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. 

2023 Total Economic Impact2023 Total VisitorsEconomic Impact Research Jobs2023 Jobs

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 Cover2025 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. 


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
 

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

Labor & Hospitality Workforce Study 2022

This Workforce Study combines external data sources with Oxford Economics forecasts to clearly depict L&H employment trends, workforce demographic characteristics, and the employment outlook relative... 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 
 

Research & Reports Icon

March 2025 World Travel & Tourism Council:  Technology Game Changers

  • A 2024 survey of travel technology decision makers, conducted by Amadeus, found that 91% of travel companies expected ‘moderate to aggressive’ increases in technology investment in their organizations.
  • AI is not a futuristic fantasy. It is a rapidly evolving technology
    that is here today and has the potential to reshape almost
    every aspect of the Travel & Tourism sector.
  • To realise the full potential of these technological advancements will require strategic investments in workforce development, with digital upskilling and reskilling essential across the Travel & Tourism sector, to
    enhance digital literacy and technological proficiency.

Access the full report here

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March 2025 Skift:  Skift Travel Health Index: January 2025 Highlights

  • The Skift Travel Health Index for January 2025 reveals that the travel industry’s performance rose slightly, with the index at 102, indicating a moderate 2% increase in year-over-year performance. 
  • The Asia-Pacific region continues its lead; our data partner, Amadeus, corroborates this, with 'Asia Uplift' as one of its key trends in 2025. With growth anticipated in air passenger volume, leisure spending, and outbound travel, particularly from China and India, the Asia-Pacific region is on its way up. Initiatives such as easing visa policies and targeted tourism campaigns are further driving growth. 
  • Looking ahead, we anticipate moderate growth in overall travel performance throughout 2025.

Access the full report here.