Overall October 2023 visitor counts increased by almost 11.9% more than October 2022, according to statistics recently released by Love Catalina Tourism Authority.
Cruise ship visits were up by nearly half (see below for details), according to the business group.
In related news, the Disney Wonder will return to Catalina.
Some categories of visitor counts—cross channel traffic and air travel, for example—were slightly down, according to the numbers. Fewer private boat owners came over in October 2023 than came over in October 2022.
October hotel occupancy was also slightly down from last year, according to the business group.
“October 2023 total arrivals set a record for the month beating 2017’s high of 95,397,” according to the Love Catalina website.
“Passengers arriving by sea, totaled 96,647, up for the month by 12.4% from last year,” according to the website.
“Cross Channel Passenger counts were down year-over-year or by 2.4%; a decrease of 1,336 people,” according to the website.
“October Cross Channel Passenger counts were below the three, five and ten-year averages by 2.1%, 1.8% and 0.8% respectively,” according to the website.
“Cross Channel Passengers made up 54.67% of total monthly arrivals,” according to the website.
“Cruise passenger counts totaled 37,668, up by 49.3% from 2022 or by 12,436 visitors,” according to the website.
“2023 had the highest Cruise Passenger volume for the month @ 37,668,” according to the website.
As the Islander reported last week, the average number of cruise ship passengers visiting Catalina has increased to about 3,000, according to a Dec. 12 Avalon staff report by Finance Director Matthew Baker and Harbor Master Orne Carstarphen.
“Cruise Passengers made up 38.04% of total monthly arrivals,” according to the Love Catalina website.
According to Love Catalina, 14 cruise ships visited in October 2023; October typically brings 12 ships here.
“Private Boater Passenger counts totaled 4,840, down from last year by 8.3% or 436 visitors,” according to the website.
“Private Boaters Made up 4.89% of total monthly arrivals,” according to the website.
“October’s number of Vessels Anchored was up by 58.6% from last year by 65 boats,” according to the website.
“October’s number of Vessels on Moorings was down 8.3% from last year by 109 boats,” according to the website.
“Combined in-bound air passenger counts for October totaled 2,423, down 5.1% or 131 Arrivals from 2022,” according to the website.
Private Aircraft Passengers made up 1.67% of total monthly arrivals,” according to the website.
“Helicopter Passenger counts totaled 736, down year-over-year by 36.2% or 418 arrivals,” according to the website.
In related news, hotel occupancy and vacation rental occupancy were also slightly down, according to Love Catalina.
“Hotel Occupancy for October was down by 3.3% @ 70.3% vs. 72.7% in 2022,” according to the website.
“Short-Term Rental Occupancy for October was down 5.6% @ 51% vs 54% in 2022,” according to the website.
