We’ve written this before, but it bears repeating that San Francisco is far from the only reason to visit the Bay Area. From the Napa Wine Country to the Russian River to the towns and cities of the East Bay, there is a small nation to visit.
And now add Oakland to that mix. Yes, Oakland.
Visit Oakland, the city’s Destination Marketing Organization, recently hosted IMPACT 510: The Town Tourism Day at The Bridge Yard.
The event welcomed 250 attendees including community partners, city officials, and business leaders to celebrate the 2023 results. Last year, the total tourism economic impact was $817 million and visitors supported a total of $617 million in sales at businesses in Oakland.
Of the $617 million spent in Oakland in 2023 by visitors, lodging accounted for $201 million, 33% of the total visitor spending. Food and beverage spending resulted in $163 million representing 26% of the total spend. Transportation, including both air and ground transportation within the destination, as well as retail, captured $199 million of total visitor spending.
In 2023, visitors spent 9% of their budget on recreation and entertainment, resulting in $54 million in economic impact.
In 2019, prior to the pandemic, visitor spend levels were at a high which created the benchmark for recovery. In 2023, Oakland reached 84% visitor spend recovery. Oakland welcomed 3.4 million visitors marking a strong 87% recovery. These results are proof that Oakland’s economic forecast projections are on track.
“The continued growth in Oakland’s travel sector is critical to the city’s recovery,” said Peter Gamez, president and CEO of Visit Oakland. “Tourism not only has a direct positive impact on the Oakland economy, it also positively impacts the overall perception of our city. The steady increase shows that Oakland remains a vibrant and attractive destination.”
“Oakland offers tremendously diverse experiences for visitors,” added Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, the state’s tourism marketing organization. “Signature events like Oakland Restaurant Week and Oakland Style celebrate the innovative spirit that make Oakland a part of California’s Ultimate Playground.”
The name Impact 510 pays tribute to Oakland’s 510 area code. The event’s date coincided with California Tourism Month and National Travel and Tourism Week.
“Our success comes from within our community” commented Gamez. “The people of Oakland are genuine and welcoming and having them be part of this tourism celebration is very meaningful. We are very proud to share these positive results with locals and visitors. The inspiring outcome is a testament to the pride and passion Oaklanders have for The Town.”
In 2023, 3.4 million visitors spent $617 million across the Oakland economy, reaching 87% and 84%, respectively, of 2019 levels.
Direct visitor spending of $617 million generated a total economic impact of $817 million in Oakland in 2023, including indirect and induced impacts. This total economic impact sustained 5,556 jobs and generated $90 million in state and local tax revenues in 2023.
And all this without cable cars.
More information is available at VisitOakland.com.
