California Gov. Gavin Newsom released a video touting record-breaking tourism numbers in the state, with over $150 billion spent in 2023, surpassing the previous record of $144.9 billion in 2019. However, critics quickly pointed out issues like crime, homelessness, and high prices in California. Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones and Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher criticized Newsom, saying that the statistics were misleading and did not take into account inflation. Jones mentioned “Gavinomics,” saying that everything costs more in California under Newsom’s leadership.
Newsom’s office released new data showing that California continues to have the largest market share of tourism in the nation, with a total travel spending record of $150.4 billion in 2023. Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta said that tourism in the state is setting records and providing jobs for workers and business owners. Despite the positive figures, tourism spending in the Bay Area decreased slightly from 2019, with tourists spending $37.7 billion in 2023. Overall, the industry created 64,900 new jobs, bringing total industry employment to 1,155,000.
Critics like Jones and Gallagher slammed Newsom for focusing on tourism numbers while ignoring issues like homelessness, affordability, and crime in California. Jones called the statistics “smoke and mirrors,” pointing out that the tourism spending figures would have to reach $173 billion when adjusted for inflation to surpass the 2019 numbers. Gallagher criticized Newsom for not putting enough effort into improving California and addressing the state’s crises. Despite the criticism, Newsom’s office has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Newsom claimed that the state’s population is increasing for the first time since the pandemic, indicating that more people are moving to California. However, critics like Jones and Gallagher believe that Newsom should focus more on addressing the state’s challenges rather than celebrating misleading statistics. The state’s tourism industry generated $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2023, marking a 3% increase over 2019. Despite the positive economic impact, some believe that Newsom should prioritize fixing the issues facing California instead of focusing on record-breaking tourism numbers.
