Visit Lake County reports $200M tourism impact and strong online engagement for 2024

The Lake County Board of Supervisors convened on July 15, 2025, to discuss key aspects of the county's fiscal revenue and tourism marketing strategies for the upcoming year. The meeting highlighted the county's financial projections, tourism impact, and marketing initiatives aimed at boosting local economic growth.

The session began with a presentation on the county's fiscal revenue for 2024. It was noted that the largest portion of revenue, 37%, is derived from the Tax Assessment District (TAD), followed by Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at 27%. Clear Lake, Lakeport, Middletown, and Robinson contribute smaller percentages to the budget, with Clear Lake at 15% and Robinson at 2.8%. The presentation emphasized a shift to presenting revenue numbers in a more standardized accounting format, which aims to provide clearer insights into the county's financial health.

A significant focus of the meeting was the economic impact of tourism in Lake County. According to a study funded by Visit California, travel-related spending in the county exceeded $200 million in 2024, generating approximately $14.2 million in state and local taxes and supporting over 1,800 jobs. Food services emerged as the largest beneficiary of tourism spending, followed by accommodations and recreational activities. The presentation underscored the multiplier effect of tourism, where every dollar spent in the county generates additional economic activity.

The board also reviewed the marketing strategies employed by Visit Lake County, which reported a substantial increase in website traffic and social media engagement. The organization noted a 50% rise in page views and a 24% increase in user sessions year-over-year. The marketing efforts have been bolstered by partnerships and targeted campaigns, particularly in major urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco, which continue to show high interest in Lake County.

Discussion among board members included the need for improved data tracking regarding bookings and the effectiveness of marketing initiatives. Supervisors expressed interest in understanding the return on investment for tourism-related expenditures, particularly in light of the county's contributions to the tourism marketing budget.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration among stakeholders to enhance Lake County's tourism appeal, particularly through the promotion of unique attractions such as Lake Pillsbury and the county's renowned bass fishing opportunities. The board emphasized the importance of diversifying lodging options to attract a broader range of visitors and enhance the overall tourism experience in Lake County.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to leveraging its natural resources and tourism potential to drive economic growth while addressing the challenges of data collection and marketing effectiveness.