphony of numbers and economic triumph, this sparkling statistic splendidly encapsulates the staggering support tourism offers to the economic landscape of the Golden State. It provides compelling insight into how significantly this industry contributes to public finances, thereby offering vital clues to the understanding and strategic promotion of this lucrative sector. Clearly, it is a heartening nod to the power and potential of tourism in California, a key protagonist in this narrative of California’s Tourism Statistics.

San Francisco was visited by 25.8 million visitors in 2019.

Highlighting that San Francisco welcomed an impressive count of 25.8 million visitors in 2019 functions as a powerful testament to the magnetic charm and widespread allure of California’s tourism sector. It delivers a profound insight on the effectiveness of the state’s tourism strategies and the pull of its vibrant attractions. This substantial influx of tourists not only represents a significant fraction of the tourism market share in California but is also indicative of the immense economic contribution to the local economy. Therefore, this statistic serves as substantial evidence of the integral role San Francisco plays in the grand narrative told by California Tourism Statistics.

Los Angeles welcomed a record-high 50 million tourists in 2019.

In the grand tapestry of California’s buzzing tourism economy, the 2019 record of 50 million visitors to Los Angeles threads a compelling narrative. This pinnacle of traveler influx is a robust indicator of Los Angeles’ captivating appeal and vital role in anchoring the Golden State’s tourism sector. Synonymous with glamour, culture, and sun-soaked beaches, this city’s magnetic allure is quantifiably demonstrated in this statistic. It provides vital sustenance to California’s tourism economy and underpins its status as a must-visit destination. The record number also offers valuable insights for tourism strategists seeking to maximize California’s potential as a vacation powerhouse.

Over 1 in 10 jobs in California are supported directly or indirectly by travel.

Delving into the fascinating realm of California Tourism Statistics, we find a compelling number framing the narrative: ‘Over 1 in 10 jobs in California are supported directly or indirectly by travel’. This imprints an indelible mark on the standing of travel and tourism as a cornerstone of California’s economy. Beyond embracing the sun-kissed beaches, whispering forests and the pulsing urban life, visitors inadvertently infuse life into the state’s diverse job sector. With each tour, attraction ticket, or hotel booking, they contribute to a vibrant economic circuit that nourishes over 10% jobs, cementing travel as an essential thread in California’s economic tapestry.

In 2019, San Diego had 35.8 million visitors.

Illuminating the allure of California’s golden coast, the report of San Diego welcoming 35.8 million visitors in 2019 accentuates the city’s undeniable charm. This figure plays a vital role in a broader narrative of California’s thriving tourism industry, signifying San Diego’s impressive contribution towards the state’s economic vitality. It underlines San Diego’s potent mix of surf, sun, and culture which continually captivates the attention of millions, thereby making it an indispensable player in California’s tourism landscape. Furthermore, this eye-opening statistic affords readers a quantifiable glimpse into the drawing power of California’s individual cities, aiding in a deeper, more nuanced understanding of The Golden State’s allure.

8 million out-of-state visitors came to California by air in 2019.

Announcing an impressive number of 8 million out-of-state visitors who journeyed to the sunny shores of California by air in 2019, illustrates the magnetic pull of the Golden State. This statistic, spotlighting the inflow of travelers, constitutes a robust testament of California’s vibrant tourism industry. It reveals the allure of California’s diverse attractions, functioning as a key growth indicator for travel, hospitality and related sectors. The influx of these 8 million jet-setters not only amplifies the state’s iridescent cultural appeal, but also underscores the significant economic contribution that tourism bestows upon California.

4.8 million Canadians visited California in 2019.

Illuminating the magnitude of Canadian interest in the Golden State, the robust figure of 4.8 million visitors from the Great White North to California in 2019 underpins the international allure of California’s diverse attractions. A testament to California’s pivotal role as a prime destination on the global tourism circuit, this quantifiable emphasis enhances our understanding of the demographic dynamics fuelling the state’s tourism sector and underscores the significant contribution of Canadian visitors to California’s vibrant tourism economy. This figure further illuminates potential avenues for strategic tourism marketing for the state geared towards Canada, signaling California’s continuous appeal to Canadian explorers and vacationers.

Almost 1.8 million visitors to California from Asia in 2019.

Highlighting the figure of ‘almost 1.8 million visitors from Asia to California in 2019’ provides a powerful illustration of the global reach and attraction of California’s tourism sector. It underscores the extent to which California’s diverse cultural experiences, scenic beauty, and iconic landmarks appeal to international audiences, particularly those from Asia. Further, it signals the significance of the Asian tourist market for California’s economy, hinting at the necessity for continued outreach, understanding, and catering towards this demographic for sustained future tourism growth.

In 2018, California’s visitor export was approximately $27.6 billion.

Highlighting the impressive figure of California’s visitor export standing at approximately $27.6 billion in 2018, paints a vibrant image of a thriving tourism industry pulsing with economic vitality. This monetary behemoth not only stipulates the magnetic allure of the state’s attractions, but it equally underscores tourism’s substantial contribution to the local economy. This financial titan, thus, concocts an indisputable testimony to California’s undeniable prominence as a global tourism hotspot and its capability to massively draw in international spending, hosting a significant value for discussing California Tourism Statistics in the blog post.

