Words from Wooden - October 2015

As we approach the end of 2015, L.A. Tourism is working diligently to ensure we finish the year in a big way. And we recently received some fantastic news that gives our industry positive momentum to do just that. 

For the month of August, the amount of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) that was collected and contributed to the City’s General Fund reached an all-time high of more than $23.1 million. This was driven by strong summer hotel occupancy with record ADRs in the market.  
These results emphasize the central role our tourism industry plays as a regional economic powerhouse as well as L.A.’s continuing popularity as one of the world’s premier travel destinations. As a major contributor to the City’s General Fund, tourism is critically important to our local government, providing tax revenues that support vital services the community depends on, such as police and fire protection, streets and sidewalks, parks and libraries.

Earlier this month, we launched our annual fall program, L.A. Museum Season. Travelers staying in participating hotels can save more than $450 in admission fees or gift shop discounts at 25 of L.A.’s top museums and cultural institutions. Los Angeles is home to more museums than any other U.S. City, making L.A. Museum Season the perfect way for visitors to experience the many influential institutions that make up L.A.’s arts and culture community.

I hope to see you all at our Member Mixer today, October 22 at the historic Battleship USS IOWA. It’s a great opportunity to network with your fellow members from a wide range of local tourism and hospitality businesses. Be sure to RSVP in the “What’s Coming” section of the newsletter.

These are just a few of the many updates on L.A. Tourism and our industry that we’re sharing with you in this month’s newsletter. As always, LATCB will be here, working on behalf of all of our members and partners to keep the world coming to Los Angeles.

With best wishes,
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Ernest Wooden Jr.
President and CEO
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board