A Note from Ernie - September 2019

Dear Friends,

I’m writing this month’s note from China – our number one overseas market – where we are exploring new marketing avenues and strengthening our long-standing bilateral relationship with the Chinese tourism community. As we continue to monitor the ongoing trade issues between the U.S. and China and the potential impact on inbound Chinese tourism, this trip was important to reaffirming our long-term commitment to the market and ensuring Los Angeles remains a desirable destination for Chinese travelers.

During this visit, I was also invited by the World Tourism Alliance (WTA) to speak about Los Angeles Tourism’s innovative efforts in promoting L.A. as a global travel destination at the 2019 Xianghu Dialogue, a high-level international tourism forum sponsored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The WTA aims to establish an international platform to build an interconnected global tourism industry so its members – cities, tourism associations, international travel organizations, universities and more – can create a better world through tourism.

In Los Angeles, I’m pleased to share our industry has broken another record: travelers generated more than $318 million in transient occupancy tax collections for the City’s general fund for Fiscal Year 18-19. A 6.6% increase from the previous year, these funds are vital to community services we depend on each and every day such as road repair and cultural programming.

These are just a few of the many updates from Los Angeles Tourism that we’re sharing with you in September’s newsletter. As always, we will continue to work on behalf of our members and partners to bring the world to Los Angeles.

Best wishes,
​​

Ernest Wooden Jr.
President and CEO
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board