Los Angeles smashes visitation records two years early

Beautiful sunset of Los Angeles downtown skyline and palm trees in foreground
By Alexandra Coulton


Los Angeles just announced a historic milestone, reaching a record 50 million visitors in 2018.

The huge achievement marks the accomplishment of the destination’s ambitious tourism goal TWO YEARS YEARLY!

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The new record is 1.5 million visitors higher than 2017’s total – a 3.1 per cent increase – marking the eighth-consecutive year of tourism growth for Los Angeles.

“Los Angeles is a place where everyone is welcome, and tourism strengthens our diversity, grows our economy, and supports good-paying jobs for families across our city,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti.

“Surpassing 50 million annual visitors two years ahead of schedule is the latest milestone in our ongoing work to bring Los Angeles to the world, and the world to Los Angeles.”

Australia remains L.A’s number two overseas market with 426,000 visitors in 2018, an increase of 2 per cent, demonstrating the continued growth in demand for L.A. as a destination for both business and leisure travellers.

January 2019 also marks the 5-year anniversary of L.A. Tourism’s Australian office opening in Sydney.

To this date, L.A. Tourism is the only US tourism board with its own office and team in the Australian market.

According to Craig Gibbons, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Regional Director for Australia, this huge growth has been driven by several factors.

“For Australians, Los Angeles remains an iconic city on their ‘must-visit’ bucket-list and a great destination to include in a multi-city itinerary, maintaining its reputation as the most accessible and convenient gateway to North America,” he said.

“In addition, the revitalisation of neighbourhoods such as Downtown and Hollywood has encouraged a boom in new hotel developments and the city’s thriving culinary and culture scene.

“With year-round fantastic weather and unforgettable ‘only in L.A.’ attractions such as Hollywood studios, sporting events for all tastes and iconic beaches that stretch for 75 miles, there is no shortage of fun experiences for Aussie travellers.”

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