2023 Mid-Year Report | January 2023 - June 2023 A LETTER FROM THE CEO

Welcome to Summer!

As summer finally settles in, we find ourselves at the midpoint of 2023. The Visit Stockton team has been bustling with activity during the first half of the year. Before we delve into the highlights, let's take a moment to discuss the progress of the local tourism economy.

As we navigate through the uncertainties of the "new normal," consumer behavior continues to display a certain level of unpredictability. While concerns over the economy, personal finances, and the slow recovery of business travel persist, pinpointing the exact cause of the decline in summer travel remains a challenge. It's important to note that Stockton is not alone in facing these hurdles. All cities in San Joaquin County have witnessed a decline in visitor foot traffic ranging from 18% to 24% over the past six months, with Stockton faring relatively better. Although hotel demand has experienced a slight downturn of 10% year to date, rates remain resilient at nearrecord levels, with an average of around $116 in May. Rest assured, our commitment to navigating these challenges remains steadfast.

As mentioned earlier, the Visit Stockton team had a remarkably busy first two quarters. This report highlights the exceptional activity during that period, but I want to take a moment to express my immense pride in our team's achievements in the month of May.

On May 5, despite the drizzly weather, our team successfully organized yet another triumphant Feast at the Fox. This annual fundraiser for the Delta College Culinary Program proved to be a resounding success, raising valuable funds despite the damp weather.

From May 12 to 14, Visit Stockton partnered with the University of the Pacific to host the NCAA Women's Water Polo National Championship. Together, we orchestrated an outstanding event, showcasing our strong collaboration with the university.

I can't express how delighted I am with our team's dedication and accomplishments. We have truly made our mark, and I am confident that we will continue to thrive in our future endeavors.

The very next day, we embarked on the setup for the highly acclaimed 2nd Annual Stockton Flavor Fest (May 19– 21). This three-day festival, held in Downtown Stockton, proved to be a resounding success, attracting nearly 15,000 visitors who came to experience the vibrant flavors our city has to offer.

Lastly, we are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of the Visit Stockton family, the Hampton Inn on Arch Road. This beautiful property, boasting 98 rooms, marks a significant milestone as the first addition to our local hotel inventory in over 15 years.

Please take a moment to review this report, reflecting on the accomplishments we've witnessed so far this year and the exciting plans ahead. If you have any questions or suggestions, we encourage you to share them with me or any member of the Visit Stockton team. We value your input and look forward to working together towards continued success.

Chief Executive Officer