Orange County Joins Napa, Sonoma, San Diego and More California Counties Expecting a Robust Tourism Economy Growth as Sports Event on Surge Resulting Increase of International and Domestic Tourists

Orange County, alongside Napa, Sonoma, San Diego, and other California counties, is set to experience a robust tourism economy growth. The surge in sports events and major international and domestic tourism influxes are leading to this exciting growth. In 2026, Orange County, known for its world-class attractions like Disneyland Resort, will see an explosion in tourism as a result of high-profile events and festivals.

With international tourists flocking to California’s famous sports tournaments, and domestic tourists taking advantage of local festivities, counties like Napa, Sonoma, and San Diego will thrive. This increase in tourism will provide a significant boost to the economy, supporting businesses and creating new opportunities across California. Sports events, both national and international, are a primary catalyst, driving the tourism economy growth in these counties. Keep reading to find out what makes these counties a must-visit in 2026.

County / Region	2024 Tourism Spend / Visitation	2025 Forecast (Official)	2026 Outlook Indicators	Notes / Official Source
Los Angeles County	Largest statewide spend; part of counties contributing to $157.3B total	Statewide visitation modest growth; no specific county forecast	Major global events (FIFA World Cup & Super Bowl) likely to spur demand	LA part of the 50 of 58 counties with increased tourism in 2024 (Rural County Representatives CA)
San Francisco County	~23.49M visitors; ~$9.35B spend projected	23.49M visits; $9.35B spend	24.02M visits; $9.83B spend (2026 forecast)	Forecast from San Francisco Travel official report (San Francisco Travel)
Orange County (incl. Santa Ana)	Santa Ana: ~$394M travel spend from 900k+ visitors	No published county total forecast	Growing domestic travel demand & resort demand	Santa Ana official economic impact report
Napa County	Major wine tourism spending; high per‑visitor spend	No county forecast publicly published	Luxury travel & regional appeal suggests continued demand	Wine tourism official Visit Napa Valley research (industry)
Sonoma County	~8.4M+ annual visitors (historical)	No specific county forecast	Stable tourism due to wine/food/landscape	Sonoma Wikipedia tourism background
San Diego County	Part of statewide tourism growth	No specific county forecast	Continues as major leisure destination	General state forecast acknowledges strong regional tourism
Rural & Coastal Counties (North Coast, Mendocino, Lake, etc.)	Steady tourism with scenic draw	No published individual forecasts	Sustainable niche tourism expected	Identified as tourism contributors in regional planning
Other Counties	Included among the “50 of 58 counties where spending rose in 2024”	Not separately published	Continued benefit if statewide trends hold	Official statewide impact report (Rural County Representatives CA)

Orange County Eyes 2026 Economic Outlook After Record Tourism Revenue

Orange County is poised to experience significant economic growth, with a forecast for 2026 following a record year in tourism tax revenue. The county’s tourism landscape has been invigorated by major attractions, including the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe, which has contributed to a surge in visitor numbers.

In a presentation on Friday, Sean Snaith, the director of the Institute for Economic Forecasting, provided an economic update to the Tourist Development Council (TDC), shedding light on the impressive figures from the 2024-25 fiscal year. Orange County saw an unprecedented $384.6 million in tourist development tax collections, setting a new benchmark for the region. This figure represents the highest annual collections the county has ever seen, a direct result of the opening of Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe.

Snaith highlighted that the grand opening of Epic Universe, which he described as the first major theme park opening in nearly 25 years, played a critical role in boosting tourism. He emphasized the park’s impact, stating, “That had a lot of people coming to the region,” sparking an influx of visitors eager to experience the new attractions.

Despite the record-breaking revenue in 2024-25, Snaith remains cautious about the prospects for the 2026 economy. While he expects another strong year for tourism, he predicted that it may not surpass the 2024-25 record. One of the contributing factors is a recent downturn in domestic air travel. As more households continue to grapple with lingering credit card debt from the inflationary period, consumer spending patterns may shift, potentially affecting tourism numbers.

Another challenge facing Orange County is how to allocate the substantial tourist tax revenue. County leaders have expressed interest in using the funds to support critical transportation projects. However, under Florida law, these funds must be directed towards tourism-related purposes. Earlier this year, a legislative attempt to amend this law through HB 7031 failed, putting a halt to efforts to broaden the scope of spending.

Snaith noted that while pressure continues to mount regarding the use of tourism tax money, legal restrictions will ultimately determine how the funds are allocated. “I think that pressure will continue, but legally what can be done with it will ultimately dictate how that funding gets allocated,” he said.

The TDC will convene on Friday at the Orange County Administration Building to further discuss these matters, as the county looks ahead to what promises to be a vibrant, though slightly tempered, tourism season in the coming years. With significant investments in tourism infrastructure and attractions like Epic Universe, Orange County’s tourism sector remains a driving force in the region’s economic outlook.

California Counties Set to Experience Record-Breaking Tourism Boom in 2026 – See Which Counties Will Lead the Charge!

Tourism in California is soaring to unprecedented heights, with the state poised for a monumental tourism boom in 2026. The year ahead promises massive growth in both visitation and spending, with counties across the state ready to capitalize on global events, unique local offerings, and an unstoppable recovery post-pandemic. But the real question is—which counties will lead the charge? We’ve crunched the numbers, and the results are staggering. From the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles to the peaceful wine regions of Napa and Sonoma, California is on track to break records. Here’s everything you need to know about the tourism trends in 2025 and the counties expected to experience the greatest boom in 2026.

