BY CHARLES M. KELLY
The January 2024 visitor counts to Catalina Island increased by 15.5% compared with January 2023, according to data recently released by Love Catalina Tourism Authority.
“January’s total in-bound passenger count was above the three, five and ten-year averages for the month by 15.6%, 11.8% and 24.9% respectively,” lovecatalina.com said.
As usual, the bulk of visitors came by boat.
“Cross Channel Passenger counts were up 13.8%, an increase of 2,880 people,” the website said.
“Cross Channel Passengers made up 49.65% of total monthly arrivals,” the website said.
“Cruise passenger counts totaled 20,808, up by 16.5% from 2023 or by 2,943 visitors,” the website said.
“January Cruise Passenger counts were above the three, five and ten-year averages by 29.2%, 47.7% and 21.9% respectively,” the website said.
“Cruise Passengers made up 43.44% of total monthly arrivals,” the website said.
“The number of Cruise Ships calling on Avalon in January was 7,” the website said.
“In 2023, the number of cruise ships visiting was 8,” the website said.
“January typically has 9 ships call on us,” according to Love Catalina.
“Private Boaters Passenger counts totaled 1,188, up from last year by 57.1% or 432 visitors,” the website said.
“2014 had the highest passenger volume for the month @ 1,976,” the website said.
“Private Boaters Made up 2.48% of total monthly arrivals,” the website said.
“January’s number of Vessels Anchored was up by 7.2% from last year or by 6 boats,” the website said.
“January’s number of Vessels on Moorings was up 57.1% from last year or by 108 boats,” the website said.
Some visitors came by air.
“Private Aircraft Passengers (Airport in the Sky) totaled 1,494, up 40.7% or by 432 passengers vs. last year,” the website said.
“Private Aircraft Passengers made up 3.12% of total monthly arrivals,” the website said.
“Helicopter Passenger counts totaled 624, down year-over-year by 26.8% or 229 arrivals,” the website said.
“Helicopter Passengers made up 1.30% of total monthly arrivals,” the website said.
