Kathy Smits

Where are you based? 
I’m lucky to be based in LA!
How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism? 
10 years
Favorite place for an LA sunset? 
The beach in Malibu.
What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA? 

1. Ice Cream: Fresh Mint Chip at Sweet Rose Creamery.
2. Cupcakes: Red Velvet from Sprinkles.
3. Chopped Salads: Chop Shop Salad at The Front Yard at The Garland.

What’s your LA hidden gem? 
A picnic and concert at the Hollywood Bowl during summer.
Favorite LA hotel moment? 
Rooftop drinks - there are so many choices from DTLA to the beach!  

Top value tip for an LA holiday? 
The Getty Center – wonderful exhibits, beautiful gardens, amazing views and admission is free!
Favorite place in LA to go exploring? 
Ventura Blvd. in Studio City with a stop along Ventura Place – a variety of shops and eateries and fun for a stroll.
Share an unforgettable experience in LA?
Hiking – so many areas to explore! Check out the Santa Monica Mountains or Griffith Park, an amazing urban park with so much to do. Bikes and Hikes LA offers great guided tours throughout LA.

What is your top tip for Travel Advisors on how to stay up to date on Los Angeles hotels and attractions?

The best way to keep up to date is to sign up to our online training programs being L.A. Insider or Angel's Academy (China).
Not only do you get access to the training modules (which only take 30 minutes to complete), you’ll also be updated on all of the exciting trade incentives, campaigns and competitions relevant to you. You’ll also have access to our trade fact-sheets, maps, guides and image gallery for you to use at any time – you can also share these with clients!
 

Tamy Martelli

Where are you based? 
Los Angeles, California. 
How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism? 
14 years.
Favorite place for an LA sunset? 
High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin located right on Venice Beach with relaxed beach vibes, specialty cocktails, great food and stunning views.   
What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA? 
1. KazuNori for delicious hand rolls and 3 convenient locations across LA – Downtown, Mid-Wilshire and Westside 
2. Jon & Vinny’s on Fairfax is a wonderful take on Italian American fare with mouth-watering pizza, pasta and salads (yes, even their salads are unreal)
3. Connie & Ted’s in West Hollywood serving up fantastic seafood with a local neighborhood feel
What’s your LA hidden gem? 
Los Angeles is a wonderful hiking city with an amazing landscape of mountain ranges, 75 miles of coastline and near-perfect weather year-round makes it a great city to get outside and explore. My favorite hike is Parker Mesa at Topanga State Park for incredible coastal views of LA.
Favorite LA hotel moment? 
Catching up with friends at Cara Hotel in Los Feliz for a weekend brunch get together.
Top value tip for an LA holiday? 
Exploring the city through Los Angeles Metro (public transit system), an affordable way to get around at $1.75 for one way or $7 for a day pass.
Favorite place in LA to go exploring? 
The Getty Villa in Malibu is a gorgeous museum with picturesque gardens and a collection of antiquities housed in a recreated Roman seaside home. A wonderful contrast to the main museum, The Getty Center in Los Angeles, but both equally worth a visit and wander-around.
Share an unforgettable experience in LA? 
My first helicopter ride in Los Angeles with Orbic Air and seeing iconic Los Angeles landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Santa Monica Pier from a whole new perspective. 
What is your top tip for Travel Advisors on how to stay up to date on Los Angeles hotels and attractions?
Highly recommend Travel Advisors to subscribe to our trade newsletter to keep up-to-date with what's new and happening in Los Angeles. And also follow our Travel Trade Facebook page for new and exciting updates and a chance to win some fun prizes! 

