San Diego has welcomed an estimated 30.5 million visitors who collectively stayed longer in the region and contributed a record $14.28 billion in direct spending locally..
The sum represented a $1 billion increase in 2023 as compared to the previous fiscal year. The San Diego Tourism Authority announced the numbers ahead of its 69th annual meeting held at SeaWorld San Diego Thursday with nearly 600 local tourism and hospitality leaders, community stakeholders and elected officials in attendance. Tourism officials also revealed new data about economic impacts and visitor attractions, as well as new international rankings of the region’s tourism industry. Local hotels also achieved higher occupancy rates countywide at an average of 73.7%, an increase of 5% year-over-year. The hotel stays helped generate more than $418 million in transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenue for local municipalities..
Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority, said the data demonstrated that the local tourism industry “is a powerhouse for our economy,” while reaching “new heights that will have a lasting, positive impact for years to come.”
The total economic impact generated by tourism reached $23.48 billion and the industry supported more than 214,000 direct and indirect jobs. San Diego’s reputation as a premier destination for travelers, conventions and events also was boosted this year by more national recognition