27% of all domestic trips made to California in 2019 were for outdoor recreation.

Highlighting that 27% of all domestic visits to California in 2019 were primed for outdoor recreation offers a vivid insight into the state’s rich and diverse natural attractions as a significant tourism drawcard. It underscores the magnetism of California’s majestic landscapes — from its national parks to its beautiful beaches — that seduce and engage a significant percentage of domestic travelers. This provides potential visitors, marketers, and tourism industry stakeholders with a clear focus point to promote and optimize approaches to amplify California’s outdoor appeal and enrich the visitor experience. The figure also implies a potential for development and targeted marketing in the outdoor recreation sector in the state’s tourism industry.

Direct travel spending in California reached $144.9 billion in 2019, an increase of 3.2% from 2018.

Highlighting the fact that direct travel spending in California hit $144.9 billion in 2019, marking a 3.2% increase from 2018, underscores the momentum and growth potential inherent in California’s tourism industry. It infers an escalating interest among tourists that generates substantial revenue, contributing significantly to the state’s economy. Therefore, it uncovers astounding opportunities in tourism-related businesses and portrays California as a crucial destination within the global tourism landscape. This vibrant growth is a benchmark for future prospects, and an imperative indication of the importance of tourism to California’s economic health.

Business travel spending in California reached $21.7 billion in 2019.

Unveiling the impressive figure of $21.7 billion for business travel spending in California for 2019 offers critical insights into the energizing role of business tourism in bolstering the state’s economy. This data subtly underlines the potential powerhouse that California is, attracting not just leisure tourists but also a significant contingent of business travelers. It underscores the state’s gravitational pull in areas beyond sunny beaches, tech innovation, and Hollywood, extending into hosting conferences, conventions, and corporate meetings. Furthermore, it hints towards the vital interlinkages between business travel, job creation, revenue generation, and overall economic health, painting a vibrant picture of a thriving state.

During 2019, the hotel industry in California made a business of $33.1 billion.

Highlighting a revenue figure of $33.1 billion, bagged by California’s hotel industry in 2019, paints an impressive picture of the state’s thriving tourism environment. An industry thriving to such a degree serves as a vibrant testament to California’s magnetic pull as a destination, enticing a steady inflow of tourists. This figure offers a quantifiable validation of California’s charm, reinforcing its status as a tourism hotspot. The prosperity of the hotel industry directly points to the vitality of tourism in the state, making it a crucial part of the narrative for anyone exploring California Tourism Statistics.

In 2019, California had an average hotel occupancy rate of 76.5%.

Highlighting an average hotel occupancy rate of 76.5% in 2019 for California offers a distinctive glimpse into the vibrancy of the state’s tourism industry. The figure not only underscores the attraction of the state as a significant destination for tourists, but it also indicates the potential business opportunities for hoteliers and stakeholders in the travel and hospitality sector. This robust percentage showcases the demand for accommodation, serving as an input for related business decisions, investments, and marketing strategies, while also demonstrates the implications on the state’s economy in terms of income and employment generated through travel and tourism.

8.3 million Mexican citizens visited California in 2019.

Painting a vibrant picture of California’s tourist landscape, the statistic ‘8.3 million Mexican citizens visited California in 2019’ serves as compelling evidence of the state’s immense international appeal. With a considerable chunk of visitors hailing from Mexico, it demonstrates the cultural, social, and economic exchange between these two neighboring territories. This figure also underscores the significant role played by Mexican tourists in driving California’s tourism industry, indicating potential marketing opportunities and strategic considerations for state officials and business owners to continue fostering this fruitful relationship.

Conclusion

Based on the presented data, California continues to be a favored destination for tourists worldwide. With its booming tourism industry, the state has seen a significant rise in visitor numbers year after year. These statistics indicate not only the state’s attractiveness but also the potential for further growth in the tourism sector. However, maintaining this growth will require continuous efforts in promoting California’s unique attractions and improving its tourism infrastructure. The successful expansion in this sector may also depend on comprehensive strategies that take into account fluctuating global economic conditions and future travel trends.

References

0. – https://www.www.latimes.com

1. – https://www.www.visitcalifornia.com

2. – https://www.www.census.gov

3. – https://www.www.sandiegouniontribune.com

4. – https://www.www.sftravel.com

FAQs

What is the annual number of tourists visiting California?

The annual number of tourists varies from year to year. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, California saw over 260 million domestic visitors and nearly 7 million international visitors.

What is the major tourist attraction in California?

California has numerous tourist attractions but Disneyland, in Anaheim, traditionally ranks as one of the top destinations. Other major attractions include Yosemite National Park and the city of San Francisco.

How much revenue does the tourism industry generate in California?

In 2019, travelers to California spent $145 billion, contributing heavily to the state's economy.

Has the number of tourists visiting California been increasing or decreasing?

Prior to 2020, the number of tourists visiting California has consistently increased. However, in 2020, there was a significant decrease in tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How many jobs are supported by the tourism industry in California?

The tourism industry supported more than 1.2 million jobs in California in 2019. The decrease in tourism in 2020 due to the pandemic has likely affected these numbers, though exact figures are not yet available.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!