Temecula Valley Tourism Spending Hit $1.1 Billion In 2023: Report

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula Valley tourism is booming, according to a report released Wednesday by the region's nonprofit marketing organization.

Visit Temecula Valley reported the results of its 2023 tourism economic impact report, which found that direct travel-related spending in the Temecula Valley grew to $1.1 billion, an increase of $65.6 million or 6.4 percent over 2022.

The last time the region hit the $1.1 billion mark was in pre-pandemic 2018, and it was a record high at the time.

Temecula Valley includes the city of Temecula and the surrounding wine district, also known as Southern California Wine Country. With its mild climate and close proximity to every major metro area in Southern California, Temecula Valley is a daytripper's getaway but it also attracts out-of-state and international visitors. The region is known for its vineyards, rolling hills, mountain views and afternoon sea breeze.

Key figures from the 2023 Economic Impact of Travel in Temecula Valley report:

• 3.3 million visitors came to the Temecula Valley in 2023, a 3.7 percent increase from 3.2 million in 2022.
• Visitors spent $176.6 million on accommodations in 2023, a $9.2 million or 5.5 percent increase over 2022.
• On average, visitors who stayed in a hotel or motel spent $427 per day and stayed at least two days.
• 300 travel/hospitality-related jobs were generated in 2023, reflecting a 3.3 percent increase over 2022.

• Retail sales rose to $100.4 million in 2023, up from $97.6 million in 2022, representing a 2.9 percent increase.
• The arts, entertainment and recreation sector brought in $362 million, a 9.8 percent increase from the year prior.
• The food service sector increased to $205 million, a 10.4% increase over 2022.
• State and local tax revenue due to travel in 2023 was $48.9 million, up 4.6 percent from 2022.

"As the numbers show, tourism plays a huge role in the economic stability of the Temecula Valley," said Michael Feeley, Visit Temecula Valley chairman of the board and executive director of the Pechanga Development Corporation. "Travel spending translates into jobs, earnings, and tax revenue, and it plays an essential role in fueling our local economy."

The Economic Impact of Travel in Temecula Valley report, prepared by Dean Runyan Associates, measures economic activity associated with travel-related spending, employment, earnings and taxes. The figures in the report were estimated using DRA’s Regional Travel Impact Model that looked at private and public data at the county level.

For more information, visit http://www.visittemeculavalley.com.