Tulare County Celebrates Tourism: 6.1K Travel Related Jobs and $594.2 million in Travel-Related Spending

Media Contact:
Lacey Patrick, Economic Development Office
O: (559) 624-7154, M: (559) 502-0899, LPatrick@tularecounty.ca.gov

 

At its meeting on May 14, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors (BOS) issued a proclamation declaring the week of May 19 through 24 as 2024 National Travel and Tourism Week. The proclamation has been presented annually for the last several years to shed light on the critical impact tourism and travel have on Tulare County’s economic vitality in ways that positively impact various other local industries. According to data from the 2023 Economic Impact Report from Visit California, there were 6.1 thousand travel-related jobs in Tulare County, and travel-related spending in the County reached $594.2 million, with state and local tax revenue reaching $53.4 million. While the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the County’s tourism industry, sinking travel-related spending to roughly $284.1 million at one point, that number has now recovered to more than $500 million. The top-performing travel-related industries relate to food service, entertainment, and accommodations.

The County of Tulare’s Economic Development Office (EDO) has long collaborated with local tourism initiatives and manages the County’s Discover Tulare County marketing effort. The EDO is a supporting member of the Sequoia Tourism Council, a regional tourism effort including Tulare County municipalities, chambers of commerce, and partners from the Sequoia National Park and the Sequoia National Forest.

"Tourism continues to attract new development, create local jobs, and support existing businesses,” says Michael Washam, ACE, Associate Director of the Tulare County Resource Management Agency.

In January of 2023, the Sequoia Tourism Council received $40,000 of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the County of Tulare. The County also presented $40,000 in ARPA funding to Mighty 190, a South Valley-focused tourism effort spearheaded in the Porterville and Springville area, which the County also participates in.

“We are working with our partners to promote tourism within all of Tulare County,” says Washam.

The County’s geography covers nearly 5,000 square miles and boasts multiple gateway locations with direct access to the Giant Sequoias through the Sequoia National Park and the Sequoia National Forest. Tulare County is world-renowned for the natural wonders in the County, and the welcoming small-town charm of its communities and its numerous farm-to-table dining opportunities continue to attract domestic and international visitors.

To emphasize the economic and business impacts of tourism to local business owners and hospitality partners, the EDO collaborated with the Sequoia Tourism Council to host an educational Concierge College in April at the Galaxy Theatre in Tulare. The event focused on educating travel-related employers on surrounding historical landmarks and museums, outdoor destinations, local parks, and family-friendly events and arts and entertainment opportunities.

More information about local Tulare County tourism can be found by visiting www.DiscoverTulareCounty.org. For questions, please contact the Economic Development Office by emailing economicdevelopment@tulareocunty.org or by calling (559) 624-7177.

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The County of Tulare’s Resource Management Agency (RMA) provides essential public services to unincorporated communities and supports eight municipalities efficiently and professionally at the heart of California’s Central Valley. The County of Tulare boasts a population of nearly 500,000 and a geography of close to 5,000 sq. miles in a central location between the Bay Area and the Los Angeles Metro Area. The County of Tulare is a top-performing agricultural county with plentiful manufacturing, industrial, and commercial possibilities, along with a young workforce, strong school and college districts, and regional collaboration across the Central Valley.
 

The RMA consists of three branches: Public Works, Fiscal Services, and Economic Development & Planning, all supporting several divisions. The Planning and Building Division handles construction inspection, building permits, environmental planning, community plans and zoning codes. The Public Works Division manages roads, bridges, airports, sewers, and water facilities. The Fiscal Services Division oversees budgeting, accounting, and human resources, ensuring effective program management. The Grants Division oversees funding opportunities and Forest Health initiatives. The Economic Development Office (EDO) promotes business retention and expansion, jobs creation and tourism through the following channels: Grow Tulare County, Discover Tulare County, and The Film Commission.
 

The RMA is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and project support for residents, developers, and business owners and is committed to safeguarding the community's health, safety, and environmental resources. To learn more about the County of Tulare’s Resource Management Agency, please visit https://tularecounty.ca.gov/rma/.
 

For media inquiries, please contact Tulare County RMA Media Specialist Lacey Patrick.