Gov. Gavin Newsom outlines a plan to boost tourism as California reopens

(Jae C. Hong-Pool/Getty Images)

By Hanna Park

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) Gov. Gavin Newsom stressed the importance of rebuilding California’s travel industry ahead of California’s full reopening on Tuesday, The New York Times reports.

“This was a $145-billion-a-year industry,” Newsom said on Monday, after announcing the state’s reopening plans. “No other state comes close, including Florida, so there’s no state that has more to gain in terms of fully reopening.”

“The tourism industry is part of the spirit and pride of the state,” he said, noting the significance travel and tourism played in the state’s economy. “What makes California such a special place is the incredible diversification of options and opportunities for experiences for magical moments.”

Newsom credited the state’s high vaccine rollout and low coronavirus positivity rate in lifting most of the state’s remaining business restrictions and social distancing guidelines. People who are fully vaccinated will no longer need to wear masks, except when on public transit or in other specialized settings.

The state has invested $95 million into growing marketing campaigns to support travel workers, many of whom lost jobs during the pandemic, The Times reported.

“This state is not turning its back on unemployment insurance as many of the red states have,” Newsom said. “The state has provided a sick leave and has extended workers’ comp benefits to displaced workers.”

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