This year Catalina’s main city of Avalon is on track to beat records on number of annual visitors to the Island. So far this year, as of the end of August, there have been over 675,000 visitors to the Island.
This year Catalina’s main city of Avalon is on track to beat records on number of annual visitors to the Island. So far this year, as of the end of August, there have been over 675,000 visitors to the Island.
“We have seen just shy of half a million visitors, a record breaking 499,960 passengers, through cross-channel carriers alone,” said Jim Luttjohann president and CEO of the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. Ten years ago in 2004, the past highest passenger count year, there were 496,598 visitors for the same time period.
Among the reasons for the increased travel, Luttjohann credits the great weather, increased island-wide marketing and the Catalina Express “Free on your Birthday” travel promotion. According to Chris Austin, Catalina Express’s marketing director, the Birthday Island Promotion, now in its fifth year, has hosted more than 142,000 celebrants since beginning, with the current year on pace to beat prior years.
Cruise ships visiting the island have brought another 177,168 passengers so far this year. “The last year we saw that many passengers disembark on our shores was 2006,” said Buddy Wilson, Island cruise industry liaison. Boaters visiting the island in Avalon Harbor also add to the visitor counts. About 9,000 people visit Avalon Harbor each August,” said Brian Bray, Avalon harbor master. “August was a strong month for us this year.”
Recent additions in service by helicopter to and from the island are also aiding in increased visitation. Island Express Helicopters provides service between Long Beach (Queen Mary), John Wayne Airport, the port of San Pedro and now Burbank Airport. “Year to date our helicopters have carried just over 14,000 passengers,” said Gloria Correa Alcala, director of sales for Island Express.
“In total the island sees about 1 million visitors in a typical year,” Avalon Mayor Anni Marshall said. “With an incredible lineup of fall events, our annual New Year’s Eve Ball and recently being the host city of Bud Light’s, WhateverUSA festivities, we are looking forward to setting a new record this year!”
