INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TRADE FAMS, TRADE SHOWS & EVENTS
IPW – New Orleans, Louisiana
More than 6,000 industry professionals attended this year’s IPW, the travel industry's premier international marketplace and the largest generator of Visit USA travel, in New Orleans June 18-22, 2016. L.A. Tourism’s International team held more than 180 scheduled one-on-one buyer appointments with tour operators, wholesalers, MICE buyers, receptive operators and airlines from international and domestic markets. Representatives highlighted L.A.’s new hotels and attractions as well as updates on public transportation and LAX’s modernization. Exciting and unique L.A. itineraries were also presented to the travel trade.
In addition to the scheduled appointments, the International Tourism team co-hosted a Chinese Buyers Breakfast (in partnership with Brand USA and Marriott International) and met with Visit California during IPW.
XL Airways Inaugural FAM – France
L.A. Tourism hosted a FAM group consisting of XL Airways’ CEO, airline representatives, travel trade executives and media upon their arrival at LAX from Paris via XL Airways’ inaugural flight June 1-4, 2016. Their educational itinerary introduced new L.A. experiences to the seasoned travel professionals, so they can share them with their teams in France. Highlights included The Broad, Sunset Ranch Hollywood, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, Starline Hop-On Hop\-Off Tour and The GRAMMY Museum. Accommodations were provided by The L.A. Hotel Downtown. L.A. Tourism sincerely thanks all our members who helped make this FAM a success.
Copa America FAM – Mexico
In partnership with AeroMexico and Volaris airlines, L.A. Tourism's Digital and Travel Trade teams co-hosted a hybrid FAM consisting of three YouTube influencers as well as the top wholesalers and retail agents from Mexico. The FAM culminated at the Copa America Mexico vs. Jamaica game at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Other highlights of their educational itinerary consisted of a tours of the Petersen Automotive Museum, Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood, Griffith Park and Malibu. Caeli Santa Olalla @CaELiKe , Yayo Gutierrez @YayoGutierrez and Gabo Wabo @gwabiR shared their experiences to a combined 19M followers earning a social media value of over $160K. Watch some highlights below.
Tourism Development Commission of Sichuan Province
L.A. Tourism’s China Services Director Sheena Yu presented an overview of the destination to five tourism officials from Sichuan Provincial People’s Government and the President of Lion Tours USA Inc. on June 29. The presentation focused on new L.A. attractions, latest hotel developments and provided insight on additional marketing resources such as Weibo, WeChat, helloLA.cn and L.A. Angel Academy. Direct air services between Chinese cities and LAX were also highlighted. The meeting strengthened the bilateral communication and cooperation with Sichuan Airlines, which plans to launch new air service between Chengdu-Jinan and LAX in fall 2016 with three weekly flights.
Virtuoso Luxury Sales Mission – Australia
L.A. Tourism’s Australia office participated in the annual Virtuoso sales mission across Australia in June 2016. The mission provided L.A. Tourism representatives with direct access to many of Australia’s leading travel agencies as they received updates on all of L.A.’s newest luxury hotel and unique travel experiences. Regional Director Craig Gibbons visited Melbourne, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Sydney and conducted more than 500 B2B appointments with luxury retail travel agents during the week-long event.
American Airlines - Auckland Flight Launch
American Airlines commenced new direct service from Auckland, New Zealand to LAX on June 25, 2016. L.A. Tourism, in partnership with Visit California, supported the airline’s launch with a celebration at the terminal gate; each passenger on the inaugural flight received Discover Los Angeles-branded luggage tags and eye masks and enjoyed a photo booth competition. The daily year-round service utilizes a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
L.A. Tourism - China
ILTM Asia 2016
International Luxury Travel Mart (ILTM) Asia 2016 was held in Shanghai May 30-June 2, 2016. Organized by Reed Expo, the professional B2B tradeshow celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and is regarded as the best travel show in China by exhibitions. L.A. Tourism’s China office conducted 60 appointments with luxury, high-end, tailor-made and MICE buyers from China and Australia. Representatives presented the buyers with information on direct air service between China and LAX, LAX's modernization and L.A.'s luxury tour products including shopping, unique venues for MICE events, hotels and restaurants.
