Tourism rebound is well underway in the ‘City of Angels’
Los Angeles officially reopened for business on June 15, 2021. Optimism runs high for the city’s rebound ahead of the summer, as vaccinations increase, and case counts drop. Seema Kadam, Regional Director, India, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, and her team are feeling optimistic about the city’s resiliency and ability to protect the health of visitors. With widespread vaccinations and protections like pre-departure testing for international arrivals in place, confidence in travel is reviving, and she is hopeful that Indians will be able to visit L.A very soon.
Los Angeles is a dynamic, ever-evolving destination – where diversity thrives, in more than 30 culturally rich neighbourhoods, each one offering a distinct vibe. L.A. is home to more than 300 days of warm sunshine, 75 miles of idyllic shoreline, more museums and performing arts venues than any other U.S. city, and an innovative culinary scene led by influential tastemakers. A global creative capital and the epicenter of the sports universe, L.A. presents limitless possibilities for visitors from around the world.
Regarding the current and future travel scenario to Los Angeles from India, Seema says, “Encouraging news on vaccines has boosted hopes for recovery. In Los Angeles, nearly 70 per cent of eligible residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine and the positivity rate remains below 1 per cent. However, challenges remain as travel to the United States from India is currently restricted. At present, no one can travel from India to the United States if they have been in India in the last 14 days. There are exceptions for American citizens, students and those who can prove their travel to the US is of national interest. Real recovery will only be possible when travel restrictions from India are safely lifted. This requires global co-operation and evidence-based solutions.”
In an effort to make vaccines even more accessible, Los Angeles International Airport is also offering free one dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccinations on site to all adults over 18.
With the city fully re opened for business, Seema tells, “Our city is committed to being the safest destination for meetings and events and has approached the reopening with the health of residents as visitors as the top priority. Los Angeles became the first destination in the United States to receive the new health and safety verification badge from ‘Forbes Travel Guide and Sharecare’ certifying that all hotels with 50 or more rooms have verified health security.”
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board also partnered with CLEAR to more safely welcome group business back to the City of Angels. Beginning this month, meeting planners and event organizers booking business to Los Angeles can receive priority access to Health Pass, creating a seamless and expedited entry to events that prioritizes confidentiality.
“These partnerships allow us to address the most important components of event safety. We want our clients to know the environment they are coming into is safe, and that everyone has demonstrated the same level of commitment to health and safety. This will allow groups to meet much more freely and comfortably, with fewer restrictions and the enhanced ability to interact,” assures Seema.
According to Destination Analysts research, California and Los Angeles are among the top desired domestic destinations that travellers want to visit in 2021. L.A. is a year-round destination filled with iconic experiences that visitors love so much, including their incredible restaurants and bars, museums and performing arts venues, in-person sporting events, shopping centres and retail stores, theme parks and other attractions.
The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is inviting possible visitors to start their comeback and experience the seemingly endless new attractions, hotels, restaurants and more that are opening around the City. Being home to some of the world’s top creative thinkers, in L.A. innovation is constant. “When visitors from India can safely return, they will find many new offerings including the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures celebrating the best of cinema, SoFi Stadium, home to two NFL football teams and new hotels and restaurants that reflect the distinct tastes and style of Southern California,” concludes Seema.