L.A. County tourism industry nears pre-pandemic levels

Los Angeles County’s tourism industry has reached pre-pandemic level as the number of visitors increases across the region.

In 2022, tourism in Los Angeles County will generate $34.5 billion in business sales. This is 91% higher than the record levels of 2019. Los Angeles received 46 million visitors in 2022 -- 42 million domestic visitors and 4 million foreign -- which is also 91% higher than 2019 levels.

Los Angeles Tourism, the official nonprofit marketing and sale organization of L.A., expects that in 2023 nearly 50 million tourists will visit the area. The total number of visitors is estimated to be 98% higher than 2019 levels.

Los Angeles Tourism reported that the tourism industry saved each L.A. County family $893 annually in state and municipal taxes.

In 2018, hotels sold almost 30 million rooms nights, surpassing the record-breaking levels of 2019. This number will grow another million in 2023 to surpass 2019 levels.

Los Angeles Tourism highlights major investments which are increasing interest in this region. Since February 2020, more than 7,400 new hotel rooms have been added to the L.A. region. These include newly opened hotels like the Conrad Los Angeles or Moxy and AC Hotels located in downtown L.A.

L.A. will host 21 major events and meetings in 2023 that are expected to generate a total economic impact of approximately $225,000,000. In the future, L.A. will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028. This includes infrastructure upgrades such as the $15 Billion modernization of LAX, which includes 15 gates at the Tom Bradley International Terminal and attractions like the expansion the L.A. Convention Center.

Los Angeles Tourism CEO Adam Burke said in a press release that he had seen first-hand the importance of tourism to the community. "Thankfully, the year 2022 marked an important turning point in LA’s economic recovery."