A Note from Ernie - June 2017
Dear Friends,
Once again, the summer travel season has arrived and Los Angeles is primed to be a top choice among travelers seeking some well-deserved R&R. Just in time for summer, our newly launched Discover L.A. app is the ultimate resource for those seeking to explore the very best of Los Angeles such as our acclaimed dining, endless entertainment and world-class cultural institutions.
Earlier this month, I traveled alongside fellow L.A. Tourism officials to IPW, the travel industry’s premier international travel marketplace, in Washington D.C. My team and I met with a bevy of travel professionals and media from around the globe to highlight and promote all that’s new in L.A.
Not surprisingly, the recent proposal by the current administration to eliminate funding for BrandUSA was front and center at IPW. As you may know, BrandUSA delivers tremendous value to destinations large and small across the country. Over the past four years, BrandUSA has helped to attract an additional 4.3 million international visitors, adding $29.5 billion to the U.S. economy. As It’s critical for Congress to see broad support for BrandUSA from every sector of our industry and I encourage you to engage your representatives to help protect this vital program.
Be sure to save the date for our fifth annual Market Outlook Forum on Wednesday, August 30 – an exclusive, members-only event highlighting the latest travel and tourism industry trends. A formal invitation with more details will be hitting your inboxes very soon.
These are just a few of the many updates on L.A. Tourism and our industry that we’re sharing with you in June’s newsletter. As always, we will continue to work on behalf of our members and partners to keep the world coming to Los Angeles.
Best wishes,
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Ernest Wooden Jr.
President and CEO
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
