The resort attracts more people from Ventura County than other counties because of its proximity, Schniepp said.
Santa Barbara County was next with 23.3 percent, followed by San Fernando Valley, 13 percent San Luis Obispo County, 6.4 percent and other regions, 29.4 percent. Of that total, 27.8 percent were from Ventura County - the most from any area. Last year, the Santa Ynez casino attracted nearly 2.9 million visitors. He speculated that the economic decline could mean more money for the casino because area residents looking to trim travel expenses will vacation in the region. The fastest was Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria.Įven during an economic downturn, tourism is still alive, said Mark Schniepp, director of the California Economic Forecast, which prepared the report. The casino and entertainment venue was Santa Barbara County's second fastest-growing employer from 2001 to 2006 and provides an annual economic stimulus of $366 million, according to the report commissioned by the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association.
