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.
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.
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.
