The Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau has announced that the city experienced record visitor volume and spending levels in 2016.

The increases were determined through an update of the bureau’s visitor profile and economic impact study. More than 7.4 million visitors came to Beverly Hills in 2016, compared to 6 million visitors in 2014 – an increase of nearly 23 percent. However, the city’s international visitation declined in 2016, accounting for 50 percent of the city’s total visitors compared to 63 percent in 2014. The finding on international visitors is consistent with national trends. The report also included information about the shopping patterns of Los Angeles County residents.

The study assesses the economic contribution that travelers make in the city. In 2016, more than $2.8 billion was generated from visitors, with $56.6 million – or 26 percent of the city’s general fund – generated through lodging and sales taxes. Visitor traffic also supports nearly 13,000 jobs in Beverly Hills and saves each resident household more than $3,100 in costs for equivalent city services.

“The contribution that visitors make to our city is incredible,” said Julie Wagner, CEO of the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau. “Tourism continues to be a key factor in our city’s economic vitality, and it is critical that we continue to provide a warm and welcoming reception when they visit. We are so fortunate to have a city council that is open to new initiatives and a mayor who isn’t afraid to take charge in bringing activities like BOLD (Beverly Hills Open Later Days) to fruition in effort to keep our city relevant and exciting.”

The comprehensive Beverly Hills Visitor Profile and Economic Impact Study reports detailed statistics and growth across a range of tourism indicators for 2016 compared to 2014. Total annual visitor days in Beverly Hills grew to 8.9 million in 2016, a 23 percent rise from 2014. Beverly Hills hotels generated $40 million in transient occupancy tax, an 18 percent increase over 2014.

Additionally, visitor spending in Beverly Hills generated more than $15 million in sales retail sales tax for the city, a 32 percent increase over 2014. Lodging and sales taxes accounted for more than 26 percent of the city’s general fund.

Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau conducted the visitor profile and economic impact study with Lauren Schlau Consulting, a Los Angeles-based market research firm specializing in the travel and tourism industry. The firm conducted similar studies in 2004, 2007 and 2014 to track visitor trends and growth over time. For information, visit lovebeverlyhills.com.