SACRAMENTO, CA – Visit California, a nonprofit statewide organization that promotes California on behalf of the state’s tourism industry, announced today that both houses of the Legislature passed a resolution declaring May 2016 and every May thereafter as California Travel and Tourism Month.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 166, authored by Assemblymember Kansen Chu (D – San Jose), recognizes the value of California’s tourism industry in providing important economic and quality-of-life benefits that touch every Californian. Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica) presented the resolution in the Senate.

The following statements have been issued in celebration of the economic and cultural benefits tourism provides for all Californians. See the attached photos from the resolution presentation in each house.

Assemblymember Kansen Chu (D – San Jose):

“Travel and tourism is one of California’s most significant and innovative industries, providing employment opportunities and tax revenue in all parts of the state. It is important that we pause to recognize the importance of sustaining and growing the number of visitors to California.”

Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica):

“The billions of dollars injected into California’s economy due to tourism every year allow for infrastructure expansion, job creation, and economic stability across the state.”

Caroline Beteta, Visit California President and CEO:

“Tourism is an economic engine in California, fueling prosperity and growth in communities across the state. In 2015, total travel-related spending increased to $122.5 billion, a sixth consecutive year of growth for California tourism. It is essential that we continue strong statewide marketing efforts so that California remains competitive as a top destination for visitors from around the world.”

Last week, Visit California celebrated National Travel and Tourism Week and released its annual economic impact report demonstrating the significant value of tourism to the Golden State. Travel spending reached $122.5 billion last year, a new record, which supported 1.1 million jobs and generated $9.9 billion in state and local tax revenue. An analysis of data compiled by Dodge Market Research report found that from 2006 to 2015 new building and renovation projects in California related to tourism reached $20 billion, with an average of $2 billion in infrastructure investments per year. This includes airport modernizations, new dining, entertainment and retail districts and other cultural and civic amenities.

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

SACRAMENTO, CA – Visit California, a nonprofit statewide organization that promotes California on behalf of the state's tourism industry, announced today that both houses of the Legislature passed a resolution declaring May 2016 and every May thereafter as California Travel and Tourism Month.
An analysis of data compiled by Dodge Market Research report found that from 2006 to 2015 new building and renovation projects in California related to tourism reached $20 billion, with an average of $2 billion in infrastructure investments per year.
It is important that we pause to recognize the importance of sustaining and growing the number of visitors to California.