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What will the financial impact of COVID-19 be on San Diego County?

San Diego is known for its miles of world-class beaches and with its average high of 71 degrees, it has earned “Best Weather in the US” tag, and rightfully so.

The city and surrounding towns are one of the top tourist destinations in the country, drawing 35 million visitors last year to experience the weather, food, culture and picturesque beaches.

Tourists visiting San Diego spent $11.5 billion while generating $940 million in taxes for the county in 2019. The tourism industry creates nearly 200,000 jobs in San Diego.

Much of this $940 million of tax revenue supports municipal programs like police and fire salaries.

The threat of COVID-19 caused the Governor of California to institute a mandatory lockdown on March 23. The beaches of San Diego officially closed shortly after. Many of the restaurants, and popular tourist destinations have closed down.

Residents and visitors who once walked, ran, surfed or relaxed at the beaches are not allowed to touch the sand or surrounding parking lots.

The sight of an empty beach in the middle of a sunny day is unheard of in San Diego—for good reason.

What will the impact of COVID-19 and beach closures have on the county of San Diego?

Even after the lockdown is lifted, many experts predict tourism won’t come back to the normal levels for at least a year, perhaps more.

COVID-19 could cause a $5.5 billion hit to San Diego businesses from tourism alone.

Economists speculate if the 200,000 tourism-related lost jobs will return.

San Diego beaches will re-open, but how long until the tourism industry ramps back up to previous levels?