Visit San Luis Obispo County celebrated the impact of tourism in Pismo Beach during National Travel & Tourism Week. Tourism is a $1.5 billion industry in San Luis Obispo County and generates 17,160 jobs.
Last Friday, about 100 tourism partners and elected officials came together at the SeaVenture Beach Hotel in Pismo Beach to celebrate.
Tourism keeps San Luis Obispo County’s local communities economically vibrant, growing at a 3.3 percent rate year over year. Industry earnings generated by travel and tourism spending reached its highest number yet, at $470 million, in 2014. Jobs also increased at 2.7 percent over 2013 and total tourism-related jobs in San Luis Obispo County has reached an all-time high of 17,160 persons employed, making up approximately 10.5 percent of total employment in the County.
“Although the numbers are impressive, San Luis Obispo County still has room to improve as compared to its destination competitors,”said Chuck Davison President & CEO of Visit San Luis Obispo County. “The goal of the Tourism Marketing District (TMD), in front of the Board of Supervisors for a final vote on June 10, is to create a unified brand embracing the unique lodging mix with the goal of increasing the average length of stay and overall average daily rates which supports local business in San Luis Obispo County.”
National Travel and Tourism Week is now in its 32nd year and is the official salute to tourism in America. Communities nationwide will unite to showcase the impact of travel with rallies, events and other activities.
“This year, we decided to adjust the timing of our annual Tourism Vision Workshop to coincide with National Travel & Tourism Week,” said Davison. “We feel it’s important to show our support and help educate our industry about the benefits of tourism in our region. Not only can our partners learn about this powerful economic driver, but they can take a moment to really celebrate how much tourism has done for us all.”