SDTA’s 70th Annual Meeting gathers 500+ local tourism and hospitality leaders to celebrate industry successes, announce the all-new San Diego Tourism Foundation
SAN DIEGO, CA_ -The San Diego Tourism Authority [4] (SDTA) celebrated a
triumphant 2024 fiscal year at its 70th Annual Meeting, [5] held Nov. 13
at the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center. The event drew more than 540
local tourism and hospitality leaders, community stakeholders, and
elected officials, as SDTA revealed new data about the economic and
visitor attraction successes, positive impacts, as well as new
international rankings of the region’s local tourism industry.
In fiscal year 2024, San Diego welcomed an estimated 32 million visitors
(2 million increase from FY23) who contributed a record $14.6 billion in
direct spending locally (2% increase from FY23). With visitors steadily
coming to the San Diego region, local hotels also achieved higher
occupancy rates countywide. The average hotel occupancy in FY24 was 73%,
ranking fourth in the nation. The average length of stay was nearly four
nights, about one night more, on average, than before the pandemic.
These hotel stays helped generate $310 million in citywide transient
occupancy tax (TOT) revenue, which is used to fund essential services
and improve quality of life.
Through September, San Diego hotels have recorded 76% occupancy in 2024,
ahead of Los Angeles, Orange County and San Francisco.
“We’re pleased to report strong results for fiscal year 2024, building
on last year’s success with more visitors, a higher visitor spend, and
best-in-the west hotel occupancy,” said Julie Coker, president and CEO
of the San Diego Tourism Authority. “This stand-out performance speaks
to San Diego’s appeal as a business and leisure destination, as well as
our dedicated tourism community that ensures our visitors have a
memorable experience and want to return again and again.”
SDTA also announced the formation of the San Diego Tourism Foundation, a
charitable community organization created to expand opportunity for
residents and visitors and better equip San Diego’s travel and tourism
industry for the future. The Foundation will focus on three key areas:
small business empowerment, workforce development, and destination
stewardship.
“The San Diego Tourism Foundation aims to elevate San Diego as an
inclusive destination that is equitable and sustainable for all,” said
SDTA Director of DEI and Community Engagement Theresa Cunningham, who
oversees the foundation. “While the foundation and SDTA operate under a
related governing body and share a common purpose, the foundation
uniquely opens the door to new resources that will sustain our efforts
to diversify and strengthen San Diego and support programs like our
award-winning Tourism Accelerator. Through this work, SDTA is not only
enhancing the local economy but also creating pathways for meaningful
community impact.”
San Diego’s bustling tourism in fiscal year 2024 fueled unprecedented
regional economic growth, supported quality jobs, and contributed to
essential services and well-being of local communities. The total
economic impact generated by tourism reached $22 billion and the
industry supported more 1 in 8 jobs in San Diego.
San Diego’s reputation as a premier destination for travelers,
conventions, and events also garnered national recognition this year.
Condé Nast Traveler’s [6] annual Reader’s Choice Awards ranked San
Diego as the No. 2 Best Big City in the U.S. for the second consecutive
year – surpassing popular cities like Honolulu, New York, San Francisco,
and Los Angeles.
San Diego’s success is rooted in its unmatched tourism offerings and
hospitality, making it a top U.S. destination. From its natural beauty
and outdoor adventures, world-class attractions and captivating art and
cultural experiences, to an award-winning diverse culinary scene
permeated by the region’s friendly spirit, San Diego leaves a lasting
positive impression on travelers and residents alike.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO TOURISM AUTHORITY
San Diego Tourism Authority [7] is a private, non-profit, mutual benefit
corporation composed of approximately 950 member organizations,
businesses, local governments, and individuals seeking a better
community through the visitor industry. San Diego Tourism Authority
members include tourism-related entities in such categories as lodging,
dining, arts, attractions, shopping, and transportation, among others,
as well as other companies indirectly involved in tourism. Visit
sandiego.org [8] to learn more.
