Tourists swarming Big Sur since key highway opening

Hotels in Big Sur have had little trouble filling their rooms since Highway 1 reopened in January, state officials said Friday.

Business in the area has boomed, with hotels seeing occupancy between 80% and 96% in February and March of this year. They’re set to see an increase in revenue of 108% this year and await the “critical” March through August travel season, when they expect to see a larger 200% increase.

Highway 1 was closed for several years after rockslides and flooding forced millions in repairs. It also isolated the area and created problems for local businesses.

“Big Sur families, small businesses, and surrounding communities are finding their footing again after demonstrating resilience and grit, leading to the full reopening of Highway 1 in January,” Gov. Gavin Newsom told KTLA.

Restaurants and shops are seeing a 40% surge in visits too, according to CalTrans.

“This is what investing in infrastructure delivers: thousands of tourists returning to support local businesses and economic growth along one of the most beloved stretches of coast in the world,” he added.

Visit California, a nonprofit organization promoting California tourism, says traffic in the area has skyrocketed. They said that northbound traffic at Ragged Point is up more than 900% since the highway was reopened. State officials said it showed a  “pent-up demand for travel to this iconic coastal corridor.”

Newsom’s administration says the state economy is “strongest when our communities are connected.”

“The reopening of Highway 1 is already generating meaningful economic benefits up and down the Central Coast,” Newsom advisor Dee Dee Myers said. “From hotels and restaurants to small retailers and tourism operators, businesses are once again welcoming visitors from around the world.”

California’s transit authority said it used “state-of-the-art” equipment and techniques to reopen the highway.

“We kept the residents and breadwinners of this magnificent region top of mind during our repair efforts, and to witness such a remarkable recovery just months after the reopening underscores our unwavering commitment to keep Highway 1 accessible,” Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy said.

“Repairs to these slides were accomplished using state-of-the-art equipment and slope stabilization strategies, maximizing effectiveness of the repair work while avoiding any injuries to our workers,” El-Tawansy added.

Big Sur is known for its dramatic ocean views and picturesque sunsets. Highway 1 is considered a crucial complement to the coastline.

Newsom said in January that the highway was opened 90 days ahead of schedule.

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