Dee Rojas

Where are you based?
I’m based at L.A. Tourism’s headquarter office in Los Angeles.
How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism? 
15 years
Favorite place for an LA sunset?
My favorite place to watch the sun set over L.A. is Dante's View in Griffith Park. It’s a moderate 4-mile hike that ends with a breath-taking 360-degree view of the city lights! 
What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA?
Absolute must have’s while in L.A. are In-N-Out Burger, Guisados and Korean BBQ at Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong. 
What’s your LA hidden gem?
I’m a lover of all things vintage so The Attic located in Atwater Village is my hidden gem! The store is full of handpicked unique vintage items. If you have time, check out Proof Bakery right down the street. You’ll thank me later! 
Top value tip for an LA holiday? 
Los Angeles is sprawled out so I would suggest reserving a car rental for your trip. Create a travel itinerary that includes your daily activities, attractions and any places that you wish to see, including travel time so that you can make the most of your visit. Google maps can help you navigate through the city! 
Favorite place in LA to go exploring? 
As a native Angeleno, downtown L.A. continues to be my favorite place to explore. There are so many things to love about it – its history, architecture, restaurants, and museums. There’s always something waiting to be discovered! 
Share an unforgettable experience in LA? 
Seeing The Black Keys perform during a private event in DTLA remains one of the most unforgettable nights! 

Claudia Zervos

Where are you based? 

Los Angeles, CA
How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism? 
I joined the team in May 2022
Favourite place for an LA sunset? 

My favorite place to watch a sunset in L.A. is Wisdom Tree, way above the iconic Hollywood sign. It’s a steep hike but the views over the city are so worth it.

What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA? 
I love all the Vegan Restaurant options in LA like Café Gratitude, Sage Plant Based Bistro and Gracias Madre.

What’s your LA hidden gem? 
I love exploring Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice on the weekend. Especially now that the Food Truck Event is back on every First Friday of the month.
Favourite LA moment? 

Brunch with friends on the weekend. I love exploring all the new brunch spots like Malibu Farm, Café on 27 in Topanga Canyon or Republique.

Top value tip for an LA holiday? 
Explore some of the Farmer’s Markets in LA. Melrose Place Farmers Market and of course the original Farmer’s Market by the Grove is always a fun way to people watch and explore local LA communities.

Favorite place in LA to go exploring? 
There are so many places to explore in LA, as it is one of the most diverse cities in the US. One of my favorite places on a Sunday is Smorgasburg Market at the Row DTLA. You can discover any kind of food you could possibly imagine.

Share an unforgettable experience in LA? 

Attending the LA Music Awards and walking the red carpet with some of the celebrities.

What is your top tip for Travel Advisors on how to stay up to date on Los Angeles hotels and attractions?
I definitely recommend that Travel Advisors subscribe to our trade e-newsletter. It’s an easy way to keep up-to-date with what's happening in LA, new product and L.A. Tourism's activities - PLUS there's usually a chance to win something fun!

Craig Gibbons

Where are you based? 
Down under in Sydney, Australia.
How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism? 
7 years
Favorite place for an LA sunset? 
Hermosa Beach Pier followed by a few drinks at one of the bars on Pier Avenue.
What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA? 
1. Fish Taco’s from Guisados in Echo Park and if extra hungry order the Taco Sampler for some of the most authentic Mexican tacos you will ever eat.
2. A #19 Original Hot Pastrami Sandwich from Langer’s Deli in Westlake. Possibly one of the best Jewish delis in the US. Be sure to grab a seat at the counter.
3. The Office Burger cooked rare with a local beer at Father’s Office in Culver City.
What’s your LA hidden gem? 
Koreatown, home to some of the best food and speakeasy style hidden bars in the city.
Favorite LA hotel moment? 
Staying at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel as it’s home to so much film history and spending an afternoon by the hotel pool with a drink in hand is always an only in LA moment.

Top value tip for an LA holiday? 
Hop on the Metro Gold line which will only cost you $1.75 and head to Pasadena for a day of shopping and lunch on Colorado Blvd. Pasadena is home to some great architecture and stunning mountain views too.
Favorite place in LA to go exploring? 
Walk the length of Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, which is full of great places to eat, unique designer and homewares stores. If you're addicted to your morning latte like me then head to Intelligentsia Coffee Bar.
Share an unforgettable experience in LA? 
Attending the American Music Awards at STAPLES Center in downtown LA with ten very lucky Aussie travel agents is definitely an LA experience I will never forget.
What is your top tip for Travel Advisors on how to stay up to date on Los Angeles hotels and attractions?
I definitely recommend that Travel Advisors subscribe to our trade e-newsletter. It’s an easy way to keep up-to-date with what's happening in LA, new product and L.A. Tourism's activities - PLUS there's usually a chance to win something fun!
 

