Visitors are spending more in Monterey County

A new study from the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau shows people spent more money per day in Monterey County in 2016 than in 2015. The study says dining in restaurants, shopping, and outdoor recreation were the top three activities for visitors. More than two-thirds of visitors also said that scenic beauty was what brought them to our area. “The increase in spending per visitor is an important economic factor and a key part of our strategy to target high-value travelers. That spending significantly impacts our community – local businesses, hotels, restaurants and attractions. And visitors enjoy a life-enriching experience. It’s a win-win!” says Rob O’Keefe, CMO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Visitors continue to be inspired to come to our destination for vacations and weekend getaways, and we are also seeing a boost in business travel as well as convention and group meetings. With the opening of the Monterey Conference Center this spring, we believe that number will continue to increase in 2017.” The Bureau also says its “Grab Life by the Moments” campaign has brought in about 160 million in local economic benefit, up 30% from fall 2015. For the complete 2016 MCCVB Annual Marketing Intelligence Report, which includes the Visitor Profile Study and the Communication Effectiveness Study report, you can visit: https://www.seemonterey.com/members/tools/reports/