Newsom Releases Tourism Video
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently posted a video to social media to tout the state’s “record-breaking tourism numbers”. The video shows Newsom suspended above the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, prompting some to wonder if the governor is the real-life Spider-Man. While some praised the video and the state’s tourism industry, others were quick to point out the numerous issues plaguing California, such as crime, homelessness, and high prices.
In the video, Newsom states that over $150 billion was spent on tourism in California last year, which is an all-time record high. This surpassed the previous record of $144.9 billion spent in 2019. However, critics were quick to point out that the numbers are inflated due to the high cost of living in California, and adjusting for inflation would place the actual spending below previous records.
Many took to social media to voice their opinions on Newsom’s video and the state’s tourism industry. Some questioned the governor’s math, with one user asking if “illegals invading California” were considered tourists. Another user stated, “Having illegals cross your border by the thousands doesn’t count as ‘Tourism’.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones called the governor’s statistics “phony” and accused him of “chasing headlines with deceiving statistics”. Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher also criticized Newsom, stating, “Crime and homelessness have become the California brand, and no amount of spin from Newsom will change that.”
California’s tourism just hit an ALL TIME HIGH. pic.twitter.com/98syiCUSCt
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) May 5, 2024
However, according to Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta, the tourism industry in California is back where it belongs, setting records and providing for workers and business owners who depend on it. She stated, “California continues to be the largest, most diverse, and most resilient tourism economy in the United States.” Beteta also noted that the industry generated $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue and created 64,900 new jobs in 2023.
While the state’s tourism industry may be thriving, not all aspects of California are doing as well. Some critics pointed out that the state’s population is decreasing, with many residents choosing to leave due to high costs of living and other issues. In response to this, Newsom stated that California’s population is actually increasing for the first time since the pandemic.
Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom’s office for comment but has not received a response at this time. The controversy surrounding the governor’s video and the state’s tourism numbers highlights the ongoing issues facing California, including high costs of living and a growing homeless population.
Despite the criticisms, the data released by Visit California shows that the state’s tourism industry is a major contributor to the economy, generating billions in tax revenue and creating thousands of jobs. With its diverse attractions, from the iconic coastline to theme parks, California remains a top destination for tourists from around the world.
Although the debate over the validity of the tourism numbers continues, one thing is clear – California’s tourism industry is a vital part of the state’s economy and will play a significant role in its recovery from the pandemic. As the state continues to face challenges, it is crucial for officials to address and prioritize the issues that are impacting residents and businesses, while also promoting and supporting the thriving tourism industry. Only then can California truly reach its potential as a top destination for travelers.