L.A. Angels Salon, Beijing
To introduce the newly developed L.A. neighborhood interactive map to L.A. Tourism’s seven member receptive tour operators based in Beijing, the China office organized an L.A. Angels Salon in-market on June 3, 2016. At the salon, representatives also shared LAX's latest developments, upcoming direct air services from China to LAX and new tourism resources in L.A.’s newest attractions such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood and OUE Skyspace LA.
ITE Tradeshow – Hong Kong
L.A. Tourism’s China office participated in the International Travel Expo (ITE) in Hong Kong June 16-18, 2016. Representatives promoted the daily HKG - LAX direct air service, which begins Sept. 7, 2016 via American Airlines as well as presented L.A.’s new facilities and attractions to more than 100 travel trade partners from Hong Kong & South China. L.A.’s products were also showcased to more than 150 consumers during the public event. ITE attracted more than 600 exhibitors from 50 countries and regions. More than 12,000 individual trade visitors and nearly 90,000 consumers attended joined the three-day event.
GTA in Shanghai
In partnership with GTA, L.A. Tourism’s China office launched a marketing campaign to promote member hotels, and specifically China-Ready member hotels. A series of trainings are now scheduled to take place in different markets including Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shenzhen with the first training held in Shanghai on June 22, 2016. More than 25 tour operators attended the first training, where they were briefed on all that’s happening in L.A. and LAX including new hotel openings, shopping centers and attractions.
Changsha Roadshow
In partnership with Tuniu Travel, one of China’s leading OTAs, the China office hosted a roadshow in Changsha promoting LAX & L.A.'s attractions to Tuniu's potential clients on June 25, 2016. Hainan Airlines was also invited to promote its newly launched direct air service with two flights a week from Changsha to LAX. Two additional roadshows are scheduled to take place in Chengdu (August) & Beijing (September).
Independence Day Celebration by U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou
L.A. Tourism’s China office attended the Independence Day Celebration hosted by the U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou on June 28, 2016. Featuring the theme of “The Golden Age of Hollywood,” the event was attended by more than 600 VIP guests from the South China region. L.A. Tourism provided replica Oscar statues as giveaways to the attendees.
L.A. Angels Salon, Wuzhen
To further promote L.A.'s culture scene in China, the China office organized an L.A. Angels Salon in Wuzhen June 29-30, 2016. More than 16 trade representatives from Shanghai OTAs, MICE organizers, wholesalers and tour operators were invited to participate in the salon. During the event, attendees were briefed on L.A.’s arts and culture landscape and future developments as well as LAX's latest updates and forthcoming direct air services from China to LAX. Suggestions were gathered from the participants on how to better package arts and culture tour products for the China market. Attendees also enjoyed a concert performed by Southern California’s Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Nanjing to LAX 1st Anniversary
In partnership with China Eastern Airlines, the Chine office launched a marketing campaign to celebrate the 1st anniversary of direct air service from Nanjing to LAX and further promote the 3x weekly flight. Highlights of the campaign included a celebratory event at the Nanjing Lukou International Airport on June 30, 2016, where a mobile interactive activity with passengers took place and a promotional video was shown. Other activities included a jigsaw puzzle of L.A. attractions and the direct flights, along with a special airfare promotion from China Eastern, which attracted over 12,000 WeChat users.
SALES
meetL.A. in Chicago
L.A. Tourism Sales hosted a VIP event for meeting planner clients on a rooftop at Wrigley Field as the Chicago Cubs hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, June 2, 2016. There were 26 clients in attendance at the event from companies such as AT&T, American Bar Association, Society of Women Engineers and Accenture.
NFL All Access with the L.A. Rams
L.A. Tourism Sales hosted seven meeting planner clients for a VIP Experience at this year’s NFL All Access with the Los Angeles Rams on June 16, 2016. The event offered the opportunity to participate in football activities on the field, an equipment demonstration in the locker room, photo opps with current and former Rams players/cheerleaders, and much more. Following an exclusive dinner on the field, guests were treated to stories from current players, alumni, coaches and the front office.
