California Governor Gavin Newsom has his head in the clouds — or at least that's the case with a new video he posted touting what he says are “record-breaking tourist numbers” in the state.
In the video, Newsom appears to be hanging high in the air above the Golden Gate Bridge, leading some online to speculate whether Newsom is indeed Spider-Man. While others were quick to point out the many problems California faces, including crime, homelessness and skyrocketing prices.
Newsom began the video with, “So I'm here on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. A testament to the greatness of America… the greatness of California and we couldn't be more proud.”
He continued, “More than $150 billion has been spent on tourism, unprecedented in our state's history. If you haven't had a chance to see the splendor and beauty of our great state, it's time to visit California. “
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Critics quickly took to X to share their reaction to the governor's video.
“Is the @CAgovernor also Spider-Man?” someone asked.
“You call the millions of illegals invading California tourists?” wrote one user.
“A strange way to celebrate inflation, but you do it,” wrote another user.
“Meanwhile, residency in CA has hit rock bottom. People can't leave CA fast enough,” said another comment.
“Allowing illegal immigrants to cross the border by the thousands doesn't count as 'tourism'…,” another user commented.
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Governor Gavin Newsom posted a video on (DeAgostini/Getty Images/X @GavinNewsom)
On Sunday, Newsom's office released new data showing that California still has the largest market share of tourism in the country, with travel spending in the state reaching a record high of $150.4 billion last year, beating the previous record of $144.9 billion exceeded. spent in 2019.
“From our world-famous coastline, to the world's tallest trees, to our iconic cities and theme parks, California is the nation's coming attraction. Visitors from around the world come here to experience the wonder of the Golden State, which drives our economy boost and create good-paying jobs for years to come,” Newsom said.
California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones disagreed with Newsom's math.
“Newsom is touting a record-breaking $150.4 billion in tourism spending for 2023, which would likely surpass 2019's pre-pandemic figure of $144.9 billion. Adjusted for inflation, however, tourism spending would need to reach as much as $173 billion to surpass 2019's figure. ,” Jones told Fox News Digital.
“Of course everything costs more in California thanks to 'Gavinomics,' and of course his statistics don't take that into account. It's more smoke and mirrors as usual with this governor. Instead of chasing headlines with misleading statistics, he should spend some time actually solving California and our many crises like homelessness, affordability and crime.” – Brian Jones, California Senate Minority Leader
Jones said everything in California is more expensive thanks to “Gavinomics.”
“It's more smoke and mirrors as usual with this governor. Instead of following the headlines with misleading statistics, he should spend some time actually solving California and our many crises like homelessness, affordability and crime,” Jones said.
California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher shared a similar sentiment.
'These numbers are as bogus as Gavin's baseball career – if you factor in inflation (as normal people have to do), tourism on his watch is down 14%. Crime and homelessness have become California's brand, and no amount of spin from Newsom will do that. change that,” Gallagher told Fox News Digital in a statement.
In the state's new data, Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta said California tourism is back where it belongs, setting records and providing amenities for the workers, entrepreneurs and all Californians who rely on the travel industry as a cornerstone of the state economy.
“The industry has once again proven its ability to recover from any challenge, whether economic or environmental. California remains the largest, most diverse and most resilient tourism economy in the United States,” said Beteta.
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Governor Gavin Newsom said California has experienced record-breaking numbers of tourists as the state grapples with a number of issues, including rampant crime and homelessness. (Tayfun Coskun)
According to Visit California, the new record in travel spending generated $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue for visitors in 2023, a 3% increase from 2019. However, tourists spent $37.7 billion in the Bay Area in 2023 , just under $39 billion. spent in 2019.
“It would be great if the governor put as much energy into improving California as he does into taking undeserved victory laps with misleading statistics. Maybe then we would actually break a record,” Gallagher added.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom was accused of touting tourism figures that don't take inflation into account. (California Governor Gavin Newsom's YouTube channel)
State statistics also showed that tourism created 64,900 new jobs in 2023, bringing total employment in the industry to 1,155,000.
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In addition to visiting the state, more people are also moving to California, according to Newsom, who also said the state's population is increasing for the first time since the pandemic.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Newsom's office for comment but has not yet heard back.
