San Diego is a popular destination for tourists all around the world. Known for its beautiful beaches, perfect weather, and lively nightlife, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.
But where does San Diego rank in terms of tourism? Let’s take a closer look.
The Numbers
According to the San Diego Tourism Authority, in 2019, San Diego welcomed 35.8 million visitors. This was an increase of 3.4% from the previous year and marked the ninth consecutive year of growth in tourism for the city.
Domestic vs International Visitors
Out of the 35.8 million visitors in 2019, 34.1 million were domestic visitors and 1.7 million were international visitors. The top international markets for San Diego were:
- Canada
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Japan
The Impact on the Economy
Tourism is a vital part of San Diego’s economy. In fact, it is one of the largest industries in the region, generating billions of dollars annually and employing thousands of people.
In 2019, visitors spent $11.6 billion in San Diego County, which supported over 200,000 jobs. This spending generated $970 million in tax revenue for local and state governments.
Rankings Compared to Other Cities
So where does San Diego rank compared to other popular tourist destinations? According to a report by Mastercard’s Global Destination Cities Index, in 2019, San Diego ranked as the 26th most visited city in the United States and Canada.
The report also ranked San Diego as the third most popular destination on the West Coast behind only Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
The Future of Tourism in San Diego
While the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on tourism worldwide, San Diego is slowly starting to see a rebound in visitors. In 2020, the city welcomed 22.8 million visitors, down 36% from the previous year.
However, as more people receive vaccinations and travel restrictions ease, it is expected that tourism in San Diego will continue to grow and thrive.
Conclusion
San Diego’s tourism industry is an essential part of its economy, generating billions of dollars and supporting thousands of jobs. With its beautiful beaches, perfect weather, and lively nightlife, it’s no wonder that millions of people choose to visit San Diego every year. While there may be ups and downs in the industry due to unforeseen circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic, San Diego’s status as a top tourist destination remains strong.