Join Ecko Worldwide Transportation in celebrating California Tourism Month! May is California Tourism Month, the state’s official observance of tourism’s essential role in the state’s economy and identity. This year, Visit California and California’s tourism industry are celebrating the ongoing strength and resilience of California’s travel industry, which set new records for travel spending and tax generation in 2023 and has fully recovered from the impacts of the pandemic. Tourism-related employment also continued to grow, but still remains 1.9% below record 2019 employment levels.
In San Francisco in particular, visitor-related spending reached $9.3 billion providing 63,000 jobs in 2023, according to Visit California’s annual economic impact report prepared by Dean Runyan Associates.
Statewide, visitor spending reached $150.4 billion in 2023 — a new record, exceeding for the first-time pre-pandemic levels. Tourism jobs (1.55 million) grew, adding nearly 65,000 new positions, and state and local taxes paid by visitors ($12.7 billion) grew 3% over pre-pandemic levels. A recent study by Visit California also shows Californians see tourism as a net positive in their communities. Most Californians believe tourism creates a better quality of life in their region and that the benefits outweigh the problems. More than 70% say tourism generates local business opportunities and provides jobs to local residents.
Here are some ways you can support tourism and local businesses:
Shop local… Whether it’s enjoying a meal at a family-owned restaurant, booking a stay at a boutique hotel, or shopping at a neighborhood shop, every dollar spent locally helps support the tourism industry.
Explore new destinations within California…From the iconic beaches of Southern California to the majestic redwoods in the north, there’s always something new to discover in the Golden State.
Advocate for policies that support the tourism industry… Reach out to your elected officials and let them know how important tourism is to your community. Encourage them to invest in infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism practices, and support tourism-related businesses.
Plan a trip! Whether you’re a California resident or visiting from out of state, now is the perfect time to plan your next adventure in California. With so many diverse attractions and experiences to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As we celebrate California Tourism Month, let’s come together to support and promote the power of travel. By working together, we can ensure that California remains a top destination for visitors from around the world for years to come.
In addition to the exciting activities and destinations California has to offer, another essential aspect of ensuring a memorable and seamless travel experience is reliable transportation, that’s where Ecko Worldwide Transportation comes in. With Ecko, you can relax and enjoy the journey, knowing that you’re in good hands. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction means you can expect nothing less than exceptional service from start to finish.
So, as you plan your California adventure during Tourism Month, consider adding the convenience and comfort of Ecko Worldwide Transportation to your itinerary. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of San Francisco, touring the picturesque vineyards of Napa Valley, or soaking up the sun on the beaches of Southern California, Ecko is here to ensure that your transportation needs are taken care of, allowing you to focus on making memories that will last a lifetime. Call us today at 877-FLY-ECKO or online at eckolimo.com Because, as always, We deliver – Satisfaction in Every Turn™.