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. 

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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
 

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 
 

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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.

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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.