Why Tourism Matters: Celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week

Tourism is more than just an escape from the everyday; it's a powerful engine driving economic growth, cultural exchange, and community development. As we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, it's an opportune time to reflect on why tourism matters and how it impacts local economies and communities across the United States. This week-long event highlights the value of travel and underscores its importance to the fabric of our society.

Travel and tourism significantly boost local economies. In Atlanta, tourism generates over $16 billion annually, supporting more than 300,000 jobs. This vibrant city, known for its rich history and cultural diversity, sees millions of visitors each year who come to explore landmarks like the Georgia Aquarium, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, and the bustling streets of Midtown. The revenue generated from these visits helps fund public services, infrastructure improvements, and community projects, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

San Francisco has experienced its fair share of ups and downs in the tourism industry, particularly in recent years. The city has faced challenges which have impacted its reputation as a premier travel destination. However, there are promising signs of recovery and improvement in San Francisco's tourism economy. Recent data shows a positive trend, with the city welcoming approximately 21 million visitors in 2022, generating around $9.5 billion in revenue. These numbers are down from 2019's high when San Francisco welcomed approximately 26.2 million visitors with revenue generated by tourism that year at around $10.3 billion. But the rebound is real. Since 2022, San Francisco has seen a notable increase in the number of restaurant openings. This surge is part of a broader trend as the city begins to recover from the pandemic's economic impact. By late 2022, the city recorded over 100 new food service establishments opening each month from June through October, marking the longest streak of triple-digit registrations since 2019.

In Winistry's home location of Marin County, tourism plays a vital role in supporting the region's unique charm. With attractions like Muir Woods National Monument and the Marin Headlands, the county draws millions of nature enthusiasts each year. Visitors flock to Sausalito, often by riding a rented bike over the Golden Gate Bridge and then taking the Sausalito ferry back to San Francisco. Tiburon is another destination favorite, with its quaint streets, stunning view, and ferries that will take you to Angel Island or back over to San Francisco. Throughout Marin, tourism generates about $830 million annually and supports nearly 6,500 jobs.

Looking at the broader picture, California's tourism industry is a powerhouse. In fact, as reported in May of 2024, California has the largest market share of tourism in the nation. Governor Gavin Newsom and Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta today announced on May 5th that travel spending in the state reached an all-time high of $150.4 billion last year, surpassing the record $144.9 billion spent in 2019. The new travel-spending record generated $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue by visitors in 2023, marking a 3% increase over 2019. Tourism created 64,900 new jobs in 2023, bringing total industry employment to 1,155,000.

National Travel and Tourism Week is a reminder of the vital role tourism plays in our communities. It's a celebration of the people, places, and experiences that make travel meaningful. Winistry is proud to play a role in helping visitors discover what's best about a destination and enjoy enriching experiences in California, Atlanta, and beyond.