September 2018 News & Notes
Market Outlook Forum 2018
L.A. Tourism shared new visitation forecasts, tourism data and travel trends with more than 700 local hospitality partners and business leaders at the organization’s sixth annual Market Outlook Forum last month.
A special moderated panel discussion led by Los Angeles Magazine's Culture Editor Marielle Wakim featured guest speakers including Kristin Sakoda, executive director of Los Angeles County Arts Commission; Susan Feniger, co-founder of Border Grill; Kathryn Schloessman, president of Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission; and Seleta Reynolds, general manager of Los Angeles Department of Transportation. L.A. Tourism’s executive team also highlighted its global sales and marketing plans for the upcoming year.
L.A. Tourism thanks the host venue, Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites; corporate partners American Airlines, American Express, and Westfield; and sponsors Dragon Trail Interactive, Booking.com, Empire CLS, Expedia, Los Angeles Magazine, Mbuy, Primary Color, PSAV, Simpleview and Zenardy for their support in helping put on a fantastic event.
INDUSTRY NEWS & NOTES
The City of Los Angeles reported $26.3 million in Transient Occupancy Tax collections for June 2018, bringing the FY 17-18 cumulative total to $299 million. This total is 12.6% higher than FY 16-17’s total of $265.7 million.
Los Angeles Convention Center reported an estimated attendance of 243,733 for June 2018, powered by E3, the BET Experience and Million Dollar Round Table. For the third consecutive fiscal year, LACC’s exhibit halls maintained an average occupancy rate above 70%. The events hosted at LACC during FY 17-18 generated an estimated $790 million in economic impact, more than half of which was from citywide conventions.
During July 2018, L.A County’s Leisure & Hospitality sector reported the largest month-to-month increase with 6,400 additional jobs. Compared to July 2017, the sector grew by 28,500 jobs, the largest increase of all 11 super sectors.
According to Airlines for America, the trade group for the nation’s air carriers, a record 16.5 million people were estimated to fly on U.S. airlines during Labor Day Weekend 2018, a 3.5% year-over-year increase. This increase is attributed to affordable airline tickets, demand for travel, rebound of the U.S. economy and the strengthening of consumer confidence.
LAX Airport estimated it served a record 1.13 million air travelers through Labor Day Weekend a 2.35% increase over the same period last year.
