When people think of the difference tourism makes in Sacramento, it's about more than just showcasing the historic sights in the city, highlighting our thriving arts culture and bringing groups to the Sacramento Convention Center. Tourism makes a difference for Sacramento residents as well as those who arrive to get an authentic California experience.

 

Each year, 15.3 million visitors come to Sacramento. They come to see the epicenter of the Gold Rush in historic Old Sacramento, view stunning works of art in the newly expanded Crocker Art Museum, explore the rivers and delta, and get a closer look at the history of the railroad at the California State Railroad Museum. Class trips frequently visit the California State Capitol, and people are increasingly coming to sample some of our farm-to-fork food, as Sacramento was recently named the Farm-to-Fork Capital of America.

 

But those visitors bring something that also helps local residents. While they're here, visitors spend money, and that money contributes to the local economy in not only the hospitality industry, but also translates to tax money that goes to the general funds in local governments, which pay for services including police, fire, pools and parks.

 

As we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, we look at some of the impacts tourism has on the local economy in Sacramento. Check out the infographic below for a quick look at some of those impacts.

Why tourism matters in Sacramento