2016 Visitation On Pace to Set Record, Exceed 46.5 Million
LOS ANGELES (Aug. 25, 2016) – Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism) shared new visitation forecasts and tourism data with local hospitality partners and business leaders at the organization’s fourth annual Market Outlook Forum. Among the highlights, visitation to Los Angeles is expected to set a new record in 2016 with more than 46.5 million total visitors, an increase of 2.4% from the previous record-setting year.
Domestic overnight visitation to Los Angeles is expected to grow 2.1% to almost 24 million this year while international visitation is estimated to grow 3.9% to more than seven million. Total visitor spend in 2016 is projected to eclipse $21.5 billion, an increase of 4.4% from last year.
“With global interest and desire for the Los Angeles experience propelling the City of Angels towards another banner year in 2016, we have our goal of 50 million visitors by 2020 locked in our sights,” said Ernest Wooden Jr., president & CEO of L.A. Tourism. “From exploring our hidden gem neighborhoods like the Arts District to becoming fully immersed in our thriving art and culinary scenes, there’s never been a better time to get lost in L.A.”
Special guest speakers included Kevin Demoff, EVP and COO of the Los Angeles Rams, who shared details on L.A.’s new NFL team and world-class sports and entertainment venue as well as Gene Sykes, CEO of LA2024, who presented the bid committee’s mission to bring the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games to Los Angeles.
L.A. Tourism also highlighted its global sales and marketing plans at the conference, highlighted by plans to extend a new version of its successful “Get Lost In L.A.” campaign to Australia, China and the U.K., L.A.’s top international markets.
Hotel occupancy for the first half of 2016 reached 81.9% and is projected to total 81.1% for the entire year. RevPAR for 2016’s first half totaled $170.51, an increase of 10.4% from last year’s first half of $154.50. RevPAR for 2016 is forecasted to reach $137.87, an increase of 9.4% over last year.
L.A.’s citywide convention business is also thriving with 29 conventions booked for 2017, delivering a combined estimated economic impact of $433 million.
About Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is a private, non-profit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for leisure travel, meetings and conventions as the City’s official tourism marketing organization.
One of the world’s most dynamic and diverse destinations, Los Angeles is comprised of more than 30 diverse neighborhoods and considered the cultural hub of the Pacific Rim. Home to near-perfect weather, 75 miles of jaw-dropping shoreline, more museums than any other U.S. city and an award-winning culinary scene, Los Angeles presents endless possibilities that keep its more than 45 million annual visitors entertained. For more information, visit the official visitor information website of Los Angeles at discoverLosAngeles.com, join the more than one million people who follow L.A. Tourism’s Facebook page at facebook.com/LosAngelesFan, or follow @discoverLA on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
Media Contacts
Jamie Foley
Vice President, Global Communications
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Jfoley@LATourism.org
Shant Apelian
Manager, Corporate Communications
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
sapelian@LATourism.org