IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
The Temecula Valley is becoming a popular tourist destination.
Travel-related spending in the region totaled $1.2 billion in 2025, a 1.7 percent year-over-year increase, according to an independent study.
The number of jobs generated by travel – including hotels, restaurants wineries, and retail – reached 9,650 positions in 2025, an increase of 80 jobs, the study by Dean Runyan Associates in Portland, Ore., found.
The number of overnight visitors also grew.
The number off people who decided to stay at least one night rose 1.3 percent in 2025, to 1,566,500.
“These numbers confirm what we’re seeing on the ground, with travelers staying longer and spending more,” said Annette Brown, interim president of Visit Temecula Valley, in a statement. “The growth in overnight stays is especially encouraging because it means Temecula Valley is becoming a true multi-day destination.”
Visit Temecula Valley has done an outstanding job of attracting visitors to Temecula, a city that has worked hard to earn a top visitation spot in Inland Southern California. But there is a looming threat. San Diego Gas and Electric is proposing its Golden Pacific Powerlink through the heart of Temecula. These 200’ tall 500,000 volt power lines and structures would run through Temecula Creek just hundreds of feet from high density homes, businesses, churches, daycares, playgrounds, dog parks, etc. This eyesore will be seen for miles and impact the beauty of the city that is the draw for everyone who lives, works, and plays here. No doubt this will negatively impact the local economy that has slowly been built. Real estate will suffer as home buyers opt for communities with less visible power infrastructure. The hot air balloon industry will be impacted as well as wineries, hotels, and events, as what makes Temecula a special escape will have been tarnished. Jobs will be impacted and more people will be forced to commute to other communities. The positive trend of Temecula tourism could slow, flatten, or reverse. There are alternative approaches to meet the State’s energy goals. The California Public Utilities Commission needs to stop this project as proposed by SDG&E and consider less impactful options.