San Luis Obispo County, California (SLO CAL) is celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) with positive news! Visitor spending in the region held steady at $2.32 billion in 2023, solidifying tourism as a key economic driver for the area. This consistent performance translates to significant benefits for SLO CAL. Tourism generated a substantial $60.1 million in transient occupancy tax revenue in 2023, supporting local businesses and residents. The industry also employs a significant portion of the workforce, with 22,830 jobs – a 2% year-over-year increase – spread across diverse sectors like hospitality, entertainment, and transportation. “We’re excited to showcase the positive impact of tourism in SLO CAL,” said Cathy Cartier, Interim President & CEO of Visit SLO CAL. “Tourism is the county’s second-largest economic driver, fostering innovation and growth across various industries.” The economic impact of tourism extends beyond job creation. It contributes an impressive $110 million in local tax revenue annually. Without this revenue, each household in SLO CAL would face significant tax hikes. Cartier emphasizes, “Tourism strengthens local businesses, preserves our community, and creates thousands of jobs. We’re proud of the consistent performance of visitor spending in SLO CAL.” Here’s a quick breakdown of the positive impact of tourism in SLO CAL: – Tourism is the county’s second-largest economic driver, generating $2.32 billion in visitor spending in 2023. – Tourism employment accounts for 22,830 jobs across diverse sectors, including hospitality, entertainment, and transportation. – Tourism generated $60.1 million in transient occupancy tax revenue in 2023, supporting local businesses and residents. – Tourism contributes $110 million in local tax revenue annually, helping to avoid significant tax hikes for SLO CAL households. This announcement coincides with the national NTTW, celebrated from May 19th to 25th. It highlights the crucial role travel plays in economic growth, job creation, and community development. SLO CAL aligns with California Tourism Month, a declaration recognizing the importance of a robust and sustainable travel industry within the state. Visit SLO CAL, the official destination marketing organization for the county, works collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to achieve this goa
SLO CAL Unveils Strong Tourism Performance, Bolstering Local Economy
