Thursday, August 1, 2024
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Greater Ontario experienced a significant boost in economic impact from hospitality and tourism, reaching a record $110 million last year. This growth solidifies the region’s position as Southern California’s fastest-growing destination, according to an annual report recently released by Greater Ontario California (GOCAL).
The report highlighted the pivotal role of Greater Ontario’s hospitality industry in the Inland Empire’s rise as a vibrant population and economic hub in the United States. Currently, Greater Ontario’s Tourism Marketing District includes 68 hotels and 6,749 hotel rooms, serving as the center of a burgeoning regional hospitality sector that employs 186,000 workers in the Inland Empire.
“In the past year alone, the economic impact of hospitality and tourism in Greater Ontario grew by nearly 14%, a staggering number that speaks to just how far we have come as a region,” said Michael Krouse, GOCAL’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are the new center of Southern California. It’s where people are coming to live. It’s where people are coming to work. And it’s where visitors from all over the world are coming to enjoy themselves.”
One year after GOCAL rebranded to capitalize on tourism and hospitality opportunities across the region, the results have been impressive. The newly released 2023-24 annual report shows that Greater Ontario’s Tourism Marketing District secured over 87,000 hotel nights during the year, surpassing its goal by 145%. Additionally, rental bookings and food and beverage sales at the Ontario Convention Center increased by 7% and 32%, respectively, compared to the previous year, exceeding their targets by 129% and 104%.
Other notable achievements include:
- The California Welcome Center (CWC) at Ontario Mills Mall welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors this year, bringing the total to 729,183 since its opening in 2016. The Greater Ontario CWC consistently ranks as the top welcome center in the Visit California network.
- GOCAL generated over $12 million in marketing value, reaching 832 million media impressions, 18 million social media impressions, and 540,000 website visits.
- International visitors to Greater Ontario averaged a 3.4-day stay, with 81% staying overnight. Mexico (78% overnight visitors), Canada (85%), and Japan (88%) were the top sources of international overnight visitors, with 26.2% being repeat visitors. Domestic visitors stayed an average of 2.5 days, with 79% staying overnight, and 61% being repeat visitors.
- Ontario International Airport (ONT), Ontario Mills Mall, and Victoria Gardens ranked among the area’s most popular attractions.
- Krouse highlighted that collaboration with ONT has further established Greater Ontario as a premier international destination. The airport is on track to exceed 7 million passengers this year, a 75% increase since returning to local ownership in 2016, including more than 500,000 international travelers.
