Are We Missing Out on Billions of Tourism Dollars at the Salton Sea?

By City News Service:

The continuing degradation of the Salton Sea because of environmental damage and lower water levels could cost the Coachella Valley as much as $6.5 billion in lost tourism revenue over five years, according to a new study scheduled to be unveiled at a meeting Thursday.

Scott White, president of the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, will be joined by county supervisor John J. Benoit to discuss results of the study, which assessed the impact of a degraded Salton Sea on the local tourism industry.

“In light of the CVB’s mission to market greater Palm Springs as a premier tourism destination that maintains the economy and quality of life, the restoration of the Salton Sea is a vital issue,” White said. “If nothing is done, tourism will be impacted greatly.”

An estimated 12.1 million tourists visit the region each year, pumping $5.8 billion a year into the local economy and supporting about 50,000 jobs, bureau officials said.

Many of those tourists are drawn by opportunities for cycling, kayaking, hiking, camping and birdwatching at California’s largest lake. Damage to the Salton Sea could result in tourism losses of between $1.3 billion and $6.5 billion over a five year period, according to the study.

Thursday’s meeting, to be held at the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, 70100 Highway 111, is aimed at discussing the study’s findings and ways to increase funding and awareness for restoration of the Salton Sea.

(Image via Shutterstock)