A Note From Ernie - March 2017

Spring travel season has arrived and there’s never been a better time for travelers to choose Los Angeles on their upcoming itineraries. Culinary, specifically, has become one of the most important travel decision drivers and foodies worldwide have taken notice of L.A.’s newsworthy tastemakers and their restaurants.

In fact, our destination’s culinary prowess continues to be recognized on a national scale – highlighted most recently by the James Beard Foundation Awards, known as the ‘culinary Oscars.’ Finalists were announced last week here in Los Angeles and our presence was felt in several categories including Outstanding Restaurateur, Outstanding Pastry Chef, and other major regional awards. Discover Los Angeles and dineL.A. are proud to have been a host partner for the James Beard Foundation Awards finalist reveal. We wish the best of luck to all the nominees.

I’d also like to share industry results for the month of January. More than $19.1 million in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) was collected for the City’s General Fund, which is 15% higher than the same time last year.  

Of course, we will continue to closely monitor travel-related issues and any potential impacts on our international visitation.  It’s more important than ever that we continue executing against our mission, spreading the news across the globe that L.A. celebrates diversity and rolls out the red carpet for visitors.

Best Wishes,
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