Kathleen Brown

Where are you based? 
Sydney, Australia
How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism? 
4 years
Favorite place for an LA sunset? 
I’ve definitely got a few – but riding a beach cruiser along the Venice Beach bike path whilst the sun is setting over the ocean is pretty spectacular. 
What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA?
1. For sushi, I love Katsuya in DTLA or Hollywood – the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is a must!

2. The Chicken & Waffles from &Waffles in North Hollywood is outstanding – plus there’s a fun Instagram photo op for a souvenir.

3. Of course, no trip to LA is complete without a taco or two (or ten) – I recommend Grand Central Market in DTLA for authentic, amazing tacos.
What’s your LA hidden gem? 
The Getty Villa is a real treasure for architecture, art and history buffs! It’s a beautiful place to spend the afternoon and you can get free tickets online to visit.
Favorite LA hotel moment? 
Definitely the Eclectic Jazz nights at Sofitel Los Angeles. It’s so much fun to sit down and enjoy some great music, spot a few celebrities and witness incredible impromptu performances.
Top value tip for an LA holiday? 
TV show tapings are one of my favorite things to do in LA and the tickets are free! Spend an afternoon as a member of the studio audience by ordering tickets online – although it’s best to do this well in advance to avoid missing out.
Favorite place in LA to go exploring? 
I love to wander West 3rd Street between Fairfax and La Cienega. There are lots of great places to eat and boutique shops to browse. Otherwise, Griffith Park is always a fun place to get some fresh air and stretch the legs – a great idea to combat jetlag after a long flight.
Share an unforgettable experience in LA? 
I am a huge pop-culture fan, so pretty much anytime I see a celebrity in LA is a highlight for me. A stand-out moment was being in the same Hollywood yoga class as a Golden Globe Winner.
What is your top tip for Travel Advisors on how to stay up to date on Los Angeles hotels and attractions?
If you’ve signed up to  our trade e-newsletter or L.A. Insider, you’ll get notified about any upcoming webinars on Los Angeles. We have regular webinars featuring an iconic element of LA which are around 20 minutes long. These give you the opportunity to get a snapshot of LA and to talk to a member of the Los Angeles Tourism team ‘face to face’ and ask any questions you have.
 

Francine Sheridan

Where are you based?
London, United Kingdom
How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism?
21 years
Favorite place for an LA sunset?
I strongly recommend taking an early evening hike up to the Griffith Observatory with Bikes & Hikes LA and watch the sun slowly set over the city. Along the way your guide will point out locations from some movies. You’ll see breathtaking views of LA, plus you’ll also get one of the best views of the Hollywood Sign! 
What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA?
Experiencing the Food Trucks is a must and very LA! People are always surprised at the high quality of the food, which is astonishing and it’s so affordable! My personal favorite are the ones serving Korean food. 
For something a little special, have lunch or dinner at Geoffrey’s in Malibu which is surrounded by panoramic ocean views and multimillion-dollar homes. You may even brush shoulders with some of Hollywood’s elite, who have dined at Geoffrey’s for over three decades! 
I love the Grand Central Market for breakfast or brunch. You really feel the history of this food emporium, which has been a downtown landmark since 1917. You can eat food from the various stalls, which celebrate the ingredients and the different cultures of Los Angeles. It’s also been featured in many movies, most recently La La Land! 
What’s your LA hidden gem?
The Hollywood Bowl! It’s a very LA experience. Everyone from the LA Philharmonic to the Beatles, to Katie Perry has played there. Take a picnic or order dinner there and enjoy an outdoor musical experience like no other. The outdoor amphitheatre setting, overlooking LA, is a pinch-me moment. 
Favorite LA moment?
Sitting at the counter having dinner at the brilliant Osteria Mozza, deliberating whether to go and see the new Sex in the City movie the next day and we realise we were sitting next to one of the stars of the film, who wryly suggested we do go and see it – an “only in LA moment”! 
Top value tip for an LA holiday?
There are many free things to do in LA and we have a list on our website. Eat at some of the wonderful food and farmers’ markets that are peppered throughout LA. They are fun and so affordable! 
Favorite place in LA to go exploring?
Grab a bike rental at the beach and take a leisurely cycle ride from Santa Monica along the boardwalk to Venice. Stop for coffee on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice and visit the stunning Venice canals before cycling to Marina del Rey. It’s just glorious and great for people watching! 
Share an unforgettable experience in LA?
Taking a boat to Catalina Island from San Pedro. The boat ride was fun, and we even saw dolphins in the ocean. Within an hour you are at the island, which is a fun place to spend the day. Have brunch at Wrigley Manson, take a tour of the island by Jeep and check out the Catalina Island Museum, finish the day with a cocktail overlooking the water before heading back to San Pedro by boat at sunset! 
What is your top tip for Travel Advisors on how to stay up to date on Los Angeles hotels and attractions?

