California reported record spending by tourists last year as the Golden State's tourism industry completed its recovery from the pandemic.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta today announced that travel spending in California will reach a record high of $150.4 billion in 2023. That surpassed the previous record of $144.9 billion spent in 2019, the last full year before the pandemic forced tourist attractions to close. Across the state and country.
Spending was up 5.6% from 2022, and state officials said California “continues to have the largest market share of the U.S. tourism sector.”
Newsom announced the numbers during a social media photo op atop the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco Bay.
“From its world-famous coastline to the world’s tallest trees, iconic cities and theme parks, California is America’s up-and-coming destination,” Newsom said. “Visitors from around the world come here to experience the wonders of the Golden State, boost our economy and create good-paying jobs for years to come.”
For those theme parks, Disney and Universal reported significant increases in attendance and spending at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Universal Studios Hollywood last year, with Universal executives noting that attendance continues to increase at Hollywood more than a year after its debut. Super Nintendo World's popularity has catapulted the park to all-time highs.
These three parks continue to lead California theme park attendance. We're still awaiting public figures for 2023, but according to that year's TEA/AECOM Theme Index report, Disneyland attracted more than 16 million visitors in 2022. DCA welcomed 9 million visitors and Universal Studios Hollywood welcomed more than 8 million visitors.
Other attractions that draw more than 3 million admission-paying visitors to the state annually include Knott's Berry Farm, SeaWorld San Diego theme park, Yosemite National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park.
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