2024 Tourism Summit Highlights

On October 24, the 2024 Tourism Summit brought together over 100 leaders from Tulare County to discuss a vital economic force: tourism. With representatives from government, education, and hospitality, the summit focused on how tourism fuels local job growth, strengthens small businesses, and enhances community resources. Keynote speaker Ryan Becker, Senior Vice President of Communications and Strategy at Visit California, shared insights into tourism’s substantial economic impact and its untapped potential for future development in Tulare County.

Following Becker’s keynote, a panel of local experts, including Sintia Kawasaki-Yee, Chief of Communications for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks; Michael Washam, Tulare County’s Associate Director of Economic Development; and Anil Chagan, President of the Visalia Tourism Marketing District, discussed tourism-driven economic impacts. This panel addressed strategies to leverage tourism as a catalyst for growth, with a focus on supporting small businesses, enhancing hospitality services, and fostering public lands stewardship. The event underscored the strong network of support from each of Tulare County’s cities and unincorporated communities, represented in displays highlighting each area's unique attractions and contributions to the local tourism landscape.

Tourism continues to be a major economic pillar in Tulare County. According to the latest Dean Runyan Associates report, travel-related spending in the county reached $594.2 million in 2023, supporting over 6,100 jobs and generating $53.4 million in tax revenue. As part of the Central Valley tourism region, Tulare County collaborates with Visit California through the Sequoia Tourism Council, an initiative that connects all Tulare communities to state-level marketing efforts. “By raising awareness of Tulare County’s unique offerings, from its national parks to its cultural landmarks, this partnership aims to elevate the area as a premier destination, creating lasting benefits for local economies and residents alike,” said Washam.

Ryan Becker gives a presentation on the impact of tourism in the state and the county.

The crowd engaged in the presentations from start to finish.

The panelists discuss the economic impact of tourism on various aspects of the county and its industries

The event showcased the many tourist attractions in Tulare County, including agri-tourism.