Subscribe to Los Angeles Tourism's official Travel Trade Facebook @latourismtraveltrade. This is a quick and easy way to stay up-to-date on new LA hotel, tour and attraction product including the latest news on exclusive promotions for travel trade.

Hayley French

Where are you based? 
London, United Kingdom
How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism? 
12 years
Favorite place for an LA sunset? 
Griffith Observatory.
What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA?
1. Mexican Food in Downtown L.A, try Grand Central Market.
2. Korean BBQ at The Original Farmers Market.
3. Ice cream on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
What’s your LA hidden gem? 
Taking a boat trip around Marina del Rey harbor.
Favorite LA hotel moment? 
Catching a dive-in movie at The Garland Hotel’s pool.
Top value tip for an LA holiday? 
Use the Metro subway system, it is a great way to get around L.A and is extremely affordable!    
Favorite place in LA to go exploring? 
Hiking in Runyon Canyon.
Share an unforgettable experience in LA? 
Private picnic at Malibu Wine Safari.

What is your top tip for Travel Advisors on how to stay up to date on Los Angeles hotels and attractions?

The Official Los Angeles Visitor's Guide is so handy to keep at your desk or saved on your desktop! It has a hotel directory, dining guide and lots of great tips on attractions and experiences in LA. If you’ve got a client that wants to try a new neighborhood on their next visit, this is a super helpful guide to help you decide which neighborhood would suit them, and what accommodation is on offer nearby.

Kate Chang

Where are you based? 
Beijing, China

How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism? 
8 years

Favorite place for an LA sunset? 
The Getty Center, Santa Monica Beach or the Griffith Observatory.

What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA?
A hamburger from Carneys Restaurant, Cheesecake from Urth Café and a classic shrimp cocktail at Musso & Frank Grill.

What’s your LA hidden gem? 
Dining at Upstairs at the ACE Hotel rooftop where you can enjoy crafted cocktails, amazing local food all with panoramic views of the Downtown LA skyline.

Favorite LA hotel moment? 
A tour of the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles which has been home to movie stars, world leaders and the Academy Awards.

Top value tip for an LA holiday? 
Bring your driver’s license and hire a rental car as there are so many wonderful places you can day trip to, all within a few hours or so, such as wine tasting in Santa Barbara or skiing and hiking in the mountains at Big Bear.

Favorite place in LA to go exploring? 
Universal Studios Hollywood on the VIP tour that allows you to explore the film costume and props warehouse.

Share an unforgettable experience in LA? 
Holding a real Oscar statuette like a movie star on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

What is your top tip for Travel Advisors on how to stay up to date on Los Angeles hotels and attractions?

I recommend to the travel trade in China to connect with our great team across China as we have offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu.

Vincent Tang

Where are you based? 
Chengdu, China

How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism? 
3.5 years

Favorite place for an LA sunset?
There is nothing like watching the sun set over the Pacific ocean from Hotel Erwin's rooftop in Venice Beach.

