On July 1, Californians 18 and older who are at least partially vaccinated may win a vacation package to either Anaheim, Greater Palm Springs, Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the incentive Monday, teaming with Visit California to provide the “Vax for the California Dream Vacation,” giveaway.
“From California’s coastlines to our theme parks to our breath-taking national forests, our state’s diverse terrain and unique communities make us the envy of the world when it comes to tourism,” Gov. Newsom said Monday. “As we move forward to a post-pandemic life, our tourism sector is expected to come roaring back – making us, once again, a global leader in hospitality and leisure.”
Newsom also proposed that $95 million go toward California tourism as nearly 1.2 million hospitality and tourism jobs were lost during the pandemic. The $95 million is estimated to recover at least 300,000 of those lost jobs in a year’s time.
“These epic vacations are just a sample of the endless variety of experiences California has to offer,” Caroline Beteta, President & CEO of Visit California said. “The state’s travel industry is rolling out the red carpet to travelers. With COVID-19 at record low rates in the state, now is the time to travel to California.”
In the last two weeks, the state has moved forward with cash incentives for people to get vaccinated, holding 30 $50,000 drawings for all vaccinated Californians, as well as offering $50 gift cards to 2 million newly vaccinated individuals.
As the state begins its “full reopening” of the economy Tuesday, a set of 10 $1.5 million prizes will drawn by Newsom, similarly to the $50,000 lottery-style drawings.