Travel took a hit after 9-11. The economic meltdown of 2008-2009 gave it another wallop. California’s tourism industry, boasting some of the most visited destinations in America, certainly took its lumps. But analysts say things are looking up.
“We’ve started to see a comeback,” says Cynthia Harris, a spokesperson for California Triple-A says tourism has a long way to go to get back to pre-recession levels, but at least people are feeling OK about traveling again.
“We have started to see a very slight increase, but a steady increase and definitely an increased confidence in the economy by consumers.”
Harris says the numbers so far this year for big holiday travel days have been encouraging.
“We saw an increase on Memorial Day, which usually is how the travel industry gauges what will be happening for the rest of the year,” she says.
Observers say the recession has tamed Californians travel expectations somewhat. For example, they tend to stick closer to home and take fewer trips. travel experts say the America’s Cup Boat race in San Francisco is attracting thousands of new visitors to the city this summer.
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