Orange County drew 42.7 million visitors in 2010, about even with 2009, while spending by tourists and business visitors rose 4% to $7.4 billion, according to the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau.
The numbers reflect an industry rebound that started in late 2009, said Skip Hull of San Diego-based CIC Research Inc., which conducted the study for the visitor and convention bureau.
“We are hopeful that 2011’s numbers will gain momentum, even with the challenge of rising fuel prices,” Hull said.
Anaheim, home to the Disneyland Resort, the Anaheim Convention Center and sports teams, drew the most visitors.
The city saw 15.9 million visitors last year, down 2.5%. Spending was $4.2 billon, up 4%.
Anaheim was boosted by baseball’s All-Star Game in July at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.
The game and days worth of related events drew players, league officials, media and fans.
Most of the county’s visitors last year, about 75%, were overnight tourists from the region and neighboring states.
International visitors made up 8% of visitors and almost 13% of overnight visitors to the county.
The county’s visitor breakdown:
- Southern California, 60%
- Rest of western U.S., 14%
- Northern California, 8%
- International, 8%
- Southern U.S., 4%
- Midwest, 4%
- Northeastern U.S., 2%
