L.A. Tourism Keeps Santa Monica's Marketplace Vivacious
If economic indicators remain on target, Santa Monica's 2014 tourism season may end on a banner note for laborers. Since 2012, Los Angeles County's beachfront city has seen a steady increase in the number of jobs that are supported by overnight visitors and vacationers.
The Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau reports that more than 7 million travelers came to the resort town in 2013, spending $1.6 billion to shop, eat, drink, sleep and play in a destination that boasts 310 days of sunshine each year. The outcome was as favorable as its Mediterranean-type climate. Nearly 13,000 jobs were generated, reflecting a 5.6 percent boost over the previous year.
Many workers in this community, where historic U.S. Route 66 ends, can thank pleasure-seeking guests for helping to keep their jobs going. According an economic impact study, 64 percent of Santa Monica's out-of-towners come to the bicycle-friendly enclave regularly just to have fun.
In recent years, the bustling town of near 90,000 has made major strides to appeal to tourists of varied tastes and styles. Each of the city's main retail areas has its own personality.
Montana Avenue likes to put on its Sunday best by showcasing luxury stores and distinctive restaurants. The downtown district is where visitors hang out on the world-famous Third Street Promenade to dine and be entertained by talented street performers. Santa Monica Place is a three-level outdoor structure that features high-end retail stores. Last year, tourists spent nearly $574 million in these shopping territories, and others that are within walking distance of the famed Santa Monica Pier.
The lodging industry also reaps the benefits of tourism. By the end of 2013, Santa Monica's hotel and motel guests had dished out more than $827 million. Each of those near 670,000 patrons spent an average of $310 daily for their overnight stays.
This Spanish-influenced city surely depends on international travelers. Each year, a great number of tourists from around the globe visit the environmentally responsive city, spending a cumulative total of more than $1 billion. The majority of visitors do not drive while in town, which keeps the transportation industry service-ready.
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
