Anaheim, California, is celebrating record-breaking visitation figures for 2024, with over 26 million annual visitors spending a total of 6.6 billion dollars.
According to Visit Anaheim, the official tourism marketing organisation for the city, Australian travellers are playing a key role in this success story. New travel data from Azira, a global mobile data analytics platform, shows that Australians are now staying an average of 6 nights in Anaheim – up from 4.5 nights in the previous year.
This represents a significant shift towards longer holidays in Anaheim, with 91.3 per cent of Australians making the city their overnight base for exploring Southern California.
This extended length of stay is contributing to a surge in international tourism, with total overseas visitation to Anaheim climbing from 1.7 million visitors in 2023 to 3.6 million in 2024. The city’s appeal is being driven by its unbeatable location, iconic attractions such as the Disneyland Resort, and its position as a gateway to the best of Southern California travel.
Trade engagement strengthens Australian market ties
Visit Anaheim has made the Australian travel trade a priority, delivering dedicated trade and media events to showcase Anaheim holidays and build connections with key partners. Earlier this year, Tourism Director Michael Young led a high-profile Australia mission alongside industry partners including the Westin Anaheim Resort, the Howard Johnson Anaheim Resort & Water Playground, the Desert Palms Hotel & Suites and Karmel Connect. The delegation, supported by Visit Anaheim’s Australian representative Michael Cassis and PR Manager Louise Terry, hosted a VIP brunch in Sydney and met one-on-one with leading retail partners and travel media to inspire future visitation.
Anaheim prepares for major global sporting events
Looking ahead, Anaheim is set to benefit from a wave of tourism linked to major international events. In 2026, nearby New York/New Jersey will host the FIFA World Cup Final, with Southern California hosting matches that are expected to drive extended travel itineraries. The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, now less than three years away, are also anticipated to boost Anaheim’s tourism economy. The city’s role as the official home of USA Volleyball, coupled with planned upgrades to the Honda Center arena, positions it perfectly to host training camps, test events and visiting spectators.
New hotels and developments enhance visitor experience
Anaheim’s accommodation offering continues to grow, with five new hotels set to open by 2030, adding nearly 1,000 guest rooms. These will complement landmark projects such as the OCVIBE entertainment district and the Disneyland Forward expansion, which will deliver new attractions, dining options, and public spaces. The city will also take the global stage in 2030 when it hosts the US Travel Association’s prestigious IPW tourism trade event, attracting buyers and media from around the world.
Anaheim remains a must-visit for Australian travellers
With its blend of world-class attractions, vibrant events calendar, and proximity to the beaches, deserts and mountains of Southern California, Anaheim is proving to be more than just a gateway to Disneyland Resort. For Australian travellers seeking a base for their Southern California adventure, Anaheim offers outstanding value, convenience and unforgettable holiday experiences.
