Long Beach, California is experiencing an unprecedented tourism boom, generating a massive $1.97 billion in economic impact in 2023—a remarkable $213 million increase compared to 2018, pre-pandemic levels. This significant growth, detailed in a recent report by Kleinhenz Economics commissioned by Visit Long Beach, highlights the crucial role tourism plays in the city’s economic vitality and underscores its resilience in the post-pandemic landscape.
The study, conducted by Dr. Robert Kleinhenz and Megan Anaya of California State University, Long Beach, meticulously analyzed spending from both overnight visitors and out-of-area day-trippers, encompassing both business travelers and leisure tourists. The results are nothing short of spectacular: 14,600 jobs were created, generating $785 million in labor income with an average salary of $53,850. Furthermore, visitor spending contributed a substantial $359 million in overall tax revenue, including $171 million in state and local taxes. Transient occupancy taxes (hotel taxes) alone reached $38.2 million, providing a significant boost to the city’s finances.
This impressive economic performance surpasses pre-pandemic levels and outstrips the wider Los Angeles County in several key metrics. Long Beach’s success is particularly notable in its hotel sector, where it even outperformed San Diego in revenue per available room (RevPAR), a key indicator of hotel industry profitability. This exceptional performance is a testament to the city’s strategic investments and collaborative efforts.
A key driver of this success is the thriving convention and meetings industry. Meet Long Beach, the organization responsible for marketing the city to convention planners, has played a pivotal role. Steve Goodling, President & CEO of Meet Long Beach and Visit Long Beach, attributes the city’s outperformance to a strategic focus on attracting conventions and business tourism opportunities. “Long Beach continues to outperform competitive markets, and a significant part of this success is due to our focus on conventions and the city’s business tourism opportunities,” he stated.
The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center stands as a central pillar of this success story. Significant investments in modernizing and expanding the venue over the past decade have been instrumental. The $10 million upgrade to the Pacific Ballroom in 2013, for example, has generated a remarkable $427 million in economic impact over ten years. Further improvements to the Terrace Theater Plaza and The Cove, featuring state-of-the-art lighting, rigging, and furnishings, have enhanced the venue’s appeal even further, earning the center multiple Stella Awards for Best in the Far West. This commitment to excellence has made the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center a highly sought-after venue for major associations, government agencies, and corporations.
Looking ahead, Long Beach’s tourism future remains bright. The city’s commitment to sustainable tourism, cultural experiences, and continued infrastructure improvements positions it for continued growth in both domestic and international markets. Meet Long Beach will continue its efforts to attract new events and conventions, leveraging the city’s high-quality infrastructure and competitive advantages. The combination of stunning beaches, vibrant cultural attractions, and a robust business tourism infrastructure ensures that Long Beach will remain a compelling destination for years to come. The recent economic report serves as a powerful testament to the city’s success and its capacity for continued growth, solidifying Long Beach’s position as a thriving economic powerhouse driven by the dynamism of its tourism sector.