What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA?
1. Fried Chicken at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar at the Beverly Center.
2. A classic American Steak and red wine at Musso & Frank, where many Hollywood famous stars have also enjoyed the same meal.
3. Brunch and an organic coffee at Kreation Juicery in Brentwood.

What’s your LA hidden gem? 
The food trucks outside The Bloc in Downtown LA.

Favorite LA hotel moment? 
A tour of the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles to experience Oscar night.

Top value tip for an LA holiday? 
Download the Uber or Lyft ride sharing apps before you arrive as they make it a very easy and affordable way to explore different parts of the city.
Favorite place in LA to go exploring? 
The Venice Canals, which is a beautiful and peaceful place to explore and great for taking photos. You can also enjoy jogging or your morning walk there.
Share an unforgettable experience in LA? 
Taking a ride on the Batman’s motorcycle at the Warner’s Bros. Studio Tour.

Selin Lin

Where are you based? 
Guangzhou, China
How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism? 
8 years
Favorite place for an LA sunset? 
Griffith Observatory, Getty Center and Santa Monica Beach.
What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA? 
A Fairfax EggSlut sandwich, a prime rib dinner at Lawry's The Prime Rib and delicious local seafood at the Angler.
What’s your LA hidden gem?  
Melrose Avenue has plenty of designer and vintage shops, and inspiring artworks. It’s a mecca for fashion lovers and is the perfect place for social media moments!
Favorite LA hotel moment?  
Taking in the stunning LA skyline views from the 72nd floor at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown.
Top value tip for an LA holiday? 
Research the best happy hour cocktail deals for any bar near the beach!
Favorite place in LA to go exploring? 

Definitely the stores at Citadel Outlets as there are so many great bargains for shoppers.

Share an unforgettable experience in LA? 
An unforgettable experience was horse riding at Sunset Ranch Hollywood which got us very close to the famous Hollywood sign.

Lei Dong

Where are you based?
Beijing, China
How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism? 
2 years
Favorite place for an LA sunset? 
The whole of LA! But particularly Venice Beach and Hollyhock House.
What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA?

1. Roast Beef French Dip Sandwich from Philippe the Original.

2. Sushi at Sugar Fish.

3. Vegan Ramen at Grand Central Market.

What’s your LA hidden gem? 
Surf lessons at any one of LA’s world-famous beaches.
Favorite LA hotel moment? 
People watching at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE!
Top value tip for an LA holiday? 
Give yourself one full day, pick one of our member hotels and just sit around and relax by the pool and enjoy the LA sunshine.
Favorite place in LA to go exploring? 
Griffith Park and the Getty Center.
Share an unforgettable experience in LA? 
Attending the Rooftop Cinema Club in Hollywood.

What is your top tip for Travel Advisors on how to stay up to date on Los Angeles hotels and attractions?
I recommend Travel Advisors in China to join our LA Angels Academy which is a comprehensive online training program, based on the popular Chinese social platform WeChat. Directly accessible from mobile phones and PC's, the program offers training in four areas, general LA knowledge, LA Mini Products, Luxury Travel and MICE.

Seema Kadam

Where are you based? 
Mumbai, India
How long have you been working for Los Angeles Tourism? 
1 year
Favorite place for an LA sunset? 
From the Griffith Observatory.
What are 3 LA must eats that you recommend visitors try when in LA? 
1. The Original Farmers Market.
2. Indian restaurant Badmash.
3. Salazar vegetarian restaurant.
What’s your LA hidden gem? 
The Last Bookstore in downtown LA.
Favorite LA hotel moment? 
The view of the Hollywood sign from my room at the Loews Hollywood Hotel.
Top value tip for an LA holiday? 
The Go Los Angeles Pass - admission to 42+ top attractions all on 1 digital pass.
Favorite place in LA to go exploring? 
The Mount Hollywood hiking trail and the Universal Studios Hollywood guided studio tour.
Share an unforgettable experience in LA? 
Watching a movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club. A great experience that is so LA. The seasonal selection of movies are diverse to reach a broad audience and a fun way to watch a movie under the open sky.