CVENT Connect Conference
L.A. Tourism participated in CVENT Connect Conference June 26-28, 2016 as a conference sponsor, which provided prime exhibit space on the show floor at The Exchange on June 28. Representatives conducted more than 54 one-on-one appointments at the show with partner J.W. Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE.
COMMUNICATIONS
LGBT Media FAM
In conjunction with L.A. Pride, L.A. Tourism PR hosted an LGBT-focused press trip June 7 -12, 2016. The trip focused on L.A.’s deep roots in the LGBT community and showcased L.A.’s LGBT-friendly neighborhoods, attractions and accommodations. The group enjoyed activities such as a walking tour of Downtown with Out & About Tours, a visit to One National Gay & Lesbian Archive, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood, the new “Made in L.A.” exhibit at Hammer Museum and more. The group dined at popular restaurants around L.A. including Spring Los Angeles, Bottega Louie, Mud Hen Tavern, The Roof on Wilshire, among others. Outlets represented on the trip included Chicago Pride, Windy City Times, Edge Network, Next Magazine, Metro Weekly and ION Arizona.
carfreeL.A. Media FAM
L.A. Tourism Public Relations partnered with Santa Monica Travel and Tourism to host prominent L.A.-based media who contribute to national media outlets to explore the new stops along the recently extended Metro Expo Line on June 2, 2016. The one-day press trip started at Grand Central Market in Downtown and concluded at the new Downtown Santa Monica station. Media enjoyed experiences along the Expo Line including a historic tour of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, lunch at The Cannibal LA in Culver City, a tour of Bergamot Station, Santa Monica Place and dinner at Cassia. Outlets represented on the trip included Goop.com, Paste Magazine, American Way, ForbesTravelGuide.com, Los Angeles Times and Lonely Planet.
JetBlue Media FAM
To celebrate JetBlue’s inaugural flight from Buffalo, NY to LAX, L.A. Tourism PR partnered with the airline to host Canadian and domestic media outlets for an “Unexpected L.A.”-themed trip June 16-19, 2016. The group’s educational itinerary showcased Los Angeles with experiences at The Broad, a walking tour with LA Art Tours in the Arts District, a VIP tour of the Hollyhock House, a hike led by Bikes and Hikes L.A. and more. The group dined at restaurants such as Otium, Cassell’s and Birch. Nightlife experiences included The Standard Downtown L.A. and La Descarga. Huffington Post Canada, Vitamin Daily, Style Democracy, VV Magazine and Airways News Outlet were represented on the trip.
IPW 2016
L.A. Tourism hosted a media press conference at IPW 2016 in New Orleans on June 21, 2016. In partnership with LAWA, The Broad, Metro and InterContinental Downtown Los Angeles, representatives shared updates on L.A.’s newest developments and attractions to more than 200 domestic and international media members.
The team also participated in IPW’s Media Marketplace on June 20, 2016 with partner LAWA and conducted one-on-one meetings with 19 journalists where they shared destination news and updates.
COPA Fam
In partnership with Aeromexico Airlines, L.A. Tourism PR hosted three Mexican journalists June 6-10, 2016 centering on the COPA match. The group’s education itinerary included a tour of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum, a surfing class with Aqua Surf School as well as a brewery tour with LA Beer Hop. Outlets represented included Travel+Leisure, El Universal, and Milenio.
Visiting Journalist Program
Elle Canada conducted a photo shoot at the W Hotel in Hollywood and Hotel Erwin. As part of the photo shoot, L.A. Tourism hosted Elle Canada writer Sarah Laing June 12-13, 2016. Sarah stayed at Ace Hotel in Downtown L.A. and explored L.A.’s historic music venues. Coverage is expected to appear in the October issue.
L.A. Tourism PR hosted freelance journalist David Duran June 11-12, 2016 for a Los Angeles destination feature. David was in Los Angeles for the AIDS/LifeCycle ride and enjoyed one-night-accommodations at the Millennium Biltmore. Coverage has appeared in Connextions Magazine.
L.A. Tourism PR hosted Mark Rogers, a contributing writer for USA Today, June 12-13, 2016 for a destination feature on L.A.’s culinary scene, specifically the take-out window food trend. Mark enjoyed accommodations at Hotel Normandie. Coverage is expected to appear late summer.