San Diego saw around 32 million visitors in the 2024 fiscal year, which helped generate $22 billion in total economic impact.
Compared to 2023, there was a 2 million increase in estimated visitors to San Diego, which contributed a record $14.6 billion in direct local spending. The average hotel occupancy was 73% in the 2024 fiscal year, with the average length of stay set at nearly four nights, one night more than before the pandemic on average.
San Diego hotels have seen a higher occupancy rate in 2024 than 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.”
At its 70th annual meeting, SDTA announced the San Diego Tourism Foundation, aimed to expand opportunities for residents and visitors and better prepare San Diego’s tourism industry for the future. The foundation will focus on small business empowerment, workforce development, and destination stewardship.
San Diego also garnered national recognition, as the annual Reader’s Choice Awards ranked San Diego as the number two ranked Best Big City in the country, trailing only Chicago.
