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San Luis Obispo County’s $2 billion tourism industry grew in 2024

May 8, 2025

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

San Luis Obispo County’s tourism industry increased by 2.6% in 2024, reaching a total of $2.4 billion, according to the county’s marketing organization Visit SLO CAL.

Visit SLO CAL recently released the findings of a report on tourism in San Luis Obispo County in 2024. Last year, there was a total of 23,820 local jobs in tourism, a 3.7% increase over 2023.

Tourism generated $105.6 million in local tax revenue in 2024. It generated a combined $202.1 million in state and local taxes.

Industry earnings, or total after-tax income, rose 4.3% in 2024 to $953.1 million. The tourism industry accounted for 10.39% of countywide gross domestic product. 

“Tourism is vital to SLO CAL, driving economic prosperity, creating jobs and enhancing the vibrancy of our region,” said Cathy Cartier, president of Visit SLO CAL. “As the region’s second largest economic driver, tourism strengthens our local economy, supports thousands of jobs and helps preserve the communities that make SLO CAL so special.”

 


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Thank you wineries for bringing in the money, now let’s spend it wisely!


-2

Still waiting for my trickle down piece of that pie.


1

By all means close down the dunes, that will reduce the tourism dollars


0

All the more reason not to destroy the beauty and charm of our coastline with ugly industrial harbors. Duh.


17

Destroying international goodwill could diminish tourism more than harbors filled with union workers. Just saying.

A 1% decline in tourism for SLO = $20 Million. That was expected before tariff war. Goodbye Canadians and Chinese tourists. German’s don’t care for us much either.

The lazy French? Who needs them, right?

BTW while 2024 was an increase we are still below Covid numbers. That was missed in this article.

Domestic tourism needs to stay high, but will Valley tourists have available money to vacation when out President believes we may only able to afford 2 dolls for Christmas? If I am worried about the dolls can I afford staying a few days in Pismo MAY be a stretch.

America really does feel great again. Do you NOTSEE it?


-4

And the public works budget did what?


5