L.A. Economy Records 47.3 Million Visitors Spent as All Time High

Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism) announced that Los Angeles County’s record-setting 47.3 million visitors injected an all-time high $21.9 billion into the local economy in 2016. The new visitor spend milestone is $1.3 billion more than 2015’s total, an increase of 6.3%. The celebratory announcement coincided with National Travel and Tourism Week, an annual event established by Congress and organized by the U.S. Travel Association to champion the power of travel.

Traveller spending generated $33.6 billion in total economic impact for Los Angeles County (including the induced and indirect benefits). Tourism contributed more than $2.65 billion in state and local tax revenues in 2016.

A key economic driver in Los Angeles, tourism supports 510,500 jobs within the Leisure & Hospitality sector – one of the county’s largest and strongest sectors. The industry contributed to the addition of 21,400 new jobs last year, a 4.4% year-over-year increase.

“This is L.A.’s moment. We’re breaking tourism records every year, and this is only the beginning,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “This National Travel and Tourism Week, we are celebrating our thriving tourism industry and looking ahead at the limitless opportunity to come — with attractions like the Lucas Museum and a potential Summer Olympics that will cement Los Angeles’ standing as the world’s best destination.”

“These remarkable achievements mark a sixth straight year of industry milestones, reaffirming tourism as a powerful driver of economic growth for Los Angeles,” said Ernest Wooden Jr., president & CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “We are thankful for each member of our diverse resident and hospitality community as their everyday commitment to rolling out our signature red carpet is what makes L.A. such a dynamic destination, where everyone is welcome.”

L.A. County’s average occupancy rate for 2016 reached 81.3%, surpassing 80% for the first time in County history with a record 29.2 million hotel room nights sold countywide. City of L.A. hotel visitors generated $268 million in transient-occupancy tax collections for the City, funds used for critical community services.

Los Angeles welcomed a record 47.3 million visitors in 2016 with 40.3 million domestic visitors and 7 million international visitors.