Tourism Trends in California: 2025 Sets the Stage for Unprecedented Growth in 2026

California’s tourism sector is on fire. As the Golden State continues to recover and thrive, the 2024 tourism spending reached an all-time high of $157.3 billion, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. This increase comes from a robust combination of domestic leisure travel, business tourism, and major global events that California is hosting. According to official sources from Visit California (industry.visitcalifornia.com), the tourism forecast for 2025 projects a steady rise of about 0.8%, with total visitation estimated at around 279 million visitors.

But hold on—2026 is the year California will truly shine, with forecasts indicating a surge in tourism activity that could outpace previous records. The countdown to 2026 is on, and major global events, cultural festivals, and business conferences are set to propel visitation to astronomical levels.

Los Angeles County: A Global Tourism Powerhouse with Unmatched Events

If there’s one county in California that is set to dominate tourism in 2026, it’s Los Angeles County. As the state’s most iconic destination, Los Angeles continues to be a juggernaut in tourism. With over 50 million visitors annually, Los Angeles is already a global hub for entertainment, culture, and international tourism.

In 2026, this trend will only grow stronger. Major events like FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city, while the Super Bowl 2026 will see a record influx of fans, creating a multi-billion-dollar impact on the local economy. According to an official economic impact report by the Los Angeles Sports Commission, the World Cup alone is expected to generate up to $594 million for the region (losangelesfwc26.com).

But it’s not just the mega-events that are driving this tourism boom. Los Angeles also boasts world-class shopping districts, iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a bustling arts and culture scene. From Hollywood to Santa Monica, the opportunities for tourists are endless. Los Angeles will continue to lead the charge in California’s tourism boom in 2026.

San Francisco County: Cultural Capital with Unstoppable Momentum

Next up on the list is San Francisco County, which is set for a remarkable surge in tourism over the next few years. With 23.49 million visitors projected for 2025 and a growth forecast to 24.02 million visitors by 2026, San Francisco will continue to shine as a cultural epicenter for both domestic and international travelers (sftravel.com).

The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco Bay Area are just a few of the attractions that make San Francisco a must-visit destination. Major conventions and business conferences, along with year-round arts festivals, are set to bring in record numbers of tourists. Moreover, San Francisco continues to benefit from international tourism, with markets like Japan, Mexico, and Europe increasingly driving demand. The influx of international visitors is expected to boost the city’s economy by tens of millions in 2026.

Napa and Sonoma: California’s Wine Country Explodes in Popularity

No one can ignore the incredible tourism appeal of Napa and Sonoma counties in California’s Wine Country. With its world-renowned wineries, breathtaking landscapes, and luxurious accommodations, Napa and Sonoma are prime examples of how tourism can thrive in niche, upscale markets. The area attracts high-spending visitors from all over the world, with luxury tourism and wine-tasting tours at the core of its economy.

Sonoma County alone hosts more than 8.4 million visitors annually, and its per-visitor spending remains among the highest in the state. Napa, too, continues to see high-value tourism with premium experiences such as hot air balloon rides over vineyards and Michelin-starred dining. With wine tourism expected to continue growing, both counties will see sustained growth in 2026. The industry reports a rise in overall tourism spending, supported by an expanding tourism infrastructure and the emergence of sustainable tourism practices. Napa and Sonoma will continue to be tourism hotbeds in California as more and more visitors flock to experience the best of Wine Country.

Orange County: Resort Paradise Poised for Major Growth

Orange County, home to Anaheim and the famous Disneyland Resort, remains one of the most popular family destinations in California. With attractions such as Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Huntington Beach, the county is a tourism powerhouse, especially for family travelers.

But what’s truly exciting is that Orange County’s tourism market is about to explode with growth. The 2024 tourism impact report highlights the region’s 4.8% increase in visitor spending, with a projected rise in 2026, fueled by new developments and event-driven tourism (travelsantaana.com).

Whether it’s theme parks, beaches, or business conventions, Orange County is set to see an uptick in both international and domestic visitation. For families, business travelers, and event goers alike, Orange County promises to deliver a vibrant experience that will be hard to match.

Smaller Counties with Big Impact: North Coast, Mendocino, and Beyond

While major urban areas dominate California’s tourism landscape, smaller counties are also poised for sustained growth as they cater to more niche markets. For example, the North Coast region, including counties like Mendocino and Del Norte, continues to attract visitors with its natural beauty, eco-tourism opportunities, and outdoor adventures.

Similarly, Lake County, with its clean air and lakefront properties, will likely see a steady increase in demand as tourists look for alternatives to the more crowded wine regions. According to official reports, these areas continue to see consistent growth in domestic tourism, particularly in nature-based and sustainable tourism segments. Smaller counties like Sierra Nevada and Inyo are also expected to see positive trends as California’s more adventurous tourists venture off the beaten path.

The Future of California Tourism: What’s Driving Growth in 2026?

California’s tourism industry is entering a new era of growth, driven by several key factors:

• Event-Driven Tourism: Major global events, such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and Super Bowl 2026, will continue to boost tourism, especially in Los Angeles and other key regions.
• Cultural and Arts Festivals: San Francisco and other urban areas continue to attract cultural tourists for art exhibitions, festivals, and conventions.
• Luxury and Wine Tourism: Counties like Napa and Sonoma are poised for significant growth due to the increase in luxury travel and wine tourism.
• Sustainable Travel: Smaller, rural counties are benefiting from eco-tourism and sustainable travel trends, which appeal to travelers seeking authentic, nature-based experiences.

As California continues to recover from the pandemic and enter a new tourism era, the state’s 58 counties are primed for an incredible surge in tourism activity and visitor spending in 2026. Whether you’re planning to visit the star-studded streets of Los Angeles or explore the vineyards of Napa, California offers something for everyone—and the future of tourism in the Golden State has never been brighter.

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