June 2018 News & Notes

As awarded by FIFA last week, the United Bid of Canada, Mexico and the United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.™ This marks the first time three nations have been selected to co-host a FIFA World Cup™ and the first time the FIFA World Cup™ will be played in North America in 32 years. Los Angeles now moves a step closer to being selected as an official Host City for the largest FIFA World Cup™ in history, which will be expanded to a 48-team format.

A collaborative effort, the Los Angeles bid to become a Host City was submitted by the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission in partnership with AEG and LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Stadium and Entertainment District at Hollywood Park, Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, Banc of California Stadium and Los Angeles Football Club, and Alan Rothenberg, with support from the City of Los Angeles, City of Inglewood and the City of Pasadena. FIFA will finalize its selection of official Host Cities in 2020 or 2021.
 

Congratulations to L.A. Tourism’s Chelsea Hoff, manager of tourism insights, for garnering CalTravel’s ’30 and Under Emerging Leaders’ award at the organization’s recent 2018 summit in San Diego. The Award recognizes individuals, 30 years old and younger, who have contributed at a high level through their efforts in promotion of travel and tourism in California. CalTravel is the official advocacy organization for California’s travel and tourism industry.

The Los Angeles Business Council awarded L.A. Tourism its Community Impact Award at its 48th annual Architectural Awards on June 1, 2018. Presented by L.A. City Councilman Curren Price, the award celebrates forward-thinking groups who are ensuring the economic benefits of L.A.’s rising tourism industry are felt by all Angelenos. Additional winners included AEG, L.A Department of Convention & Tourism Development, NBC Universal Hollywood and Metro. The Los Angeles Business Council is one of the most effective and influential advocacy and educational organizations in California. For over 70 years, the LABC has had a major impact on public policy by harnessing the power of business and government to promote environmental and economic sustainability in the Los Angeles region.
 

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) forecasted a busy start to the summer travel season with a 6 percent increase over 2017 in passenger volume for the four-day Memorial Day holiday period with 948,000 total passengers.

During April, exhibit hall occupancy for Los Angeles Convention Center was 73%, bringing fiscal year average up to 74%. By industry standards, the practical maximum for exhibit hall space is 70%. An estimated $39.5 million in economic impact was generated for Los Angeles by events held at LACC during the month.

L.A. County’s Leisure & Hospitality sector added 3,500 jobs in April 2018 compared to April 2017, the largest growth across all 11 job sectors. In addition, the L&H sector reported the largest year-over-year increase with 19,400 additional jobs.

A total $27.1 million in transient occupancy tax General Fund receipts was collected during April 2018, bringing the fiscal year total to $244.9 million. This cumulative total is $12.4 million more than the Adopted Budget, and a $29.9 million increase compared to the same time last year.