2024 TOURISM SUMMIT

Photography by Leo Cabal

May 30, 2024— Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate Oceanside’s tourism industry at our annual Tourism Summit on May 30. While growth was moderate in 2023, tourism continued to be a significant economic driver for our city— creating 3,900 jobs, providing $589 million in visitor spending for local businesses, and raising $25 million in tax revenue for our city. Visit Oceanside continues to manage and implement Oceanside’s tourism brand focusing on inspiring travelers to choose Oceanside. Watch our Year-in-Review video for a look at what we accomplished this fiscal year.

Introducing the STMP
Tourism Summit attendees were introduced to the vision behind the newly completed Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP). Based on a collective desire to build a future where Oceanside stands apart on the SoCal coast for vibrancy, authenticity, and creativity, the plan outlines four main strategic goals:  
1) Elevate and Cultivate Events/Experiences
2) Enhance Connectivity and Mobility
3) Support Environmental Sustainability
4) Champion Community Stewardship

STMP Highlights and Priorities
Short and long term goals outlined in the STMP include:

  • Shoreline preservation 
  • Downtown green areas and gathering places 
  • Large conference center
  • Signature annual event
  • Continued pier area improvement 
  • South Morro Hills agritourism
  • Enhance Harbor programming
  • El Corazon and Ocean Kamp build out
  • Improved wayfinding
  • Greenway/bike trail integration
  • Arts and cultural heritage enhancement

Read The Report

Sneak Peak— Oceanside x Craft Coast
Attendees also had the exclusive opportunity to get a taste of another exciting VO brand collaboration with Craft Coast. Coming later this summer, locals and visitors alike can indulge in Craft Coast Beer’s “Respect the O’riginals” citrus Pale Ale, available for sipping, savoring, and even taking home in specially branded cans.

Summer Fun! Handel’s Ice Cream Collab
Tourism Summit attendees were treated to a yummy taste of Oceanside thanks to a new collaboration with Handel’s Ice Cream that has introduced three special destination flavors to the menu. The flavors celebrate Oceanside’s personality and sales benefit O’side beaches by raising money for coastal renourishment projects. Read more here.

Tourism Summit Award Winners
In keeping with tradition, VO recognized tourism champions who went above and beyond in 2023. Congratulations to our award winners:

California Welcome Center Volunteer:
Roz Arellano

Industry Partner of the Year:
Carla Werts and Linda Piña, Carla and Linda’s Local Tours

Local Champion for Tourism Impact:
Charles Webb, US Adaptive Surf Championships

Oceanside 2034 Visionary Award:
Jayme Timberlake, City of Oceanside Coastal Administrator

Tourism Summit Photo Gallery
Visit Oceanside’s annual celebration of the industry was attended by nearly 200 business and community members. The event opened with a cultural performance from Oceanside’s halau hula, followed by a Luiseno land acknowledgment, the summer kick-off beach ball toss, and an informative program led by VO CEO Leslee Gaul. Click HERE to check out the fun. (Photos by @LeoCabal)

Year in review video

Published: May 30, 2024
Categories:&nbsp

Share this Article

Get Our Latest Blogs in Your Inbox

Get Our Latest Blogs in Your Inbox

Related Articles​

Oceanside Holiday Gift Guide
Oceanside Holiday Gift Guide
This Oceanside Gift Guide will take you on a journey through the city's markets, artisan shops, alternative retail spots, and…
Holiday Events in Oceanside
Holiday Events in Oceanside
Discover holiday magic in Oceanside! From festive events and seasonal lights to unique outdoor markets and family-friendly activities, find the…
Visitor Guide 2024 with shadow

What's New in O'side? Check out Our 2024 Visitor Guide To find out.

Oceanside Visitors Guide 2023

Sharing some O'side love with our Visitor guide.

Follow us on Social Media

Use the hashtag #VisitOceanside

Get Inside O'side