RESEARCH & REPORTS
Tourism is the largest industry in Greater Palm Springs, supporting 1 in 4 jobs in the region. Because tourism is such a vital part of the local economy, Visit Greater Palm Springs conducts ongoing research to not only support visitation to the destination but also track the impact of visitors.
Below, view our latest research reports as well as current tourism industry trends and updates. If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Kirkpatrick.
To view archived research and reports, click here.
2025 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM - This platform is intended to guide VGPS in tracking and analyzing priority legislative, budgetary, regulatory, and administrative issues at the state level. It provides a framework for staff and lobbyists to navigate policy matters that could impact the operation and implementation of VGPS programs and services. This document is essential in shaping a state and regional strategy and developing a focused action plan to address the needs and priorities of VGPS and its member jurisdictions.
Economic Impact Reports
Tourism 2024 | Tourism 2023 | Tourism 2022 | Tourism 2021 | Tourism 2020 | Tourism 2019 |
Economic Impact of Acrisure Arena 2024
Cannabis Industry 2020 | Canadian Visitors 2017 | Potential Impact of the Salton Sea 2017
Short-Term Vacation Rental Economic Impact Reports 2023
Coachella Valley | Cathedral City | Coachella | Desert Hot Springs | Indian Wells | Indio | La Quinta |
Palm Desert | Palm Springs | Analysis of Policy Restrictions
Additional Research & Reports
Synergy Sports Amateur Sports Facility Feasibility
Their findings reaffirmed the viability of an indoor, multi-court complex, citing a favorable demographic profile and limited competition within the region. The updated analysis recommended a 10-court... Read More
Amateur Sports Complex Feasibility Study 2024
Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (CSL) completed a report summarizing the results of a feasibility study of a new Amateur Sports Complex in the Coachella Valley. Read More
Image & Awareness Study 2023
Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) has partnered with Strategic Marketing & Research Insights (SMARInsights) since 2013 to measure advertising effectiveness, image, new creative concepts and... Read More
VGPS TBID Marketing and Sales Analysis - 2023
Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, has been retained to analyze the economic value generated by Visit Greater Palm Springs through both its leisure marketing and group sales channels for... Read More
VACATION RENTAL SENTIMENT SURVEY 2023
This study was designed to provide Visit Greater Palm Springs with in-depth insights on Coachella Valley residents’ current opinions regarding short-term vacation rentals in their communities. READ... Read More
GPS Managers in Hospitality Survey 2022
Because Visit Greater Palm Springs is working to promote careers in hospitality and support training programs that will increase the number of qualified candidates interested in available hospitality... Read More
Coachella Valley Resident Sentiment Study 2022
This study was designed to provide Visit Greater Palm Springs with in-depth insights on Coachella Valley residents’ current opinions regarding tourism in their communities. Read More
2022 Culinary & Hospitality Program Review
Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (CSL) completed a presentation report summarizing a Case Study Assessment of Culinary and Hospitality Programs Relevant to Potential Future Programs in the... Read More
VGPS BOARD AND JPA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRIORITIES 2023-24
Facilitated by Coraggio Group and determined in collaboration with the Visit Greater Palm Springs Board of Directors and JPA, the organization released these updated priorities in September 2022 for... Read More
Industry Trends & Updates
June 2025 American Travel Sentiment Wave 97: AI and Customer Service
- More Americans plan to cut back on travel spending, with 37% of travelers saying they are reducing the amount they are spending on retail purchases, a 4-point increase from May 2024. Despite this, the number of travelers canceling trips holds steady at only 6%.
- PlanningTravelers who said they used ChatGPT or similar AI software to plan their trip increased 6-points since August 2024. This shows a quick integration of AI in the trip planning process for many travelers.
- This month saw a decline in American travelers saying economic concerns would greatly impact their travel decisions, and demand among American travelers is at a survey record high level.This reinforces the view that travel is a need vs. a want.
Access the full report here.
June 2025 AAA: Record 72.2 Million Americans Expected to Travel Domestically July 4th Week
- AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019.
- Traveling by Car: projects 61.6 million people will travel by car, a 2.2% increase over last year, and the highest volume on record.
- Traveling by Air: The number of people traveling by air is also projected to set a new record. AAA expects 5.84 million travelers will fly to their destinations; that’s 8% of all Independence Day travelers. This year’s projection is a 1.4% increase over the previous record set last Independence Day week of 5.76 million air travelers.
Access the full report here.