Los Angeles Tourism at Work - September 2019

International Market Updates & Luncheon

Los Angeles Tourism’s International Tourism team hosted its 2nd annual International Market Updates & Luncheon prior to Market Outlook Forum on August 20, 2019. The luncheon attracted over 200 members who received international market updates from Visit California,  Los Angeles Tourism's International Regional Directors and Reps, PR, Digital and Sales.

Virtuoso Travel Week
Los Angeles Tourism participated in the 31st annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas from August 11-15. The international tourism and sales teams conducted over 200 appointments with luxury travel advisors from domestic and international markets, sharing destination updates on unique luxury experiences; LAX’s modernization; and the L.A. Insider online training program. Additionally, Los Angeles Tourism partnered with Visit West Hollywood to co-host a table during the Destination Showcase Dinner inviting nine key luxury advisors. This year’s Virtuoso attracted more than 6,500 luxury travel advisors and preferred partner suppliers from around the world.

Virgin Holidays West Coast Training Day – UK
Los Angeles Tourism UK joined other West Coast destinations and attractions to attend the annual Virgin Holidays West Coast Destination Day in Crawley, UK. A total of 40 retail sales agents were invited to attend the various training sessions from the destinations and attractions present. Agents received trained on L.A. and were updated on new and exciting products. Agents were also provided with ample information on the L.A. Insider training program.

Tour Operator Reception at Dodgers Game
Los Angeles Tourism hosted a group of local receptive tour operators for lunch during an afternoon Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium on August 7. A total of 39 receptive tour operators who are ready and eager to host visitors from China attended the networking event where they learned about L.A.’s latest updates.

Air New Zealand B2B Day
Los Angeles Tourism co-sponsored the inaugural “USA, the Kiwi Way” event in Auckland, New Zealand on August 28. The B2B travel agent training seminar at Auckland Airport allowed Travel Trade Manager Kathleen Finneran to meet with more than 110 travel agents from across New Zealand. The agents were provided with Los Angeles destination updates and information on LAX to assist them with selling flights from Auckland to LAX via Air New Zealand, which operates two flights daily.

North America Specialist Training – Germany
On August 6, Los Angeles Tourism Germany organized an L.A. focused training for 17 sales agents in Hannover, Germany. Trainings included news and updates on L.A. with a focus on the L.A. Insider online training program to deepen their knowledge and assist them in sharing top tips with clients.

Le Cercle des Vacances Tour Operator Training – France
Los Angeles Tourism France trained four US specialists and their product managers at the Tour Operator Le Cercle des Vacances on August 27 in Paris, France. Travel agents received the latest updates on activities, hotels, LAX and Metro, and were invited to complete the L.A. Insider online training program.

VIP Salon Event in Nanjing

On August 10, Los Angeles Tourism Guangzhou attended a VIP salon event, co-hosted by MR. DREAM Journey and Land Rover, in Nanning. A total of 28 high-end Land Rover Center clients joined this Western U.S.-themed salon activity. During the salon, staff shared the latest L.A. updates including non-stop air services between South China and LAX, the Private Suite, shopping and dining experiences as well as the newest member offerings.

In-house Training at CTS & CITS
On August 29, Los Angeles Tourism Beijing conducted an in-house training for 20 operators and sales representatives at the CTS & CITS headquarters with the focus on tailor-made products. Staff shared info highlighting non-stop air service from China to LAX, LAX’s modernization program, and the newest member offerings.

From August 10 –13, Los Angeles Tourism exhibited at the 2019 American Society of Association Executives in Columbus, Ohio, which attracted more than 5,400 association professionals and industry partners. More than half of the show’s attendees were Association Executives that represented citywide conventions. Los Angeles Tourism exhibited with members Hyatt Regency Westlake, Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel, Sheraton Universal, JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, The Studios at Paramount, Marriott Hotels of Los Angeles, Millennium Biltmore Hotel and Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites were present.

The sales team hosted a VIP reception for 40 qualified clients including American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, HPN Global, American College of Surgeons, Professional Convention Management Association – PCMA, Project Management Institute, American Library Association and more. The team collected more than 280 contact leads on the show floor.

In August, the Communications team hosted three domestic journalists from Departures, Travel + Leisure and ESSENCE Magazine for future editorial coverage with each visit tailored to a different theme: family-friendly L.A.; culinary; and beach getaway. Each journalist enjoyed an array of ‘only-in-L.A.’ member experiences including Geoffrey’s, Aqua Surf School, The Garland, Original Farmers Market, Petersen Automotive Museum and The LINE Hotel.
 

Also in August, the team hosted a journalist from Traveller, Australia’s premier travel publication, for future editorial coverage. Accommodations were provided by NoMad Los Angeles in Downtown.
 

The team partnered with Mars, a Chinese lifestyle and news app, for a Los Angeles episode on Mars CITY, an online video interview program of trendy & fashionable places in the world. The crew stayed at the ACE Hotel DTLA and filmed an interview at the property for content.

During the week of Market Outlook Forum, Los Angeles Tourism’s public relations representatives based in key markets including Australia, U.K., Canada, India, South Korea, Mexico and China explored the destination to gain first-hand knowledge of L.A.’s latest visitor offerings. The group’s educational itinerary showcased an array of member experiences that will bolster their future media pitches including Rossoblu, Bikes & Hikes LA, The Grove, OUE Skyspace, ROW DTLA, Cartwheel Art Tours, Broken Spanish and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. They also took property tours of The Garland and SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills. Accommodations were provided by JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE and Dream Hollywood Hotel.