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L.A. Story Spotlight: Luis Martin
Guests of the Travelodge Hotel at LAX can count on Luis Manuel to pick them up from the airport and, when their L.A. visit is over, to drop them off at their departure terminal in plenty of time for their flight.
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NEWS & NOTES – MAY 2014
During National Travel & Tourism Week (May 3 – 11), LATCB President & CEO Ernest Wooden Jr. announced tourism’s multi-billion spending, employment and tax revenue contributions to L.A.’s economy. The record 42.2 million visitors that Los Angeles welcomed in 2013 spent $18.4 billion directly in L.A.’s economy, 5.5 % more than the $17.4 billion in 2012. As that direct spending worked its way through businesses, salaries and households, it resulted in a total economic impact of $28.3 billion, 4.3% more than $27.2 billion in 2012.
March 2014 Lodging Metrics
- Los Angeles ranked 9th place among the Top 25 Markets with an Occupancy rate of 80.3%, up +5.3% compared to the same period last year (76.3%).
- Los Angeles ADR was $141.60 and ranked 8th among the Top 25 Markets, up +6.8% compared to the same period last year ($132.63).
- Los Angeles RevPAR was $113.76 and ranked 7th among the Top 25 Markets, up +12.5 compared to the same period last year ($101.15).
- Rooms nights sold were 2.42 million countywide, reflecting a +5.9% increase over March 2013 (2.28 million room nights).
- The LAX area (87.4%) and Hollywood/Beverly Hills (84.5%) both reported the highest Occupancy rate for the month.
- Pasadena/Glendale/Burbank (+17.4%) and Los Angeles East (+17.0%) reported the largest YOY RevPAR growth.
LOOK WHO’S TALKING ABOUT L.A. - May 2014
GQ magazine published a lengthy article in its January 2014 issue proclaiming “America’s Next Great City is Inside L.A.” about Downtown’s remarkable revival into one of the most exciting, cosmopolitan neighborhoods in the country. The article called Downtown L.A. “America’s Coolest New Downtown” for its restaurant and bar scene, and the eclectic mix of creative lofts, stylish hotels, museums, galleries, nightlife, ultra-hip shops, and urban vibe. To see the article, click here.
playL.A. - May 2014
The Forum, one of rock music’s most storied venues, where Led Zeppelin, Elvis Presley and countless other rock legends have performed, opened in January 2014 after a top-to-bottom $100 million makeover. The Madison Square Garden Co.-owned Forum includes 8,000 sq. ft. of all-new hospitality space, with high-end dining and souvenirs shops separated by a glass wall so guests will never miss a moment of the show, all-new sound and lighting technology, all-new seats, and a star-filled LED-lit ceiling. The VIP Forum Club lounge has been completely renovated, and a new Chase Lounge was added. The 40,000 sq. ft. outdoor terrace has been completely refurbished with upgraded food and beverage amenities.
dineL.A.- May 2014
L.A. LIVE, Los Angeles’ premier sports and entertainment complex adjacent to the Los Angeles Convention Center in Downtown L.A., has ramped up its already stellar dining lineup. Live Basil Pizza uses organic produce and all-natural meats and cheeses to make high-quality, fresh pizza right in front of your eyes. Fast casual SmashBurger makes delicious, cooked-to-order burgers and more. Tom’s Urban has globally inspired, locally sourced, and seasonally influenced cuisine for sharing, such as urban street tacos and grilled Greek lamb sliders. Nest at WP24 is legendary L.A. celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s newest eatery – an approachable, modern restaurant and lounge adjacent to his renowned WP24 by Wolfgang Puck, with panoramic city views atop the 24th floor of the JW Marriott.
L.A. Story Spotlight: Sarah Dandashy
Years of travel as a young girl became the foundation of a successful career for Sarah Dandashy, a Les Clefs d'Or concierge at The London West Hollywood.
The China-Ready Program
The China-Ready program offers a series of seminars, culminating with China-Ready designation for businesses that meet specified criteria.
May 3, 2014: Union Station 75th Anniversary
On Saturday, May 3, Union Station is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a day of family-friendly activities, entertainment and exhibits.
L.A. Story Spotlight: Carol Watkins
Carol Watkins, aka the "Queen of Press Junkets," has been Director of Entertainment Sales at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills since 1987.