Business

Asm. Mike Gipson Hosts Hearing on Big Sports Events’ Impact on Calif. Economy

On Oct. 2, Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) led an Assembly Standing Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism hearing focused on the impact of various attractions, including large sporting events, on California’s tourism industry. Various guests testified about their experiences organizing events that draw large numbers of visitors to the state, including sports competitions like the NBA All-Star games, the Super Bowl, the World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Published

8 months ago

October 15, 2024

Oakland Post

Courtesy of Assemblymember Mike Gipson

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Various guests testified about their experiences organizing events that draw large numbers of visitors to the state, including sports competitions like the NBA All-Star games, the Super Bowl, the World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Gipson said the committee aims to expand its partnership with businesses to help the travel and tourism industry.

“The members of this body have dedicated a lot of time and resources to supporting our state’s travel and tourism industry,” said Gipson. “The Legislature did as much as we could to help the industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s important that we all have a conversation together to make sure that we move out a plan that makes sense, but also is very supportive of the work that we have ahead of us.”

Advocates and business leaders in the travel and tourism industry provided details on how the Legislature can support them with resources and opportunities to help grow the state’s economy in the next five years.

Emellia Zamani, the Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for the California Travel Association, an advocacy organization representing several businesses, outlined the hardships presented by COVID-19.

Data provided by the association revealed that the industry experienced a loss of nearly half of the state’s 1.2 million tourism jobs, a 59% decline in visitor spending, and a 52% reduction in state and local tax revenue. The association director stated that California’s spending is expected to increase to $157 billion next year.

“As we move forward, the industry is looking for ways to remain competitive as a destination and increase our economic impact,” said Zamani regarding the industry’s future.