The future is looking bright for tourism in Temecula — all you have to do is look at recent history to know it, according to the Temecula Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors celebrate the news of tourism revenue increases Tuesday at the Temecula Civic Center. (Kerri S. Mabee/SWRNN)
The results of the city’s Tourism Economic Impact Study were announced at the monthly Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors meeting held Tuesday morning at Temecula Civic Center.
After a decline that had tourism dipping to $509 million in revenue in 2009, Temecula continues its upward climb with news of a “$100 million rebound in just two years,” Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau President Kimberly Adams announced.
Tourism grew to $598 million in 2011 — a number that puts the overall growth at 450 percent over the last 10 years, Adams said.
“I think we expected to see some sort of increase. There have been some rough economic times, but you can walk down the street on a Wednesday afternoon in Old Town and feel these numbers,” said TVCVB Board chairman John Kelliher.
Adams also noted that the increases, including $24 million in tax revenue for the city, are spurring an entrepreneurial spirit with new businesses coming on the scene.
Read: Temecula hatches new business opportunities with TVE2
The Board, made up of representatives from such venues as Temecula wine country, Pechanga Resort & Casino and the retail and hospitality industries, also received the news that the boost was experienced in nearly every market.
Of the nearly $600 million in tourism revenue in 2011, “$223 million was spent on the arts, entertainment and recreation, $99 million on restaurant and beverage, $68 million in retail sales, and $58 million on accommodations,” according to the study.
Additionally, that $6oo million figure supports roughly 6,200 local jobs with earnings of $180 million, the study said.
“We could not be more excited about the success of the (Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau),” said Temecula Mayor Chuck Washington.
Washington added that increased tourism revenue equates to a safe, productive city with a focus on police and emergency services, parks and other amenities for residents.
The economic impact study titled “Temecula Valley Travel Impacts, 200-2011″ was prepared by Dean Runyan Associates — an economic and market research organization that examines local travel industry trends for TVCVB and helps drive and direct economic activity.
Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau is located at Third Street and Mercedes, adjacent to the Temecula Civic Center in Old Town.
To learn more, visit www.temeculacvb.com.
Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com. Follow me on Twitter @kerrimabee.
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