Travel Spending in California Tops $120b

Traveler spending in California hit a record $126.3 billion in 2016, a force that generated $10.3 billion in tax revenue and supported 1.1 million jobs.

Those are the key findings of a new report from Visit California, a nonprofit organization that develops marketing programs to promote the Golden State as a premier travel destination.

The report shows that traveler spending grew by 3.2% last year, outpacing the nation by nearly a full percentage point, Pasadena Star News reported.

“This report shows that tourism is a leading provider of job opportunities and it boosts local businesses and brings valuable dollars to our state and local economies,” Caroline Beteta, Visit California’s president and CEO, said when the study was released on Thursday.

Beteta put that $126.3 billion in travel spending into context.

“That’s enough to cover the state’s general fund for the entire year. And it’s bigger than two-thirds of the world’s economies by GDP,” she said.