Press Releases

Anaheim, Calif. (January 29, 2008) - The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau reports that 2007 visitor spending hit a record-breaking $8.3 billion.  According to CIC Research preliminary end-of-the year figures indicate that visitor spending increased nearly 4% for the year.  The volume of visitors to the Anaheim and Orange County area dropped slightly to 44.4 million people for 2007 (from a peak of 44.9 million in 2006), but a little bit of softness in visitor volume was expected following the Disney 50th year celebration and promotion.

    Skip Hull, Vice President of CIC Research said, "although the U.S. economy has stumbled a little in recent months, the Orange County visitor spending numbers for 2007 reflected the industry's strong hotel revenue performance -- up more than 8% through November. We expect a more modest growth in visitor spending in  2008."

    Orange County is located in the center of the populous Southern California region, and continues to attract more than 60% of its overnight leisure visitors from the western portion of the United States. Additionally, the local area is gaining international travelers.  International visitors make up 10% of Orange County’s annual overnight tourism market. These visitors traditionally stay in a destination longer and spend more money during their stay.

    During 2007, Anaheim was the host city of Travel Industry Association’s premier international tourism tradeshow “Pow Wow.” During Pow Wow more than 5,000 buyers, sellers and international media experienced this destination for the first time. According to TIA the host city’s return on investment is $3 million in future business in the 3-5 years following Pow Wow.

    Business travel is also a large factor in the success for the area's visitor industry. Anaheim has the largest convention center in the West Coast and consistently draws more than one million convention delegates and meeting attendees annually. The area’s hotel base is also very strong and has an inventory of more than 55,000 guest rooms in Orange County with nearly 20,000 in the Anaheim area alone. The average hotel occupancy in Anaheim/Orange County is 70% annually.

    Charles Ahlers, president of the Anaheim Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau stated, "2007 was a milestone year for our destination in terms of achieving international attention. We are working toward keeping the spotlight shining on Anaheim and Orange County this year, as new entertainment, dining, meeting space and hotels are developed and enhanced.”

    The major visitor spending categories and visitor demographics are as follows:

Spending Categories: ($74/day: including day and overnight visitors to OC)
 30% Meals & Beverages
 26% Lodging
 23% Shopping
 12% Attractions/Entertainment
   5% Transportation
   4% Other/Misc
100% Total

Area of Residence (All Visitors to OC - Prel. 2007)
 56% Southern California
   9% Northern California
  15% Rest of Western U.S.
   6%  Southern U.S.
   4%  Midwestern U.S.
   3%  Northeastern U.S.
   7%  International Visitors
100%  Total

Source: CIC Research, Inc., "Preliminary 2007 O.C. Visitor Survey."

    Home to renowned beaches, world-famous theme parks and attractions, exciting professional sports, unique shopping, arts and cultural events, and award-winning restaurants, Southern California’s Anaheim/Orange County is a blend of sights and experiences complemented by warm sunshine. For more information about Anaheim/Orange County, visit anaheimoc.org or call 714/765-8888.