If you’re planning a trip to California, it’s important to know about the tourism fee that might be added to your hotel bill. This fee is known as the California Tourism Assessment or CTA and is charged by hotels and other lodging establishments in California.
What is the CA Tourism Fee?
The California Tourism Assessment was established in 1995 as a way to fund tourism marketing efforts for the state. It is a fee that is added to the cost of a hotel room or other lodging accommodation in California. The fee is collected by hotels and lodging establishments on behalf of the state of California.
How Much Is the CA Tourism Fee?
The amount of the CTA fee varies based on the location of your hotel or lodging establishment. As of 2021, the statewide rate for the CTA fee is 0.5% of the nightly rate for accommodations.
However, some cities and counties in California have their own additional assessments that can increase the total amount of taxes and fees charged on a hotel bill. For example, in San Francisco, visitors are charged an additional 1-1.5% assessment on top of the statewide CTA fee.
It’s important to note that not all lodging establishments charge the CTA fee. For example, Airbnb rentals are not subject to this fee.
- Statewide: 0.5% of nightly rate
- San Francisco: Additional 1-1.5%
Why Does California Charge This Fee?
The funds collected from the CTA fee are used by Visit California, which is a non-profit organization that promotes tourism in California. This organization works to attract visitors from around the world by advertising and promoting all that California has to offer.
The Impact of Tourism on California
Tourism is a major industry in California, with millions of visitors coming to the state each year. In 2019, the state welcomed over 251 million visitors who spent more than $145 billion on travel-related expenses.
This influx of tourists has a significant impact on the economy of California. The tourism industry provides jobs for thousands of residents and generates revenue for local businesses and the state government.
The Bottom Line
When planning a trip to California, it’s important to be aware of the CTA fee and any other taxes or assessments that may be added to your hotel bill. Understanding these fees can help you budget for your trip and avoid any surprises when you check out.
Overall, the CTA fee is a small price to pay for the many benefits that tourism brings to California. By supporting organizations like Visit California, we can continue to promote this beautiful state as a top destination for travelers from around the world.